All season the NBA has been showing commercials with their new slogan, "Where Amazing Happens" and they have all been very good. . .
But now that it's playoff time, they have put into motion a series of commercials featuring 2 NBA players saying the same lines at the same time in a half-screen type thing.
The combinations of young stars like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul
and title-contenders Kevin Garnett and Lebron James
are good, but my favorites are the ones featuring my guys (of course).
Here is the first one of those two, which features two future Hall of Fame point guards, Jason Kidd, and my man, Steve Nash:
And this one will go down as one of the greatest commercials ever as it pairs one-time teammates, and now rivals, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal:
- - - -
Check back in tonight for my NBA Playoff Predictions!
Until later,
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
It's Playoff Time!!!
Today is my second favorite day of the year (I think - I'm not making a blanket statement here. . . I'm just saying it right now. My first favorite day would be the first day of the NBA's regular season. . .). . . and today is the last day of the NBA's regular season. Why is this such a big day? Because it signals the beginning of the playoffs! The playoffs begin on Saturday and I could not be more excited about this year. The road to the championship is a tough one for my beloved SUNS but I'm always hopeful, like a good fan should be.
I had get to my initial thoughts (go ahead and expect 2 posts about the NBA playoffs before they begin on Saturday - this one and another one more focused on exact predictions) and also needed to post the bracket for what would have occurred had the NBA switched over to a format like the NCAA. I talked about this last year, and I still think that is not a bad idea, especially since if it was this way, every playoff team would be at least .500 instead of having an awful team like Atlanta sneak into the awful Eastern Conference Playoffs. It would certainly provide an interesting several rounds. . . Check out the first round:
1. Boston
16. Portland
8. Utah
9. Orlando
5. San Antonio
12. Golden State
4. New Orleans
13. Cleveland
6. Houston
11. Denver
3. Los Angeles
14. Washington
7. Phoenix
10. Dallas
2. Detroit
15. Toronto
- - -
If all of the top seeds won, we would be looking at this for the second round:
1. Boston
8. Utah
5. San Antonio
4. New Orleans
6. Houston
3. Los Angeles
7. Phoenix
2. Detroit
- - -
Holy crap! And the "Final Four" would be:
1. Boston
4. New Orleans
3. Los Angeles
2. Detroit
- - -
Not that this year's playoffs are gonna be bad (it's actually going to be one of the greatest ever!) or anything, but that would be incredibly entertaining - - -
But in the end, it's all about what is set up and for that reason, I'll leave you with this thought about the playoffs before my post in a night or two:
BRING ON THE SPURS!!!!!!!!!!
Until later,
I had get to my initial thoughts (go ahead and expect 2 posts about the NBA playoffs before they begin on Saturday - this one and another one more focused on exact predictions) and also needed to post the bracket for what would have occurred had the NBA switched over to a format like the NCAA. I talked about this last year, and I still think that is not a bad idea, especially since if it was this way, every playoff team would be at least .500 instead of having an awful team like Atlanta sneak into the awful Eastern Conference Playoffs. It would certainly provide an interesting several rounds. . . Check out the first round:
1. Boston
16. Portland
8. Utah
9. Orlando
5. San Antonio
12. Golden State
4. New Orleans
13. Cleveland
6. Houston
11. Denver
3. Los Angeles
14. Washington
7. Phoenix
10. Dallas
2. Detroit
15. Toronto
- - -
If all of the top seeds won, we would be looking at this for the second round:
1. Boston
8. Utah
5. San Antonio
4. New Orleans
6. Houston
3. Los Angeles
7. Phoenix
2. Detroit
- - -
Holy crap! And the "Final Four" would be:
1. Boston
4. New Orleans
3. Los Angeles
2. Detroit
- - -
Not that this year's playoffs are gonna be bad (it's actually going to be one of the greatest ever!) or anything, but that would be incredibly entertaining - - -
But in the end, it's all about what is set up and for that reason, I'll leave you with this thought about the playoffs before my post in a night or two:
BRING ON THE SPURS!!!!!!!!!!
Until later,
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The 2007-2008 NBA Season Preview
The Western Conference
The 2008 NBA champion will come from the Western Conference. And I'm torn, to be honest. The safest bet to win the title is the San Antonio Spurs. . . (I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. . .).
But I don't subscribe to logic when it comes the National Basketball Association. The most appropriate or probable event never happens. Like right now. The Seattle Supersonics, coming off of a loss last night to the Denver Nuggets are up on my beloved, supposed-to-be rested Phoenix Suns halfway through the third quarters. We look rusty, slow, and just plain troubled. . . Is that the way it was supposed to go tonight? No, I don't think so. (A strong fourth quarter was enough to put us ahead for the win, but it was not pretty in the least)
But just wait for it. . .
It's a long season and I believe strongly that we are built for it this year. But I'll get to the SUNS in a minute. . . here is the rest of the Western Conference in the same manner as yesterday's Eastern Conference Preview:
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets (3)
This team is going to be dangerous. I don't know why more so-called experts aren't raving about these guys. AI and Carmelo are together now for a full year and you better believe they are plenty comfortable with one another. Throw in Marcus Camby, a beast in the paint, and a finally healthy Kenyon Martin, and this team scares me a whole lot more than Dallas or Houston and I think that given a 7-game series, the Nuggets could beat any time in the entire league. I think this is the true dark horse in the league this year that could very well win it all if they stay healthy.
Utah Jazz (6)
Carlos Boozer is an animal. Deron Williams is the future of point guards with Chris Paul of the Hornets and the rest of the team is not so shabby either (Kirilenko, Okur, Millsap, etc.). They won't make a lot of noise come playoff time but they are among the best 6 in the elite conference. Given the right opportunities, they could make a return to the second round of the playoffs, but certainly not the Conference Finals like last season (that just worked out for them perfect with the stupid way that the NBA playoffs are positioned. . . see this post for what it should have looked like).
Seattle Supersonics (10)
Kevin Durant will win the rookie of the year for sure and this team will be better than expected. I think Nick Collison will play well this year and Chris Wilcox (who always gives the SUNS fits) will be much improved as well. They need a good effort from other rookie Jeff Green and the newly acquired Delonte West to make a real push to the playoffs, but give this team a couple years, maybe some more young talent (or a savvy veteran scorer), and they could be playing into May and June in the near future.
Portland Trailblazers (12)
They could have made a push for the 8th spot had Greg Oden played this season, and not because he is that good, but because other people will THINK he is that good. But he's not playing and the offense is going to go through Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, which is fine, but it's not good enough to make the playoffs in the West. But think about this: the Blazers will get a healthy Oden back next year and if they do finish in the lower half of the West, they could very easily get another top 10 pick in next year's draft! They would then have a very young team, but one filled with potential and that in itself is scary for us older teams.
Minnesota Timberwolves (15)
Sigh. . . This team might not win 20 games this year. Al Jefferson will show that he is good, but he is not KG, and no one will ever fill those giant shoes in Minny. They can hope to get that number one pick next year and that's about it. Not much to hope for the T'wolves this year. . . and not much to watch either.
Southwest Division
San Antonio Spurs (2)
For the record: I hate this team. I cannot stand a single player on this team that is not named Tim Duncan (who I tolerate simply because of his brilliance - you cannot deny his skills as a basketball player no matter who you are!). But you know what? They're good. They always are. They are a year older, but they were a year older last year too and that didn't stop them at all. Like I said earlier, this is the safe bet for the NBA champion, and are certainly capable of winning it all again. BUT, as you will see in the coming playoff predictions, I don't believe that they will. It's too hard to repeat in the NBA and the Spurs won't be doing it.
Houston Rockets (4)
Another trendy pick for the dark horse contender, I feel that T-Mac and Yao need to get out of the first round one year before we can say they will win it all. It's true that they are better this year. Steve Francis (AKA Stevie Franchise back when he was Rocket some years ago) might contribute a little, but it will be big man Luis Scola who makes the biggest mark on this team. They will win more games than the overrated Mavericks, largely because T-Mac WILL stay healthy (God I hope so, just for his sake!) and Yao is going to have an MVP type year, but won't win it because the voters won't give it to him until he has accomplished something (or gotten past the first round!).
Dallas Mavericks (5)
If there is a team that I despise as much as the Spurs, it's a close tie between the always-hated Lakers and this so-called team from Dallas. Dirk is a good player, but he's not a closer. Josh Howard is ridiculously overrated and the guard combo of Jason Terry and Devin Harris was exploited last year in the Warriors series and will continue to be torn down all year. Plus, they aren't deep! Once you get past Stackhouse (who always seems to come through in the clutch), you get to Diop (no good) and newly acquired Eddie Jones (ooh, an almost 40-year-old swingman!). I actually see them bowing out in the first round again this year, but this time it won't be such a surprise.
