Offseason Hoops Stories

One of the NBA's motto use to be "I Love This Game" well now that we're on day 75 on the lockout the new motto should be "I Miss This Game". I admire that several marquee players pros and college stars are seeking employment in the Euroleague but I want the NBA lockout over IMMEDIATELY!!!! Since the summer leagues have come to an end and negioation are at a standstill, fans like myself will have to wait for Digger Phelps, Dick Vitale, Bobby Knight, and Steven Bardo for basketball to appear again on television. Let's take a look at some of stories this offseason/lockout:

• Turkey has become the new hot country for U.S. players to ball. Deron Williams, Demetri McCamey, Sherron Collins are playing there but DWill is the only player with the out clause once the lockout ends. Allen Iverson played there briefly last year. The competition has picked up in Turkey as well.
• Rucker Park has lost it's flavor as the best summer ball. The Drew League in LA was the most talked about league this summer have players like Brandon Jennings, Kevin Durant, John Wall, and Kobe Bryant play this summer.
• Chicago Pro Amms is now a joke. There were three leagues this summer, Marquette Park, South Suburban College, and my favorite Phoenix H.S. I never made it to the Marquette Park games this summer but I heard they were pretty intense but the few times I've attended South Suburban, it's not even a glimpse of IIT. South Suburban charges and they don't even have the marquee names to attract the crowds. Phoenix H.S. was the closet thing to IIT drawing up & coming Chicago stars like Jerome Randle, Sherron Collins, Oris Eldridge, Jermey Pargo, Royce Parren with cameo appearances by Will Bynum. No NBA players played at Phoenix and most notably, south side players did not play. All the game at Phoenix were intense (especially Sherron vs. David Bailey) with a Pro Amm like atmosphere with the crowds chanting WHAT WHAT WHAT!!!!!!!!
• Unlike 1998, players are bound together and are a lot smarter in 2011. Player President Derrick Fisher wrote a letter to the players in the League updating them on what's going on during the negotiations and wants them to remain sharp and hopefully they'll get back to work soon.
• Marquee underclassmen being smart and deciding to remain in college rather than turn pro. The 2012 NBA Draft is going to be one of the most loaded draft classes in NBA history.
• In conclusion..........I MISS THIS GAME

NBA Draft Recap - Part 1

This is a 3 part blog that I'll talk about regarding the 2011 NBA Draft

Last Thursday the annual NBA Draft took place in New Jersey and to nobody's surprise, the Cleveland Cavaliers took Kyrie Irving with the first pick. Coach Byron Scott played poker with the media but finally reveled his has when they drafted the former one & done freshmen from Duke. Why Irving was chosen first even though he only played eight games all year is simple: much like the quarterback in football, point guard is the most important position in basketball and they're an extension of the coach on the floor. Had Irving been healthy during the season, Duke easily defeats Arizona and most likely would have advanced to the Final 4 this past March.

Derrick Rose and John Wall were the previous point guards selected first overall and are the leaders on their team. With the departure of LeBron James last summer, Kyrie Irving realizes he's no Lebron but he has to put the city of Cleveland and the Cavaliers on his back. That's the cost of being drafted 1st overall. The verdict is still out if his turf toe injury is completely healed but when healthy, Irving has lighting speed, low turnover ratio, and extremely athletic. With this new team, he should not have any problem taking over the leadership (this team lost 26 consecutive games) since he hails from a winning high school & college program. Most scout are comparing him to Chris Paul but I see a more athletic Kevin Johnson in Irving. Remember KJ was a scoring PG who also dished 10 assist per game.

The only drawback I see is can the newly number one pick handle losing because he'll loose more games next season than he did in high school and college combined. 

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. 

Who is the best NBA Point Guard

With the NBA season less than 10 games the point guards have dominated this season. If the MVP award were given today, several point guard are making strong cases. The question so far this season and asked by Kenny Smith..."Who is the best point guard in the NBA"? Well lets meet the contestants:

*For argument sakes Chris Paul & Deron Williams will not be mentioned*

• Brandon Jennings - Young Money is not having a sophomore slump already dropping a triple double in the first week. Some say the Kenny Anderson clone is the best point guard in the Central Division. Once his jump shot matches his quickness and passing ability, you'll have to consider the Compton native one of the best. 14pts 7ast 4 reb

• Russell Westbrook - The FIBA game did wonders for the former guard out of UCLA. He's not a true point guard but very explosive and finishes very hard at the rim. Compliments Kevin Durant very well. 20ppg 7ast 6reb

