Hoops week in Review

What an amazing week in basketball last week including the past couple of days. From the fight in Cincinnati, all the way to the Los Angeles Clippers becoming a factor in basketball what an interesting past few days. Let's review the good and the bad this past week you decide which is which:

• Xavier-Cincinnati Fight: This was much bigger than the game and unfortunately the personal beef between certain players escalated on the court with nine seconds left in the game. Supposedly something was said on Twitter which upset-ted several Xavier players.Therefore they decided to go street. Sad sad moment in sports you can't let what bothers you on the inside escalate on the court. Since these are still kids, hopefully they'll learn from this unfortunate teachable moment. Grow up to become honorable men not goons from the street. Both teams are pretty good this year.

• Kentucky-Indiana: This was the game Tom Cream needed to get his program in the right direction. A moral victory was not acceptable. This was the victory his program needed. The up-n-coming Hoosiers defeated the lottery bound Wildcats with a buzzer beater which was AMAZING!!!! Potential #1 pick Anthony Davis remained in foul trouble (he has a lot to learn) but Marquis Teague showed glimpse of promise as he dominated the game in the later part of the second half. Great game for the Hoosiers but the Cats are still Final 4 bound.

• David Stern denies Lakers Chris Paul: Last Friday the Lakers were gearing up for CP3 & Dwight Howard and even pulled the trade for CP3 for Pau Gasol but nooooooooo!!!!! David Stern refused to let the rich get richer which was wrong, and don't be surprised if Kobe Bryant doesn't request a trade after losing Lamar Odom for nothing along with Shannon Brown signing with Phoenix. 

• Meanwhile Chris Paul to the Clippers: Even though the "other" team in LA landed the future Hall-of-Fame point guard from New Orleans, this truly upset Black Mamba and the rest of the NBA Players. What David Stern did was unbelievable and nobody has a valid reason for him blocking the trade. Blake Griffin was as happy as a new kid in Toys R Us. The Clippers also landed Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, and resigned DeAndre Jordan. The key to all this was making sure Blake stays for the future. The Clippers might be better than the Lakers this year WOW!!!!!

• Syracuse the new #1: Everything that's going on with the Orangemen nobody is talking about the 'Cuse being the nation's top team. I haven't watched the 'Cuse yet but we'll see how long their reign as the nations top team last. 

• Simeon is the nation's top prep team: The house the produced Derrick Rose, Nick Anderson, and most importantly Benji Wilson is still the #1 team in the land and has the top rated junior in the country JaBari Parker who has NBA written all over him. 

Basketball is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome back NBA!!!!!!! Christmas time is coming and so is the NBA. The opening game of the 66 game NBA season is between the Chicago Bulls lead by the reigning MVP Derrick Rose facing The Los Angeles Lakers with Kobe Bryant and new coach Mike Brown. The NBA Finals rematch between the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks where they receive their rings also take place. Overall there are six games on Christmas which have all the marquee stars playing on opening night. Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, and Stephen Curry also highlight the Christmas night. The NBA was smart to have their young stars open the season trying to capture the fans that strayed away during the lockout. Building back the fans trust is key. Let's hope when this new bargaining agreement expires the owners and players are at peace to avoid another lockout. 

In college hoops over the weekend the two team that I project will meet in April to cut down the nets played in Lexington, KY as Kentucky defeated North Carolina by a last second block from 2012 #1 pick Anthony Davis.  Watching that game featured at least five future 1st round NBA picks. Harrison Barnes, Anthony Davis, Marquis Teague, Kidd-Gilchrist are lottery picks and Kendall Marshall is late lottery mid-round one pick. 

NBA free agency begins this week and training camp next week looking forward to all the signings. Also My ILLINI are 8-0 and ranked in the top 25 this week. 

NBA Preseason Cancelled

With college basketball just around the corner and Euro-league in full swing, the NBA cancelled the remaining preseason schedule on Tuesday in a move that surprised nobody. Some players have made the smart career/financial choice by playing overseas which makes sense because not every NBA player has a max contract. Things got intense this week that David Stern and Dwayne got into a verbal shouting match (would have love to been a fly on the wall). Bottom line these are millionaires fighting billionaires and in the end the biggest losers, are the fans.

