The Return of the NYC Point Guard

One of the things I've enjoyed watching in college basketball is a great point guard. The New York City point guard have always been exciting because they excellent ball handling, outstanding court vision, stellar at getting steals in the passing lane, but unfortunately most NYC lead guard lack a decent jump shot. 

Over the years I've enjoyed watching Ed Cota, Shaeen Holloway, Stephon Marbury, Andre Barrett, Taliek Brown, Omar Cook, God Shammgod, Rod Strickland, Mark Jackson, Kenny Smith. Rafer Alson, and my personal favorite Kenny Anderson. 

The excitement is back this year in college basketball as the Bronx native Kemba Walker has truly transformed his game. The biggest change in Walker's game is his ability to now hit the open jump shot as well as honing his already impressive ball-handling skills. Last week, Walker scored over 30 points in four straight games and has truly become a leader of the Huskies. At this rate I should expect Kemba to reach 1st team all-american and then depart to the NBA come June. He's not only the best lead guard in the nation but has proven to be the best guard this season. He will highlight SportsCenter every Huskie game and will probably finish this season with a 20 PPG average. 

Corey Fisher is also a typical NY PG but like his forefather, Fisher lacks a true jumper for the pro level but should have a great career overseas once his collegiate careers ends in March. 

Once their collegiate career ends, we'll have to wait until Jerron Love arrives on campus. 

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. 

Problems with the Miami Heat???

With the hype that the fans and media pretty much gave the Miami Heat the NBA Title before the season began, somebody forgot to tell the rest of the NBA that they must play the games. The new Big 3 are currently on a two game losing streak (both home losses) to the Utah Jazz and tonight to the Boston Celtics.

 When Pat Riley put this team together, he forgot to include a solid point guard, center and bench. This unit will have their share of blowout victories (like they did against Orlando) but their lack of not having a lead guard and bench will be the main reason this team will not win an NBA Title unless they address those issues. Deron Williams made a case why he's one of the best point guards in the lead but dictating the pace of the game. Tonight Rondo added 16 assist and the Heat were not able to control him. Chris Bosh is doing double duty playing the 4 & 5 positions and his stats are not worth $100 millions only averaging 15 pts 5 rebounds. Other than Rondo tonight, the Celtics bench ran the floor the entire night out playing the Heat bench.

How can the Heat win...the new Big 3 needs to restructure their deal so Pat Riley can afford more quality players. Mike Miller will help once he returns but he's not the solution. 

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. 

Opening Night - Ring Night - Big 3 Battle

Huge night for TNT tonight as they prepare for a double header. The first game of the year has my favorite to win the Eastern Conference the Boston Celtics which features The O'Neals (Jermaine & Shaq), and elite point guard (Rondo), and the old big 3 (KG, Pierce, Allen). They will face the new big 3 (LBJ, DWade, Bosh) and the rest of the Miami Heat. The Heat will be without 3-point specialist Mike Miller until January as he injured his shooting hand in practice guarding LeBron. Plenty of scoring from Miami's Big 3 but they're bench is not a strong supporting cast. Meanwhile Boston lost Tony Allen but gained the O'Neals and have Nate Robinson, Big Baby, Delonte West as their supporting cast which should be more than enough to secure the victory tonight. Rondo should get a tripple double and one of the Celtics Big 3 will have a big game. Celtics by 10 tonight.

On the west coast, NBA Commissioner David Stern presents Kobe Bryant with ring #5 then shortly after Kobe & Co. should blowout Yao Ming & the Houston Rockets. Kevin Martin will have a hard time scoring with Ron Artest guarding him meaning Aaron Brooks will have to elevate his scoring by running circles over Derrick Fisher, Steve Blake, and Shannon Brown.

Both games should be interesting but tomorrow my Chicago Bulls will face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Good point guard match up Rose vs. Westbrook.

 

Preview - Chicago Bulls 2010-2011

With the NBA training camp underway every team has an eye to dethrone the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers. Today we'll focus on my home team the Chicago Bulls and their outlook for the upcoming season. Jokim Noah resigned which gives the Bulls a solid defender for the next six years but the team caught a bad break Sunday when newly signed Carlos Boozer broke his had and is out for 2 months. According to Boozer this injury occurred at home but he's been injury prone throughout his career. Once Boozer returns to action, pencil him in for 20-10 every night. He's the lone low post scorer they've been missing since Elton Brand. All Rookie Taj Gibson will start until Boozer returns and should be improved after an impressive rookie season. 

For the back-court it starts and ends with Derrick Rose. The best point guard in the League has improved his game every season going back to his junior year at Simeon. Ronnie Brewer is an defensive minded guard with great athleticism should be great in transition. The Bulls lost out on JJ Reddick but got a much better shooter in Kyle Korver. Expect Rose to rank top 5 in assist as well as a legit MVP candidate. 

Overall: Coach Tom is a defensive minded coach with championship experience. This team will contend with the Heat, Celtics, and Magic for Eastern Conference supremacy. Another first round exit not excepted. 

Preview - Fighting ILLINI Basketball

The Final 4 teams of 1989 and 2005 were without a doubt the best teams in school history. I have not been pleased with the recruiting class Bruce Weber has brought in until now. With senior players Demetri McCamey and Mike Davis leading the way along with a top ten recruiting class led by Jereme Richmond, this team has the makings of a Final Four sleeper. Sophomores Brandon Paul should improve after a rocky freshmen year but DJ Richardson has the makings an all Big Ten player in the future. DJ Richardson's hidden potential is similar when Deron Williams starred for ILLINI.

Crandall Head should be healthy after tearing his ACL last summer and should provide some offense for this group. Myles Head will be thrown into the starting lineup day one as he's a legit seven footer.

With Michigan State, Ohio State, and Purdue as the best teams in the conference, this Fighting ILLINI team should challenge the Buckeyes for the third best team in the conference.