NBA Fantasy time! Oh yes, I love this time of the year and I can't wait to play for real. For now, practice practice practice! When it comes down to the actual live drafts, draft position
determines a lot of things so I am going to practice drafting from every
position at least twice. For this mock draft, I am drafting Eighth Overall. My players and thoughts after the jump.
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
All For a Glimpse of Royalty
LeBron James is my favorite basketball player.
An opportunity presents itself to go see him in person, after I miss out on being able to watch him play? I'm not passing that up. That's what led me to get in the car and make my way to Fort Bonifacio High Street.
But I missed his Nike event so I wasn't part of the crowd that he tossed giveaway basketballs to. I was still able to see him in person though. He was maybe 20 feet in front of me and I got to see him for a total of what, 15, 20 seconds? My trip yielded just a brief glimpse of the 2013 NBA Finals MVP. Was it worth it?
Was it worth it? Of course it was.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Pacers Leave Knicks in their Dust; Taking Talents to South Beach
Years from now, when we look back on the 2013 NBA Playoffs, on the Indiana Pacers' second round victory over their arch-rival, the New York Knicks, it won't be remembered for a single sequence (like '8 points in 9 seconds') or a single stellar game. No, when we're discussing this game five, ten, twenty years from now, the enduring moment of this series will be what came after-the-fact, after the Pacers' series-clinching game six victory when all five Indiana starters had a shared "podium game."
As customary in these playoffs, the duties of speaking to the media after the game fall on the "star" of that particular game. In beating (and beating up, in some cases) the Knicks, the Pacers underscored what has come to be their calling card all year: defense, rebounding and a total team effort. Thus, after the final buzzer, when it came to that time of the night, it wasn't just going to be Roy Hibbert (21 points, 12 rebounds, 5 blocks, including this*) or George Hill (made four straight free throws to ice it) or David West (17 points, some beautiful dimes in the fourth) or Paul George (23 points, stellar fourth quarter defense on a red-hot Carmelo Anthony) or even Lance "Born Ready" Stephenson (playoff career-high 25 points, 9 in the last five minutes**, 10 rebounds, some absolutely ferocious forays to the hoop). It was all of them up there, answering questions from the assembled media members about how they as a unit came together, grew together and succeeded together. All of them had a hand in leading the team to the next round.
After beginning the season without Danny Granger, the team's leading scorer the previous four years, the question of who would emerge to lead the team was a legitimate concern. Candidates were aplenty. There was rising star George, set to inherit most of Granger's responsibilities on the wing. There was the elder statesman, West. Then there were the two players whom the Pacers spent a lot of money on the past off-season, Hibbert and Hill. Which one of them would become the team's star?
Who would take the driver's seat and command the most attention and scrutiny?
Who would step up?
"Pacers, who?"
Collectively, they answered: "We."
The Indiana Pacers are now in the Eastern Conference Finals. Awaiting them are the defending-champion Miami Heat, led by the best player in the game today, LeBron James. Last year, the Heat and the Pacers faced off in the Eastern Semifinals, with Miami eliminating the young and brash Indiana upstarts in six games. James in particular submitted an epic performance in that series, going for 40-18-9-2-2*** in a game four victory in Indianapolis. With a player like that, it truly will take a total team effort to overcome such greatness. Add to that the Heat's homecourt advantage, it is an uphill climb, but it is one challenge their coach, Frank Vogel, is eager to meet.
Asked about the Heat, Vogel plainly said, "They are just the next team in our way." And should the Pacers continue to play their team-oriented game, who knows, we might just have another podium moment to look back fondly on.
*Of course, if fans chose to associate this series with this image, I'm all for it.
**Notice a trend? Clutch performances all around.
***With numbers like that, do you really need to know which one is points, which one is rebounds, etc.?
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
JINX! A Random Post
Randomly...
I probably jinxed my fantasy team's championship chances after my recent post about how I was good enough to win it all. A few days later, Danilo Gallinari gets breaks his left thumb and I'm forced to drop him. Derrick Rose might be out for longer than expected too. The worst part is, if I want to have any chance at all of winning, I'm going to have to drop Gallo. And I don't want to. Basketball, in whatever form is about love. I've had Gallo since the beginning. He was one of my prized draft picks. And now, because of his injury, if he stayed on my team, he'd end up a non-factor and worse, a liability. I had to drop him. I've done that before but mostly to players who weren't performing well, not one of my stars. Hopefully, when the season is over, I can pick him up again so that he will be part of my final roster (basically, after the season is over, you can still pick-up players just to have them on your team's final line-up) just so I can look back on my team and smile about all the good memories of he (and his stats) gave me. It was fun while it lasted.
Next, I have determined that getting my hair cut is bad luck and leads to bad days. That is all I will say about this topic.
What else? Hmmm. Just found out that the new Doctor Who companion will be played by a relatively unknown actress named Jenna-Louise Coleman. She was in Captain America playing...someone apparently (my money is one of Bucky's girls at the Stark Expo). Well, she's going to be the most Googled/Wiki'd person in all of nerdom over the next few days. Hope she brings the same energy and enthusiasm (also, hotness) that Karen Gillan brought. It's going to be tough replacing Amy Pond but I hope she does well.
I also just saw the trailer for the new Battlestar Galactica show Blood & Chrome. The trailer was fully of Viper-y action goodness which is a good sign, since I Caprica didn't have any of that. I also did not watch any Caprica for that same reason. If the trailer is any indication, B&C should be more well-received from the get go. So say we all!
Also, it's been in the news recently (well, nerd news) that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles under Michael Bay will have a more out of this world origin. Literally, as he plans on turning our heroes in a half shell into aliens. For the love of nerds everywhere, please stop, Michael Bay. You already gave us Devastator balls and racist robots, don't give us this crap as well. There's no good reason to make this change. Aliens and mutants are practically same to the masses. Don't you like mutants, Michael Bay? Also, THEY'RE CALLED TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. The franchise is named very specifically. Ugh. Come on. You almost ruined Transformers for everyone (can't really call anything with Peter Cullen in it, 'crap,' since you know, he's basically the voice of God), don't do it again.
That's it for now I guess. Hope everyone continues having a good week, or if you're having a bad one, that it turns around. Toodles!
I probably jinxed my fantasy team's championship chances after my recent post about how I was good enough to win it all. A few days later, Danilo Gallinari gets breaks his left thumb and I'm forced to drop him. Derrick Rose might be out for longer than expected too. The worst part is, if I want to have any chance at all of winning, I'm going to have to drop Gallo. And I don't want to. Basketball, in whatever form is about love. I've had Gallo since the beginning. He was one of my prized draft picks. And now, because of his injury, if he stayed on my team, he'd end up a non-factor and worse, a liability. I had to drop him. I've done that before but mostly to players who weren't performing well, not one of my stars. Hopefully, when the season is over, I can pick him up again so that he will be part of my final roster (basically, after the season is over, you can still pick-up players just to have them on your team's final line-up) just so I can look back on my team and smile about all the good memories of he (and his stats) gave me. It was fun while it lasted.