Well not much pro hoops to talk but I will forecast the upcoming college basketball season real soon.

The NBA....I MISS THIS GAME!!!!!

Offseason Hoops Stories

One of the NBA's motto use to be "I Love This Game" well now that we're on day 75 on the lockout the new motto should be "I Miss This Game". I admire that several marquee players pros and college stars are seeking employment in the Euroleague but I want the NBA lockout over IMMEDIATELY!!!! Since the summer leagues have come to an end and negioation are at a standstill, fans like myself will have to wait for Digger Phelps, Dick Vitale, Bobby Knight, and Steven Bardo for basketball to appear again on television. Let's take a look at some of stories this offseason/lockout:

• Turkey has become the new hot country for U.S. players to ball. Deron Williams, Demetri McCamey, Sherron Collins are playing there but DWill is the only player with the out clause once the lockout ends. Allen Iverson played there briefly last year. The competition has picked up in Turkey as well.
• Rucker Park has lost it's flavor as the best summer ball. The Drew League in LA was the most talked about league this summer have players like Brandon Jennings, Kevin Durant, John Wall, and Kobe Bryant play this summer.
• Chicago Pro Amms is now a joke. There were three leagues this summer, Marquette Park, South Suburban College, and my favorite Phoenix H.S. I never made it to the Marquette Park games this summer but I heard they were pretty intense but the few times I've attended South Suburban, it's not even a glimpse of IIT. South Suburban charges and they don't even have the marquee names to attract the crowds. Phoenix H.S. was the closet thing to IIT drawing up & coming Chicago stars like Jerome Randle, Sherron Collins, Oris Eldridge, Jermey Pargo, Royce Parren with cameo appearances by Will Bynum. No NBA players played at Phoenix and most notably, south side players did not play. All the game at Phoenix were intense (especially Sherron vs. David Bailey) with a Pro Amm like atmosphere with the crowds chanting WHAT WHAT WHAT!!!!!!!!
• Unlike 1998, players are bound together and are a lot smarter in 2011. Player President Derrick Fisher wrote a letter to the players in the League updating them on what's going on during the negotiations and wants them to remain sharp and hopefully they'll get back to work soon.
• Marquee underclassmen being smart and deciding to remain in college rather than turn pro. The 2012 NBA Draft is going to be one of the most loaded draft classes in NBA history.
• In conclusion..........I MISS THIS GAME

Kemba Walker - NBA Draft Recap Part 2

Michael Jordan selected Kemba Walker in the 2011 NBA Draft which should be competitive when training camp starts. What Walker did was put his UCONN Huskies on his back from the start of the season and led them to the NCAA Title. That winning attitude and leadership has a Jordan player written all over it. With DJ Augustine currently the starting point guard, the Final Four Most Valuable Player will contend for the starting PG spot.

Kemba Walker is a typical New York City point guard that possesses blazing speed that also comes with a lighting crossover and outstanding court vision. Like his NYC predecessors (Mark Jackson, Stephon Marbury, Rod Strickland, Kenny Anderson) Walker needs to work on his jump-shot. Scoring in college was easy but if he's not consistently hitting the uncontested jumper, he'll find his way to the bench.

Overall in the right system, Kemba will survive the NBA game with his heart to take the big shot (ask PITT Center) and does not lack leadership skills.

NBA Draft Recap - Part 1

This is a 3 part blog that I'll talk about regarding the 2011 NBA Draft

Last Thursday the annual NBA Draft took place in New Jersey and to nobody's surprise, the Cleveland Cavaliers took Kyrie Irving with the first pick. Coach Byron Scott played poker with the media but finally reveled his has when they drafted the former one & done freshmen from Duke. Why Irving was chosen first even though he only played eight games all year is simple: much like the quarterback in football, point guard is the most important position in basketball and they're an extension of the coach on the floor. Had Irving been healthy during the season, Duke easily defeats Arizona and most likely would have advanced to the Final 4 this past March.