Memphis Grizzlies (7)
Sleeper pick alert! The West is really strong in the top 6, but after that, it pretty much tapers off. With new head coach Marc Iavaroni, (former SUNS assistant) I think that with a healthy Pau Gasol, an improved Rudy Gay, recently acquired Darko Milicic (who STILL has something to prove), rookie Mike Conley Jr. backing up veteran point guard Damon Stoudamire, and Pau's best friend, one Juan Carlos Navarro, the Grizz will put it all together in a hurry and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005-2006 (not a long time, but after last year's debacle, it will be a big deal!). And they might just win their first playoff game while they're at it!
New Orleans Hornets (8)
When you have the best young point guard (Chris Paul), an athletic beast in the paint (Tyson Chandler), a scoring machine (David West) and a veteran three-ball shooter (Peja Stojakovic), I think that's enough to get the final playoff spot ahead of the likes of Golden State and the Lakers. If they make a trade in the next year or two for another top-of-the-line scorer, or even sign a big name free agent over a summer, this team could really make some noise in the future. But not just yet.
Pacific Division
Phoenix Suns (1)
Ok. . . I love my team. This you all knew very well already. But I really love them this year. And here's why:
Our starting five is top-notch. We have the best point guard in the league (Mr. MVP, Steve Nash) and one of the best defenders in the league at the 2 (everyone's favorite, Raja Bell). The always unhappy, but always trying to prove himself, Shawn Marion at the power forward and the big off-season pick-up, the finally healthy Grant Hill (in an interview this summer, he said that this was the first off-season since 1999 that he was not in rehab - - he's ready!). Throw in a rarin' to go Amare Stoudemire and there is not a better top 5 in the league. Coming off the bench we have the returning 6th Man of the Year, Leandro Barbosa and a hopefully returning to form Boris Diaw. The once hated (passionately, at that) by me Marcus Banks worked hard this summer and appears ready to finally listen to the coaches and do as told. We lost Kurt Thomas, but picked up Brian Skinner, a less offensive Kurt, and Sean Marks has improved and may see some time as well (but probably not). And look for the two rookies, Alando Tucker (from Wisconsin) and D.J. Strawberry (from Maryland) to struggle for minutes, but expect Strawberry to actually get some good playing time at some point - he was a steal for us in the second round. I love our chances to finally bring the first title ever to the Valley of the Sun and if we don't well, I guess that's not really an option. It's really Now or Never for us this year, and here's hoping that it's NOW!
Golden State Warriors (9)
They had a nice run into the second round of the playoffs last year (the big upset of the Mavs and then the heartbreak against the Jazz) as the eighth seed, but they won't be able to even try this year. They will miss Jason Richardson, but they will miss Baron Davis more, as he is bound to hit some injury patches this season. I think they might make a deal around February, but it won't be enough to put them over the hump this year (they'll start out 15-30 or something like that and that will be too far down).
Los Angeles Lakers (11)
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Lakers will not make the playoffs this year. The whole Kobe fiasco right now is just too much for them. Not only will they get off to a bad start (I'm thinking 3-13 through November with wins over Minnesota, either Indiana or Milwaukee on the road, and maybe the home game against Seattle), but they will end up under .500 for only the second time in seven years. They might make a push if they unload Kobe before the trade deadline, but I think it's gonna be a tough year for ol' Jack Nicholson and company. Hollywood and its team: Beware.
Los Angeles Clippers (13)
I read something about a month ago that told me everything I needed to know about the upcoming Clippers season: Elton Brand would not be playing. Well, he might be back post-All Star break, but it won't matter because the Clips will be back to their losing ways without their anchor in the middle. Sorry alien Chris Kaman, you just aren't the same. And neither are you Mr. Tim Thomas. . . Their hopes are again in the lottery and the hope of a better year next year. Ahh, just like the good ol' days. . .
Sacramento Kings (14)
Mike Bibby is hurt. Ron Artest might be on his way out. Brad Miller is old. And Kevin Martin is all alone on a team that if it weren't for the terrible T'wolves, would absolutely be the worst team in the entire conference, and maybe even the league. I hope Martin has another good year (I have him on my fantasy team) but it won't matter in the long run as the once Western heavyweight will completely fall off the map this year and into obscurity. And if they don't make a big change soon, they should just go ahead and make themselves comfortable in the Pacific Division cellar, because they will be there for many years to come.
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Phoenix over (8) New Orleans (4-1)
(2) San Antonio over (7) Memphis (4-1)
(3) Denver over (3) Utah (4-2)
(4) Houston over (5) Dallas (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (4) Houston (4-1)
(3) Denver over (2) San Antonio (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (3) Denver (4-2)
__________________________________
NBA FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (1) Detroit (4-2)
I know that by picking my team to win it all AGAIN is just going to cause all sorts of problems with people calling me a homer or whatever, but it's now or never (like I said earlier) for my beloved SUNS and it all comes down to two number 3's: Grant Hill (who wears number 33). If he can stay healthy and contribute like he did in the first game of the year against Seattle (13 points, six rebounds and five assists - although he needs to cut back on the 3-point attempts; he was 1-7 from behind the arc), then it's ours. It has to be. Steve Nash will not go his entire career without winning a title - he won't allow it! The man wants it too much and that heart is going to put us over the top when all is said and done.
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There you go - - the predictions are in!
Let's just hope I'm right this time. . .
Until later,
But I don't subscribe to logic when it comes the National Basketball Association. The most appropriate or probable event never happens. Like right now. The Seattle Supersonics, coming off of a loss last night to the Denver Nuggets are up on my beloved, supposed-to-be rested Phoenix Suns halfway through the third quarters. We look rusty, slow, and just plain troubled. . . Is that the way it was supposed to go tonight? No, I don't think so. (A strong fourth quarter was enough to put us ahead for the win, but it was not pretty in the least)
But just wait for it. . .
It's a long season and I believe strongly that we are built for it this year. But I'll get to the SUNS in a minute. . . here is the rest of the Western Conference in the same manner as yesterday's Eastern Conference Preview:
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets (3)
This team is going to be dangerous. I don't know why more so-called experts aren't raving about these guys. AI and Carmelo are together now for a full year and you better believe they are plenty comfortable with one another. Throw in Marcus Camby, a beast in the paint, and a finally healthy Kenyon Martin, and this team scares me a whole lot more than Dallas or Houston and I think that given a 7-game series, the Nuggets could beat any time in the entire league. I think this is the true dark horse in the league this year that could very well win it all if they stay healthy.
Utah Jazz (6)
Carlos Boozer is an animal. Deron Williams is the future of point guards with Chris Paul of the Hornets and the rest of the team is not so shabby either (Kirilenko, Okur, Millsap, etc.). They won't make a lot of noise come playoff time but they are among the best 6 in the elite conference. Given the right opportunities, they could make a return to the second round of the playoffs, but certainly not the Conference Finals like last season (that just worked out for them perfect with the stupid way that the NBA playoffs are positioned. . . see this post for what it should have looked like).
Seattle Supersonics (10)
Kevin Durant will win the rookie of the year for sure and this team will be better than expected. I think Nick Collison will play well this year and Chris Wilcox (who always gives the SUNS fits) will be much improved as well. They need a good effort from other rookie Jeff Green and the newly acquired Delonte West to make a real push to the playoffs, but give this team a couple years, maybe some more young talent (or a savvy veteran scorer), and they could be playing into May and June in the near future.
Portland Trailblazers (12)
They could have made a push for the 8th spot had Greg Oden played this season, and not because he is that good, but because other people will THINK he is that good. But he's not playing and the offense is going to go through Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, which is fine, but it's not good enough to make the playoffs in the West. But think about this: the Blazers will get a healthy Oden back next year and if they do finish in the lower half of the West, they could very easily get another top 10 pick in next year's draft! They would then have a very young team, but one filled with potential and that in itself is scary for us older teams.
Minnesota Timberwolves (15)
Sigh. . . This team might not win 20 games this year. Al Jefferson will show that he is good, but he is not KG, and no one will ever fill those giant shoes in Minny. They can hope to get that number one pick next year and that's about it. Not much to hope for the T'wolves this year. . . and not much to watch either.