• Derrick Rose - "I WANT TO BE MVP" That's what Pooh said in the latest issue of SLAM. Already strong, fast, explosive, great passer. So far Simeon's finest has proven to be a leader of this team and is not afraid of Miami. He worked on his jump shot over the summer and if automatic, he'll be the king of the PGs hands down. Expect him to be in the running for MVP all season long. 27ppg 8ast 5reb

• Rajon Rondo - Right now the Black Irish PG is not only the best player on his team, but if the MVP award were given today Rondo would win it in a landslide. Rondo is a classic lead guard and has dished out 60 assist over 4 games (Stockton being the other). Still has a tendency to over dribble but his passing ability is second to none. Jason Kidd never worked on his jumper and he's one of the best ever. 11pppg 16ast 6reb

• John Wall - Whatever John Calipari is doing it's amazing. Flashes of Derrick Rose are completely accurate. Speed, finisher, #1 overall pick, athleticism, court vision, potential rookie of the year. FYI...he's only a rookie. 

NBA Lottery Mock Draft

Everybody will get the first two picks right but what about the rest of the lottery? Here's where I'll think these players will go based by team's need:

1. Washington Wizards: Need PG: My Selection - John Wall
2. Philiadelphia 76ers: Need Shooting Guard: My Selection - Evan Turner
3. New Jersey Nets: Need PF-SF-SG: My Selection - DeMarcus Cousins
4. Minnesota Timberwolves: Need SF: My Selection Wesley Johnson
5. Sacramento Kings: Need PF-PG: My Selection Derrick Favors
6. Golden State Warriors: Need C: My Selection - Greg Monroe
7. Detroit Pistons: PF-C: My Selection - Kole Aldrich
8. Los Angeles Clippers: SF: My Selection Al Farouqq Aminu
9. Utah Jazz: Need PF: My Selection Ed Davis
10. Indiana Pacers Needs PG: My Selection - Eric Bledsoe
11. New Orleans Hornets: Need SF My Selection - Paul George
12. Memphis Grizzlies: Needs PF: My Selection - Daniel Orton
13. Toronto Raptors: Needs PF My Selection - Patrick Patterson
14. Houston Rockets: Needs SF My Selection - Gordon Hayward

Tune in Thursday to ESPN for the official Draft selection.

2010 NBA Draft

Thursday marks the annual NBA Draft in Madison Square Garden. My prediction for the top three are John Wall, Evan Turner, and DeMarcus Cousins.

It's late but check back tomorrow as I predict the NBA Lottery and where will Sherron Collins & Jerome Randle will end up. 

Wizards Win Lottery - Conference Finals Recap

Congratulations to the Washington Wizards for winning the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery tonight in New Jersey. This team's 2009-2010 season was not a good one by dealing with the death of longtime owner Abe Polen, trading the core of their team (Antwan Jamison, Caron Butler, Brendon Hayword, and Deshawn Stevenson), followed by the season long suspensions of Javaris Crittenton for gun play. The upside for this franchise is that this team is young and now have the opportunity to draft John Wall or Evan Turner. The main question is with this young team do they draft Wall then trade Agent Zero who has a monster contract that no owner wants to touch. My theory is that the Wizards buy him out then let Arenas pursue other interest with another ball club then start fresh with John Wall as their point guard for the future. Wizard's assistant coach Sam Cassell will make sure John Wall learn the lead guard position from an NBA champion guard.

Game 1 of the NBA conference finals are complete as the Lakers and Celtics were both victorious. The Phoenix Sun could not find an answer for Kobe Bryant who dropped 40 who also made Grant Hill fall off this crossover. I'm not upset that he missed the floater but he still should have converted. The almost highlight of the game was Shannon Brown almost dunking over Michigan State alum Jason Richardson but took off too early. I was also very impressed with Derick Fisher's defense on Steve Nash after getting abused by Russell Westbrook and Deron Williams in the previous series. Game two is tomorrow at the Staples Center.

Boston Celtics took a 2 game to zero lead over the Orlando Magic tonight down in South Florida. At one point the Magic had a one-point lead but KG hit a key fade away shot over Dwight Howard (good defense...better offense). After a smart foul on Vince Carter by Paul Pierce which was his sixth, Vince had the opportunity to but his club up one with less than a minuet but the former Tar Heel had a Nick Anderson moment and missed both free throws. At the end, Orlando had to go the length of the court but Jameer Nelson missed a half-court 3 to send the game to overtime.

Both series are over and I'm already prepared for a Celtics-Lakers Finals.