Derrick Rose and John Wall were the previous point guards selected first overall and are the leaders on their team. With the departure of LeBron James last summer, Kyrie Irving realizes he's no Lebron but he has to put the city of Cleveland and the Cavaliers on his back. That's the cost of being drafted 1st overall. The verdict is still out if his turf toe injury is completely healed but when healthy, Irving has lighting speed, low turnover ratio, and extremely athletic. With this new team, he should not have any problem taking over the leadership (this team lost 26 consecutive games) since he hails from a winning high school & college program. Most scout are comparing him to Chris Paul but I see a more athletic Kevin Johnson in Irving. Remember KJ was a scoring PG who also dished 10 assist per game.

The only drawback I see is can the newly number one pick handle losing because he'll loose more games next season than he did in high school and college combined. 

2010-2011 Basketball Season Recap

Congratulations to the Dallas Mavericks, and Connecticut Huskies for becoming newly minted champions. Enjoy the summer and good luck defending your titles next season. Now that college and pro basketball has concluded, AAU and shoe camps are heating up but let's review ten things what basketball has taught me these past few months.

1. Blake Griffin - Karl Malone is training has the makings of becoming the next great power forward of all time. Once The Blake Show realizes the game of basketball is more than just dunking over people and develops a mid-range shot and becomes a decent free-throw shooter, he'll surpass Tim Duncan as the greatest power forward of all time. His ball-handling ability is already above average. 
2. Derrick Rose - Youngest MVP in NBA History. Straight from Chicago I've always said this hometown point guard will not only be the best lead guard for years to come but he'll also become the face of the league with the likes of LeBron, DWade, Kobe, Durant. So far he's right on track. 
3. Chicago Bulls - Speaking of Derrick Rose and his team, not one critic, scout, fan (including me) thought the Bulls will finish with the best record in basketball this season. Next season teams will pay more attention to this defensive minded team lead by the reigning MVP Derrick Rose. 
4. Miami Heat - Cavs owner Dal Gilbert tweeted after the Mavs victory there are no shortcuts. Not shocked they did not defeat the Mavs as my notion about them being only a 3 player team got exposed. Pat Riley's crew need a completely roster to compliment Wade, Bosh, and James. 
5. LA Lakers - After 3 straight NBA Finals appearances, the defending Champs thought they would waltz to the NBA Finals. Kobe Bryant's team did not have the same drive in them this season which is why they're no longer champions. 
6. Forming a "Big 3" - Miami, New York, and Boston all have three major superstars on their roster but the Celtics were the only ones victorious. Boston's Big 3 worked because they had the supporting cast to go along with their Big 3. Let's hope Miami follows Boston's example. 
7. Kemba Walker - NYPG!!!! The return of the New York City point guard dominating college basketball is exactly what this now former Huskie did all the way to Houston. His dominant play also elevated his draft status for the 2011 NBA Draft. 
8. Mid majors vs. Big 6 - The Final 4 had 2 mid-majors with Butler in the title game for the second straight season. The mid majors are not catching up what's happening is mid-major players are staying 4 years while the UCONN, Kentucky get the one & done players. Do you build for the future or like Calapari recruit only for that season with the best freshmen then start over again?
9. 2011 NBA Draft - This will go down as the weakest draft class in years due to the pending lockout next season. As a result the 2012 Draft will go down as one of the deepest drafts in history.
10. Dallas Mavericks - The addition of Tyson Chandler was truly the difference which is why they're world champions. Also Dirk & Terry never forgot what took place in 2006. JJ will get a huge paycheck from Cuban. 

NBA Finals - Game 5 Preview

With the series tied 2-2 and this now becoming a three game series. "It's Now or Never" is what LeBron James posted on his Twitter profile and after a nine point performance in game 4. Scottie Pippen is eating his words now because there is now way Michael Jordan would have scored only nine points in an NBA Finals game and loose.

If the Miami Heat want to win tonight LeBron James needs to play like the 2-time MVP that he was. The problem with LeBron is he becomes too passive in the fourth quarter and relies on Dwayne Wade to carry the team. There is no way Shawn Marion or any other Maverick can guard James 1-on-1. Moments like this is when superstars need to dominate and take over games. I know Wade will do this but also Bosh needs to become more assertive as well. Chris Bosh needs to return to the Toronto Raptor form because he's been inconsistent all year long. The Heat also need great point guard play from Mike Bibby & Mario Chalmers to set up the offensive. The last time I check James Jones was the reigning 3-point champion. I bring this up because Miami should use him the way the Chicago Bulls use to use Craig Hodges. Put James & Miller in the game strictly for 3-point shooting.