Southwest Division
San Antonio Spurs (2)
For the record: I hate this team. I cannot stand a single player on this team that is not named Tim Duncan (who I tolerate simply because of his brilliance - you cannot deny his skills as a basketball player no matter who you are!). But you know what? They're good. They always are. They are a year older, but they were a year older last year too and that didn't stop them at all. Like I said earlier, this is the safe bet for the NBA champion, and are certainly capable of winning it all again. BUT, as you will see in the coming playoff predictions, I don't believe that they will. It's too hard to repeat in the NBA and the Spurs won't be doing it.
Houston Rockets (4)
Another trendy pick for the dark horse contender, I feel that T-Mac and Yao need to get out of the first round one year before we can say they will win it all. It's true that they are better this year. Steve Francis (AKA Stevie Franchise back when he was Rocket some years ago) might contribute a little, but it will be big man Luis Scola who makes the biggest mark on this team. They will win more games than the overrated Mavericks, largely because T-Mac WILL stay healthy (God I hope so, just for his sake!) and Yao is going to have an MVP type year, but won't win it because the voters won't give it to him until he has accomplished something (or gotten past the first round!).
Dallas Mavericks (5)
If there is a team that I despise as much as the Spurs, it's a close tie between the always-hated Lakers and this so-called team from Dallas. Dirk is a good player, but he's not a closer. Josh Howard is ridiculously overrated and the guard combo of Jason Terry and Devin Harris was exploited last year in the Warriors series and will continue to be torn down all year. Plus, they aren't deep! Once you get past Stackhouse (who always seems to come through in the clutch), you get to Diop (no good) and newly acquired Eddie Jones (ooh, an almost 40-year-old swingman!). I actually see them bowing out in the first round again this year, but this time it won't be such a surprise.
Memphis Grizzlies (7)
Sleeper pick alert! The West is really strong in the top 6, but after that, it pretty much tapers off. With new head coach Marc Iavaroni, (former SUNS assistant) I think that with a healthy Pau Gasol, an improved Rudy Gay, recently acquired Darko Milicic (who STILL has something to prove), rookie Mike Conley Jr. backing up veteran point guard Damon Stoudamire, and Pau's best friend, one Juan Carlos Navarro, the Grizz will put it all together in a hurry and get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005-2006 (not a long time, but after last year's debacle, it will be a big deal!). And they might just win their first playoff game while they're at it!
New Orleans Hornets (8)
When you have the best young point guard (Chris Paul), an athletic beast in the paint (Tyson Chandler), a scoring machine (David West) and a veteran three-ball shooter (Peja Stojakovic), I think that's enough to get the final playoff spot ahead of the likes of Golden State and the Lakers. If they make a trade in the next year or two for another top-of-the-line scorer, or even sign a big name free agent over a summer, this team could really make some noise in the future. But not just yet.
Pacific Division
Phoenix Suns (1)
Ok. . . I love my team. This you all knew very well already. But I really love them this year. And here's why:
Our starting five is top-notch. We have the best point guard in the league (Mr. MVP, Steve Nash) and one of the best defenders in the league at the 2 (everyone's favorite, Raja Bell). The always unhappy, but always trying to prove himself, Shawn Marion at the power forward and the big off-season pick-up, the finally healthy Grant Hill (in an interview this summer, he said that this was the first off-season since 1999 that he was not in rehab - - he's ready!). Throw in a rarin' to go Amare Stoudemire and there is not a better top 5 in the league. Coming off the bench we have the returning 6th Man of the Year, Leandro Barbosa and a hopefully returning to form Boris Diaw. The once hated (passionately, at that) by me Marcus Banks worked hard this summer and appears ready to finally listen to the coaches and do as told. We lost Kurt Thomas, but picked up Brian Skinner, a less offensive Kurt, and Sean Marks has improved and may see some time as well (but probably not). And look for the two rookies, Alando Tucker (from Wisconsin) and D.J. Strawberry (from Maryland) to struggle for minutes, but expect Strawberry to actually get some good playing time at some point - he was a steal for us in the second round. I love our chances to finally bring the first title ever to the Valley of the Sun and if we don't well, I guess that's not really an option. It's really Now or Never for us this year, and here's hoping that it's NOW!
Golden State Warriors (9)
They had a nice run into the second round of the playoffs last year (the big upset of the Mavs and then the heartbreak against the Jazz) as the eighth seed, but they won't be able to even try this year. They will miss Jason Richardson, but they will miss Baron Davis more, as he is bound to hit some injury patches this season. I think they might make a deal around February, but it won't be enough to put them over the hump this year (they'll start out 15-30 or something like that and that will be too far down).
Los Angeles Lakers (11)
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Lakers will not make the playoffs this year. The whole Kobe fiasco right now is just too much for them. Not only will they get off to a bad start (I'm thinking 3-13 through November with wins over Minnesota, either Indiana or Milwaukee on the road, and maybe the home game against Seattle), but they will end up under .500 for only the second time in seven years. They might make a push if they unload Kobe before the trade deadline, but I think it's gonna be a tough year for ol' Jack Nicholson and company. Hollywood and its team: Beware.
Los Angeles Clippers (13)
I read something about a month ago that told me everything I needed to know about the upcoming Clippers season: Elton Brand would not be playing. Well, he might be back post-All Star break, but it won't matter because the Clips will be back to their losing ways without their anchor in the middle. Sorry alien Chris Kaman, you just aren't the same. And neither are you Mr. Tim Thomas. . . Their hopes are again in the lottery and the hope of a better year next year. Ahh, just like the good ol' days. . .
Sacramento Kings (14)
Mike Bibby is hurt. Ron Artest might be on his way out. Brad Miller is old. And Kevin Martin is all alone on a team that if it weren't for the terrible T'wolves, would absolutely be the worst team in the entire conference, and maybe even the league. I hope Martin has another good year (I have him on my fantasy team) but it won't matter in the long run as the once Western heavyweight will completely fall off the map this year and into obscurity. And if they don't make a big change soon, they should just go ahead and make themselves comfortable in the Pacific Division cellar, because they will be there for many years to come.
WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Phoenix over (8) New Orleans (4-1)
(2) San Antonio over (7) Memphis (4-1)
(3) Denver over (3) Utah (4-2)
(4) Houston over (5) Dallas (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (4) Houston (4-1)
(3) Denver over (2) San Antonio (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (3) Denver (4-2)
__________________________________
NBA FINALS
(1) Phoenix over (1) Detroit (4-2)
I know that by picking my team to win it all AGAIN is just going to cause all sorts of problems with people calling me a homer or whatever, but it's now or never (like I said earlier) for my beloved SUNS and it all comes down to two number 3's: Grant Hill (who wears number 33). If he can stay healthy and contribute like he did in the first game of the year against Seattle (13 points, six rebounds and five assists - although he needs to cut back on the 3-point attempts; he was 1-7 from behind the arc), then it's ours. It has to be. Steve Nash will not go his entire career without winning a title - he won't allow it! The man wants it too much and that heart is going to put us over the top when all is said and done.
GO SUNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There you go - - the predictions are in!
Let's just hope I'm right this time. . .
Until later,
Monday, October 29, 2007
The 2007-2008 NBA Season Preview
The Eastern Conference
The following fact is all that is important to me right now at this moment (over school, especially!):
The NBA season began yesterday! (Update: This was written before the season actually began and was completed after the second day of the season, but all of the predictions were made before the season began. . . I promise.)
The World Series is now over (Congrats to the Boston Red Sox!). The NFL is in the midst of a great season (and one that I am picking very well) that will be highlighted on Sunday with the massive Patriots/Colts throwdown in Indy. But besides that, it is ALL ABOUT the NBA!!!
And just like last year, I am previewing the upcoming season with full predictions for each team. This is just one man's opinion, but it is as always one FAN'S opinion and you know what that means! But just wait: there's real reasons for everything!
So the format of this bad boy is as follows: I have ranked the teams 1-15 in their respective conferences. I will be starting in the East and showing each division separately in the order I think they will finish. In parentheses will be their overall rank in their conference. Got it?
Then on to the West discussion (but that will come tomorrow night. . . I'm tired).
Casual sports fans, get ready to have your world rocked! Because here comes my second annual NBA SEASON PREVIEW!
And away we go. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics (2)
The team with probably the biggest expectations going into this season because of their additions of Kevin Garnett (yes, I still resent the fact that the SUNS couldn't get him) and Ray Allen to go along with the already-there star power of Paul Pierce. The biggest question mark for this team is the supporting cast, which includes second year guard Rajon Rondo (a potentially very good point guard) and rookie Glen "Big Baby" Davis, who will be a factor for this team. Also, the potential to pick up some veterans at the trade deadline (look for Juwan Howard and Sam Cassell to be putting on the green and white at some point this year) is much more likely because of the Big Three. They will be good. It's true. However, they are not the best team in the East and unless Rondo and starting center Kendrick Perkins have improved substantially, they won't win the title like many believe they will.
