Bleacher Report - Articles by Hoops4life

Walt Bellamy: One of the greatest Rookies (and Players) of All-Time

Hoops4life — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:39:49 -0400

The NBA has seen some amazing rookie seasons.

Magic. Chamberlain. Russell. Jordan. Robertson.Abdul-Jabbar. Duncan. O'Neal. Baylor.

Hall of Famers whose exploits in those first years are well storied. Legends, who if you were to list the top 10 players ever, some of them would be in the conversation.

But there was a rookie season that was unbelievable. One that almost never gets talked about. One that would become instant legend if it occurred today. It should be, but for one reason or another, people seem to forget about one of the greatest rookie seasons in all of NBA history by Walt Bellamy.

All the way back in 1961, Walt Bellamy was the first overall pick by the Chicago Packers (the franchise that would eventually become, after relocation and several name changes, the Washington Wizards). He had previously been a star in college, picked to represent the United States in that year's Olympic Games in Rome. He earned himself the Gold Medal on the trip.

During Bellamy's rookie season his team struggled, managing just an 18-62 record (worst in the league), but he blossomed. He averaged 31.6 points per game (second only to Wilt Chamberlain's rookie season), 19 rebound per, and lead the league in field goal percentage with 51.9 percent.

He was voted into the 1962 All-Star game, where he posted 23 points and 17 rebounds.

As if I need to tell you, he was voted the NBA rookie of the year.

Just look over those numbers again. Let it marinate. Now tell me that is not amazing. Truly, amazing! I'll admit, though I had heard of Bellamy's name, I didn't know much about him. So when I saw his name in a small bio, and saw those numbers next to his name, I was absolutely gobsmacked.

Those numbers are nothing shot of pure domination.

The player referred to as "Bells," didn't stop with his inaugural season though. He continued to post amazing numbers throughout his career. His first four years had All-Star appearances as he averaged a double-double. His team steadily improved, but not by a large amount. They made a lot of trades to try and get Bellamy help, finding him All-Star's Gus Johnson and Don Ohl to help the cause.

In 1964, Johnson and Bellamy both netted over 40 points, becoming the first teammates to do so in the same game. That same season, the team finally made the playoffs. They earned a large first round upset of the St. Louis Hawks, and went on to an epic six-game series with the Lakers.

The team came up on the wrong side of a 4-2 series, though their losses were by a average margin of just four points.

The following season, however, the team started slow once more, and Bellamy was finally traded away. His best years were for the Packers franchise, but he continued an amazing NBA career.

He took his workmanlike game with him, and kept on going for a huge 14-year career, during which he played for New York, Detroit, Atlanta and New Orleans.

When he finished his illustrious career in 1974, Walt Bellamy was the sixth leading scorer of all-time (20,941; 20.1 ppg) and the third all-time rebounder (14, 241; 13.1 rpg). He played in 1,043 of 1,055 games (98 percent). Yes, you're right, he missed 12 games over 14 years. Absolutely unheard of (also, due to a scheduling when he was traded, he also holds the record for most games played in a season at 88).

Again, just look at those numbers and where he finished. Even now, 35 years later, there are only six other players to score over 20,000 points and 14,000 rebounds. Those players are Chamberlain, Abdul-Jabbar, Elvin Hayes, Robert Parish, Moses Malone, and Karl Malone. Some company eh?

That is an amazing career.

But now, look up the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history according to the association named in 1997, and you won't see Bellamy's name.

Not to say that any of those 50 are undeserving, but does Bellamy really not warrant a place? Considering where he finished in his career; where he still stands today? No, he does not have a ring, or have much major playoff success, but was that really his fault?

In my mind, Bells has definitely been shunned in this way. Fortunately, he has been honored in a different way. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993 and deservedly so.

But still, not only an astounding rookie, but a great player throughout his career should be far more celebrated. That first season definitely ranks with those names at the top of the page.

My Personal Rookie Awards For the 2009-2010 NBA Season

Hoops4life — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:56:22 -0400

Yes, its early. Months away from having actual games to watch, my mind begins to wander.

This, my friends, is what the offseason is for.

Sure, its important to get a trade or a free agent signing in...there's that draft thing that we should probably pay attention to.

But really...its a time to predict. To guess. Because that's all we are ever doing. It's a guess. And this is a good thing, because if we already knew, actually watching the games would be a bit boring right?

But anyway, back to the original point. What follows are my personal awards that I think rookies could earn over the course of the upcoming season. We'll have the usual ones...who will average 20 points a game etc, but also some slightly different ones.

As always, let your voice be heard.

And so the rookie most likely to....

Lead all rookies in scoring:

Tyreke Evans: I hear you Clippers fans, Blake Griffin will be amazing yes, and could easily average 20 points a game. But Evans is going to be on a team with basically only one other scorer on. He is a pure scoring machine and will have an ultimate green light...because lets face it, that team has nothing to lose. Having said that...his perimeter game could use a lot of work and every team will know who's the man on this Kings team.

Get the most negative headlines:

Brandon Jennings: I'm not saying Jennings is going to do anything...but he is already known as a controversial figure, and the media is going to be focused tightly on him. Anything he does will be scrutinised more than most rookies due to his big name. He is known to speak his mind (which I am all in favour of) but it can easily be taken the wrong way. A lot of buzz will surround Jennings this year...and this is in Milwaukee, imagine if he was in New York.

See more pine than hardwood for no decent reason:

Gerald Henderson: The Blue Devil is certainly talented, but will he see much time on the court with Larry Brown running the show? Maybe, but he could also disappear into the bottom of the bench. Wouldn't be the first time Brown chooses to keep the young guys keen would it? Besides...don't expect MJ and LB, two Tarheels, to be in a rush to help a Blue Devil.

Lead rookies in rebounding:

Blake Griffin: I nearly went with Jordan Hill for this. The man can definitely rebound and shots will go up quickly in New York...but the same will happen for one of the L.A. teams, and they'll probably miss more, and Griffin will have more minutes so...his shoulder should be fully healed, and if we learned anything from summer league, it's that Griffin wants every board to be his.

Do the most but not get credit for it:

Let me explain what I mean: The winner of this category shall not save a franchise or be a major R.O.Y. candidate, but he will work incredibly hard, do a lot of little things and generally just help his team win while not being lauded as one of the top rookies by casual fans.

James Harden/Tyler Hansborough:

I couldn't pick between the two. I am a huge fan of both of their games. Harden has a very high basketball I.Q. and the skill to use it. He will provide a lot of positives for the Thunder, in the same way that Jeff Green does now. Of course, understandably, Kevin Durant shall steal most of the spotlight for the Thunder as they most likely will improve and grow as a group over another season together.

For Hansborough, the Pacers most likely won't do much more than contend for a playoff spot and fall short. So while they wallow near the bottom of a much improved Eastern Conference, nobody will look too hard at a rookie who has very little style or flash. Yet to me, he is a very exciting player.

I loved watching him as a Tarheel just going after every board (and normally getting it) and just doing anything he can to improve his team's chances of winning (the image of him with a nose busted wide open shows his dedication). Hansborough will continue to do this for the Pacers—diving for loose balls, and tapping rebounds to teammates all season.

Be labelled a bust almost immediately:

Hasheem Thabeet: Thabeet did himself no favours during summer league. The worries of him having little offensive game seemed confirmed. Of course, he is a project, and the Grizzlies would be foolish for him to show his true colours straight away, but it is very likely that Thabeet will have an underwhelming rookie season for a No. 2 pick. He will grab rebounds, and will certainly frighten off some guards coming into the paint...but that's all we can expect, for now at least.

