Another week in Hoops

My time in Los Angeles draws to a close but just because I'm on the west coast I've clearly been following what's going on in the basketball world. I finally got a chance to hoop in LA and the game is just as I anticipated. Strictly fast break without the flash-n-flare ball handling skills that's displayed in Chicago as well as the NYC. Overall I stand my claim Chicago truly does have the best ball players my city has the best overall players in the country and have the most heart. Let it be known the NBA MVP does hail from the Windy City.

Speaking of the Windy City, props to Derrick Rose for being pissed of at the Indiana Pacer for celebrating on the United Center floor after defeating the Chicago Bulls earlier this week. The rest of the club should have been just as upset Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen would have not allowed the other team to celebrate on our home court. Once again that just shows the Chicago mentality when it comes to basketball WE DO THIS!!!!!!!!

I have no idea what's going on with my Fighting ILLINI?!?!? It seems once they're ranked, that's when they start losing. This team is young but it starts and ends with Meyers Leonard who needs to become more dominant in the post. The legit 7'0 center has pro potential but is not using his skills at all times. DJ Richardson & Brandon Paul have shown promise but still this teams needs to do better or they'll end up in the NIT like they did two years ago.

The D-League of College Basketball aka the Kentucky Wildcats are once again #1 in the nation. The Cats are clicking and Anthony Davis is playing like 2012 #1 NBA pick that everyone projects. Expect this group to cut down the nets in April.

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 

Bulls Down 2-0

MVP...MVP...MVP...MVP

The Chicago Bulls are down two games to none in the best of seven series against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Game 1 was a game to forget as the Cavs just toyed with the Bulls. In game one, the Bulls cut the lead to six with 6 minuets to go after being down by as much as 22. From that point LeBron proved that he is the king to secure the Cavs the victory.

Tonight Derrick Rose and the Bulls played tough and even took the lead in the 4th quarter. Pooh proved once he develops a jump shot that he'll become the best point guard in the League over CP3, Westbrook, DWILL, and Young Money. J. Noah was the leading scorer tonight with 23 but if he's the Bulls leading scorer.....that's a problem!!!!! Game 3 is Thursday at the United Center and the Bulls will bring the same fire they did tonight at Quicken Loans but this time secure the victory.

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. 

Bulls vs. Pistons Tonight

Tonight at the United Center the Detroit Pistons play the Chicago Bulls and I WILL BE THERE!!!!!! This will mark the first meeting between these two clubs this year but this game has a special meaning as it marks the return of Ben Gordon where he called the United Center home from 2004-2009. That's the national story behind this game.

From a local standpoint, Former Craine Star and fellow south sider Will Bynum will display his handles in front of the home crowd. I'm sure he'll get a pretty good ovation from those who followed him from Hales, Craine, Pro Amms, Azizona, Georgia Tech, D-League, Overseas, finally the NBA. Last year I took my nephew to the game and we ended up meeting Will after the game. The Bynum vs. Rose matchup should be interesting because I know Rodney Stuckey has no idea how to guard Derrick Rose. You can view the photos on my photo page here.

Well it's late and view my blog tomorrow for my recap of the game.