Toronto Raptors (5)
The Raptors surprised a lot of people last year, including yours truly, when they took over the terrible Atlantic Division but fell to the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs. They will be in the thick of things in the East this year because of the star power of Chris Bosh (an absolute beast that no one knows about) and free agent signee Jason Kapono (a pure three-point shooter). They still have T.J. Ford at the point and the much improved Anthony Parker at the shooting guard position. Second year center Andrea Bargnani will be better and they also picked up Carlos Delfino from the Pistons, who played relatively unnoticed in the Motor City, but look for him to contribute off the bench. I still don't think they are as good as the top 4 teams in the East and are most likely looking at another first round exit.
New Jersey Nets (7)
I'm not sure how this team is not better. They should have been in the Finals at least once since they have trotted out J-Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter every night. But injuries have plagued this team and you can almost guarantee that one of those three (or forward/center Nenad Kristic) will go down for a month or two with some sort of leg injury. It's bound to happen, and as long as they make the playoffs (which they always seem to do) the lottery will escape them as a helpful tool. The only way to benefit this team is to trade one of the main three guys (most likely Jefferson) and some bench players for a big name that can stay healthy. They couldn't get Kobe or anything, but I think they should try harder to get Jermaine O'Neal (Jefferson, Kristic, and a future draft pick would be plenty to get it done in February when Indiana is in the East cellar). They'll be outed in the first round and left to wonder why they gave Carter so much money this summer.
New York Knicks (9)
I'm not sure if a sleeper pick has to make the playoffs, but I think the Knicks are gonna be better than everyone thinks this year. They showed signs of life last year in parts, and the acquisition of Zach Randolph will give them some wins. I like the combo of Randolph and Eddy Curry and David Lee, who I wish was on the SUNS, but I don't think that they have enough to crack the top 8, even in the abysmal (although improved) East.
Philadelphia 76ers (13)
It's sad that this team had to drop off the map after finally trading Allen Iverson last year. At the beginning of the year last year, they had both AI and Chris Webber, both of which helped teams make the playoffs that were not the 76ers. How nice. Andre Miller is still okay and Andre Iguodala has to improve as a go-to-guy. They have little-to-no post game as well. Watch for Kyle Korver to get recognition and become one of the elite behind-the-arc scorers in the game.
Southeast Division
Washington Wizards (4)
My cousin Josh, who lives in Maryland and is as big of a fan of the Wizards as I am of the SUNS (well, maybe not. . . I'm pretty crazy!) had this to say of the upcoming season:
"You seen how low in the east all the analysts are pickin the wiz??? It's ridiculous, we were the #1 team in the east before all the injuries in the 2nd half of last season and now we are supposed to suck? It's like their bosses pay them to promote the Celtics because they're marketable. Well none of the big 3 in boston have ever been passed the 2nd round of the playoffs, and they have zero supporting cast. Why should i be scared of them? I'm sure theyll be good, but don't sleep on the Wiz!"
I won't! (Although sorry Josh, your facts are a little wrong: Both Garnett (2004) and Pierce (2002) have made it to the Conference Finals)
The Wizards are the best team in their division with a healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, who was phenomenal when both of the guards were out at the end of the year. Here's the thing: in the East, if the Celtics can be favored to practically win it all with their three, then why not the Wizards? Arenas is just as prolific scorer as Pierce (and maybe moreso), Butler drives to the hole a lot more than Allen but doesn't shoot nearly as well (but is younger), and Jamison doesn't really match up to KG, but he is still a good player. They have no bench (neither does Boston - yet) but that could change by February's trade deadline. Watch for Nick Young, the rookie out of USC, to make a run for Rookie of the Year (Besides the shoe-in for the award, Kevin Durant).
Orlando Magic (6)
They gave Rashard Lewis $118 million to score 20-some points a game. That should help. . . The team is better (Jameer Nelson is another in the long line of competent, but not quite great, point guards) and this year will only prove that Dwight Howard is THE dominant big man of the future (that is, except for Amare. . .). They will be good, win more than half of their games, and make the playoffs, but their season will most likely end after one round and they won't have anyone to blame but themselves, because all they did this off-season was overpay a small forward who is replaceable by most of the other same exact players in the NBA. . . What a shame.
Miami Heat (11)
I have been saying this last season ended: the Heat WILL NOT make the playoffs this season. The best thing that they could do in the off-season was sign Smush Parker, the SUNS 6th man from the last few playoff series (you see, the former Lakers point guard was SO BAD when it came to defending Steve Nash that I considered him to be our sixth man. . .), and then trade Antoine Walker to the helpless T'Wolves for Ricky Davis (who apparently is supposed to turn everything around for the team) and o yeah, they signed, wait for it, Anfernee Hardaway. That's right. . . Penny Hardaway. From forever ago. . . No word yet whether or not the Heat also get the rights to Lil' Penny. This team is old. And they aren't healthy. And they just are not good anymore (except for D-Wade, but the way he plays, well, let's just say that he might want to change that slogan about getting up all the time. . .).
Charlotte Bobcats (12)
This was going to be my sleeper team of the year (I changed my mind, though. . . I'll get to them in the West) but injuries to both Adam Morrison (terrible facial hair and all) and Sean May (this was the killer) mean that Jason Richardson (their off-season pick-up from Golden State) will have even more pressure on his shoulders. Raymond Felton is good, Gerald Wallace can score, but without those two young guys, I just don't think that Emeka Okafor and company can put it all together this year. . . I guess the only hope is that they get a good draft pick and put it all together next year!
Atlanta Hawks (14)
. . . and the Hawks. Some people think they are going to win this year. However, they are the Hawks and the Hawks always suck. I know that is not a good reason, but I guess I just really want them to be terrible because the SUNS get their draft pick next year no matter what it is and I really want a high pick! Something good has to happen for my team! Either way, Joe Johnson is still the same scoring shooting guard and Josh Smith is athletic and all, but they are not going to do better than they usually do. I love their draft pick (Acie Law IV) and truly wish the SUNS had him instead, but I don't think that he improves them that much. He's good, but he's not THAT good! Come on now people! These are the same old Hawks!
Central Division
Detroit Pistons (1)
This is still the best team in the East. They have been for several years now (they have averaged 54 wins a year over the last six years and have never finished below 2nd place in the East since 2001) and don't expect anything to change this year. They still have a starting five that includes the names of Billups, Hamilton, Prince, and Wallace (that would be 'Sheed) and then any other bum in Detroit. This team is still good and still will be in the hunt at the end of the year. It's that simple.
Chicago Bulls (3)
This pick is odd, because the Bulls may or may not end up with Kobe and that would throw a wrench into everything. But I don't know if that would make them better or not. . . I still cant decide. But before any Bulls trade happens, they still have Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni, and the defense (plus terrible free throw shooting) of Big Ben. The extra help of youngins Tyrus Thomas (coming into his own) and Joakim Noah (a younger, shorter Big Ben) will put this team ahead of most of the East and may even get them into a Conference Finals matchup with the Pistons. But no finals for them this year. . . Unless they get Kobe. Then all bets are off.
Cleveland Cavaliers (8)
And that is a very nice position for them. Lebron got no help and there are still contract disputes between the Cavs and key players Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao (although apparently Pavlovic has re-signed). I just don't think that the NBA and its wonderful referees could allow THE Lebron James to miss the playoffs so they'll fit in the last position just to potentially make a run (if they got past Detroit, they could potentially do some damage) because of all the help Lebron gets. But don't count on it. The off-season for them next year will be filled with questions about who they should get to help out King James, and who knows what they come up with. . .
Milwaukee Bucks (11)
Another forgettable year for a truly forgettable team. Michael Redd would be a household name if he played for a team not located in Wisconsin but he is again left to his own devices and will fail again to make the playoffs. Yi Jianlian was a terrible draft pick and won't be anything except an extra in all the new dunk posters that come out (he will be the guy being posterized by the likes of Vince Carter and Josh Smith). Tough time for the Bucks right now. . . maybe they can get a good draft pick next year! What a horrible future, huh?