Lead all rookies in assists:

This was easily the hardest category. For a draft filled with point guards...how can I choose which one will lead the rookies in dimes? First I want to say Johnny Flynn...Brandon Jennings is a high candidate...but I have to go with something else...pure opportunity...

Jrue Holiday: With Andre Miller's departure to Portland, Jrue Holiday is basically the only point guard that the Sixers have. It has been said many times in the last two years that these Sixers are at their best when playing the running game. In the running game, the general idea is to get the ball to the point guard, run down the floor, and dish it off to someone to score (see Suns, Phoenix 04-06). If Holiday is the only point guard on a running team...he'll have a lot of opportunity to dish right? Well, maybe.

Come out of nowhere and become a big name:

I don't mean the biggest steal here...I mean guy who most didn't recognise by name but who they will be end of the season.

Austin Daye: He has impressed many, and has raised heads since being drafted 15th by the Pistons, and I think he could continue to do so throughout the season, he could easily be Tayshaun Prince's replacement one day.

Be the biggest steal:

Chase Budinger/DeJuan Blair: Again, its too hard to pick just one. I simply cannot believe either of these two fell into the second round. Budinger is a great scorer who may not be the best athlete, but is in no means lacking in that area. He puts great effort on the court and will be helpful on an incredibly undermanned Rockets team. Blair may have had concerns over his ankles and weight, but he is another hard worked who can crash the boards and give up some scoring inside.

Win Rookie of the Year:

Blake Griffin: I don't think it'll be as much of a landslide as most have already deemed it. He will have a lot of big competition, but Griffin will be given the green light, and playing in a huge city. If he can finally get the Clippers to even look like less of a shambles then expect some land to start sliding.

Do you disagree with my picks? Have you got much better categories? Show me below, enjoy

The Kurt Rambis Experiment Begins: What To Expect?

Hoops4life — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:57:20 -0400

Today it was finally announced that it would be Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis that takes over as the Minnesota Timberwolves next head coach.

David Kahn, the new GM, has made enough splashes already, with his confusing draft picks. Rambis is not a crazy choice by any stretch of the imagination, but he is still a risk, as any new coach is.

Not that Rambis is technically a new head coach. He did have the gig once before, in the lockout-shortened season on '99. He coached 37 games for the Lakers back then, and went 24-13, good for a .649 winning percentage.

It is definitely a respectable record, but things are also very different this time.

The Timberwolves have been rebuilding, and need action now. The fans don't want to wait any more. Rambis has been given a young team with potential that he is now responsible for nurturing.

There's no Shaq this time round. No Kobe Bryant. No team loaded with veterans.

In a year's time (well probably a bit less) we'll know how successful the Rambis experiment has turned out.

Yes, he is expected to sign a four-year deal, but as I mentioned, results are needed now. And if the Timberwolves don't show considerable improvement, well I wouldn't be surprised if Kahn pulled the trigger early on.

So, what is the best and worst we can expect from Rambis?

(Obviously, this is taken with a pinch of salt. The best case scenario would be an NBA championship. The worst case scenario would be losing 82 games. But neither of these are reasonable, so you get what I'm asking. What's the best and worst we can expect from Rambis that could actually happen.)

Best Case Scenario:The Wolves at least contend for a playoff berth.

Yes the East has definitely improved over the summer, but that doesn't mean the West has gotten any weaker. It is still incredibly hard for any team to gain a spot in the postseason. And it's no different for the Timberwolves.

But Rambis has talent to work with. Al Jefferson was having an amazing, possibly All-Star type season last year before he went down with injury. With his return, the Wolves are infinitely more dangerous.

He is the pillar of the team, a great scorer and rebounder who averaged 23 and 11 last season, he's improved every season he's been in the league.

Corey Brewer, a huge part of the back-to-back NCAA championship-winning teams for the Florida Gators, will also be returning from injury after missing most of last season. He is versatile and athletic, and while he won't be a star in the same way as Jefferson will, he can be a glue guy and can definitely help the team.

Wayne Ellington and Jonny Flynn are the rookies that will definitely be joining the team. The situation surrounding Ricky Rubio would take a whole other article to explain, but the Wolves still improve with these rookies. Flynn showed great promise during summer league, and Ellington was a major piece on the Tarheels championship team.

Kevin Love is a very able returning player who gives the Wolves a lot. He can rebound with the best of them and has a good basketball IQ.

So Rambis has a chance to help this team come together. Though they still have a weak bench, as well as other weaknesses, they could make a push for that eighth spot.

Obviously, they need health.

If Jefferson goes down again you can pretty much kiss the dream goodbye. The young guys need as much time playing together as they can get, so as to develop chemistry. If the Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns can't get themselves together, the Wolves can take advantage and become a dangerous team.

It'll be close and they'll need a bit of luck, and they might not get there, but if they get close, it will be a success for Rambis's first year.

Worst Case Scenario: They stay the same.

I don't know if they could get much worse from last year (24 wins). But if they end up with 20 something wins again, it's going to be a disaster.

Kahn will be criticized for his draft choices (no matter how well they play) and his decision to hire Rambis (doesn't matter how well he coaches, they still need wins in the column). The fans will become even more annoyed and restless, and perhaps some kind of desperate trade will be made?

This can easily happen.

Rambis is used to big ego's on his teams, but can he handle a lot of restless young guys? If things go badly for the first half of the season and chemistry doesn't become obvious, they could easily start tuning Rambis out, and things can go from bad to worse if guys start playing for themselves rather than the team.

The Wolves aren't going to win a championship. It's unlikely that they'll even get into the playoffs.

No-one really expects that.

But they do expect improvement. A sign that this rebuilding mode is working, that they are moving back towards relevance again. If they stay still, expect heads to start rolling.

Rambis is a good choice for a coach. And Rambis himself has clearly wanted the head gig for years, so it makes sense for him to want a chance to prove himself, but it's almost an "All-in" situation.

If he can get the T-Wolves in the playoffs within the next two or three years, he'll be a hero.

If not, he'll go the same way as Dwane Casey, Randy Wittman, and Mr. McHale.

With Lamar Odom Off The Table, Do The Miami Heat Focus On Carlos Boozer?

Hoops4life — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:16:03 -0400

With Lamar Odom off the table, do the Miami Heat now refocus on Carlos Boozer?

Perhaps the biggest news in the NBA this past week was the report that Lamar Odom re-signed with the champion Los Angeles Lakers.

This, of course, means he is no longer an option for the Miami Heat. Rumours surfaced last week that the Heat didn't only want Odom, but Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz too.

Heat fans salivated over the potential of gaining these two stars. Many projected this would make them a contender in the East, and it was hard to argue with them.

Odom, being a free agent rather than a trade piece such as Boozer, seemed like an easier option. Dwyane Wade, the Heat's main man publicly stated his desire for Odom to join the team, so management focused on Odom first.

But now, with him no longer an option, will the Heat start up talks with the Jazz in the interest of gaining Boozer again?

Lets look at it from some different viewpoints if a trade were to go down:

From the Heat's view

Disadvantages

Let's get these out the way first. The obvious disadvantage is that the Heat will have to give players up to gain Boozer.

When rumours of the trade first started coming up. it seemed that the Jazz wanted Udonis Haslem, and some kind of combination of either Daequan Cook, Dorell Wright or Micheal Beasley.

I don't think the Heat want to be moving Beasley, he's only been there a year and has a lot of potential just yet.