Next, I have determined that getting my hair cut is bad luck and leads to bad days. That is all I will say about this topic.
What else? Hmmm. Just found out that the new Doctor Who companion will be played by a relatively unknown actress named Jenna-Louise Coleman. She was in Captain America playing...someone apparently (my money is one of Bucky's girls at the Stark Expo). Well, she's going to be the most Googled/Wiki'd person in all of nerdom over the next few days. Hope she brings the same energy and enthusiasm (also, hotness) that Karen Gillan brought. It's going to be tough replacing Amy Pond but I hope she does well.
I also just saw the trailer for the new Battlestar Galactica show Blood & Chrome. The trailer was fully of Viper-y action goodness which is a good sign, since I Caprica didn't have any of that. I also did not watch any Caprica for that same reason. If the trailer is any indication, B&C should be more well-received from the get go. So say we all!
Also, it's been in the news recently (well, nerd news) that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles under Michael Bay will have a more out of this world origin. Literally, as he plans on turning our heroes in a half shell into aliens. For the love of nerds everywhere, please stop, Michael Bay. You already gave us Devastator balls and racist robots, don't give us this crap as well. There's no good reason to make this change. Aliens and mutants are practically same to the masses. Don't you like mutants, Michael Bay? Also, THEY'RE CALLED TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES. The franchise is named very specifically. Ugh. Come on. You almost ruined Transformers for everyone (can't really call anything with Peter Cullen in it, 'crap,' since you know, he's basically the voice of God), don't do it again.
That's it for now I guess. Hope everyone continues having a good week, or if you're having a bad one, that it turns around. Toodles!
Friday, March 2, 2012
The Pacers? We Talking About The Pacers?!
Yes, that would be my Indiana Pacers. Why? Because currently, with a 22-12 record, the Indiana Pacers reside at the no. 3 position of the Eastern Conference. One of basketball's proudest franchises (going back to its ABA roots), this organization was once one of the powers of the NBA during the 90's and early 00's. Recent years have been less than kind to Pacer Nation which is what is making the current season all that much sweeter.
Long-time Pacer fans such as myself have been suffering for the better part of the last decade. Between all the suspensions, negativity, the retirement of the great number 31 Reggie Miller, and most depressingly, the multitude of losses, there hasn't been much to talk about when it came to our favorite team. Sure, there have been some shining moments of individual players stepping up or unexpected wins over league powerhouses, but they were all just fleeting moments of pride. A day or too if "Hey, how 'bout them Pacers?" When it came down to it, the Pacers were not all too good.
Then something funny happened last year. Much to the surprise of the public-at-large, the Indiana Pacers somehow made it into the 2011 NBA playoffs, despite owning a losing record. Many pundits were expecting a meek effort from a team that wasn't seen as a legitimate playoff team, let alone a championship contender. And the Pacers did bow out of the race early, losing their first round series against the no. 1-seeded Chicago Bulls, 1-4. Oh but anyone who watched that series would be hard-pressed to call the boys in Blue and Gold, meek. They displayed toughness and swagger, defensive stops were being made and there were actual good ol' fashioned highlights - from Indiana! The Pacers, who many thought "lucked out" into the playoffs actually gave the Bulls a fight and the world a reason to pause and think, "Hey, these guys might actually be good." Well, in sports, winning and losing are miles apart and for all intents and purposes, the Pacers had "another" disappointing season. Except this time around, there was something to build on.
Due to a failure to come to terms between the owners and the players (don't ask), the NBA's 2011-2012 season started later than usual. But when it finally came around, it looked like the Indiana Pacers were picking up right where they left off. The Pacers started off with a bunch of wins, tacked on more, and more and more and more (including wins on the road against the Lakers, Bulls and defending champion Mavericks) until they found themselves near the top of the standings. To the delight of many sports fans who love hearing about the underdog finally breaking through, this was just another overachieving team. To the Pacer faithful? This was our guys finally doing what we long ago believed (and hoped and dreamed) they could do. This was redemption and vindication. This was sweet and long overdue.
Through a combination of tenacity, grit and poise, the Indiana Pacers have rolled through the NBA picking up more wins than losses at a pace (pun non intended) unseen since 2004. Led by high-scoring swingman Danny Granger, the face of the franchise through these past few rough years, vastly improved big man Roy Hibbert (a participant in this past All-Star game), veteran free agent pick-up David West, second-year stud Paul George (who is going to become a regular during All-Star Weekend and not just on Sundays, bet on it) and steady point guard Darren Collison, the citizens of the state of Indiana (and its transplants all over the globe) have a team to root for again. It's a hardworking bunch that will give you your money's worth most nights playing great team defense (buzz words for good teams) and smart offense (a nicer of way saying, "an offense not predicated around one or two individuals").
The great thing about this team is that they really have grown over the past couple years. Hard lessons were learned and crushing experiences were used to build character. Bad eggs were jettisoned, youngins with potential were cultivated and winning was put ahead of everything. They got sick of losing and found the winning cure.
Expectations are high right now, as they should be. Winning does that. For us fans, it's a dream come true. When Larry Bird started assembling this roster not too long ago, we did not know it would all come together this beautifully. Hope was all we had. Hope that Roy would develop into a true, dependable center (just about there); that Darren could join the ranks of the best point guards in the league (almost there); that we could get lucky and snag serviceable rooks and free agents during the off-season (look at all the additions these past three years: George, West, Tyler Hansbrough, George Hill); and that Danny could finally become the leader we needed him to be. Lo and behold, look at where the team is at now.
Of course, the season is far from over and there's a lot more basketball left to be played. The real challenges of being mentally-tough and being better late in the season are on the horizon, challenges that could easily overwhelm undeserving teams. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, as they say, where the importance of peaking at the right time is paramount to ending the season in June rather than April. Well, so far the Pacers have kept pace and are prime in position to make waves in the basketball world. Pacer fans can't wait for the next leg of the race. This team has improved too much to slow down now and the finish line (and first place) has not looked this near in a long time. See you there.
Long-time Pacer fans such as myself have been suffering for the better part of the last decade. Between all the suspensions, negativity, the retirement of the great number 31 Reggie Miller, and most depressingly, the multitude of losses, there hasn't been much to talk about when it came to our favorite team. Sure, there have been some shining moments of individual players stepping up or unexpected wins over league powerhouses, but they were all just fleeting moments of pride. A day or too if "Hey, how 'bout them Pacers?" When it came down to it, the Pacers were not all too good.