Indiana Pacers (15)
Wow. Not only do I think that Jermaine O'Neal will be gone by the trade deadline (finally!) to either New Jersey or Chicago (if they don't make a push for Kobe) but this team might not even win 25 games. They are terrible and if it wasn't for a few really bad teams in the West (more on that tomorrow) I would say they would have the best chance to get next year's number one pick. . . Go figure that the last team on here would be the worst (I really didn't plan it that way!). . . It's just sad really. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Detroit over (8) Cleveland (4-2)
(2) Boston over (7) New Jersey (4-3)
(3) Chicago over (3) Orlando (4-1)
(4) Washington over (5) Toronto (4-1)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Detroit over (4) Washington (4-1)
(3) Chicago over (2) Boston (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Detroit over (3) Chicago (4-2)
The Detroit Pistons will represent the East in the Finals! They will lose (I predict) but to who???
Come back tomorrow to find out :)
Until then,
The NBA season began yesterday! (Update: This was written before the season actually began and was completed after the second day of the season, but all of the predictions were made before the season began. . . I promise.)
The World Series is now over (Congrats to the Boston Red Sox!). The NFL is in the midst of a great season (and one that I am picking very well) that will be highlighted on Sunday with the massive Patriots/Colts throwdown in Indy. But besides that, it is ALL ABOUT the NBA!!!
And just like last year, I am previewing the upcoming season with full predictions for each team. This is just one man's opinion, but it is as always one FAN'S opinion and you know what that means! But just wait: there's real reasons for everything!
So the format of this bad boy is as follows: I have ranked the teams 1-15 in their respective conferences. I will be starting in the East and showing each division separately in the order I think they will finish. In parentheses will be their overall rank in their conference. Got it?
Then on to the West discussion (but that will come tomorrow night. . . I'm tired).
Casual sports fans, get ready to have your world rocked! Because here comes my second annual NBA SEASON PREVIEW!
And away we go. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics (2)
The team with probably the biggest expectations going into this season because of their additions of Kevin Garnett (yes, I still resent the fact that the SUNS couldn't get him) and Ray Allen to go along with the already-there star power of Paul Pierce. The biggest question mark for this team is the supporting cast, which includes second year guard Rajon Rondo (a potentially very good point guard) and rookie Glen "Big Baby" Davis, who will be a factor for this team. Also, the potential to pick up some veterans at the trade deadline (look for Juwan Howard and Sam Cassell to be putting on the green and white at some point this year) is much more likely because of the Big Three. They will be good. It's true. However, they are not the best team in the East and unless Rondo and starting center Kendrick Perkins have improved substantially, they won't win the title like many believe they will.
Toronto Raptors (5)
The Raptors surprised a lot of people last year, including yours truly, when they took over the terrible Atlantic Division but fell to the New Jersey Nets in the first round of the playoffs. They will be in the thick of things in the East this year because of the star power of Chris Bosh (an absolute beast that no one knows about) and free agent signee Jason Kapono (a pure three-point shooter). They still have T.J. Ford at the point and the much improved Anthony Parker at the shooting guard position. Second year center Andrea Bargnani will be better and they also picked up Carlos Delfino from the Pistons, who played relatively unnoticed in the Motor City, but look for him to contribute off the bench. I still don't think they are as good as the top 4 teams in the East and are most likely looking at another first round exit.
New Jersey Nets (7)
I'm not sure how this team is not better. They should have been in the Finals at least once since they have trotted out J-Kidd, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter every night. But injuries have plagued this team and you can almost guarantee that one of those three (or forward/center Nenad Kristic) will go down for a month or two with some sort of leg injury. It's bound to happen, and as long as they make the playoffs (which they always seem to do) the lottery will escape them as a helpful tool. The only way to benefit this team is to trade one of the main three guys (most likely Jefferson) and some bench players for a big name that can stay healthy. They couldn't get Kobe or anything, but I think they should try harder to get Jermaine O'Neal (Jefferson, Kristic, and a future draft pick would be plenty to get it done in February when Indiana is in the East cellar). They'll be outed in the first round and left to wonder why they gave Carter so much money this summer.
New York Knicks (9)
I'm not sure if a sleeper pick has to make the playoffs, but I think the Knicks are gonna be better than everyone thinks this year. They showed signs of life last year in parts, and the acquisition of Zach Randolph will give them some wins. I like the combo of Randolph and Eddy Curry and David Lee, who I wish was on the SUNS, but I don't think that they have enough to crack the top 8, even in the abysmal (although improved) East.
Philadelphia 76ers (13)
It's sad that this team had to drop off the map after finally trading Allen Iverson last year. At the beginning of the year last year, they had both AI and Chris Webber, both of which helped teams make the playoffs that were not the 76ers. How nice. Andre Miller is still okay and Andre Iguodala has to improve as a go-to-guy. They have little-to-no post game as well. Watch for Kyle Korver to get recognition and become one of the elite behind-the-arc scorers in the game.
Southeast Division
Washington Wizards (4)
My cousin Josh, who lives in Maryland and is as big of a fan of the Wizards as I am of the SUNS (well, maybe not. . . I'm pretty crazy!) had this to say of the upcoming season:
"You seen how low in the east all the analysts are pickin the wiz??? It's ridiculous, we were the #1 team in the east before all the injuries in the 2nd half of last season and now we are supposed to suck? It's like their bosses pay them to promote the Celtics because they're marketable. Well none of the big 3 in boston have ever been passed the 2nd round of the playoffs, and they have zero supporting cast. Why should i be scared of them? I'm sure theyll be good, but don't sleep on the Wiz!"
I won't! (Although sorry Josh, your facts are a little wrong: Both Garnett (2004) and Pierce (2002) have made it to the Conference Finals)
The Wizards are the best team in their division with a healthy Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison, who was phenomenal when both of the guards were out at the end of the year. Here's the thing: in the East, if the Celtics can be favored to practically win it all with their three, then why not the Wizards? Arenas is just as prolific scorer as Pierce (and maybe moreso), Butler drives to the hole a lot more than Allen but doesn't shoot nearly as well (but is younger), and Jamison doesn't really match up to KG, but he is still a good player. They have no bench (neither does Boston - yet) but that could change by February's trade deadline. Watch for Nick Young, the rookie out of USC, to make a run for Rookie of the Year (Besides the shoe-in for the award, Kevin Durant).
Orlando Magic (6)
They gave Rashard Lewis $118 million to score 20-some points a game. That should help. . . The team is better (Jameer Nelson is another in the long line of competent, but not quite great, point guards) and this year will only prove that Dwight Howard is THE dominant big man of the future (that is, except for Amare. . .). They will be good, win more than half of their games, and make the playoffs, but their season will most likely end after one round and they won't have anyone to blame but themselves, because all they did this off-season was overpay a small forward who is replaceable by most of the other same exact players in the NBA. . . What a shame.
Miami Heat (11)
I have been saying this last season ended: the Heat WILL NOT make the playoffs this season. The best thing that they could do in the off-season was sign Smush Parker, the SUNS 6th man from the last few playoff series (you see, the former Lakers point guard was SO BAD when it came to defending Steve Nash that I considered him to be our sixth man. . .), and then trade Antoine Walker to the helpless T'Wolves for Ricky Davis (who apparently is supposed to turn everything around for the team) and o yeah, they signed, wait for it, Anfernee Hardaway. That's right. . . Penny Hardaway. From forever ago. . . No word yet whether or not the Heat also get the rights to Lil' Penny. This team is old. And they aren't healthy. And they just are not good anymore (except for D-Wade, but the way he plays, well, let's just say that he might want to change that slogan about getting up all the time. . .).
Charlotte Bobcats (12)
This was going to be my sleeper team of the year (I changed my mind, though. . . I'll get to them in the West) but injuries to both Adam Morrison (terrible facial hair and all) and Sean May (this was the killer) mean that Jason Richardson (their off-season pick-up from Golden State) will have even more pressure on his shoulders. Raymond Felton is good, Gerald Wallace can score, but without those two young guys, I just don't think that Emeka Okafor and company can put it all together this year. . . I guess the only hope is that they get a good draft pick and put it all together next year!
Atlanta Hawks (14)
. . . and the Hawks. Some people think they are going to win this year. However, they are the Hawks and the Hawks always suck. I know that is not a good reason, but I guess I just really want them to be terrible because the SUNS get their draft pick next year no matter what it is and I really want a high pick! Something good has to happen for my team! Either way, Joe Johnson is still the same scoring shooting guard and Josh Smith is athletic and all, but they are not going to do better than they usually do. I love their draft pick (Acie Law IV) and truly wish the SUNS had him instead, but I don't think that he improves them that much. He's good, but he's not THAT good! Come on now people! These are the same old Hawks!
