NBA Preseason Cancelled

With college basketball just around the corner and Euro-league in full swing, the NBA cancelled the remaining preseason schedule on Tuesday in a move that surprised nobody. Some players have made the smart career/financial choice by playing overseas which makes sense because not every NBA player has a max contract. Things got intense this week that David Stern and Dwayne got into a verbal shouting match (would have love to been a fly on the wall). Bottom line these are millionaires fighting billionaires and in the end the biggest losers, are the fans.

Well not much pro hoops to talk but I will forecast the upcoming college basketball season real soon.

The NBA....I MISS THIS GAME!!!!!

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. 

Bulls-Heat Eastern Conference Finals

After witnessing the bench mob led by Taj Gibson and his two dynamic dunks after, the Chicago Bulls resume play tonight hoping to go up two games on the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. The problem with the Heat is that their game is predictable....due to poor point guard play they're all about the transition baskets. They're probably one of the worst half court teams in the NBA because they rely so much on LeBron James or Dwayne Wade to go one-on-one.

Deng did a fantastic job neutralizing the two-time MVP LeBron James to only 15 points while Deng had 21. The Chicago Bulls defense also made sure after opening dunks by Wade & James, that would be the end of that. One only positive for Miami was Chris Bosh scoring 30 on Boozer (who's not know for his defense).

The Chicago Bulls must continue their strong defensive play by making sure they don't get into a track meet with Miami because they're one of the best transition teams in the League. Continue playing their half court game and making the extra pass for the high percentage shots. If Tom's crew is successful led by MVP Derrick Rose, Chicago will head down to South Beach up two games. 

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.