Then something funny happened last year. Much to the surprise of the public-at-large, the Indiana Pacers somehow made it into the 2011 NBA playoffs, despite owning a losing record. Many pundits were expecting a meek effort from a team that wasn't seen as a legitimate playoff team, let alone a championship contender. And the Pacers did bow out of the race early, losing their first round series against the no. 1-seeded Chicago Bulls, 1-4. Oh but anyone who watched that series would be hard-pressed to call the boys in Blue and Gold, meek. They displayed toughness and swagger, defensive stops were being made and there were actual good ol' fashioned highlights - from Indiana! The Pacers, who many thought "lucked out" into the playoffs actually gave the Bulls a fight and the world a reason to pause and think, "Hey, these guys might actually be good." Well, in sports, winning and losing are miles apart and for all intents and purposes, the Pacers had "another" disappointing season. Except this time around, there was something to build on.
Due to a failure to come to terms between the owners and the players (don't ask), the NBA's 2011-2012 season started later than usual. But when it finally came around, it looked like the Indiana Pacers were picking up right where they left off. The Pacers started off with a bunch of wins, tacked on more, and more and more and more (including wins on the road against the Lakers, Bulls and defending champion Mavericks) until they found themselves near the top of the standings. To the delight of many sports fans who love hearing about the underdog finally breaking through, this was just another overachieving team. To the Pacer faithful? This was our guys finally doing what we long ago believed (and hoped and dreamed) they could do. This was redemption and vindication. This was sweet and long overdue.
Through a combination of tenacity, grit and poise, the Indiana Pacers have rolled through the NBA picking up more wins than losses at a pace (pun non intended) unseen since 2004. Led by high-scoring swingman Danny Granger, the face of the franchise through these past few rough years, vastly improved big man Roy Hibbert (a participant in this past All-Star game), veteran free agent pick-up David West, second-year stud Paul George (who is going to become a regular during All-Star Weekend and not just on Sundays, bet on it) and steady point guard Darren Collison, the citizens of the state of Indiana (and its transplants all over the globe) have a team to root for again. It's a hardworking bunch that will give you your money's worth most nights playing great team defense (buzz words for good teams) and smart offense (a nicer of way saying, "an offense not predicated around one or two individuals").
The great thing about this team is that they really have grown over the past couple years. Hard lessons were learned and crushing experiences were used to build character. Bad eggs were jettisoned, youngins with potential were cultivated and winning was put ahead of everything. They got sick of losing and found the winning cure.
Expectations are high right now, as they should be. Winning does that. For us fans, it's a dream come true. When Larry Bird started assembling this roster not too long ago, we did not know it would all come together this beautifully. Hope was all we had. Hope that Roy would develop into a true, dependable center (just about there); that Darren could join the ranks of the best point guards in the league (almost there); that we could get lucky and snag serviceable rooks and free agents during the off-season (look at all the additions these past three years: George, West, Tyler Hansbrough, George Hill); and that Danny could finally become the leader we needed him to be. Lo and behold, look at where the team is at now.
Of course, the season is far from over and there's a lot more basketball left to be played. The real challenges of being mentally-tough and being better late in the season are on the horizon, challenges that could easily overwhelm undeserving teams. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, as they say, where the importance of peaking at the right time is paramount to ending the season in June rather than April. Well, so far the Pacers have kept pace and are prime in position to make waves in the basketball world. Pacer fans can't wait for the next leg of the race. This team has improved too much to slow down now and the finish line (and first place) has not looked this near in a long time. See you there.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Hell Week
My fantasy team (the most important one) is currently down 0-8 this week in a 9-cat league.
Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche have not responded to the recent trade quite as well as I hoped they would, Steph Curry is still hurt and some of my other players have just quite simply been sucking it up. Ugh.
For Christmas this year, I wish for a magical turnaround. That is all.
Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche have not responded to the recent trade quite as well as I hoped they would, Steph Curry is still hurt and some of my other players have just quite simply been sucking it up. Ugh.
For Christmas this year, I wish for a magical turnaround. That is all.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
2010 NBA Playoffs X-Factors - East
Eastern Conference:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Mike Brown
Mo Williams needs to show and prove. (Duh.)
Antawn Jamison needs to bring the balance.
Shaq needs hold it down inside. (Gigantic duh.)
But for the Cavs to win it all? It all comes down to Mike Brown. He needs to realize that Bron in the post is better than Bron on the wing. He needs to realize that putting Delonte West or Wally Sexyback on Rashard Lewis is a bad idea. He needs to figure out that if they lose and Bron bolts, his job is on the line.
2. Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Hedo Turkoglu is gone. Thankfully, Rashard Lewis is still around. Lew hit a lot of BIG shots last year for the Magic and this year, he'll have to take even more. Jameer Nelson also gets his first real taste of battling it out in the playoffs since he missed most of last year's run. It's on him to get the offense going because the defense was set the moment Dwight puts on his uniform.
3. Atlanta Hawks - Mike Bibby
Recapturing the '02 form is not what Bibby needs to do. He has to prove that the PG spot in the last five minutes belongs to him, not Jamal Crawford. No disrespect to Crawford, but Bibby is a more stable presence. Champions need that from their point guards and if Bibby can raise his game just a little, it'll go a long way for the Hawks.
4. Boston Celtics - Kendrick Perkins
We get it. Paul Peirce, Kevin Garnett Ray Allen are old. Rasheed Wallace is insane. Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis are not. Well, mostly just the "old" part. Perk (and Davis) need to step it up when Garnett and Wallace can't. Containing Dwight and protecting the paint from LeBron and Dwyane Wade? That might be too much for them to handle but if KG can't do it, they have to.
5. Miami Heat - Quentin Richardson
Dwyane Wade needs a sidekick. Someone who can hit 3's and just generally make good plays when Wade gives up the rock. Q can board, shoot and hustle. The Robin to his Batman? More like Alfred. But a few 3's here and there to go with some man-sized rebounds in traffic will let Wade relax just a little knowing that there's actually someone on the roster who can help him out.
6. Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
The rook needs to show that his 55-point game was no fluke. The rook needs to play like a vet. The playoffs are about big time performances and now is definitely the time for B-Jennings to take center stage.
7. Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson is playing hurt but what else is new? Frustrating Orlando is the best he can do and he can do that by shutting down Rashard Lewis and abusing Vince Carter on offense. If Gerald Wallace can keep the game close, Captain Jack just might make some noise.
8. Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng
Remember when we thought giving up Deng for Kobe was stupid? For Chicago? Yeah, me neither. Luol is going up against the King and if Derrick Rose and the rest of the Bulls are going to score the upset, Luol Deng needs to step up.
1. Cleveland Cavaliers - Mike Brown
Mo Williams needs to show and prove. (Duh.)
Antawn Jamison needs to bring the balance.
Shaq needs hold it down inside. (Gigantic duh.)