The Heat would probably have reservations about trading Haslem too, seeing as he is popular with Wade and a big piece on the championship team (and basically the only remnant other than Wade from that team), though they would be more on board with trading him with Beasley as age slows him.

Advantages

If the Shaq-years showed anything, its that Wade fits very well with a scoring big man. Not that I am comparing Boozer to Shaq, but when he's healthy, he's going to be putting up great numbers. He's strong, he can rebound, he can hit the midrange jumper.

Wade gets on well with Boozer, having played with him on the Olympic squad, and their games fit well.

Also, with a two-punch like that, it will take much more pressure not off just Wade himself, but also Beasley, Mario Chalmers and the rest of the team. If Wright or Cook are left behind, teams will often double team and leave them open on the three-point line.

Jermaine O'Neal is not even considered a shell of his former self, but can still play defence and be a big body in the lane. Him and Boozer would compliment eachother nicely.

He would be a great addition to the Heat, and would help to keep Wade happy (which is one of managements key objectives, probably THE key objective) and would definitely help them to contend in the East.

From the Jazz's view

Disadvantages

The Jazz will be moving Boozer at some point. They have committed to Millsap now, and the other 29 teams know that. So they will struggle to get anything in return that is equal to Boozer's full worth. Teams know that the Jazz are on the ropes, and they won't let up easily.

Advantages

With Boozer gone the Jazz can move on with their commitment to Millsap. If they were to receive Haslem, they would get a hard-working, great rebounding forward with a lot of experience and an NBA ring. He can fill the back up role at the Power Forward back up position that Millsap filled last year.

With Wright or Cook, they get atheltic small forward who can run and gun. If they somehow managed to get Beasley as well, they would get a lot of potential who could really benefit from Sloan and this team.

From Boozer's view

Carlos Boozer is not Kobe Bryant (or Devean George). He wouldn't be able to veto any trade, but how much would he like to be in Miami?

The big man has cited Miami as one of his favourite destinations (who can blame him after Salt Lake City). He would get all the benefits of South Beach and would be joining a team that appears to be on the rise.

He has been incredibly lucky on his last two teams, playing with Lebron James and Deron Williams. His luck would be even more prominent if he were able to play with Dwyane Wade too.

I don't think Utah will find much more for Boozer than in a deal with Miami. Boozer would be happy and Miami would improve, I fully expect this deal to go down at some point and would be in full support of it if it did.

Boozer will be moving at some point, and though they may not get that starting lineup of Chalmers, Wade, Odom, Boozer and O'Neal, a lineup of Chalmers, Wade, Beasley, Boozer and O'Neal is absolutely nothing to be sniffed at.

Memo to The New Orleans Hornets: DO SOMETHING

Hoops4life — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:12:05 -0400

Memo to the Hornets: DO SOMETHING.

Dear New Orleans Hornets,

You are a lucky one, a very lucky one.

Back in 2005, you managed to get a hold on the fourth overall pick of the draft. And unbelievably, unthinkably, someone was still available after three whole picks from other teams.

Chris Paul. He landed right in your lap.

And better than that, he grew. He grew into the best point guard in the NBA—despite only being six feet tall. Even though he is not built like a house, he inspires fear into opposing teams.

Right now, there is no other player in the league quite like Chris Paul.

And in 2007-08, Chris Paul proved his worth. He had an MVP-worthy season while leading your Hornets into the long-forgotten territory of being a title contender.

But what happened? A year later and you are being knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by the Conference Finals-bound Denver Nuggets.

And it wasn't pretty either. I'll save you the drudgery of going through that first round series (58 points?!).

Months later, and not too much has changed for you.

Not many teams have been quiet this offseason, but you are one of them. Other than some very thin whispers of trade rumors surrounding Tyson Chandler (since your last attempt didn't go so well), nothing has been done.

Yes, you did draft solid.

In the first round, you took Darren Collison with the 21st pick. Collison is a great guard who can really learn from Paul and will be able to provide solid backup to the All-Star for years to come—something that the team needed (but the team has other needs too).

You also got second-rounder Marcus Thornton, a solid contributor in his four years at LSU, in a small trade with the Miami Heat.

But that isn't enough. Not if you want to contend again. Chris Paul won't last forever...ever consider he might want to leave if you stick in this rut?

Let's be fair. The team was decimated by injuries last year, and the West is never easy. Especially the Southwest Division, where yet again four of the five teams made the playoffs.

Peja Stojakovic missed 20 games.

Tyson Chandler missed 37.

Chris Paul and David West both missed time.

So, perhaps you're thinking that with your team healthy, you'll be back. Paul will be throwing an oop to Chandler or throwing out to Peja for a three?

Could be. Don't rule it out.

But just hoping isn't enough, is it?

Last year, your major acquisition was James Posey, a two-time NBA champion. Posey didn't quite work out the way you had hoped, but perhaps he can turn it around. Perhaps he just needs a big stage to be able to perform on?

But again, let's not just hope.

Something must be done now. You must upgrade the roster and take advantage of Chris Paul.

Imagine it's five years later, and maybe you've gotten to a few Western Conference Finals along the way. But is that enough?

Chris Paul will still be playing great. But he's going to be frustrated, too. He's going to want that ring. Let us remember it took Kobe Bryant six years to get back to the top.

And that he didn't do it alone, he had a great team around him.

And Paul needs the same.

He has David West, a great scorer who plays brilliantly with Paul.

Tyson Chandler, a rebounder who can run with the team and finish with the best of them.

Peja Stojakovic, a veteran and an ex-MVP candidate who still has to be very closely guarded.

The Hornets have their strong players. But strong players don't win championships, teams do. The Hornets need a stronger bench.

Julian Wright is an athletic freak who has an improving game. Antonio Daniels provides a veteran presence. Hilton Armstrong played big minutes while Chandler was out.

But still more is needed. To me, it seems like you, the New Orleans Hornets, are kind of waiting and hoping that things will simply click.

Do not waste Chris Paul's prime years. You only get so many chances. Ask Tracy Mcgrady. Ask Allen Iverson.

Do something. Act. Be pro-active and get your team ready to win.

Sincerely,

The Hornets fanbase

The Utah Jazz: A Lesson in Regression?

Hoops4life — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:06:46 -0400

The Utah Jazz—A lesson in regression?

Just two years ago, you could easily have called the Utah Jazz an NBA title contender. They were a team on the rise and looked like nothing could stop them.

They vastly overachieved in 2007, making it to the Conference Finals. Though they fell to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs 4-1, the team was feeling good and with good reason.

The next year, the team seemed to get even stronger, winning a record-tying 19 straight home games. In the second round of the playoffs, they unfortunately ran into another brilliant team, the Los Angeles Lakers, who were on their way to a Finals berth.

This past year, injuries struck the Jazz.

Both Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams missed considerable amounts of time, and the team suffered. They wound up only just getting into the playoffs as the eighth seed in a loaded Western Conference.

Again they faced the Lakers, and only narrowly avoided being swept as L.A went on to win the Championship.

Notice the pattern?

Every year since 2007, the Jazz have taken a step back in the playoffs.

If the trend continues, does that mean the Utah Jazz will miss the playoffs entirely?

Though to be fair to them, they have ran into the Conference champions each of those seasons, and the overall champions twice.

If we think about it, it is an actual possibility.

Let's look into several factors that could determine how the Jazz's season plays out next year.

The offseason:

The Jazz have been one of the most talked about teams this summer. They have been involved in as many or more trade rumours as any other team in the league. And yet, so far, the only player on the roster that wasn't there last season is first round draft pick Eric Maynor.

