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. 

USA Basketball Recap

With Kevin Durant's game winning block against Spain a few night ago, Team USA remained undefeated in International play. Team USA is in the pursuit for their first gold medal since 1994. Chicago's own Derrick Rose dominated down the stretch hitting clutch free throws and finishing strong with the left hand (and one).

Ricky Rubio impressed me the most as he showed why the Minnesota drafted him fifth in the 2009 NBA Draft Draft. Rubio reminds me of a taller version of Steve Nash minus the 3-point range. Spain and USA have become quite a rivalry the past five years and I can pretty much say these two teams will meet in the World Basketball Finals.

Without Howard, Boozer, Bosh, Team USA has to rely on Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez, and Kevin Love as their big man. This current group is more athletic than the Redeem Team but not as talented. Kevin Durant is the new leader of this group according to the coaching staff and the media but Big Shot Chauncey Billups is the one these young ball players need to listen to.

Way too many slashers in this group and not enough big men and shooters. Therefore when the next cuts take place, Coach K should say goodbye to Russel Westbrook, Ruddy Gay, and Danny Grainger. Reasons being Curry, Gordan, Billups are the shooters. Rose, Rondo play the lead guard. Odom, Wallace, and Iggie are the athletic do everything forwards.

The group is good enough to win the gold along with the 2012 Olympics but they better not take Spain for granted.

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. 

Playoffs or NBA Lottery

With two games left to go in the season I have a dilemma with my Chicago Bulls about tanking the last two games and heading into the lottery or landing the final playoff spot only to face LeBron James in the opening round. Let's view both sides:

Missing the playoffs: If the Bulls miss the playoffs, they end up with a lottery pick and we all know what happened the last time Chicago was in the lottery. ESPN 100 Radio here in Chicago believe the draft that year was rigged because Derrick Rose declared that year and this year local product and potential #1 pick Evan Turner declared this past Tuesday. The potential of having a Turner & Rose back-court would drive ticket sales at the United Center though the roof and they would really compliment each other since they both have excellent handles, great athleticism, and a Chicago swagger that no other city can handle. Not only would this city have the best back-court in the NBA for years to come, we still have plenty of money to offer Chris Bosh or Amaire Stoudamire this summer. Most importantly, they avoid getting swept by LeBron James in round one.

Making the playoffs: Their playoff experience should be better and more matured after last season's seven game series against Boston. Last year Boston didn't have KG but face the Cavs, the Bulls will face Shaq, LeBron, and Antawn Jamison. Those are three miss matches that will pound the undersized Bulls. Derrick Rose will have his way with Sebastian Telfair and Mo Williams but that's pretty much where the Bulls win. Which Chicago Bulls team will show up...the team that lost the the New Jersey Nets twice this season or the one who overachieves on the court at times.

My Verdict: Miss the playoffs even if we don't end up with the top two pick we still end up with a lottery pick with plenty of money to spend come July 1st.