But for the Cavs to win it all? It all comes down to Mike Brown. He needs to realize that Bron in the post is better than Bron on the wing. He needs to realize that putting Delonte West or Wally Sexyback on Rashard Lewis is a bad idea. He needs to figure out that if they lose and Bron bolts, his job is on the line.
2. Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Hedo Turkoglu is gone. Thankfully, Rashard Lewis is still around. Lew hit a lot of BIG shots last year for the Magic and this year, he'll have to take even more. Jameer Nelson also gets his first real taste of battling it out in the playoffs since he missed most of last year's run. It's on him to get the offense going because the defense was set the moment Dwight puts on his uniform.
3. Atlanta Hawks - Mike Bibby
Recapturing the '02 form is not what Bibby needs to do. He has to prove that the PG spot in the last five minutes belongs to him, not Jamal Crawford. No disrespect to Crawford, but Bibby is a more stable presence. Champions need that from their point guards and if Bibby can raise his game just a little, it'll go a long way for the Hawks.
4. Boston Celtics - Kendrick Perkins
We get it. Paul Peirce, Kevin Garnett Ray Allen are old. Rasheed Wallace is insane. Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis are not. Well, mostly just the "old" part. Perk (and Davis) need to step it up when Garnett and Wallace can't. Containing Dwight and protecting the paint from LeBron and Dwyane Wade? That might be too much for them to handle but if KG can't do it, they have to.
5. Miami Heat - Quentin Richardson
Dwyane Wade needs a sidekick. Someone who can hit 3's and just generally make good plays when Wade gives up the rock. Q can board, shoot and hustle. The Robin to his Batman? More like Alfred. But a few 3's here and there to go with some man-sized rebounds in traffic will let Wade relax just a little knowing that there's actually someone on the roster who can help him out.
6. Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
The rook needs to show that his 55-point game was no fluke. The rook needs to play like a vet. The playoffs are about big time performances and now is definitely the time for B-Jennings to take center stage.
7. Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson is playing hurt but what else is new? Frustrating Orlando is the best he can do and he can do that by shutting down Rashard Lewis and abusing Vince Carter on offense. If Gerald Wallace can keep the game close, Captain Jack just might make some noise.
8. Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng
Remember when we thought giving up Deng for Kobe was stupid? For Chicago? Yeah, me neither. Luol is going up against the King and if Derrick Rose and the rest of the Bulls are going to score the upset, Luol Deng needs to step up.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Fantasy!
So after a 14-4 start to the season, I have come back down to earth. My record for the past 4 weeks is 18-18. Not bad, not good, just really mediocre.
I'm lucky I think. My record could've been worse. Timely injuries of course, were the main factor in all of this. My team has been hurt for the past month. Hurt players do not have stats and therefore do not contribute. Erick Dampier has been hurt. Andrei Kirilenko. Troy Murphy was hurt at the start of the year, came back and has not been producing as much as I think he can. I signed Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kevin Martin when they were still injured but Mike's come back and is giving me some decent numbers. Injuries are part of the game. I understand. I will not complain. I will hope though. Because in a good week? My team will kill your team.
What is a good week first and foremost? Well it's a week where none of my guys are hurt. Production matters. And if all my guys are producing, my team will kill your team. I know, you can say that about all fantasy teams. But does your team have 5 guys who can potentially go for triple-doubles? Andre Iguodala, Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Monta Ellis and Tyreke Evans are all capable of that. They're a group of ultra-athletic, quick and strong types who can fill-up many different categories. Guys can get me steals and 3's too. Jeff Green and Murphy are versatile bigs who can play inside or out, grab boards and shoot a high percentage on free throws. Dampier can get me 16 rebounds and 3 blocks easy. Aaron Brooks is small but deadly from the outside. Once he gets going, Mike Dun will be a steady diet of 16-5-5 with 2 threes and good percentages. My one guy who has been in a funk all season long? Wilson Chandler. Once he snaps out of it, get ready for some outrageous totals across the board. I'm still waiting for Kevin Martin for crying out loud! Oh and I just picked up Udonis Haslem (had to drop AK) so he's going to give me a boost in boards big time. Really, my team will kill your team.
I think this'll be a good week. After two straight weeks of 4-5 losses, this is the week that will put me back on the top of the standings. No Kevin Martin yet but that won't be a problem. I got this. I may be against Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Tim Duncan and Josh Smith this week but hot damn I feel confident. Here goes nothing.
I'm lucky I think. My record could've been worse. Timely injuries of course, were the main factor in all of this. My team has been hurt for the past month. Hurt players do not have stats and therefore do not contribute. Erick Dampier has been hurt. Andrei Kirilenko. Troy Murphy was hurt at the start of the year, came back and has not been producing as much as I think he can. I signed Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kevin Martin when they were still injured but Mike's come back and is giving me some decent numbers. Injuries are part of the game. I understand. I will not complain. I will hope though. Because in a good week? My team will kill your team.
What is a good week first and foremost? Well it's a week where none of my guys are hurt. Production matters. And if all my guys are producing, my team will kill your team. I know, you can say that about all fantasy teams. But does your team have 5 guys who can potentially go for triple-doubles? Andre Iguodala, Russell Westbrook, Deron Williams, Monta Ellis and Tyreke Evans are all capable of that. They're a group of ultra-athletic, quick and strong types who can fill-up many different categories. Guys can get me steals and 3's too. Jeff Green and Murphy are versatile bigs who can play inside or out, grab boards and shoot a high percentage on free throws. Dampier can get me 16 rebounds and 3 blocks easy. Aaron Brooks is small but deadly from the outside. Once he gets going, Mike Dun will be a steady diet of 16-5-5 with 2 threes and good percentages. My one guy who has been in a funk all season long? Wilson Chandler. Once he snaps out of it, get ready for some outrageous totals across the board. I'm still waiting for Kevin Martin for crying out loud! Oh and I just picked up Udonis Haslem (had to drop AK) so he's going to give me a boost in boards big time. Really, my team will kill your team.
I think this'll be a good week. After two straight weeks of 4-5 losses, this is the week that will put me back on the top of the standings. No Kevin Martin yet but that won't be a problem. I got this. I may be against Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Tim Duncan and Josh Smith this week but hot damn I feel confident. Here goes nothing.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Good Sports Day
The Yankees have just won championship no. 27. WOW. Congratulations boys.
It's always amazing to follow a team during a championship season. You're in for a ride you know? You watch games, check box scores, read every story, and then you see them win it all.
Especially when they beat a really great team too! The Phillies are awesome in their own right and I was legitimately afraid of them everytime they went up to bat. Whether it was Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez or whomever was up next, each hitter was a threat to go deep. Cliff Lee led a superb rotation of starting pitchers. People shouldn't overlook the fact that the Yankees beat a really, really, REALLY good team.