Central Division
Detroit Pistons (1)
This is still the best team in the East. They have been for several years now (they have averaged 54 wins a year over the last six years and have never finished below 2nd place in the East since 2001) and don't expect anything to change this year. They still have a starting five that includes the names of Billups, Hamilton, Prince, and Wallace (that would be 'Sheed) and then any other bum in Detroit. This team is still good and still will be in the hunt at the end of the year. It's that simple.
Chicago Bulls (3)
This pick is odd, because the Bulls may or may not end up with Kobe and that would throw a wrench into everything. But I don't know if that would make them better or not. . . I still cant decide. But before any Bulls trade happens, they still have Hinrich, Gordon, Nocioni, and the defense (plus terrible free throw shooting) of Big Ben. The extra help of youngins Tyrus Thomas (coming into his own) and Joakim Noah (a younger, shorter Big Ben) will put this team ahead of most of the East and may even get them into a Conference Finals matchup with the Pistons. But no finals for them this year. . . Unless they get Kobe. Then all bets are off.
Cleveland Cavaliers (8)
And that is a very nice position for them. Lebron got no help and there are still contract disputes between the Cavs and key players Sasha Pavlovic and Anderson Varejao (although apparently Pavlovic has re-signed). I just don't think that the NBA and its wonderful referees could allow THE Lebron James to miss the playoffs so they'll fit in the last position just to potentially make a run (if they got past Detroit, they could potentially do some damage) because of all the help Lebron gets. But don't count on it. The off-season for them next year will be filled with questions about who they should get to help out King James, and who knows what they come up with. . .
Milwaukee Bucks (11)
Another forgettable year for a truly forgettable team. Michael Redd would be a household name if he played for a team not located in Wisconsin but he is again left to his own devices and will fail again to make the playoffs. Yi Jianlian was a terrible draft pick and won't be anything except an extra in all the new dunk posters that come out (he will be the guy being posterized by the likes of Vince Carter and Josh Smith). Tough time for the Bucks right now. . . maybe they can get a good draft pick next year! What a horrible future, huh?
Indiana Pacers (15)
Wow. Not only do I think that Jermaine O'Neal will be gone by the trade deadline (finally!) to either New Jersey or Chicago (if they don't make a push for Kobe) but this team might not even win 25 games. They are terrible and if it wasn't for a few really bad teams in the West (more on that tomorrow) I would say they would have the best chance to get next year's number one pick. . . Go figure that the last team on here would be the worst (I really didn't plan it that way!). . . It's just sad really. . .
EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS
FIRST ROUND
(1) Detroit over (8) Cleveland (4-2)
(2) Boston over (7) New Jersey (4-3)
(3) Chicago over (3) Orlando (4-1)
(4) Washington over (5) Toronto (4-1)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE SEMI-FINALS
(1) Detroit over (4) Washington (4-1)
(3) Chicago over (2) Boston (4-3)
__________________________________
CONFERENCE FINALS
(1) Detroit over (3) Chicago (4-2)
The Detroit Pistons will represent the East in the Finals! They will lose (I predict) but to who???
Come back tomorrow to find out :)
Until then,
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Rumors, Reminiscing,
Rewatchability, and Ridiculousness
Hello Hello Hello!!!
Wow a week goes by just like that (I'm not sure what "that" is, but the week went by like it)! It's crazy!
It is Wednesday night and I had a three hour nap this evening (from 5-8) so at the moment I am quite awake. So I'll get some thoughts off my chest, let you know how my weekend was (if I can even remember that far back), and also let you in on a few things.
So away we go. . .
First off, it would not be me without some sort of mention of all of the NBA trade rumors surrounding my beloved Phoenix Suns. With one of the deepest drafts in years being tomorrow, many teams are trying to position themselves to pick up a player that can help right away or be a part of a future plan. The other option is to make a blockbuster trade for a crafty veteran that can maybe put a team over the top. Well we have been rumored to do a little bit of both. . .
Apparently, the Suns worked out top-10 prospects Jeff Green, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer (the most perfect fit for our system!) even though they only have the 24th and 29th picks in the first round. I'm not a math whiz or anything but that makes no sense. However, the humdrum around the league is that we want to package some sort of collection of veterans (Kurt Thomas, most likely) and our two picks to someone in the top 10 (most likely Charlotte at 8).
However, the much bigger news was that The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett, has requested to make a move to the warm weather city of Phoenix. As much as I love KG (and I always have!), I do not do not do not (hint: I DO NOT!) want to give up Amare in a potential trade. Why would we give up a 24-year-old future KG for a 31-year-old KG? People are saying that because our MVP is getting up there in age, that our window of opportunity to win is closing. Now, that might be true, but what about the 5-10 years after Nash retires? Amare is our future and he is who we will build our team around in the years A.N. (After Nash). The one trade rumor was us sending Amare to the Hawks who would send their Numbers 3 and 11 draft picks to Minnesota (who already own the number 7) who would send us KG (we would also send Kurt Thomas to Minny). This trade has apparently been thwarted, but not by us. . . Although we have apparently not even spoken to either of these teams, except to say, "Sure, we would like KG."
And that's the problem with all of this hustle and bustle. What is actually going to come to pass, and what is just plain crap that ESPN is feeding us to get us all excited? If I'm recently hired General Manager Steve Kerr, the only trade I make for KG is the one that sends the unhappy Shawn Marion, the old reliable Kurt Thomas, and those draft picks (maybe even our pick we get from Atlanta next year) to Minnesota (or a third team involved in the trade) for Mr. Garnett. If we can roll out a lineup of NASH, BELL, DIAW, GARNETT, and STOUDEMIRE with BARBOSA, JAMES JONES, and maybe COREY BREWER coming off the bench (if we make that Charlotte trade) then I think we are better off than last year. But that's just me. . . What do I know?
On to real life - - -
So my last week has been essentially made up of two things: Basketball and Work. I have begun working out again in the gym (not 24-Hour or anything like that) at my old stomping grounds, Desert Christian. My coach, Mr. Thomas, has graciously allowed me to utitilize the vacant basketball gym as my own personal house of basketball. Romique has been joining me, which is good, because he is better than I am (obviously) and playing against better players will only make me better. I have been spending almost two hours a day in the gym, taking shots, running laps, and working on triple-threat moves. It feels good, to be sure. I missed playing on a consistent basis, and now it is back in my life. I can't tell you how great it feels to actually feel myself improving and growing more confident. Two days ago, I hit 57 out of 100 three-pointers from the top of the key, my sweet spot. Granted, I was unguarded (Rome was not there that day), but that's still a great percentage. My moves are getting faster (I had certainly lost a step) and I'm trying to get back into some sort of shape. It is all in an effort to potentially try to walk on to the team at Cal State Northridge when I head there this Fall.
Here is the kicker: Say I somehow make the team. Even if I'm a bench warmer, how do I pass up the opportunity to play college basketball? Division I! How? I don't see myself saying no. . . So, how do I work? I guess I don't. So what of my promotion (less than two weeks from my interview)? I don't know. What of my living arrangement? There is no way that I drive down to CSUN every day for practice (plus my desired schedule is 4-10 on Monday and 2-10 on Tuesday so what if practice is at 5 pm every day. . .). It just sounds complicated and now I'm getting discouraged and nothing has even happened yet . . . Go figure
But it would be an absolute dream-come-true to play basketball at a higher level. Can you imagine playing in front of a packed house with thousands of cheering fans? I CAN! I have ever since I could throw a mini-basketball into my Phoenix Suns hamper! I'm just gonna take all this in stride. Whatever happens, happens. I'll make it work. Rome is actually more confident in me than I am at this point, but I'm getting there. I keep thinking "Hey, I'm a 5'8'' white guy with no true athletic abilities (it's all learned) and just a desire to be around a little orange ball and a 10-foot tall hoop."
But, again, who knows? . .
