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.

What Basketball has taught me so far....

With the big Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers game headed this Christmas at the Staples Center, we would have completed two months worth of NBA ball and with college basketball just about wrapping up non-conference play, here's what I've learned..

• Kemba Walker is the best player in college basketball and a future lottery pick. The UCONN Huskies are the surprise of the Big East. With a fast start, they're not ranked in the top 5. It starts and ends with the Bronx PG.

• Kyle Irving should stay in school because a 3 guard lineup with Austin Rivers-Kyle Irving-Seth Curry is flat out scary.

• Illinois is my Final 4 sleeper but a bad loss to Illinois-Chicago then again to Missouri now  make me wonder going into conference play are they the best Big 10 team in the state.
• Speaking of Illinois teams in the Big 10, this is finally the year Northwestern does play in the big dance. 

• Unless the Miami Heat land a point guard via trade, they will not represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. 

• Don't count out the former champions Spurs & Celtics. Both teams have a lot of miles on them but they're both off to a great start. Let's hope their health holds up come playoff time. 

• The Dallas Mavericks are making a strong case that they're not only the best team in Texas, Western Conference, but in the NBA. Other than Tyson Chandler, no other Maverick is committed to defense.

• Dirk, Amare Stoudamire are the biggest impacts on they're team and have a strong case for MVP but the trophy belongs to Derrick Rose. 

• The new NBA rules are terrible and the Lakers are still the best team in the NBA...they're just bored until the playoffs. 

2010 Free Agency Recap

The Catch, The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, The Jose Mesa Error, The Decision...that describes Cleveland sports...LeBron James announcement is simply known as "The Decision"

The superpowers are now a trio. That trio is Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James. I believe these three have planned on being teammates since the 2003 NBA Draft. The Miami Heat also traded away Michael Beasley to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second round draft pick. Besides the superpowers, Mario Chalmers and newly signed Mike Miller are the only other Heat player on their roster. I still believe the Magic and Celtics are better than the Heat with the Bulls challenging them for the third best team in the Eastern Conference. The rest of the Heat will consist of D-League players which is why I don't see the Heat winning a championship soon.

My Chicago Bulls were not shutout of the 2010 free agency class. The Bulls inked Carlos Boozer for 5 years which is the low post scorer that the Bulls have been missing since Elton Brand. Kyle Korver also signed with the Bulls. I like their chances in the Eastern Conference now even with the superpowers.

I have no idea what Amare Stoudamire was thinking by leaving the Suns for the Knicks......oh $100 million would make anybody leave for a new team. Good luck being in the Lottery because Melo is not coming in 2011. David Lee also completed a sign-and-trade to Golden State. He has 20-11 written all over him.

2010 NBA Free Agents

With the NBA free agency period beginning in 24 hours, not only is this the greatest free agency class in NBA history sports history period. Never have there been so many franchises attempting to dump salary for the rights to land a LeBron, D-Wade, Stoudamire, Boozer, and many more star quality power. With Paul Pierce opting out of his deal in Boston I will predict where the top 10 free agents will most likely land. I predict Pierce will re-sign with Boston similar to what A-Rod did with the Yankees.

1. LeBron James - Ohio player finally leaves the nest and arrives in Chicago and fills the void to but the young Bulls over to top to Eastern Conference supremacy.
2. Dwyane Wade - South Beach or Homecoming...My prediction is that the 2006 NBA Finals returns home. 
3. Chris Bosh - Not Toronto...Chicago or Miami are the likely destination for the lefty Texan 20-10 power forward. 
4. Dirk Nowitzki - Hard to imagine the 2007 MVP playing elsewhere. He stays with Mark Cuban. 
5. Amar'e Stoudamire - Miami to possibly team with D-Wade assuming he stays otherwise a reunion with Coach D in New York. 
6. Carlos Boozer - Staying in Utah is the best move but teaming with LeBron wherever he lands seems more fitting. Just like 5 years ago, it's all about the highest bidder. 
7. Joe Johnson - Just like Phoenix 5 years ago, the highest bidder will land this dynamic shooting guard.
8. Paul Pierce - A-Rod move...The Truth will get a better payday from the Celtics for less years. 
9. Ray Allen - Pure shooting guard will probably stay with Boston but the Bulls should make a run as Jesus still has game.
10. David Lee - Former Florida Gator has turned into a nice 20-10 guy for the Knicks. Too soon to tell but expect Lee to play for a contender in the Western Conference when the season starts. 

Celtics - Lakers in Trouble?

Don't prepare for the Lakers-Celtics finals just yet. Monday night in Boston, the Black Irish could not send Superman and the Orlando Magic fishin' just yet as Rajon Rondo was finally outplayed at the point guard position by his counterpart Jameer Nelson. The Big 3 for the Celtics along with Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, and Rashard Lewis are the Magic's version of the "Big 3" but the key to this series starts and end with the Nelson vs. Rondo battle. Paul Pierce missed two 3 point shot under a minute to play but the biggest question is why didn't Ray Allen take that final shot. If the Magic win a pivotal game 5 tomorrow, expect this series to got the distance.

The Lakers took the Suns lightly and now find themselves tied 2-2 against Phoenix. The Stoudamire & Nash combination was ok but the bench for Los Suns were the deciding factor tonight. Kobe Bryant is probably giving his teammates a good lashing as he was the only offensive force for the defending champs. Phil Jackson's crew is only .500 on the road but great when playing at the Staples Center.

I'm still predicting a Celtics-Lakers finals but it's just taking a little bit longer.

Better Duo:Steve Nash & Amare Stoudamire or John Stockton & Karl Malone

While watching the Phoenix Suns take a 2-0 advantage lead over the San Antonio Spurs I've noticed that Steve Nash and Amare Stoudamire are the new John Stockton and Karl Malone duo. No matter how many time you try to stop the pick and pop or pick and roll, the results end up a jump shot, lob pass, or slam dunk.

My question is who runs the play better Stave Nash and Amare Stoudamire or John Stockton and Karl Malone?

1. Steve Nash & Amare Stoudamire highlight reel
2. John Stockton & Karl Malone highlight reel