Championships are won by the team you know can bring it every night and can bring it as a team. Sacrifice, heart and unity get it done. This team had all of that. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, just like old times right? Legacy players who won it all one more time. First-timers Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett all got the job done. And of course, Alex Rodriguez finally got his first championship ring. Oh and last but certainly not least, Hideki Matsui as the DH winning World Series MVP. Congrats Godzilla.
AND! The Pacers got their first win today beating (ironically) the New York Knicks. Guess you can't have everything. Haha. Thank God for TJ Ford today. Dahntay Jones, Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert too! Danny, you better not skip out on the media this time (I suspect reporters will be in a rush to leave though, wanting to get to Yankee Stadium).
Great day.
(Plus, I've got Friday Night Lights to watch later too! Haha!)
It's always amazing to follow a team during a championship season. You're in for a ride you know? You watch games, check box scores, read every story, and then you see them win it all.
Especially when they beat a really great team too! The Phillies are awesome in their own right and I was legitimately afraid of them everytime they went up to bat. Whether it was Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez or whomever was up next, each hitter was a threat to go deep. Cliff Lee led a superb rotation of starting pitchers. People shouldn't overlook the fact that the Yankees beat a really, really, REALLY good team.
Championships are won by the team you know can bring it every night and can bring it as a team. Sacrifice, heart and unity get it done. This team had all of that. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, just like old times right? Legacy players who won it all one more time. First-timers Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett all got the job done. And of course, Alex Rodriguez finally got his first championship ring. Oh and last but certainly not least, Hideki Matsui as the DH winning World Series MVP. Congrats Godzilla.
AND! The Pacers got their first win today beating (ironically) the New York Knicks. Guess you can't have everything. Haha. Thank God for TJ Ford today. Dahntay Jones, Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert too! Danny, you better not skip out on the media this time (I suspect reporters will be in a rush to leave though, wanting to get to Yankee Stadium).
Great day.
(Plus, I've got Friday Night Lights to watch later too! Haha!)
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
All Is Right In The World
There's something really...beautiful, when there are actual NBA box scores to check. It's like finding something that was once lost. You're whole again.
I am whole again. I am complete. Everything's back to normal. Thus, I've made a list of 15 things that I as an NBA fan will do this season.
1.) Hype up every Pacer win.
2.) Continue to drive the Danny Granger bandwagon.
3.) Steadfastly continue to believe that the Pacers are winning the 'chip this year. (They are.)
4.) Bear witness to the King and spread his word to everyone.
5.) Root for the Oklahoma City Thunder kids namely, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green.
6.) Laugh at every Laker loss. (Die Sasha, die.)
7.) Laud the exploits of my favorite point guard in the league, Deron Williams and vote for him as a starter for the West.
8.) Scour the waiver wire for people to add/drop throughout the Fantasy season.
9.) Pray that Williams, Westbrook, Green, Monta Ellis, Wilson Chandler, Spencer Hawes, Troy Murphy, Andre Iguodala, Yi Jian Lian, Courtney Lee, Andrei Kirilenko, Aaron Brooks and Channing Frye don't get hurt too much and produce as much as they can.
10.) Predict that the Cavs will beat the Spurs for the title this year.
11.) Totally and fully support the Khlomar show. (I'm praying for a Kim Kardashian-Luke Walton hook-up)
12.) Keep an eye on Tyreke Evans, Trevor Ariza, Greg Oden, Lou Williams, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Eric Gordon, Ryan Gomes, JJ Redick and Randy Foye.
13.) Totally support the Jerry Sloan for Coach of the Year initiative.
14.) Watch Allen Iverson implode in Memphis.
15.) Rejoice in the return of Gilbert Arenas, basketball stud.
Getting a full does of NBA basketball today was quite possibly the best part of not having school. You're around for everything as it happens. They aren't highlights yet; they're moments. And that's what makes it fun watching the NBA. To quote a line from the movie Hitch: "Life isn't the number of breaths you take. It's the moments that take your breath away." God I love this game.
I am whole again. I am complete. Everything's back to normal. Thus, I've made a list of 15 things that I as an NBA fan will do this season.
1.) Hype up every Pacer win.
2.) Continue to drive the Danny Granger bandwagon.
3.) Steadfastly continue to believe that the Pacers are winning the 'chip this year. (They are.)
4.) Bear witness to the King and spread his word to everyone.
5.) Root for the Oklahoma City Thunder kids namely, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green.
6.) Laugh at every Laker loss. (Die Sasha, die.)
7.) Laud the exploits of my favorite point guard in the league, Deron Williams and vote for him as a starter for the West.
8.) Scour the waiver wire for people to add/drop throughout the Fantasy season.
9.) Pray that Williams, Westbrook, Green, Monta Ellis, Wilson Chandler, Spencer Hawes, Troy Murphy, Andre Iguodala, Yi Jian Lian, Courtney Lee, Andrei Kirilenko, Aaron Brooks and Channing Frye don't get hurt too much and produce as much as they can.
10.) Predict that the Cavs will beat the Spurs for the title this year.
11.) Totally and fully support the Khlomar show. (I'm praying for a Kim Kardashian-Luke Walton hook-up)
12.) Keep an eye on Tyreke Evans, Trevor Ariza, Greg Oden, Lou Williams, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Eric Gordon, Ryan Gomes, JJ Redick and Randy Foye.
13.) Totally support the Jerry Sloan for Coach of the Year initiative.
14.) Watch Allen Iverson implode in Memphis.
15.) Rejoice in the return of Gilbert Arenas, basketball stud.
Getting a full does of NBA basketball today was quite possibly the best part of not having school. You're around for everything as it happens. They aren't highlights yet; they're moments. And that's what makes it fun watching the NBA. To quote a line from the movie Hitch: "Life isn't the number of breaths you take. It's the moments that take your breath away." God I love this game.
Monday, September 21, 2009
The First Mock Draft Result I've Liked
1. Danny Granger (Ind - SG,SF)
My man, my no. 1 pick, EVERY SINGLE TIME. No questions asked. He'll give me 3's, scoring, free throws, blocks and maybe steals. Hope he raises his overall FG% and lessens his TO's though. 24 and 6, ots of 3's and a block a game too.
2. Caron Butler (Was - SG,SF)
I like Butler. Thinking the return of Arenas will rejuvenate the Wiz. 18-6-4 with 3's/steals/blocks = 3?
3. Jason Kidd (Dal - PG)
If he stays healthy, I think he'll continue to contribute even if he is one of the oldest in the league.
4. Mehmet Okur (Uta - PF,C)
Threes from the Center spot? That's always a plus. Occasional double-double and other big man stats are welcome too.
5. Jeff Green (OKC - SF,PF)
Will make The Leap alongside KD35. He'll get the hustle stats and we'll provide in every category. Durant will get the accolades but Green will do everything too.
6. Hedo Turkoglu (Tor - SG,SF)
Playing with another young big in CB4. He'll still get his open looks and contribute right away to the Raps. Should be
7. Boris Diaw (Cha - SF,PF)
Please don't get fat. Please continue to give your Fantasy owners 3's, assists, boards, blocks, steals and scoring.