As I was at the park last week (Marie Kerr, to be exact) I sat and watched a young boy playing basketball with his dad. The kid was probably 8ish and they appeared to be playing 21, the ultimate 1-on-1 game. Essentially, it is just like playing 1-on-1 but after you make a basket you get up to 3 free throws. You make them all, you get the ball back. You miss one, the ball is live. First to 21 points wins. Simple, right? Well, my dad and I played hours and hours of this game back when I was that age and we still talk about some of the great clashes that we had back in the day (including my comeback to win after being down 19-2 :D ). I miss those games greatly actually. After I got to high school, we kinda stopped playing (both because my dad's knees often threatened to completely give out and both of our schedules were ridiculous). At this point, I don't know if we could still play against one another, if he even wanted. I am not cocky by any stretch, but I'm curious as to how that game would play out. . . I also wonder if Caleb will be able to enjoy similar memories. I think so. He will actually probably have double the memories because he will have the games against me as well - - -
Moving onto a couple things that I found interesting, ridiculous, or both - - -
- On tonight's episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, they ran a piece about two relatively new websites. One is called Conservapedia, an informational website exactly like the famous Wikipedia, except with a Conservative slant ("the conservative encyclopedia you can trust" - - is this anything like FoxNews? Fair AND Balanced, right?). Apparently they think that the world of average Joe is biased in ways that they don't like (I mean, really, why else would the site be created?). Consider the page for homosexuality - - - On Wikipedia, it is described as referring to "both sexual behavior and sexual attraction between people of the same gener or to a sexual orientation." True. Now on Conservapedia (besides the insanity of its existence, why that as a title!?!?) it is described as "an immoral sexual lifestyle between members of the same sex. It is more than simply a sexual act, it is going beyond the boundaries that God has setup for marriage; one man and one woman." Also true (mostly). Now whether or not you agree with homosexuality (I have delved into this issue before when Brokeback Mountain was released - PART ONE and PART TWO - but here I go again) will cause you to read this differently. My family will read this and nod in agreement. I know many of my friends will join in that response. I, on the other hand, have to shake my head. What is coming of things nowadays? Someone disagrees with a website's attempt at giving freedom of expression on all topics (literally - try to find something not covered by those Wiki Guys and Gals) and has to throw in religion. There is a religion section in the Wikipedia page on homosexuality where it discusses the viewpoints of several religions. That's not enough? These Republicans (of which I am not, but my entire family is - I'm a registered Independent) had to go 700 CLUB (ummm. . . .yeah. . .) on us all and throw out their two cents. . .
However. . .
I don't necessarily mind that site when compared to QUBETV, a “conservative version of YouTube." This website takes videos from YOUTUBE (a lot of the videos are actually links to the same video on YT) and also posts videos that are either direct slams of the Democratic party or praises of the Republican party and its hosts (such as the always cordial Ann Coulter. . .). This baffles me. Why on earth is this necessary? And more importantly (to use an old adage) why the hell cant we all just get along?!?! The 2008 Presidential Election (As well as the primaries leading up to the election) is just going to be one giant shit-flinging fest. Whoever can have the most shit flung on them without keeling over is the victor. That's it. (And a quick note on The Daily Show: I always hear conservative pundits claiming its bias towards the liberal Left. However, they mock the Demorcrats just as much when ridiculous things are said - which is often - or when incompetency rampages on - more often than not). And yes, most of the national media seems to lean towards a liberal bias - which apparently justifies FoxNews' ridculously far Right bias - but could that possibly be because the United States is leaning a little left after so many feel that this administration has failed them? I seriously cannot understand how divided this country is. . . Well I do, but I just don't know why it got that way.
The interesting thing is this: I believe that the only people who read this are members of my family and friends who are strong Republicans and will disagree mightily with my above dissertation. . . O how I yearn for a large audience. . .
On a lighter note (well, less political at least), I rewatched the first LORD OF THE RINGS movies with Aimee this week. She has never seen them and recently read The Hobbit, the prequel to the trilogy, and became more interested. So we watched the first film and she really seemed to enjoy it. . . And I think I enjoyed it more this time too. We watched it in two parts, stopping it at the halfway mark the first night. It works as two 90 minute films and the rewatchability rate on this film is quite high. The RINGS films are still not THE trilogy (to steal a line from Randal from CLERKS 2 "There is only one RETURN, and that is of the JEDI!") but they are certainly interesting films. True, they are just nine hours about walking (Randal again: "Even the trees in those movies walked!") but they work on that level.
I would continue on about some recent customer troubles I've had at the FL (funny stories!), some thoughts on the soon-to-be-released IPHONE (no, I'm not getting out a loan for it), and also some Entertainment recommendations, but I've rambled enough for the night.
I have off tomorrow as well (my days off are usually back-to-back) so I'll try to post those odds and ends then. . .
Until then, sleep well and please please please please please please COMMENT! I'm talking more to friends than family (cuz family is all that comments - - ). . .
I would appreciate it :)
Thanks - - - And good night.
Wow a week goes by just like that (I'm not sure what "that" is, but the week went by like it)! It's crazy!
It is Wednesday night and I had a three hour nap this evening (from 5-8) so at the moment I am quite awake. So I'll get some thoughts off my chest, let you know how my weekend was (if I can even remember that far back), and also let you in on a few things.
So away we go. . .
First off, it would not be me without some sort of mention of all of the NBA trade rumors surrounding my beloved Phoenix Suns. With one of the deepest drafts in years being tomorrow, many teams are trying to position themselves to pick up a player that can help right away or be a part of a future plan. The other option is to make a blockbuster trade for a crafty veteran that can maybe put a team over the top. Well we have been rumored to do a little bit of both. . .
Apparently, the Suns worked out top-10 prospects Jeff Green, Joakim Noah, and Corey Brewer (the most perfect fit for our system!) even though they only have the 24th and 29th picks in the first round. I'm not a math whiz or anything but that makes no sense. However, the humdrum around the league is that we want to package some sort of collection of veterans (Kurt Thomas, most likely) and our two picks to someone in the top 10 (most likely Charlotte at 8).
However, the much bigger news was that The Big Ticket, Kevin Garnett, has requested to make a move to the warm weather city of Phoenix. As much as I love KG (and I always have!), I do not do not do not (hint: I DO NOT!) want to give up Amare in a potential trade. Why would we give up a 24-year-old future KG for a 31-year-old KG? People are saying that because our MVP is getting up there in age, that our window of opportunity to win is closing. Now, that might be true, but what about the 5-10 years after Nash retires? Amare is our future and he is who we will build our team around in the years A.N. (After Nash). The one trade rumor was us sending Amare to the Hawks who would send their Numbers 3 and 11 draft picks to Minnesota (who already own the number 7) who would send us KG (we would also send Kurt Thomas to Minny). This trade has apparently been thwarted, but not by us. . . Although we have apparently not even spoken to either of these teams, except to say, "Sure, we would like KG."
And that's the problem with all of this hustle and bustle. What is actually going to come to pass, and what is just plain crap that ESPN is feeding us to get us all excited? If I'm recently hired General Manager Steve Kerr, the only trade I make for KG is the one that sends the unhappy Shawn Marion, the old reliable Kurt Thomas, and those draft picks (maybe even our pick we get from Atlanta next year) to Minnesota (or a third team involved in the trade) for Mr. Garnett. If we can roll out a lineup of NASH, BELL, DIAW, GARNETT, and STOUDEMIRE with BARBOSA, JAMES JONES, and maybe COREY BREWER coming off the bench (if we make that Charlotte trade) then I think we are better off than last year. But that's just me. . . What do I know?
On to real life - - -
So my last week has been essentially made up of two things: Basketball and Work. I have begun working out again in the gym (not 24-Hour or anything like that) at my old stomping grounds, Desert Christian. My coach, Mr. Thomas, has graciously allowed me to utitilize the vacant basketball gym as my own personal house of basketball. Romique has been joining me, which is good, because he is better than I am (obviously) and playing against better players will only make me better. I have been spending almost two hours a day in the gym, taking shots, running laps, and working on triple-threat moves. It feels good, to be sure. I missed playing on a consistent basis, and now it is back in my life. I can't tell you how great it feels to actually feel myself improving and growing more confident. Two days ago, I hit 57 out of 100 three-pointers from the top of the key, my sweet spot. Granted, I was unguarded (Rome was not there that day), but that's still a great percentage. My moves are getting faster (I had certainly lost a step) and I'm trying to get back into some sort of shape. It is all in an effort to potentially try to walk on to the team at Cal State Northridge when I head there this Fall.
Here is the kicker: Say I somehow make the team. Even if I'm a bench warmer, how do I pass up the opportunity to play college basketball? Division I! How? I don't see myself saying no. . . So, how do I work? I guess I don't. So what of my promotion (less than two weeks from my interview)? I don't know. What of my living arrangement? There is no way that I drive down to CSUN every day for practice (plus my desired schedule is 4-10 on Monday and 2-10 on Tuesday so what if practice is at 5 pm every day. . .). It just sounds complicated and now I'm getting discouraged and nothing has even happened yet . . . Go figure
But it would be an absolute dream-come-true to play basketball at a higher level. Can you imagine playing in front of a packed house with thousands of cheering fans? I CAN! I have ever since I could throw a mini-basketball into my Phoenix Suns hamper! I'm just gonna take all this in stride. Whatever happens, happens. I'll make it work. Rome is actually more confident in me than I am at this point, but I'm getting there. I keep thinking "Hey, I'm a 5'8'' white guy with no true athletic abilities (it's all learned) and just a desire to be around a little orange ball and a 10-foot tall hoop."