Underclassmen Declare for 2010 NBA Draft

Now that college basketball is done for this year, the coaching carousel is taking place along with underclassmen declaring for the NBA Draft even if they're not ready. This week several notable underclassmen declared for the Draft with the obvious Evan Turner and John Wall headlining this year's class. John Calapari has the toughest assignment as his entire starting lineup declared and will most likely be drafted in the 1st round. Here is my take on the underclassmen that has declared so far:

•  Evan Turner - Unless the Jazz or Hornets, or Bulls land the top pick, he's a lock for #2
• John Wall -  A lock for #1 unless Utah, Chicago, New Orleans draft 1st.
• DeMarcus Cousins - Elton Brand clone is a lock for a top 5 pick.
• Lance Stephenson - Born Ready needs another year in school but will be selected in round one.
• Kole Aldrich - Big body, great rebounder = top 10 pick
• Willie Warren - Undersized shooting guard will get drafted in the late 1st round or early 2nd round
• Eric Bledsoe - Had a great tournament and has moved into a top ten slot
• Daniel Orton - A star on another ball club but took a backseat to Cousins. Late 1st round pick
• Patrick Patterson - Has gotten better each year and is a lock for a late 1st round pick
• Avery Bradley - NOT READY....NEED TO STAY IN SCHOOL
• Xavier Henry - NBA ready....1st round pick but a lock for 2011 top 5 pick had he returned to Lawrence

ILLINI Snubbed - Dance Begins Thursday

Now that the brackets have been revealed topled Kansas is the top overall seed followed by Kentucky, Syracuse, and Duke. West Virginia and Ohio State made strong cases of landing the final number one seed but they gave it to Coach K.

Why is Illinois playing in the NIT rather than the NCAA? Simple they lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers (at home) torwards the end of the season followed by losses to Purdue, Ohio State, and Wisconsin. Then defeat the Badgers in the first round of the Big 10 tourney followed by a double overtime loss to the Buckeys. What makes matters worse is that the Gophers reached the finals in Indianapolis doomed Bruce Weber's chances. Good luck against Stony Brook in the Not Invited Tournament

Expect Kansas State, Villanova, Kentucky, and Kansas to reach the final for with Sherron Collins cutting down the nets. He'll finally get a piece of John Wall.

Weekend Recap

Let me start off by saying I'm not a fan of hockey but I did watch the USA/Canada Gold Medal game and I'm disappointed and proud of the young USA Hockey team. Now back to the show............

I'm know I'm wrong for typing this but I'm rooting against the Nets. I want them to set the all-time record for most losses in a season. The Celtics must have went out the night before and came in a the crack of dawn because they forgot to bring their "C" game against New Jersey. The bench of the Boston Celtics alone can destroy the New Jersey Nets starting five. My Chicago Bulls keep showing mix signals by defeating the Portland Trailblazers on Friday night then last night losing to the Lottery bound Indiana Pacers. Playing to the level of your competition will not work in the L.

Speaking of playing to the level of the competition, Fighting ILLINI pretty much punch it's ticket to the NIT after a bad loss at home to Minnesota 62-60. I've said this before but for the ILLNI this season, it's whatever but next season pencil in Illinois as a top ten team with Lenord Myles, Mike Davis, Jereme Richmond, Brandon Paul, and Demetri McCamey with Crandle Head and DJ Richardson coming off the bench.

The nation's top two teams suffered losses this weekend as well as Kansas fell to Oklahoma State and Kentucky lost to Tennessee. Bottom line, Kentucky and Kansas will still be seeded #1 two weeks from today. Side note: Good for Sherron Collins calling John Wall a little boy. I hope these two teams meet in the finals.

There is plenty of basketball to watch this week (especially college ball) so I will see you guy later.

TOMORROW IS A GOOD DAY TO HOOP!!!!!!

All-Star Recap - Trading Deadline

What did I learn about this weekend...this has been one of the worse all-star weekends in recent history. For starter no Bryant, CP3, or Brandon Roy. The dunk off was a complete joke...A slasher wins the 3-point contest. The most disappointing event in Dallas was the dunk contest. Shannon Brown had better dunks in Proviso East than he did in Dallas. The best dunk of the contest was the Demar dunk of the side of the backboard for a windmill. Nate Robinson did what I expected him to do. Nothing creative but he got the job done to secure his title. Derrick Rose did not defend his skills title but did play in the ASG. The 2003 class dominated the ASG and they all should have walked away with the MVPs.