8. Brad Miller (Chi - C)
If he can give you a 3 every two or 3 games, 7-8 rebounds, 4 assists and 12-14 points, Brad Miller will still be worth getting. Playing with Derrick Rose is a good thing.
9. Raymond Felton (Cha - PG,SG)
First of all, I just hope he signs with someone in the NBA. Guy can play. Assists (7), points (14-16, occasional 20-point outburst), steals and 3's are what you get with Ray Felton.
10. Rodney Stuckey (Det - PG,SG)
He's got the starting lead guard spot on-lock. Make us all proud.
11. Ronnie Brewer (Uta - SG,SF)
Utility guy. Glue guy. Do everything guy. Perfect running mate for Deron Williams (I want him too) and a solid defender.
12. Kendrick Perkins (Bos - C)
It's all about the Blocks.
13. Mickael Pietrus (Orl - SG,SF)
With Rashard out for the first 10 games and VC still getting used to playing with Superman, Pietrus is going to kill it.
I already wish this was my team. It's solid enough I think. Lots of 3's, good PG's and scoring. Steals and blocks are covered too. I'd like another Center with range though (Troy Murphy, I'm going to get you). And I don't know if I can get used to a team where I don't add/drop players every day. Oh well. Haha.
My man, my no. 1 pick, EVERY SINGLE TIME. No questions asked. He'll give me 3's, scoring, free throws, blocks and maybe steals. Hope he raises his overall FG% and lessens his TO's though. 24 and 6, ots of 3's and a block a game too.
2. Caron Butler (Was - SG,SF)
I like Butler. Thinking the return of Arenas will rejuvenate the Wiz. 18-6-4 with 3's/steals/blocks = 3?
3. Jason Kidd (Dal - PG)
If he stays healthy, I think he'll continue to contribute even if he is one of the oldest in the league.
4. Mehmet Okur (Uta - PF,C)
Threes from the Center spot? That's always a plus. Occasional double-double and other big man stats are welcome too.
5. Jeff Green (OKC - SF,PF)
Will make The Leap alongside KD35. He'll get the hustle stats and we'll provide in every category. Durant will get the accolades but Green will do everything too.
6. Hedo Turkoglu (Tor - SG,SF)
Playing with another young big in CB4. He'll still get his open looks and contribute right away to the Raps. Should be
7. Boris Diaw (Cha - SF,PF)
Please don't get fat. Please continue to give your Fantasy owners 3's, assists, boards, blocks, steals and scoring.
8. Brad Miller (Chi - C)
If he can give you a 3 every two or 3 games, 7-8 rebounds, 4 assists and 12-14 points, Brad Miller will still be worth getting. Playing with Derrick Rose is a good thing.
9. Raymond Felton (Cha - PG,SG)
First of all, I just hope he signs with someone in the NBA. Guy can play. Assists (7), points (14-16, occasional 20-point outburst), steals and 3's are what you get with Ray Felton.
10. Rodney Stuckey (Det - PG,SG)
He's got the starting lead guard spot on-lock. Make us all proud.
11. Ronnie Brewer (Uta - SG,SF)
Utility guy. Glue guy. Do everything guy. Perfect running mate for Deron Williams (I want him too) and a solid defender.
12. Kendrick Perkins (Bos - C)
It's all about the Blocks.
13. Mickael Pietrus (Orl - SG,SF)
With Rashard out for the first 10 games and VC still getting used to playing with Superman, Pietrus is going to kill it.
I already wish this was my team. It's solid enough I think. Lots of 3's, good PG's and scoring. Steals and blocks are covered too. I'd like another Center with range though (Troy Murphy, I'm going to get you). And I don't know if I can get used to a team where I don't add/drop players every day. Oh well. Haha.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hey now, you're an all-star...
East All-Stars:
C - Dwight Howard
F - Kevin Garnett
F - LeBron James
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Allen Iverson
Those are the starters based on the early returns so far. That isn't going to change most likely and I'm actually fine with this 5 so I'm going to pick the seven reserves.
C - Chris Bosh
F - Danny Granger
F - Paul Pierce/G - Ray Allen
G - Devin Harris
G - Rajon Rondo
G - Joe Johnson
F - Vince Carter
If KG is Boston's leader on defense, Rondo guides the team on offense (and he isn't a slacking off on D either as he is second in the league in that category at 2.4 a game). His development is why people are starting to rethink their earlier decision to write off the C's bid for a repeat. Devin Harris (24.4 ppg, 6.7 apg, 47% from the field) has turned into the player everyone in Dallas thought he'd be much to their dismay. Danny's upped his scoring average by 5 points so he's definitely in and because I'm writing this. Joe Johnson has been stellar for the Hawks and has got them in contention in the East. Chris Bosh is in because the dude has been a beast despite the fact his team kinda sucks. Pierce and Allen are in at the same spot because you expect one of them to sit it out come February and because I cannot leave Vince Carter off. Praise Devin Harris all you want (and rightly so) but without VC, New Jersey would kinda suck. Vince is definitely an all-star this year (and admit it, y'all gonna miss him if he's not in it)
I'll have my picks for the West All-Stars tomorrow. Toodles.
C - Dwight Howard
F - Kevin Garnett
F - LeBron James
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Allen Iverson
Those are the starters based on the early returns so far. That isn't going to change most likely and I'm actually fine with this 5 so I'm going to pick the seven reserves.
C - Chris Bosh
F - Danny Granger
F - Paul Pierce/G - Ray Allen
G - Devin Harris
G - Rajon Rondo
G - Joe Johnson
F - Vince Carter
If KG is Boston's leader on defense, Rondo guides the team on offense (and he isn't a slacking off on D either as he is second in the league in that category at 2.4 a game). His development is why people are starting to rethink their earlier decision to write off the C's bid for a repeat. Devin Harris (24.4 ppg, 6.7 apg, 47% from the field) has turned into the player everyone in Dallas thought he'd be much to their dismay. Danny's upped his scoring average by 5 points so he's definitely in and because I'm writing this. Joe Johnson has been stellar for the Hawks and has got them in contention in the East. Chris Bosh is in because the dude has been a beast despite the fact his team kinda sucks. Pierce and Allen are in at the same spot because you expect one of them to sit it out come February and because I cannot leave Vince Carter off. Praise Devin Harris all you want (and rightly so) but without VC, New Jersey would kinda suck. Vince is definitely an all-star this year (and admit it, y'all gonna miss him if he's not in it)
I'll have my picks for the West All-Stars tomorrow. Toodles.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Lotsa Things
1.) I got KOD-ed this past week. That stands for Kiss of Death, and yeah, it was that bad. Oy vey.