Maynor, a stand out at VCU, will be a nice backup at the point guard position, who will be able to learn a lot from the players around him and Coach Jerry Sloan. He averaged 22 points and six assists a game as a senior in college.

The Jazz have made a major move though.

They decided to match the offer set by the Portland Trailblazers to power forward Paul Milsap. With this move, the Jazz have shown their commitment to Milsap, who impressed many last season.

When Carlos Boozer was out with injury, Millsap stepped his game in a big way. He saved the Jazz in many games and was able to put up big numbers (much to the delight of my own fantasy team).

Now he will be the starting power forward, so will Millsap be able to regenerate that production with starter's minutes over the whole 82 games, with teams knowing to expect him now?

When Boozer came back, Millsap did slow slightly and had some small injuries, so will those resurface?

This, of course, directly relates to the trade rumours centering around Carlos Boozer.
The Jazz have confirmed they are openly trying to deal Boozer, and several possible scenarios have apparently come close to going through.

One would have sent Boozer to Chicago with the Jazz receiving Tyrus Thomas. Another would have seen him in Miami, with Dorell Wright and Udonis Haslem going the other way.

(You'll notice both of those trade scenarios involve the Jazz getting a power forward to backup Millsap.)

No doubt several other trade possibilities will come up in the next few days, but right now it is impossible to foresee who will be joining the Jazz's roster.

We know that Boozer has left it for certain.

Injuries:

The Jazz are, without a doubt, a strong team with strong players. But last year, injuries took a toll on several of these key players. This always has an effect on team chemistry, and is the main reason why the Jazz faltered last year.

So, will these injuries be what fells the Jazz again?

Center Mehmet Okur (who has signed a two-year extension with the team) missed 10 games last year, which may not seem like a lot, but it was reported that these injuries still bothered him even though they did not keep him out of the games.

As mentioned previously, Millsap suffered several small injuries, as did small forward Anderi Kirilenko, who missed 15 games.

Deron Williams, the key to this team and easily one of the best players in the league, played in 68 games last year, missing the beginning of the year, and making him take time to get back into his groove.

Williams appears healthy now, but that will need to continue if they are to have any chance of making the postseason next year.

This guy is the man.

They need him on the court doing what he does best—willing his team to victories.

The Opposition:

It's no secret that the Western Conference race is always as tight as you can imagine, and next season will be no different.

Many more teams are up and coming and pushing to make the playoffs, and many veteran teams have upgraded to keep themselves at the top (see Spurs, San Antonio).

The Houston Rockets have now lost Yao Ming, Ron Artest, and for all intents and purposes, Tracy McGrady.

It is also easy to imagine them ending up in the lottery, but remember, they are a scrappy team who are still very talented and don't have many weaknesses.

They will be clawing for the eighth or seventh seed.

Phoenix is also easy to count out, and I personally don't think they'll even contend for a berth.

But could the return of Amare Stoudemire give them the spark they need?

What teams from last year's lottery will make the push?

With Al Jefferson returning, could the Wolves step up their game?

How far could Blake Griffin take the Clippers?

Can the Warriors translate their Summer League success into the regular season?

So, is it possible that the Jazz miss the playoffs?

Absolutely. In my personal opinion, they won't, but it's definitely a possibility.

The Jazz are a very good team. They have one of the best NBA coaches of all-time. They have a point guard who is in the top two of his position. They still have two former All-Stars and a player who could have easily been named as Most Improved last season.

Now they simply need it all to click together.

They want to break this curse, want to return to progression, and show the promise that they did two years ago.

Could Cleveland Cavaliers Coach Mike Brown Be Gone Before Season's End?

Hoops4life — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:16:18 -0400

Could Cav's Coach Mike Brown be gone by Season's End?

A common saying around the NBA is that there is no hotter seat than that of a Head Coach.

Their jobs are so dependent on performance, it can only take weeks for someone to go from seemingly sticking around for years to being fired and forgotten.

Mike Brown, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has sat on a seat that has been doused with petrol, with a lit match hanging just inches above.

If you follow the NBA, you know the Cavs' situation. After winning a franchise record 66 games last year they were only an incredible shot away from being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals.

They've been busy since then.

They've (basically) acquired Anthony Parker, formerly of the Toronto Raptors.

They've re-signed Anderson Varejao, formerly of the All-NBA Flop team.

They've traded for Shaquille O'Neal, formerly of the Most Dominant Ever variety.

But all this...shall mean precisely zero without an incredibly successful season. And Mike Brown knows it.

If things do not go the Cavaliers way, it shall be him who is kicked out first, he who will receive the brunt of the blame for not taking the team as far as it should go, he who will be out of a job.

Is it really hard to imagine? Cleveland won't have a losing record, but still, if they seem to be faltering or not keeping up with the Orlando's, the L.A's, the Boston's of the league, they will quickly be looking to remedy this.

And they will look at Mike Brown first.

The man has a huge task ahead of him. Obviously, his main goal is to guide the team to win basketball games and, hopefully, to an NBA championship.

But let's go into more detail than that, here are the three main tasks that I feel Brown faces for the upcoming season:

Task One: Incorporating and motivating Shaquille O'Neal.

No, he is not the Shaquille O'Neal of old. But last year with Phoenix, he was still an All-Star and probably the third best Center in the league averaging 17.8 PPG, 8.4 RPG, and 1.4 BPG. Those are great numbers, and if Shaq is able to reproduce them, Cleveland will be much better off for it.

But can Brown figure out a way of keeping Shaq happy? We all know he needs a certain amount of touches, even if he does now admit that he is not the number one option on this team. He needs to feel important, lest he begins to become unmotivated and starts reminding people of his last years in Miami.

Shaq is undoubtedly the second most important player on this team, and Brown must cater to that.

Task Two: Proving he is an 'In-Game' Coach.

Coach Brown has been touted as a great motivator and practice coach. But one thing that most critics use against him is his ability to be 'in the game'.

Sometimes his decisions on plays and substitution patterns confuse. Maybe it is not apparent during the regular season, but in the playoffs, with every move being analyzed a hundred times over, it is a little more obvious.

Brown must change this and prove his critics wrong.

Task Three: Prove he can do it on the big stage.

While the first two tasks relate to the regular season, this is more focused on the playoffs. While the regular can have its big moments, it's the postseason where you make your money.

He has to come through in crunch time, and help get his team out of the sticky situations.

These past playoffs, the Cavs didn't face adversity until they ran into the Orlando Magic. As soon as they hit them, the team showed cracks and started to falter, and Brown was a major part of that.

He needs to show he can take the heat and not quaver when it matters.

If not, he will soon own a 'master of panic' title for himself.

He has a lot to work with, and as daunting as these tasks may be, there is also a lot of opportunity in sight.

Mo Williams and Delonte West are guards who shoot and don't shy away on the defensive end. Anderson Varejao can come in and make a huge difference on the boards and hustle plays. Zydrunas Ilgauskas will continue to be big Z.

Shaquille O'Neal will still be dunking on people. Anthony Parker will make a bigger difference than many think.

And they have a man called Lebron James.

This is by no means a mediocre team.

What people don't realize about the Cleveland Cavaliers is that, last year, they had a team of players who on their own, may not be considered elite. If you put them together on NBA live, they probably wouldn't do too well.

But the team chemistry was an integral part. You could see by their pregame antics and stories from the background.

These guys had fun, and it translated into wins. They enjoyed playing together, and it translated into wins.

Alone, they weren't too great.

Together, they were.

