Shaq in Boston - Pippen HOF Week

Basketball might be over but there was still plenty of action that took place in the NBA the past two weeks so let's recap:

Two former Chicago Crane high schools point guards signed NBA contracts. Will Bynum re-signed with the Detroit Pistons which was a solid move by Joe Dumars because now Rodney Stuckey has a quality backup lead guard in Bynum. I've seen Will "Da Thrill" play since he was 15 and don't be surprised if Stuckey is the one coming off the bench. Remember against the Wizards "Da Thrill" was one assist away from tying Isiah Thomas mark for most dimes in a game. Will has also gotten better every year in has career and I'm always happy when Chi-Town players do well.

After not being drafted in this year's NBA Draft, Sherron Collins signed a two-year deal with the Charlotte Bobcats. Collins will have the chance to compete with Shaun Livingston for the backup point guard spot. With Livingston's history of not being able to remain healthy, the former Kansas All-American should fit well with the young Cats. Somewhere Anthony Longstreet and Tim Anderson are proud of these guys. Both Collins & Bynum have strong handles but Collins is a better shooter.

Speaking of Bynum, hopefully he can rack up plenty of assist with his new teammate Tracy McGrady. After discussions with the Bulls did not fall though, the former scoring champ signed a 1-year deal in Motor City. If T-Mac can give the Pistons 20 mpg or 15 PPG, he'll be a lock for Comeback POY. Let's hope that back holds up.

Double honors for the greatest sidekick in NBA history Scottie Pippen. Yesterday Pippen asked the G.O.A.T. to stand with him while being inducted into Springfield. Growing up in Chicago, I've had the pleasure of seeing the development of #33 until his retirement with the Bulls in 2004. The Rocket and Blazers years do not count. During the 90s' the basketball debate was who the was second best player? The answer was Scottie Pippen. Durant, McGrady, Horry, Rudy Gay, LeBron should all thank Pippen as he reinvented the point forward position.  Congrats Scottie!!!!!!!!

Eastern Conference Supremacy

 With Shannon Brown re-signing with the Champs along with the addition of Matt Barnes, Steve Blake, and Theo Ratliff, the Lakers will waltz through the Western Conference and make their fourth consecutive trip to the NBA Finals. Their opponent remains to be determined as the Eastern Conference has reloaded. The Celtics, Heat, Bulls, Hawks, and Magic will beat each other up all season long but only one will face Kobe in June. Let's take a look at the contenders:

Atlanta Hawks: Swept by LeBron James the past two years the Hawks will most likely get swept this year as they have not imporved their roster during this free agancy period. Re-signing Joe Johnson was huge but a team full of wing players and an aging point guard will result in this team not representing the Eastern Conference.

Chicago Bulls: Not since Elton Brand traded to the Clippers the Bulls answered their low post answers by signing Carlos Boozer who should provide 20 points 10 rebounds at best. Chicago missed out signing JJ Reddick but added Kyle Korver for long distance shooting and Corey Brewer who's a defensive minded shooting guard. With the best young point guard in the League and Noah improving every year the Bulls should be the third or fourth best team in the East at best. CJ Watson is the backup point guard but I'm not sold on him.

Orlando Magic: Adding Chris Duhon finally give Jameer Nelson the quality backup he's needed since Rafer Alson. Re-signing JJ Reddick along with the addition of Quentin Richardson gives the Magic long distance shooting. If Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis have another disappearing act as they did against the Celtics, don't expect the Magic to return to the NBA Finals. Hopefully Superman learned some offensive moves from assistant coach Patrick Ewing.

Miami Heat: The winner of the 2010 free agency period appears to be the best team in the Eastern Conference.....on paper. The addition of LeBron James and Chris Bosh along with resigning Dwayne Wade spells trouble plus an increase in ticket sales. An extremely week bench means the three superstars will work extra hard for all 82 games. The addition of Mike Miller and the experience of Juwan Howard and Eddie House helps but not that much. Remember Wade and House are the only player on this team with championship rings.

Boston Celtics: The Black Irish are my predictions to win the  Eastern Conference. They're the only team that can play in the all-star game and legends game the same day. Adding the two O'Neals (Shaq & Jermaine) is a huge upgrade over the loss of Rasheed Wallace. Shaq will start until Kendrick Perkins returns but if he and Jermaine can play 20 minuets a game would be huge. Rondo will continue to run the team but this might be the last run for the future hall of fame line up of Shaq, KG, Pierce, and Allen.

Final 4 NBA Free Agents

With the 2010 NBA Free Agency buzz pretty much dead, there remains four former mega stars that have yet to find new NBA homes. Stephon Marbury who last played in China is still on the market, former scoring champs Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, and Shaquille O'Neal are also waiting on that phone call from an NBA GM. At this point in their careers, these players must realize whatever team picks them up, they're no longer the #1 option on offense. Here's my take to the four free agents available:

1. T-Mac: Ten years ago T-Mac turned down the Bulls to sign with the Orlando Magic and only lasted with that organization for 4 years. This week T-Mac worked out with the Bulls and even has Derrick Rose and newly acquired Kurt Thomas saying positive things. Even McGrady talked as if he were already a part to this team. If McGrady can give the Bulls 20 minuets a night, that's fine with me. Hope he signs.
2. SHAQ - At this point in the career of the Big Cactus, he's slow, lost his scoring ability, and lost the work ethic to play a full 82 games. Reports are the Atlanta Hawks will pick up the Diesel. We all know there's no going back to Cleveland. 
3. Starbury - If the NBA were only a 1-on-1 game, Marbury would make A-Rod money. Over the years this shoot first point guard has found it difficult to catch on to an NBA team whereas he played his 2009-2010 season in China....WOW!!!!!! If Starbury can change his tone he could become a decent backup for...........The Miami Heat. He's cheap but still an excellent passer and ball handler (he's a NYPG duh) and he'll have no choice but to know his role.
4. The Answer - AI revolutionized the game today because all the young ball player emulate his version of the crossover, the shoot first point guard, and stat stuffing. After a brief retirement last season the Sixers resigned him only to send him home a few months later. This 1st ballot HOF player should sign with a team that's on the cusp on an NBA Championship. The clock is ticking AI!!!!!     

Michael Finley, Sam Cassell, Clyde Drexler, Dennis Rodman are former stars that signed with championship teams which resulted in a ring. Let's hope these 4 player are smart enough to do the same. 

Opening Nignt 2009

"WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP"                                           Doc Rivers before tonights game

Four games opened the brand new NBA season started with the debut of Shaq in Cleveland teaming with LeBron James as they faced off against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics steal this one in Cleveland and the highlight of the game was LeBron's block on Rondo as he thought he has a clear cut dunk. Boston is on a mission to win title #18 but Cleveland needs to add another scorer to take the load of LeBron.

Both Wizards & Trailblazers were also victorious and that's all you need to know. Gilbert Arenas is back and Greg Oden played a full game without getting hurt. 

Finally in Los Angeles......Magic, Kareem, Tex Winters, and Rick Fox were among the Laker greats who were present as Kobe collected ring #4 and the Laker franchise raised banner #15 overall. Without Blake Griffin for 6-8 weeks the best players on the floor for the Clippers were Eric Gordon & Sebastian Telfair. I think Telfair will be alright playing in LA backing up Baron Davis because if he fails, he's out the league like his cousin.

Just two more days until my Bulls open up the season at the United Center against the Spurs. Hope Pooh & Co. can pull this one out. Still can't believe Captain Kirk was named the team captian. Oh well......