What about Dallas? The key for the Mavericks is something Miami has had trouble with all year which is strong point guard play. Future Hall-of-Famer Jason Kidd must continue to dictate the offense for Dallas and score when necessary. Jose Barea & Jason Terry must continue to knock down shots and push the tempo when Kidd is not in the game. Speaking of knocking down shot, Peja Stojakovic needs the confidence he had in Sacramento and when open, provide long range shooting. Since Caron Butler is not available this series, Shawn Marion must also continue to provide garbage buckets, rebound, and run the fast break. The Mavericks need another strong defensive game from Tyson Chandler who has been a monster on the boards. Last but not least all roads start and finish with Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk is the offensive that keeps this team alive and they need his scoring if they want to be champions or else, they'll suffer the same fate they did back in 2006. In order for the Mavs to win tonight, the veteran Mavs club must stay in the half court offense which Miami has trouble defending but if they try to make this a transition game, the Mavs are done.

It's a toss up tonight but I still see this series going seven games. 

Chicago Bulls 2010-2011 Season Recap

Now that the Chicago Bulls season has come to a close, I won't say that this team overachieved but lead my the youngest MVP in league history, The Chicago Bulls exceeded all expectations by finishing with the best record in the NBA going 62-20. Going into the season the Bulls were supposed contend with Orlando, Boston, and Miami but not surpass them. The object was to avoid Boston or Miami until the Eastern Conference Finals meaning land the one or two seed.

On that note mission accomplished but after last weeks heart breaking defeat by the Miami Heat at the United Center, the Bulls now must address the missing piece in their lineup which is a scoring shooting guard to compliment Derrick Rose. Towards the end of the season and all through the playoffs, Derrick Rose was our primary scorer and point guard. As a result, teams forced the MVP to take bad shots which resulted in rare losses for this ball club.

Jokim Noah must work on his offensive game this off-season. If Noah comes back an explosive offensive weapon, that means trouble for the Miami Heat. Taj Gibson must continue to be the spark off the bench providing occasional double-doubles. Carlos Boozer must learn to play above the rim and pretty much must learn how to move his feet and play defense overall. Boozer should not lay the ball up when he's underneath the basket he must learn to finish strong like Blake Griffin.

Along with the Executive of the Year, MVP, Coach Tom also collected hardware by winning the Coach of the Year. The defensive minded Thiboodeau made sure less isolation ball was played and more team defense was played. As a result other than the Miami Heat, the Bulls team was the best defensive team in the NBA which lead to a ton of transition points scored. Keith Bogans made all defensive second team but must drastically work on his offensive game this off-season. Once Kyle Korver learn how to create his own shot rather than going through screen, he'll become an unstoppable weapon on offense. At this point the only advice I have for Omar is to remain healthy but once healthy, he must improve his defense if he want to become a dominant force at the center position.

If this core group stays together, I see a minimum two championships out of this group but first they must acquire  a legit shooting guard.

Bulls-Heat Eastern Conference Finals

After witnessing the bench mob led by Taj Gibson and his two dynamic dunks after, the Chicago Bulls resume play tonight hoping to go up two games on the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The problem with the Heat is that their game is predictable....due to poor point guard play they're all about the transition baskets. They're probably one of the worst half court teams in the NBA because they rely so much on LeBron James or Dwayne Wade to go one-on-one.

Deng did a fantastic job neutralizing the two-time MVP LeBron James to only 15 points while Deng had 21. The Chicago Bulls defense also made sure after opening dunks by Wade & James, that would be the end of that. One only positive for Miami was Chris Bosh scoring 30 on Boozer (who's not know for his defense).

The Chicago Bulls must continue their strong defensive play by making sure they don't get into a track meet with Miami because they're one of the best transition teams in the League. Continue playing their half court game and making the extra pass for the high percentage shots. If Tom's crew is successful led by MVP Derrick Rose, Chicago will head down to South Beach up two games. 