The question is will that chemistry exist this upcoming season? Will Anthony Parker fit in? How will players react to Shaquille O'Neal becoming such a big part of the offense?

And what about Varejao?

His game is centered on hustle and energy, and he has just been gifted with a very large contract and is sitting pretty right now. It's not inconceivable to think that now he has his contract, that hustle and energy will decrease slightly?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Varejao is someone who's just after money, but it has been seen before, and could be seen again.

There is, however, something that may be saving Brown.

Imagine this scenario.

It's February, close to the All-Star break. The Cavs aren't exactly failing, but aren't keeping up with expectations either. Say that Shaq has gotten injured, or that maybe Varejao has infact lost some of that hustle, or that Williams/West aren't able to reproduce the success of last year. Yes Lebron is putting up crazy numbers again, but he is beginning to get frustrated.

Management will want to get rid of Brown.

But consider it; they only have half a season left to convince Lebron to stick around. If he leaves their window doesn't close it shatters.

They can't just rid themselves of Brown and promote an assistant to interim status. That won't fly. This team is supposed to be a contender; they need a real head coach for the playoffs.

But either way, if the Cleveland Cavaliers do not have the success that they want, Brown will be in trouble. The blame will be put on him and his opportunity, along with the rest of the Cavaliers, will be gone.

It won't take all that much for that match to come flying down, and set that chair alight.

Why I Don't Like the Hedo Turkoglu Decision

Hoops4life — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:49:39 -0400

As a basketball player in the NBA, Hedo Turkoglu has done many things.

He's been the first Turkish-born player in NBA history.

He's been a scrub at the end of the bench in Sacramento.

He's been a role player off the bench for those very same Kings.

He's been a role player as a starter in San Antonio.

He's been a main man on a championship-contending team in Orlando, and one of the more ridiculous All-Star snubs of the decade.

But in my opinion, he has just taken a major step backwards.

On Friday it was reported that Hedo has verbally accepted a five-year, $53 million deal to play for the Toronto Raptors next year. After it was revealed that Hedo would opt-out of his contract with the Orlando Magic, it was highly suspected that he would sign with the Portland TrailBlazers, but in the end, his destination was up north.

So Turkoglu has gone from being arguably the second-most important player on a Finals team from being the arguably the second most important player on a team that didn't make the playoffs last year.

Understand, I'm not criticizing Turkoglu on his decision...after all, it's his career, he can do with it what he wishes. I'm just saying, personally, I don't like it.

Turkoglu is one of the more underrated players in the league. I find it unbelievable he wasn't named an All Star.

He is one of the biggest matchup problems you'll find, he is an excellent shooter, great at getting to the rim, has incredibly undervalued passing and ball-handling skills, and although he won't be making any All-Defensive teams, he doesn't slouch on that side of the ball either.

Hence, why I think it's a shame that he has made this choice.

He was just three wins away from winning an NBA Championship this year. He was such a major piece of the puzzle for the Magic, and its almost impossible to imagine them getting past the second round without him.

So why did Turkoglu decide to walk away from one of the top teams in the league? An opportunity none too many would miss out on, especially when he is 30 years old.

Was it because Orlando signed Vince Carter and therefore made Turkoglu felt snubbed?

Perhaps it was. After all they do play roughly the same position (technically you could put either one at the shooting guard and the other at the small forward, but you get the idea). This of course also severely cut into the money the Magic could have offered, so maybe it was a financial decision?

With Carter playing on the Magic, they would have had yet another potential All-Star on the roster, and it would be almost unavoidable that Turkoglu would have had to taken on a slightly lesser role and a decrease in numbers.

His role in Toronto will undoubtedly be larger, his numbers will probably go up and maybe he'll get the respect he deserves. But on a team like the Raptors, will anyone really care?

In Orlando he had a chance to be one of the main guys on the big stage...that same chance will be hard to come by in Canada.

I don't see them going anywhere soon. Though they have talent on the roster, that has been true for the last few years, and they haven't been able to translate this into anything more than a division title.

Perhaps it would have been understandable if he had gone to Portland. Is any team scarier to envision in three-five years than the Blazers? They are up-and-coming, and have potential to spare.

The Raptors...not so much.

Is it perhaps about being "the man?"

As I mentioned earlier, there were a number of All-Stars on the Magic, Turkoglu would never be truly the main guy.

On the Raptors, it's possible. The team may be shipping out Bosh sooner than when his free-agency comes around, lest they get nothing for him if he decides to walk.

Could Turkoglu have foreseen this and seen a chance to be a face of a franchise? Personally, I doubt it—Turkoglu isn't normally all that interested in individual accolades, he's all about the win...but that just brings back the question, why go to Toronto?

Perhaps it is the finance...he does stand to make about $3 million more than he would have in Portland...but most sources say it isn't to do with finance.

Toronto is a much more cosmopolitan city and has a large Turkish community, as well as being a lot closer to his home country by flight than Portland. ESPN's Ric Bucher also reported that Turkoglu simply preferred the city, as did his wife, so it seems like this decision was more personally-based.

That's fair enough, but I still just don't like the walking away from a contending team. The chances of us seeing him making an impact late in the playoffs have just gone down considerably.

Having said that, it is a great signing for the Raptors. I have no doubt that Hedo is a great addition for them, they've improved greatly with this signing.

Many have touted the Raptors as a team to watch next year and one that could easily be on the playoffs...this becomes a lot easier with Hedo on the team.

He's still one of my favourite players, and one of the best in the league. I wish him all the best up north, hopefully he can have success there and be seen playing late into May once more.

Just another thing for Hedo Turkoglu to do in the NBA.

Five Questions on the NBA Draft, and the Answers to Four of Them

Hoops4life — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:01:59 -0400

Confused about the NBA draft? Need answers for some of the questions keeping you up at night? Luckily, here are a few to help you out:

Was Jordan Hill the right choice for the Knicks when they obviously wanted a guard?

The New York Knicks didn't try and keep it a secret that they wanted a guard. It became clear that they were intending to take Stephen Curry, who went a pick too early, and were also trying to trade up to have a chance to take Ricky Rubio (and are still trying to find a way to get him).

So it was clear that Donnie Walsh wanted a guard to either distribute or gun it in Mike D'Antoni's offense, and perhaps fill some of the minutes left by the Quentin Richardson trade.

So with Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, Ty Lawson and Jeff Teague still on the board, was it the right choice of Walsh to go with Hill?

Answer: Yes

D'Antoni seems to love Hill's game, comparing him to a "Young Amare Stoudemire." He hustles and brings a big body to bang around. With newly-acquired Darko Milicic and the possibly returning David Lee, the Knicks do have an intimidating front line.

Though the Knicks could have done with a guard, Hill was in no way a bad choice. He will be able to run the break, finish emphatically and rebound for this promising Knicks squad.

Was Tyreke Evans the right choice for the Sacramento Kings?

The Sacramento Kings, those of the worst record in the league, basically got screwed over and ended up with the fourth pick. Like the Knicks, most knew it was a point guard that the Kings desperately needed, and they had the pick of them all. By the time the Kings were on the clock no point guards had been chosen.

So with them all to choose from, Sacramento went with Tyreke Evans from Memphis, but was that the right choice?

Answer: it depends on what you want from him.

If you want someone who can sell some jerseys, provide many highlights and put some interest into a forgotten team with a dying fan base, then Evans is your man. He is quick, has great handles and hops, and has an exciting style.

He will easily be a fan favourite, and will be a Kings player who will be talked about at the water cooler next day...something that's been lacking in recent years.