2.) Playoff picks: West: Denver over L.A. (Hell yeah I'm picking A.I. over Kobe), S.A. over Phoenix (Tim Duncan = G.O.A.T.) , Houston over Utah (yeah right; sorry T-Mac :( ) and NOH over Dallas (in 7 games though because Dirk will kick ass). East: Detroit over Philly (the former is better than you think, the latter is worse than you think), Cleveland over Washington (Um, LeBron is gonna be guarded by DeShawn Stevenson, yeah, that'll work), Orlando over Toronto (though CB4 will own DH12 just because he's been doing it for a minute). And Atlanta will beat Boston. Okay, no they won't but just in case they do, I called it. East semis: Cavs over Celtics (sorry KG :( ), Pistons over Magic. West Semis: Don't care really. All I know is, It's still gonna be the Spurs. Finals: Rematch of last year's finals with a different outcome. Spurs in 7. Why do I think it's gonna be a rematch? Because after these playoffs, teams are gonna be going "Oh sh*t." when they play the Cavs. LeBron will dominate. Period. He's not winning league MVP but that'll just make him even angrier. Losing in the finals though means that next year, he's averaging 34, 11, 11, 2, 2.
3.) I have a very tough decision to make. It will have drastic and dramatic effects on my life. Let's hope that this time, I make the right decision.
4.) Between Battlestar Galactica and Lost, that's too much awesome I can handle.
5.) SECRET INVASION!
6.) Can't wait for The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man.
7.) I love my Nintendo 64. Goldeneye, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. have aged wonderfully.
That's all for now, see ya round folks.
2.) Playoff picks: West: Denver over L.A. (Hell yeah I'm picking A.I. over Kobe), S.A. over Phoenix (Tim Duncan = G.O.A.T.) , Houston over Utah (yeah right; sorry T-Mac :( ) and NOH over Dallas (in 7 games though because Dirk will kick ass). East: Detroit over Philly (the former is better than you think, the latter is worse than you think), Cleveland over Washington (Um, LeBron is gonna be guarded by DeShawn Stevenson, yeah, that'll work), Orlando over Toronto (though CB4 will own DH12 just because he's been doing it for a minute). And Atlanta will beat Boston. Okay, no they won't but just in case they do, I called it. East semis: Cavs over Celtics (sorry KG :( ), Pistons over Magic. West Semis: Don't care really. All I know is, It's still gonna be the Spurs. Finals: Rematch of last year's finals with a different outcome. Spurs in 7. Why do I think it's gonna be a rematch? Because after these playoffs, teams are gonna be going "Oh sh*t." when they play the Cavs. LeBron will dominate. Period. He's not winning league MVP but that'll just make him even angrier. Losing in the finals though means that next year, he's averaging 34, 11, 11, 2, 2.
3.) I have a very tough decision to make. It will have drastic and dramatic effects on my life. Let's hope that this time, I make the right decision.
4.) Between Battlestar Galactica and Lost, that's too much awesome I can handle.
5.) SECRET INVASION!
6.) Can't wait for The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man.
7.) I love my Nintendo 64. Goldeneye, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. have aged wonderfully.
That's all for now, see ya round folks.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I really hate Wednesdays
I really hate Wednesdays. If there's one day out of all the seven that never fails to make me sad from the moment I open my eyes it's gotta be Wednesday. Middle of the week hell. Wednesday suck the life completely out of me. Argh.
I like Lupe Fiasco. His voice has a good tone to it, (I sound like Paula) he's fresh, smooth, vanilla, (I sound like Randy...I think) and he does have that quality in his rapping that makes you realize that maybe the dude's got it in him to put a whole new spin on the rap game. (I don't sound like Simon.) His songs are mellow but upbeat. For bouncing your head along to. Here's to Lupe.
No one is reading this blog. Haha.
Indiana plays Houston tomorrow. The Rockets are minus Yao but have so far won 3 games without him to extend their winning-streak to 15. That ends tomorrow, Rockets Fans, it most certainly ends tomorrow. (In my dreams.)
Seriously though, I'm liking the direction the team's heading in. The Danger Bros., Danger Granger and Danger Dun are studs that we could build around on. Granger posts up, knocks down treys and defends like a pitbull. Dunleavy surgically cuts up the opponent's D and uses picks to perfection, with or without the rock. The other guys are stepping it up too. Kareem's got a nice offensive game. Jeff is still rock solid down low, rebounding and playing tough low-post defense. Troy's a mismatch for other bigs and Travis, Marquis, Ike and Shawne (Don't talk to murderers please!) are good support players. What does the team lack? A big who can consistently score in the block and a point guard who can get into the heart of the D...which we already have. Damn it. *sigh* I haven't really given up on Jamaal and Jermaine. I'm just hoping that somehow, someway, these negative thoughts I have find their way into our two "stars'" heads and bother the hell outta them. Fellas, you are the leaders of this team! Reggie didn't give up on the franchise so why should you? C'mon! We can still make the playoffs and makes some noise. Get it together! (Or at least get it together enough so we can fool teams into giving us better players in exchange for you....fly my thoughts, fly!)
My thoughts on the MVP race? LeBron of course. (Yes, I hate the Lakers but that's not the point). LeBron James clearly is the most valuable player in the league. Why? Because A) The Cavs are 0-6 without LeBron, 0-7 if you count the the game in which LeBron got injured, against the Pistons. B) In the losses they've suffered with him, he produced big numbers, his teammates didn't. C) The Gasol trade gives the Lakers a legit team even if Kobe doesn't play. If it was Cavs-Lakers and the fives were, Z-Ben Wallace-Wally-Sasha-Boobie and Gasol-Bynum-Odom-Luke-DFish, which five would you go with? To me, MVP is the guy whose absence will affect his team the most. LeBron is that guy. Plus, 30-8-7-2-1. You do the math.
My playoff predictions:
East:
1st Round
(1) Boston vs (8) Indiana
Boston holds on to the top spot, My Pacers are good enough to make it but c'mon, even I know there's no hope here. Boston in 5 (and that's being generous...sorry guys...)
(2) Detroit vs (7) Washington
I say, Gil, Caron and Antawn play together again this season but Gil never really gets his hibachi going and the other guys don't adjust to not shooting..err...playing with Arenas again. Detroit destroys them in game 1. Then game 2. Then game 3. Gil predicts that they can still win the series, Rasheed says otherwise, harsh words are said, more words are said (this time, crazy words) and Gil scores 50 in game 4...on 50 shots. Detroit still wins. Detroit in 4.
(3) Cleveland vs (6) Atlanta
Atlanta figures out that they actually have enough talent to move up in the standings. Joe Johnson scores. Josh Smith dunks. Mike Bibby misses (just playin' Mike). They all bow down to the King who probably opens the playoffs with either a 40-point game or a 35-12-10. All hail the King....Cleveland in 6.