Bulls/Hawks - Series

The Atlanta Hawks got the split at the United Center as the series now heads to Phillips Arena for Game 3 and 4 this weekend. Game 1 saw Joe Johnson have the game of his life as he and his Hawks shot over 50% from the field. As terrible as the Bulls played, they still almost pulled off the victory and last night's game, Atlanta shot less than 40% which is the Atlanta Hawks I know. A team full of me first players with a terrible shot selection and low basketball IQ. I expect the Bulls to sweep these two games in Atlanta then come home and finish the series in Game 5. 

Kirk Hindrich going down with an injury has led to the increased playing time and confidence booster for Jeff Teague. The Indianapolis native has been the most impressive Hawk and has done a pretty consistent guarding the MVP Derrick Rose (who did attempt one free-throw in game 1). 

Chicago Bulls in 5 

Chicago Bulls - Destination Grant Park

Not only did the Chicago Bulls finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference, but they finished with the best record in the NBA this season going 62-20. The last time a Chicago Bulls team won over 60 games, the end result was a city wide championship with a victory rally in Grant Park. Twenty years ago I attended the first celebration at Grant Park and I remember Michael Jordan saying he waited seven long years for this moment and between 1991-1998, going to Grant Park because as common as the Taste of Chicago.

This afternoon at the United Center, the Indiana Pacers did not go down quietly as they led most of the game until Kyle Korver's 3 with 49 seconds left secured the victory for the Bulls who now lead the series 1-0. When it comes to scoring, like the Jordan era Bulls, this current bunch became stagnant and relied on Derrick Rose to carry the scoring load. Not getting any points from our shooting guard (Keith Bogans) is equivalant to have four or five on the floor. I was not thrilled when management signed Bogans this past off-season because he was not contributed anything to this franchise this season. We're not asking for a huge scoring output but at least 10 points from our starting shooting guard is reasonable.

Game 2 is Monday night on TNT and I expect a more more determined Bulls teams that should dominate the Pacers the same way the Bulls dominated the rest of the Central Division.

March Madness - New York Guards STAND UP!!!!!!!!

With the Sweet 16 taking place this weekend three New York City Point Guards have truly played like stars and will complete in the Elite 8 tomorrow. Kemba Walker, Irving Walker, and Lamont Jones made Manhattan, Harlem, and Bronx proud as well as their universities.

Arizona will face Connecticut tomorrow as these former Rice HS guards will battle for the rights to play in the Final 4 in Houston.  Kemba Walker has been the best player in college basketball this season. Irving Walker has been the best lead guard in the SEC while Lamont Jones is the second best point guard in the Pac-10 (Thomas has the honor being the best).

Tomorrow I will look forward to watching these ankle breaking, dime passing, high basketball IQ, big shot making guards from the Big Apple. Let's hope no opposing center suffers the same fate as the center from Pittsburgh. 

Bulls Best in East????

With the loss to the New Jersey Nets tonight the Boston Celtics are now tied with the Chicago Bulls for the best record in the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic will continue to beat each other up in the South Division, The Celtics have the experience but are beginning to show their age which is why the young Bulls lead by the leading MVP candidate Derrick Rose will play in the NBA Finals this year.

During the beginning of the season many projected the Celtics, Heat, or Magic to contend to Eastern Conference supremacy (including myself) but none of the "experts" projected the Bulls to be the Beast of the East. Will they reach the NBA Finals this year remains to be seen but I can tell you why they'll finish with the best record in the East.

Other than the Chicago Bulls, the NBA Central is full of teams that will participate in the NBA Lottery. Currently the Bulls are undefeated in their division and should remain that way the rest of the season. The point guard is the most dominant position in the NBA today but the Bulls have the best of the best lead guard in Derrick Rose who'll most likely win the MVP award this year. Rose's scoring, assist are up this year and has even become more of a vocal leader along with his improved jump shot.

Improved front court: If Derrick Rose is the MVP than Jokim Noah is the most improved. Noah's scoring and rebounding has increased every year and would have been an All-Star if not for his hand surgery. Carlos Boozer is the much need low post scoring we've been missing since Elton Brand. Taj Gibson has shown glimpse of stardom and occasionally gets double-doubles. Lou Deng is the "veteran" of this young core that provides the scoring Rose doesn't. Kyle Korver is the new John Paxton, Steve Kerr (you get the picture).