If you want someone who will distribute the ball, play within the offense, be solid and be someone who can help rebuild the team and be a cornerstone...then Evans could be your guy.

He could become a great play maker. He has the skills, but hasn't shown much of the mindset. He could be someone the Kings team builds around and becomes a great piece of the puzzle. All these things are easily within Evans' grasp. It simply remains to be seen if he reaches out and takes them.

Was No. 3 too high for James Harden?

James Harden was certainly mentioned in the No. 3 spot a few times, but not as consistently as many other players. Ricky Rubio, the aforementioned Tyreke Evans, even Stephen Curry had been projected there.

Some raised eyebrows when the Oklahoma City Thunder selected James Harden of Arizona State...was it too high for him?

Answer: absolutely not

James Harden was not only one of the best talents available, but fits well into the Thunder's plan. The pick solidifies Russell Westbrook as their point guard of the future, and gives them a solid scoring punch at the shooting guard position.

Harden is one of the more NBA-ready prospects, and will be able to contribute immediately. The lefty can shoot well, uses his solid frame to rebound and has been praised for his highly unselfish game and ability to feel out the game. This again fits well for the Thunder, who have a lot of options in Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Westbrook.

Though I was one of those initially surprised, I have been converted. Harden is a solid choice who can really help out this team. He brings many qualities and strengths and little weaknesses.

NBAdraft.net cited Harden as similar to Manu Ginobili, in that they are both players who are ''a tremendous team player who would rather win and score 10 than lose and score 40.''

They are always my favourite type of players.

Will Stephen Curry coexist with Monta Ellis?

Last week I wrote an article about how Monta Ellis was being given the Warriors' reins and had been promised that a play making point guard would not be taken at the draft.

Well, play making might not be his main strength, but Stephen Curry is a guard, and he does like to shoot. Though Curry's name has been mentioned numerous times in trade rumours (most noticeably with the Phoenix Suns) the team has announced they will be keeping him...so assuming this is true, can the two coexist?

Answer: Yes, if Ellis allows it

While Ellis is a good shooter, his talent is penetrating and getting to the basket. Conversely, though Curry can drive and penetrate, his strength lies in outside shooting. Therefore, the two can produce quite a fearsome back court tandem if they learn how to play off each other.

This can only happen if Ellis does not allow his ego to become too large. If he starts making statements about being the man and not sharing the ball when it is wise, Curry will take longer to establish confidence and it could end up being a debacle.

Ellis needs to put the team first, and realize that Curry being productive will aid him much more in the long run.

This, of course, will only be of relevance if coach Don Nelson gets over his aversion to playing rookies.

After all, seen much of Brandon Wright lately?

Why did the Minnesota Timberwolves choose two point guards?

The story of the draft. After trading Mike Miller and Randy Foye to the Washington Wizards for the fifth pick, the Wolves were the team to watch in the draft. They would definitely be getting some new exciting talent in for their team.

It was only a surprise that Ricky Rubio had fallen to the fifth spot, there was no shock that the Wolves took him there. Possibly a great talent, Rubio was too good to leave on the board there.

What was an incredible surprise and shock, was David Stern calling out Jonny Flynn's name with the sixth pick.

David Kahn, Minnesota's new GM, had picked two point guards with back-to-back picks. Surely there would be a trade for one of the two guards to come around? Perhaps the Wolves wanted to keep Flynn, but had taken Rubio because there was such high interest in him, and could demand a good trade? Perhaps vice-versa?

And yet, no trade has yet materialized, and Kahn has stated that it will stay that way. That the Wolves intend to keep these two prospects and play them together.

The most consistent question of the 2009 Draft is still being asked...why did they take two point guards?

Answer: Who knows?

There seems almost no logical explanation, unless the idea is to still trade one of the two. They are both great talents, and if you think about it do offset each other almost perfectly.

Flynn is an explosive, athletic scorer whereas Rubio is a pass-first play maker with a great knowledge and feel for the game...so it is just a shame they both play the same position.

Flynn can't be put at the 2 spot—he is simply too small and other teams would take advantage too early. Rubio can't go there, either. While he is 6'4" and has filled out, his shooting has not yet developed enough to play that position, and it would be a waste of his greatest skills.

Not only that, but there is talk of Rubio now staying in Spain for a year or two. If he came to Minnesota he would have to compete more for any minutes and could be put in the middle of a very messy situation. Let's not forget that Rubio has to buy himself out of his Spanish team to play for the Wolves...would you want to do that if you aren't sure if you'll even be getting many minutes?

The only reason I can think of, other than eventually putting one of the two into a trade, is that Kahn has at least generated major interest in the Wolves now. This is easily the most-talked-about story of the draft, and it has woken many Wolves fans up after years of nothing to be bothered about.

The team will be in the spotlight all season now if both remain there, and will definitely help with getting a few more people in the stands.

But really...I have no answer to why Kahn would do this. Perhaps they can coexist, but its incredibly unlikely and gives off many disadvantages even if they do, such as the lack of size, etc.

I like both players, and at the end, just want to see each of them playing in the NBA.

What are your other questions on the draft? I'll try and have a go at those ones too, as always.

Vince Carter Is, Finally, on a True Contender

Hoops4life — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:44:41 -0400

Finally, Vince Carter is playing on a true contender.

After an incredibly busy day/week, one team gaining a particular player stands out in my mind.

Is it Richard Jefferson to the Spurs? Its a scary one, but no.

Was it the Timberwolves drafting two point guards? I'm convinced there is more to happen yet, but no.

Surely, it's Shaq to the Cavs? It's the headliner, but for me, still a no.

The most interesting new player, in my view, is Vincent Lamar Carter going home to join the Orlando Magic.

He, along with upcoming sophomore Ryan Anderson, will leave the swamps of New Jersey to head to Disney World, and on their way down, they'll see Rafer Alston, Tony Battie, and Courtney Lee going in the other direction.

Let's quickly cover what Orlando is giving up first.

I feel bad for Alston. He was criticized in Houston, came to Orlando, and in many ways, saved the Magic's season after Jameer Nelson went down with injury. He helped them reach the NBA Finals and then got his minutes screwed over by Stan Van Gundy.

I understand the Magic choosing Nelson. I would have chosen Nelson as well, but it must still leave a bitter taste in Alston's mouth. Still, he should be proud of a job well-done.

Battie was a veteran who provided a lot of leadership in the locker room and was able to play important minutes. He'll bring the same to the Nets, though Orlando may want to bring in another veteran to replace him.

It's a shame that Lee was included in this deal. He was the steal of last year's draft, a real bright spot for the Magic. He has a great future ahead of him. I would have liked him to stay in Orlando, even if it he had to come off the bench. Still, he does have the chance to become a star alongside Devin Harris in New Jersey.

Still, it was worth it.

The Magic just gained another All-Star (or he should have been at least.) This makes them very frightening.

If the Magic can somehow figure out how to re-sign Hedo Turkoglu, and if we consider that Turk should also have been an All-Star, that gives them a potential starting lineup of Nelson, Carter, Turkoglu, Lewis and Howard or, in other words, five potential All-Stars.

And yet, the implications for how this improves the Magic is not the main reason why I love this trade.

The main reason is that, after 11 years, Vince Carter is finally on a true contender.

His Toronto Raptors were never considered contenders, and the New Jersey Nets barely made the playoffs during his tenure or missed them altogether.

Now he has been put on a team that has just come back from a trip to the NBA Finals.

Furthermore, he is plenty capable of helping them return. He finally has a chance to chase that elusive ring.