(4) Orlando vs (5) Toronto
The only "real" playoff series in the East. Orlando wins the first 2 at home. Then Toronto gets the next 2. Followed by game 5, Orlando takes games 6 and we have ourselves a game 7. Dwight comes up big in his first big playoff game and the Magic advance to the semis. Orlando in 7.
Semis
(1) Boston vs (4) Orlando
People say Orlando upsets Boston in 7 but KG ain't havin' any of that. "Wait your turn young fella," Garnett says to D-12 after dropping 30-20-10-5 in the deciding game 6. Dwight though shows everyone though who's got next on that best big man tag, averages 27 and 18 for the series. Boston in 6.
(2) Detroit vs (3) Cleveland
Third straight year these two teams will meet, the first 2 times they split. I say LeBron continues his ascension and it's an ex-Piston who comes up big. No, not Ben Wallace. Joe Smith gives Sheed fits because he can actually match-up with him. Cleveland in 6.
East Finals
(1) Boston vs (3) Cleveland
The Big Three vs The King. Boston-Cleveland 2008 turns out to be LeBron's real coming out party. Mark my words, LeBron will redefine the meaning of big-time performer. Get ready to see at least one 50-point game, three triple-doubles (including one 40-15-10) and countless "Yes-LeBron-James-is-the-best-player-in-the-league" montages (deservedly so) AND enough spectacular plays to fill a top 10. BUT, but, I say the Celtics win in 7. Why? Because Kevin Garnett needs to. He realizes that his place in history as the greatest power forward ever hinges on him reaching the finals. Despite LeBron playing god, the Big Three are too much to overcome and KG finally makes it. Boston in 7.
I'll get to the West tomorrow. Toodles.
I like Lupe Fiasco. His voice has a good tone to it, (I sound like Paula) he's fresh, smooth, vanilla, (I sound like Randy...I think) and he does have that quality in his rapping that makes you realize that maybe the dude's got it in him to put a whole new spin on the rap game. (I don't sound like Simon.) His songs are mellow but upbeat. For bouncing your head along to. Here's to Lupe.
No one is reading this blog. Haha.
Indiana plays Houston tomorrow. The Rockets are minus Yao but have so far won 3 games without him to extend their winning-streak to 15. That ends tomorrow, Rockets Fans, it most certainly ends tomorrow. (In my dreams.)
Seriously though, I'm liking the direction the team's heading in. The Danger Bros., Danger Granger and Danger Dun are studs that we could build around on. Granger posts up, knocks down treys and defends like a pitbull. Dunleavy surgically cuts up the opponent's D and uses picks to perfection, with or without the rock. The other guys are stepping it up too. Kareem's got a nice offensive game. Jeff is still rock solid down low, rebounding and playing tough low-post defense. Troy's a mismatch for other bigs and Travis, Marquis, Ike and Shawne (Don't talk to murderers please!) are good support players. What does the team lack? A big who can consistently score in the block and a point guard who can get into the heart of the D...which we already have. Damn it. *sigh* I haven't really given up on Jamaal and Jermaine. I'm just hoping that somehow, someway, these negative thoughts I have find their way into our two "stars'" heads and bother the hell outta them. Fellas, you are the leaders of this team! Reggie didn't give up on the franchise so why should you? C'mon! We can still make the playoffs and makes some noise. Get it together! (Or at least get it together enough so we can fool teams into giving us better players in exchange for you....fly my thoughts, fly!)
My thoughts on the MVP race? LeBron of course. (Yes, I hate the Lakers but that's not the point). LeBron James clearly is the most valuable player in the league. Why? Because A) The Cavs are 0-6 without LeBron, 0-7 if you count the the game in which LeBron got injured, against the Pistons. B) In the losses they've suffered with him, he produced big numbers, his teammates didn't. C) The Gasol trade gives the Lakers a legit team even if Kobe doesn't play. If it was Cavs-Lakers and the fives were, Z-Ben Wallace-Wally-Sasha-Boobie and Gasol-Bynum-Odom-Luke-DFish, which five would you go with? To me, MVP is the guy whose absence will affect his team the most. LeBron is that guy. Plus, 30-8-7-2-1. You do the math.
My playoff predictions:
East:
1st Round
(1) Boston vs (8) Indiana
Boston holds on to the top spot, My Pacers are good enough to make it but c'mon, even I know there's no hope here. Boston in 5 (and that's being generous...sorry guys...)
(2) Detroit vs (7) Washington
I say, Gil, Caron and Antawn play together again this season but Gil never really gets his hibachi going and the other guys don't adjust to not shooting..err...playing with Arenas again. Detroit destroys them in game 1. Then game 2. Then game 3. Gil predicts that they can still win the series, Rasheed says otherwise, harsh words are said, more words are said (this time, crazy words) and Gil scores 50 in game 4...on 50 shots. Detroit still wins. Detroit in 4.
(3) Cleveland vs (6) Atlanta
Atlanta figures out that they actually have enough talent to move up in the standings. Joe Johnson scores. Josh Smith dunks. Mike Bibby misses (just playin' Mike). They all bow down to the King who probably opens the playoffs with either a 40-point game or a 35-12-10. All hail the King....Cleveland in 6.
(4) Orlando vs (5) Toronto
The only "real" playoff series in the East. Orlando wins the first 2 at home. Then Toronto gets the next 2. Followed by game 5, Orlando takes games 6 and we have ourselves a game 7. Dwight comes up big in his first big playoff game and the Magic advance to the semis. Orlando in 7.
Semis
(1) Boston vs (4) Orlando
People say Orlando upsets Boston in 7 but KG ain't havin' any of that. "Wait your turn young fella," Garnett says to D-12 after dropping 30-20-10-5 in the deciding game 6. Dwight though shows everyone though who's got next on that best big man tag, averages 27 and 18 for the series. Boston in 6.
(2) Detroit vs (3) Cleveland
Third straight year these two teams will meet, the first 2 times they split. I say LeBron continues his ascension and it's an ex-Piston who comes up big. No, not Ben Wallace. Joe Smith gives Sheed fits because he can actually match-up with him. Cleveland in 6.
East Finals
(1) Boston vs (3) Cleveland
The Big Three vs The King. Boston-Cleveland 2008 turns out to be LeBron's real coming out party. Mark my words, LeBron will redefine the meaning of big-time performer. Get ready to see at least one 50-point game, three triple-doubles (including one 40-15-10) and countless "Yes-LeBron-James-is-the-best-player-in-the-league" montages (deservedly so) AND enough spectacular plays to fill a top 10. BUT, but, I say the Celtics win in 7. Why? Because Kevin Garnett needs to. He realizes that his place in history as the greatest power forward ever hinges on him reaching the finals. Despite LeBron playing god, the Big Three are too much to overcome and KG finally makes it. Boston in 7.
I'll get to the West tomorrow. Toodles.
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