With the second half beginning tonight, Marcus Camby is now a Blazer. This is huge because Portland now has a legit center on their roster until Greg Oden returns next season. It wouldn't surprise me if Portland jumped all the way to the 5th seed. Will "Da Thrill" Bynum had a career high 14 assist against Minnesota tonight. Glad to see Will is finally playing the point the right way.

In college John Wall and Kentucky got a scare against Mississippi State and were down by 7 with 3 minuets left to go. But like true Final 4 contenders, the Wildcats pulled through with the overtime victory. Tom Izzo & Tom Cream had a mini reunion but once the game begin, Michigan State were the ones that left the court smiling. Indiana Hoosiers will be bad for a least two more seasons. Thanks Sampson.

Finally pray that coach George Karl has a speedy recovery and good luck Bulls tomorrow night in MSG.

Weekend Recap

With the rest of the world (including me) watching the Super Bowl, I have not neglected my hoops obligations, just this blog. Now that the week is up let me tell you what I've learned this week:

• I have no idea what to expect from the Bulls. They win 5 straight against playoffs teams then loose their next 3. Two against bad teams (Clippers, Sixers)
• U of Texas is overrated...Ever since they lost their #1 ranking they're dropped 3 out of the last 5. Expect a loss against Kansas tomorrow night. 
• ILLINI.....The victory against Michigan State was huge for there tourney resume but I still expect them to be the 5th Big 10 team to make the dance
• U of Kentucky...The entire starting 5 will enter the 2010 draft with John Wall going 1st along with Cousins & Favors being lottery picks
• Pac 10 Basketball is a joke....California & Washington were supposed to be top 25 teams all years but like their conference, they stink
• Chris Paul is not coming back this year...serious knee injury should shut CP3 down until 2011....4-6 weeks yeah right
• The Lakers have a team (without Kobe)...Last night's victory at Portland without Black Mamba proved the Champs have fire power
• Finally............Since I lived in New Orleans for 5 years....GO SAINTS!!!!

New #1 Goes Down

The newly crowned #1 Kentucky Wildcats receive an encouraging phone call from President Obama on maintaining being on top. As a result John Wall & Co. did not play like a number one team against South Carolina. The end result the student body rushes the floor as South Carolina pulled off the SEC upset. The highlight of the game was a vicious crossover from Devin Downey (30 pts) and finished high off the glass. It doesn't matter because UK will still be seeded #1 come March.

Kentucky Wildcats did not learn from the Lakers when interacting with the Commander in Chief. Yesterday Kobe Bryant and the Lakers met President Obama then today handled business against the Washington Wizards. The two highlights of the game was an nice wrap from Mike Miller along with Shannon Brown finishing a lob pass.

Jalen Rose & Jimmy King were in Ann Arbor to see Michigan play Michigan State. I thought the Wolverines would steel the victory but Big 10 POY Kalin Lucas hit a jumper with a few seconds left to seal the victory. I don't know what was louder the student body at Ann Arbor or Jalen Rose's red sports coat.

TNT announces the all-star reserves this Thursday and I'm really pulling for Derrick Rose to make the game.

Players of the Week

Congrats to Velvet Hoop aka Kevin Durant for being named Western Conference player of the week. I predict the Thunder star will lead the league in scoring next season. I'm sure if Portland could do it over again, they would have drafted Durant. After watching his Thunder beat my Bulls at the United Center on Monday, the Thunder will make the playoffs this year as an 8th seed then get worked by the Lakers. 


Derrick Rose was named Eastern Conference player of the week for averaging 28 per night. With the departure of Ben Gordon it's about time the 2008 #1 pick stepped his game up because the scoring is not coming from John Salmon. My prediction is that when it's all said and done, Rose will be the top point guard in the league over Paul, Williams, Jennings, and Westbrook, and John Wall.


No comment of Agent Zero

Father of CE3 turns 33 - UK Assist Record

A majority of this blog has nothing to do with hoops but I want to wish a happy 33rd birthday to Champ aka Brain. Not only is this guy the greatest friend in all seven continents but he's soon to be the father of CE3. In case you're wondering 17 years from now CE3 will become the #1 prep player in the country. I stand by what I say and if you don't believe me ask Brain or Rasheda.

John Wall made it clear tonight that he'll be the clear cut #1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Mr. Wall dished out 16 assist against Hartford and also had a few highlight worthy dunks. The back door lob Mr. Wall's dunk was SportsCenter Top 10 worthy. What does that highlight have to do with Brain....simple CE3 will be doing those types of dunks by the time that child turns 15.

Rasheda everything was fantastic and for those following..hoops training for CE3 begins exactly one day after the 5th birthday.