As one of the top personalities of this decade, love him or hate him, it will be big news if he gets that championship.

Allen Iverson, his rival from the 2001 playoffs, doesn't have a ring.

Steve Nash, the two-time MVP, doesn't have one.

His own cousin, Tracy McGrady, still hasn't played in a game beyond the first round.

They are All-Stars of his generation, and Carter has the chance to separate himself from them once and for all.

At the very worst, he will at least become relevant again. He will have the chance to make the big plays, the momentum-changing layup, and the timeout-inducing dunk in the games that matter—playoff games.

It will be a much better experience for him than these past playoffs, where Carter had to simply sit and watch other teams battle it out, his underrated season all going to waste.

Not only this, but Carter returns to his home state, and the city where he already lives in the offseason.

Can success here finally silence the critics that constantly talk about his surliness and lack of effort on the hopeless Raptor teams?

Can he finally make those Toronto fans shut up? (Even if he has already accomplished this feat by hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer to win the game on the Raptors' home floor this year).

Howard will command the paint. He will dunk on everyone, grab more rebounds than anyone else, and continue to improve his low-post game. He will also have a great shot at defending his Defensive Player Of The Year award.

Lewis will continue to knock down open threes when Howard is double-teamed and perform well in the clutch.

Nelson will hopefully return to the form he showed this year, running the show, nailing the outside a shot, and proving himself as one of the best at his position in the league.

Turkoglu (should he return) will continue to be a leader, will have another target for his underrated passing skills, and will show everyone how he should have been an All-Star these past two years.

And what about Carter? Carter will bring his all-around game—20.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG and 4.7 APG this past season—the experience, and his ability to make the big shot as well as his skills at creating his own shot and his athleticism. There are plenty of highlights to be seen from Half-Man/Half-Amazing yet.

Carter is one of my favorite players in the league, and I'm glad he finally has the chance to be part of something special.

The Magic have plenty of reasons to smile; this definitely takes a little of the hurt off an NBA Finals loss.

Are the Golden State Warriors Putting Too Much Hope in Monta Ellis?

Hoops4life — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:25:25 -0400

The Golden State Warriors have lost a few fans in the last two years.

That's what happens when you go from being an exciting, fast-paced team that pulled off one of the biggest upsets of NBA playoff history to a dull, no-hope team dwelling in the bottom of the Western Conference.

Personally, I only took real notice of the Warriors because A) I'm a Stephen Jackson fan and B) I took interest in the conflict between Jamal Crawford and head coach Don Nelson, merely because Crawford was on my fantasy team and I wanted to know if he was actually going to be playing that night.

So really, the team doesn't have much going for it other than the seventh pick in the upcoming draft, and of course, Monta Ellis.

The 2007 NBA's Most Improved Player is the biggest story in the Bay Area this summer, as speculation grows about how management is treating him, and how long his future with the team actually is.

The Warriors have made it clear that they intend to make Ellis the main piece of the team and to build around him. They have stated that they want him to remain in Golden State for the foreseeable future.

Not too long ago, we wouldn't have thought this would be the case.

I think we all know the details of how Ellis' season began, coming off a great 2007-2008 season in which he solidified his status as a young up-and-comer by averaging more than 20 points a game, before injuring the ligament in his left ankle.

The ankle required surgery, and Ellis claimed he injured it while working out. As we now know, this was not the case, as it was revealed the damage was due to a moped incident.

The team suspended Ellis for 30 games (which was conveniently how long he was due to be out for rehab anyway) and he started slowly after coming back, not really having time to show how successful his recovery was.

Understandably, some bad blood bubbled up during these legal wars between Ellis and the Warriors. It happens when you try to forcibly take money from another party.

Rumors surfaced of management trying to shop Ellis, and of Ellis demanding trades; it seemed like neither wanted anything to do with the other anymore.

That has now changed, apparently. This week, reports have come out detailing just how much the Warriors are willing to invest in the young Ellis as the future of their basketball team.

General manager Larry Riley and Don Nelson flew to Memphis in order to sweeten Ellis up, and apparently offered quite a lot to the quick guard.

"Coach came down here and that's exactly what it was," Ellis told KNBR's Fitz & Brooks Show on Thursday. "He said, 'I'm putting the team in your hands, on your shoulders, and we're gonna see how it goes.' And I'm ready for that responsibility right now."

OK. This seems fair enough: the Warriors are obviously at a crossroads where they need to pick a direction. They have chosen Ellis. And there are a number of good reasons.

He is young, he can obviously play, he has an exciting style that can help put butts in the seats, and he did show improvement after coming back from the ankle injury. Though he only managed 25 games, he averaged omore than 25 points per game throughout March and scored in double figures in 23 of those 25 games.

However, Riley has also reportedly assured Ellis that they will not be choosing a play-making point guard with their lottery pick on Draft Day.

So now Ellis is playing GM, too?

The team is now thinking about their drafting options based purely on what Ellis will think of them? I don't see that as a good sign.

That, to me, seems like the management is clutching at straws. They have decided the only thing afloat in the Bay is Ellis, so they're going to all grab onto him hard, even if they still end up sinking.

But is he worth it? Shouldn't the team be concentrating on what they need or the talent available, rather than keeping Ellis happy? They're almost acting as if he's LeBron James.

As mentioned previously, Ellis expressed interest in leaving the team, and still has bad blood with management, so will this all be a waste of time if Ellis wants to walk as soon as he can anyway?

Shouldn't the Warriors be concentrating on someone who wants to be with the team?

Understand, this is no knock on Monta Ellis. As mentioned, he is an incredibly skilled basketball player. He has a chance to be a star of the future, like so many labeled him two years ago, and it's definitely not all that hard to imagine him earning an All-Star berth down the road.

He has publicly stated his desire to stay with the team, too—"I'm not thinking about leaving," he said. "It hasn't come across my mind. The only thing I want to do is win.

"...I don't know where that stuff has come out, but right here, right now, I'll set the record straight—that never came from me and I'm a Warrior. And you don't have to worry about Monta Ellis, because No. 8 will be in a Warriors jersey next year."

No disrespect to him in any way; this is more about wondering what the management is thinking.

If they want Ellis to be their centerpiece, then that's fair enough. He is the highest-paid player on your team, and the one who gets his name in the headlines the most.

But make sure he is worth building around. Don't sell the team down the river in order to just keep him.

I think this stems from the fact that as a GM, it is better to be seen doing something than nothing.

I said earlier that the number of Golden State fans has lessened. So Riley is now saying, ''Yes, but look, Monta is here, he shall surely save the day," to keep the fans interested, as if this is much better than saying, ''Yeah, we lose a lot but remember 2007? That was a good year.''

Ellis can easily be a star for the Warriors, and can definitely help them in their quest to return to the postseason and make themselves relevant again, but that doesn't mean the Warriors have to put all their eggs in his basket.

As always, I would love to know what you think the Warriors should be doing.

Courtney Lee: The Unbelievable Rookie

Hoops4life — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:59:44 -0400

Hard to believe Courtney Lee is a rookie.

Derrick Rose was amazing during his first trip to the playoffs.

Micheal Beasley did some big damage to the Atlanta Hawks.

Big name rookies made noise this year, but none more so than Courtney Lee.

I am almost convinced there is a conspiracy going on here. Courtney Lee can't be a rookie. Rookies don't play with such poise and confidence. They aren't such a big impact player on contending teams. They aren't always so fearless and go all out to get the win, especially ones that get chosen 22nd overall.

Apart from Lee of course.

