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. 

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. 

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 1st Time NBA All-Stars

With 2 months before the NBA All-Stars head to the Staples Center for the annual classic the usual suspects such as LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony have their spots secured. Every year players are snubbed and first time players are inducted as all-stars. Last year Derrick Rose, Gerald Wallace, and Deron Williams saw their first action but who are some the players that head to LA?

YES THEY'RE GOING

• Russell Westbrook - With averages of 23 ppg  8 assist 5rebounds he's definitely headed to Staples Center.

• Joakim Noah - Has improved every year in the league. Averaging a career high of 14 ppg and second in rebounding at 12. Expect him to backup Superman. 

• Kevin Love - The coaches should not penalize him because he plays for the Wolves. 20 ppg 15 rebounds...he's going home.

BARING INJURY FROM ANOTHER PLAYER THEY'RE GOING

• Blake Griffin - Karl Malone in training will have a tough time getting the nod over Dirk, Melo, Timmy, Gasol but it's hard to keep 20 ppg 11 rebounds out the lineup. He's also a fan favorite. 

• Monta Ellis - Just like Griffin Ellis has Bryant, Nash, DWill, CP3 to contend. He can only hope for the coaches or injury to get the nod. 

• Brook Lopez - Skills similar to Tim Duncan but unless Noah or Howard stay home, he's not going home. 18 ppg but should average more than 6 rebounds. 

• John Wall - Same story...has to contend with Wade, Rose, Rondo but it's hard denying his 17 ppg 9 assist and 2 steals per game. Then again AI didn't make it his rookie year as well. 

• Andrea Bargnani - Finally living up to his #1 draft pick billing and putting up 20 a night. 

MAYBE NEXT YEAR

• Brandon Jennings - Not even the best PG in his division or on I-94
• Eric Gordon - 24 a night but he plays for the Clippers. If they were a playoff team...yes
• Al Jefferson - Now that he's on a winning team this might be the year...or not 16 ppg 8 rebounds

NO CHANCE 

• Stephen Curry - Great range comes with is 21 PPG and 5 assist. Unfortunately he plays for the Warriors. 

• David Lee - Should have made it last year as a Knick but it will be much harder in the Western Conference. 15 PPG and 9 REB are down from last year. 

Blake Griffin is Karl Malone in Training

The 2010-2011 NBA season almost has a month under it's belt so I just wanted to take the time to reflect on what we've learned so far:

• As usual the Clippers are in mid-season form preparing for the 2011 Lottery but Blake Griffin is proving why he was chosen the top pick in 2009. This monster power forward has power, and is a great ball handler at his position. Griffin has the making to be the greatest power forward of all-time if he can remain healthy. Eric Gordon is also a promising limelight for the Clippers as several defender has taken fiscail slams from teh former Hoosier guard. Gordon is a power point guard who has improved since the FIBA Games. 

• Several more losses form teh Miami Heat and we can expect Pat Riley to become the next head coach of the new Big 3. I've always stated that there is no way Pat Riley puts this team together and not have the desire to coach them. If the Heat do not win this season, then Riley will coach this team next year. 

• Don't count out the San Antionio Spurs yet!!!!!!! Forget Tony Parker's off court issue this veteran team has at least one more title run in them. They're off to the best record in teh League at 10-1 and with a year under Pop's system, Richard Jefferson has found has game again. 

• Shannon Brown has a jump shot!!!!!! Working on his shooting was the best thing for the former Proviso East star. Brown's game is already explosive and his leaping ability is second to none. With his hops to go along with his new jump shot the only thing missing is better ball handling. 

• John Wall & JaVelle McGee are nice together...these two are the cornerstone of the Wizards future.

• Roy Hibbert is proven that he is an NBA player. He's currently leading the league in block shots. 

Rookie Guards Stepping Up

With Blake Griffin out until his knee heals, the rookie guards have truly stepped up their efforts attempting to make a run for ROY 2009-2010. Several first years guards such as Stephen Curry, Johnny Flynn have done well for Golden State and Minnesota but the three rookie guards that have impressed me during the early season are Tyreke Evans, Ty Lawson, and ROY front runner Brandon Jennings.  Let’s concentrate on those three guards for now and here’s what I’ve scene:

• Ty Lawson - Former Tarheel guard will gain the most experience by learning the game from Chauncey Billups. With the tutelage of Billups, Lawson will learn when to shoot, breakdown the defense, and when to take the big shot which will pay off in the long run when Billups time is up. Two weeks into the season and he’s already developing when to attack the rim…….just ask DJ

• Tyreke Evans - Labeled as one of the “Chosen One” since HS. The Kings had no choice but to stick Evans into the starting lineup and as a result, four straight wins along with a scoring average over 20 ppg. Evans style of play has always been NBA ready and the transition has not been dificult thus far. He’ll take a lot of L’s this year but he’ll score a ton.

• Brandon Jennings - He’s a clone of Kenny Anderson & Nick Van Exel. Expect the Compton PG to lead all rookies in assist and challenge Derrick Rose as the best point guard in the NBA Central. Right now Jennings only knows one speed but once he develops a half court game….scary!!!!! Oh….if you don’t think he’s real just ask the Golden State Warriors.

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......

NBA 2009-2010 Rookie of the Year is…..

With one week left to go before the NBA regular begins, Karl Malone in training aka Blake Griffin already has the Rookie of the Year trophy in his Los Angeles condo. Tyreke Evans and Brandon Jennings are nice and will also start but none will average a double double during the season as Griffin will. The 6′10 has the ball handling, strength, finess, back to the basket, and low post moves to become the next great power forward in NBA history. For the next 82 games, Griffin will have to deal with the likes of KG,  Duncan, Dirk, Brand, and company on a nightly basis. Expect Griffin to have a similar rookie year as former power forwards Derrick Coleman and Chris Webber whom also won Rookie of the Year back in 1990 and 1994.

Don't believe me...just ask DJ from the Lakers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CKqTyhR_sg