Their lack of a legit scoring guard will become a problem deep in the playoffs but should be enough to finish with the best record in the East....GO BULLS!!!!!!

All Star Reserves..My Verdict

As far as the starting lineup is concerned my only issue is that the fans voted Yao Ming as the starting center and his career is practically over. But this article is about the reserves that made it and if they deserved to play in the Staples Center this year or not.

Eastern Conference

• Ray Allen - The all-time leader in 3's made. Adding Jesus to the roster is a must. Verdict: Good Choice

• Chris Bosh - Not putting up the same number as he did as a Raptor due to playing with better offensive player. Verdict: Absolutely not the spot belongs to Carlos Boozer

• Kevin Garnett - One of the greatest power forwards of all-time has resurged since his knee surgery. Verdict: Of course he deserved to go

• Paul Pierce - The Truth. Nothing but the truth. Celtics most clutch player. Verdict: Of course
• Al Horford - Solid number down south and also possesses a great post-up game. Verdict: Yes
• Joe Johnson - One of the best offensive talents in the League. Verdict: Good Choice
• Rajon Rondo - Was the early favorite for NBA until Derrick Rose took over. Verdict: Duh

Western Conference

• Deron Williams - Best PG in Utah since Stockton and one the best PG's the the League. Verdict: Again one of the best
• Russell Westbrook - Will probably finish top 5 in MVP voting. Verdict: Again MVP candidate
• Dirk Nowitzki - Runner up for Rose's MVP this year. Verdict: Of course
• Kevin Love - Bad team but you can't deny his stats. Verdict: Can't keep the leading the rebounder off this roster
• Blake Griffin - Karl Malone in training is MSBG. Verdict: Human highlight real was a must
• Pau Gasol - Fundamentally sound Spaniard. Verdict: Between he & Al Jefferson but Gasol gets the nod
• Manu Ginobili - Best Spurs offensive player this year. Verdict: All-Star moves deserves an all-star nod
• Tim Duncan - Greatest power forward of all-time. Does not have to put up huge numbers anymore. Verdict: Again greatest power forward of all-time

Potential Western All-Star Lineup

Next Thursday on TNT, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley will announce the starting lineup for the All-Star Game. The forward position in the Western Conference is without a doubt the toughest lineup to crack. Blake Griffin and Kevin Love deserve to start in the Staples Center but they must contend with the usual suspect which are 'Melo, Duncan, Dirk, and Pau Gasol. Rudy Gay and Al Jefferson are also gave great years but probably won't make the the lineup. With my view on the Eastern lineup in my previous blog here's who should start in the West:

F- Kevin Love - Forget to fact that his team is not winning there is no way the league's leading rebounder should be left out of LA. He also has the only 30 point 30 rebound game this season. He's a walking double-double part 1
F- Blake Griffin - MSBG aka Must See Blake Griffin.....highlight real is required nightly on ESPN and NBA TV but Karl Malone in training is also in the top ten in scoring and rebounding the the improved CLIPPERS. It also helps the game's at the Staple Center.  He's the other walking double-double part 2

C- Tim Duncan - The big fundamentals is boring but he's one of the best to ever play this game.
SG- Kobe Bryant - The real question will he win the games MVP
PG- Steve Nash - The Canadian seems to get better with age. His passes also are a highlight real plus he has unlimited range on his shot. 

Potential Eastern All-Star Lineup

When the all-stars gear up to play the annual game in the Staples Center next center fans are still voting for the starting lineup and as of today, Derrick Rose surpased Rondo for second place only trailing Dwayne Wade for the top spot in guard voting. Coaches get to add the reserves but if it were up to me, this would be the starting lineup for the Eastern Conference:

• PG - Derrick Rose - Leading candidate for MVP for the first place Central Bulls.
• SG - Dwayne Wade - What other shooting guard is better
• SF - LeBron James - Best overall player in the League....hands down!!!!!
• PF - Amare Stoudamire - Playing in the top market has led made him and MVP candidate for the improved Knicks.
• C -   Jokim Noah - Scoring and rebounding has improved each season. Top five in rebounding before hand surgery.

Against a monster proceeds an intentional unfortunate.

Against a monster proceeds an intentional unfortunate.