But, again, who knows? . .
As I was at the park last week (Marie Kerr, to be exact) I sat and watched a young boy playing basketball with his dad. The kid was probably 8ish and they appeared to be playing 21, the ultimate 1-on-1 game. Essentially, it is just like playing 1-on-1 but after you make a basket you get up to 3 free throws. You make them all, you get the ball back. You miss one, the ball is live. First to 21 points wins. Simple, right? Well, my dad and I played hours and hours of this game back when I was that age and we still talk about some of the great clashes that we had back in the day (including my comeback to win after being down 19-2 :D ). I miss those games greatly actually. After I got to high school, we kinda stopped playing (both because my dad's knees often threatened to completely give out and both of our schedules were ridiculous). At this point, I don't know if we could still play against one another, if he even wanted. I am not cocky by any stretch, but I'm curious as to how that game would play out. . . I also wonder if Caleb will be able to enjoy similar memories. I think so. He will actually probably have double the memories because he will have the games against me as well - - -
Moving onto a couple things that I found interesting, ridiculous, or both - - -
- On tonight's episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, they ran a piece about two relatively new websites. One is called Conservapedia, an informational website exactly like the famous Wikipedia, except with a Conservative slant ("the conservative encyclopedia you can trust" - - is this anything like FoxNews? Fair AND Balanced, right?). Apparently they think that the world of average Joe is biased in ways that they don't like (I mean, really, why else would the site be created?). Consider the page for homosexuality - - - On Wikipedia, it is described as referring to "both sexual behavior and sexual attraction between people of the same gener or to a sexual orientation." True. Now on Conservapedia (besides the insanity of its existence, why that as a title!?!?) it is described as "an immoral sexual lifestyle between members of the same sex. It is more than simply a sexual act, it is going beyond the boundaries that God has setup for marriage; one man and one woman." Also true (mostly). Now whether or not you agree with homosexuality (I have delved into this issue before when Brokeback Mountain was released - PART ONE and PART TWO - but here I go again) will cause you to read this differently. My family will read this and nod in agreement. I know many of my friends will join in that response. I, on the other hand, have to shake my head. What is coming of things nowadays? Someone disagrees with a website's attempt at giving freedom of expression on all topics (literally - try to find something not covered by those Wiki Guys and Gals) and has to throw in religion. There is a religion section in the Wikipedia page on homosexuality where it discusses the viewpoints of several religions. That's not enough? These Republicans (of which I am not, but my entire family is - I'm a registered Independent) had to go 700 CLUB (ummm. . . .yeah. . .) on us all and throw out their two cents. . .
However. . .
I don't necessarily mind that site when compared to QUBETV, a “conservative version of YouTube." This website takes videos from YOUTUBE (a lot of the videos are actually links to the same video on YT) and also posts videos that are either direct slams of the Democratic party or praises of the Republican party and its hosts (such as the always cordial Ann Coulter. . .). This baffles me. Why on earth is this necessary? And more importantly (to use an old adage) why the hell cant we all just get along?!?! The 2008 Presidential Election (As well as the primaries leading up to the election) is just going to be one giant shit-flinging fest. Whoever can have the most shit flung on them without keeling over is the victor. That's it. (And a quick note on The Daily Show: I always hear conservative pundits claiming its bias towards the liberal Left. However, they mock the Demorcrats just as much when ridiculous things are said - which is often - or when incompetency rampages on - more often than not). And yes, most of the national media seems to lean towards a liberal bias - which apparently justifies FoxNews' ridculously far Right bias - but could that possibly be because the United States is leaning a little left after so many feel that this administration has failed them? I seriously cannot understand how divided this country is. . . Well I do, but I just don't know why it got that way.
The interesting thing is this: I believe that the only people who read this are members of my family and friends who are strong Republicans and will disagree mightily with my above dissertation. . . O how I yearn for a large audience. . .
On a lighter note (well, less political at least), I rewatched the first LORD OF THE RINGS movies with Aimee this week. She has never seen them and recently read The Hobbit, the prequel to the trilogy, and became more interested. So we watched the first film and she really seemed to enjoy it. . . And I think I enjoyed it more this time too. We watched it in two parts, stopping it at the halfway mark the first night. It works as two 90 minute films and the rewatchability rate on this film is quite high. The RINGS films are still not THE trilogy (to steal a line from Randal from CLERKS 2 "There is only one RETURN, and that is of the JEDI!") but they are certainly interesting films. True, they are just nine hours about walking (Randal again: "Even the trees in those movies walked!") but they work on that level.
I would continue on about some recent customer troubles I've had at the FL (funny stories!), some thoughts on the soon-to-be-released IPHONE (no, I'm not getting out a loan for it), and also some Entertainment recommendations, but I've rambled enough for the night.
I have off tomorrow as well (my days off are usually back-to-back) so I'll try to post those odds and ends then. . .
Until then, sleep well and please please please please please please COMMENT! I'm talking more to friends than family (cuz family is all that comments - - ). . .
I would appreciate it :)
Thanks - - - And good night.
Friday, June 08, 2007
The 2007 NBA Playoffs:
The Way It Should Have Been
So I was at the park shooting around this afternoon with Leshin and we were talking about everything from the upcoming NBA draft to potential off-season trades (sorry Leshin - I don't think JO will put you over the top haha). We also started talking about the way that the NBA Playoffs could have been fixed. . .
You see, the playoffs have been absolute crap ever since the Warriors got bounced and the Suns/Spurs series was ended thanks to certain circumstances (I'll refrain from my biased Suns fan rant). We were left with a plain awful Pistons/Cavs series (except for Lebron's take-over game 5) and a cakewalk Spurs/Jazz series. Now it is an easy Finals victory for the Spurs (for those of you who think the Cavs have a chance, well, you're just plain wrong), and NBA fans like myself are left to despise the Finals and watch with one eye closed and the other one halfway so.
So, here is our solution:
We decided that the excitement level would be increased if you put all sixteen playoff teams in one bracket, much like the NCAA tournament. The first round would be a best-of-three (possibly best-of-five) and the second round would be best-of-five. The third round and the Finals would be best-of-seven like always. The set-up would be decided strictly by records. In the words of Leshin, "You win a division, you get a banner - now you gotta win." True statement. I don't like this whole division winner gets top 4 status just because they won a bad division (See: Utah, Miami).
So here is how it would be set-up:
SO. . . . . . .
Any thoughts?
I like it!!!
What about you?
You see, the playoffs have been absolute crap ever since the Warriors got bounced and the Suns/Spurs series was ended thanks to certain circumstances (I'll refrain from my biased Suns fan rant). We were left with a plain awful Pistons/Cavs series (except for Lebron's take-over game 5) and a cakewalk Spurs/Jazz series. Now it is an easy Finals victory for the Spurs (for those of you who think the Cavs have a chance, well, you're just plain wrong), and NBA fans like myself are left to despise the Finals and watch with one eye closed and the other one halfway so.
So, here is our solution:
We decided that the excitement level would be increased if you put all sixteen playoff teams in one bracket, much like the NCAA tournament. The first round would be a best-of-three (possibly best-of-five) and the second round would be best-of-five. The third round and the Finals would be best-of-seven like always. The set-up would be decided strictly by records. In the words of Leshin, "You win a division, you get a banner - now you gotta win." True statement. I don't like this whole division winner gets top 4 status just because they won a bad division (See: Utah, Miami).
So here is how it would be set-up:
1.
16.
8.
9.
5.
12.
4.
6.
11.
3.
14. NEW
7.
10.
2.
15.
What first round matchups!!! Detroit and Golden State! Cleveland and Denver! And look at these potential second round matchups: Dallas and Chicago, Phoenix and Cleveland (or Denver for that matter) and more! If Golden State caught fire like they did this year, they could hypothetically make a Finals run! It's amazing!
I still believe that the Spurs would win the whole thing if they could get past the SUNS (again, very biased - - -) but things would be different this time around. . .SO. . . . . . .
Any thoughts?
I like it!!!
What about you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