The Magic lost out to the Los Angeles Lakers last night but it was still an incredible season for the team. They reached contender status and silenced their critics and Lee was a big part of that.

Nearly a year ago, the Magic choose to select Lee at the 22nd spot in the first round. He had previously spent all four years at Western Kentucky University, he was named the Sun Belt Conference player of the year and left the school tied as the all-time leading scorer.

Despite this success, he was relatively unknown, perhaps due to the strength of that years draft and the sheer number of well-known names.

No one really batted an eyelid at the pick, and no one really expected Lee to make much of an impact on a team that probably wouldn't even make the Conference Finals.

It took three games for Lee to even get to step onto the court and it took until November for him to score double figures.

But the first time he was given 30 minutes in a game, against Minnesota on December third, he scored 19, shooting eight of ten from the field and making three three-pointers.

He learned quickly, and his minutes increased as the year went on. The Magic made more and more noise and Lee was a part of it. The team had three All-Stars in Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson, so Lee was never considered a star of the team. He did become a starter though, and played his role as well as you could ask from a rookie.

When the postseason started, the Magic were facing issues. They had dropped down to the third seed and critics were concerned more than ever at the absence of Nelson, and whether a mainly- jump shooting team could go far into the playoffs.

They lost their first game, at home, against the Sixers, and the pressure was suddenly on. Game 2 was a must-win, lose that and this postseason could have been very different.

Lee came through big. He was the team's leading scorer in the win with 24, in just his second ever playoff game.

Later in the series, a Dwight Howard's elbow decided to slam into Lee's head, causing him to miss three games, the last of the Sixers series and the first two of the Boston series. The team missed him while he was gone, though they managed to win two of the three.

Though Lee's minutes seemed to dwindle somewhat during the Cavs series, and especially in the finals, Lee made the most of what he was given, and though the Magic fell short; it would have been a lot harder to get even that far without the rookie.

His numbers aren't astounding. He didn't light up for 30 during these playoffs or anything of that sort.

But numbers can't really show you the point I'm trying to make here; its just the way that he plays.

During the Cleveland series, Lee got a run out to the basket and Lebron James was running fast behind him, the Cleveland fans had seen this scenario several times already this season, always resulting in James swatting the ball into the stands.

Surely, against a rookie, it would be the same deal?

It would not, Lee slammed it down hard on the fastbreak and he sent a message.

Its hard enough just playing on an NBA court, never mind the playoffs. Never mind the Finals. There's no bigger stage he could have been on, and yet he was never shaken. He continued to drive it hard and slammed it down in traffic more than once on the Lakers big men.

I know what you're thinking about, Game 2.

At the end of Game 2, with the score tied, the Magic drew up a great out of bounds play; Turkoglu threw a perfect lob pass to a cutting Lee, who caught and put just a bit too much on it.

If he had hit that shot this could have been a very different series.

“I caught it and just tried to make a play,” Lee said. “We didn’t lose the game just because I missed the layup. We could have won the game.”

And he's right, you can't blame the loss completely on that one shot. There's a whole game before that, and in this case an overtime afterwards as well.

Besides, that was an incredibly hard shot, his momentum was carrying him out of bounds; a 7-footer, who showed his shot-blocking skill in this series, was looming towards him and how much pressure was there to make that shot?

The name, Nick Anderson, was thrown around afterwards, but seriously that is in no way the same situation. Lee did not choke, and cannot be labelled a choker on one missed shot, it would have been hard for any of the players in that series to make that shot, let alone a rookie.

Back to my point, this guy cannot be a rookie right?

A 22nd overall pick?

Sure didn't look like one this year.

Lee may not be named Rose or OJ Mayo, or one of those guys that makes you think "Instant All-Star," but he went further than any other rookie in these playoffs, and overall got to make more of an impact than most could dream of.

Not a bad start.

The All Non-All-Star NBA Team for the Playoffs

Hoops4life — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:21:26 -0400

Every year the NBA announces their All-NBA team for the year, the best players at their respective positions. And as you would expect, they're all All-Stars. But what of those players who aren't the man on their team? Whose shirt isn't at the top of the sales list all year? How have they impacted the playoffs? Well what follows is my own list of players not selected for the All-Star game who have been the best at their position throughout these here playoffs. (Meaning I will be leaving out- Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Chris Paul, Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, Brandon Roy and Dirk Nowitzki from the West and Allen Iverson, Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Mo Williams, Paul Pierce, Rashard Lewis, Ray Allen and Joe Johnson from the East...but then you knew that already)

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Rashard Lewis Has Earned His Money

Hoops4life — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:14:21 -0400

You saw Rashard Lewis's output in Game One—if you can really call it an output.

But its not too hard to remember how clutch he was against Cleveland, hitting huge threes and making the big plays to help Orlando dominate the series.

However, it is easy to forget Rashard Lewis's story. It's easy to forget that he is truly an underdog, and how far he's come.

Lewis decided to bypass college entirely in back in 1998 and instead opted for the NBA draft. The Houston Rockets were rumoured to be interested in taking the hometown hero, but instead chose Micheal Dickerson, Mirsad Turkcan, and Bryce Drew.

Seen any of them playing in All-Star games recently?

Lewis fell into the second round, where he was picked up by the Seattle SuperSonics—and left with a burning need to make those teams that passed on him regret it.

He spent nine years in Seattle, becoming a major piece of the team, and the Robin to Ray Allen's Batman. Using his outstanding shooting combined with height and athleticism, Lewis became a match up problem for many teams. He broke the record for most three-pointers as a Sonic and had three straight seasons of averaging over 20 PPG.

But the Sonics lacked wins. The only season that could really be termed as a success was the '04-05 season. The Sonics surprised many that year with 52 wins and a division title.

It was this year that Rashard earned his first All-Star berth. He was a key cog in the team's success, though they were still stopped short in the second round by the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs.

In 2007, it was clear the team was changing. It was nearing confirmation that the team would be relocated to Oklahoma City. The team won the second pick in that year's draft, and it was clear they were going in a new direction.

Ray Allen was traded, and Rashard Lewis quickly decided to walk away into free agency.

If you type the name Rashard Lewis into Google, the first thing it suggests is 'Rashard Lewis: Contract'.

Everyone knows about the huge contract that the Orlando Magic gave to Lewis—a six-year, $110 million deal. And the media had a field day over it. He was immediately labelled as overrated. The Magic were criticised for mortgaging their future and giving far too much money to Lewis.

I never agreed with this analysis. I believe half the reason the deal was talked about so much was that it was the only important free-agent signing of the summer.

That's where Rashard began his journey with Orlando—and it's where he began earning every dollar of that contract.

In his first year, the Magic were never truly considered contenders, though he did finish as the Magic's top scorer in the playoffs.

This season would be a different story.

The Magic came together to be a truly dominant force in the East. Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson were selected as All-Stars, along with Lewis. They lost Nelson to a nasty shoulder injury and narrowly missed out on the second seed in the East, but were still a force to be reckoned with.

They faltered at first, losing their first playoff game at home against the Sixers, but they soon found their way and finished off the Sixers in six.

Rashard had 29 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the elimination game.

The reigning-champion Boston Celtics were the Magic's first challenge. The Magic were down 3-2 in the series, and completed one of the greatest comebacks in recent NBA history.

The Magic were even able to knock off the Cavaliers, who had been basically pencilled into the NBA finals since Kevin Garnett had gone down with injury.

Lewis hit some unbelievably-clutch shots in the Cleveland series. Without him they would have been in serious trouble.

I had originally intended to name this article ''Rashard Lewis: Time To Earn His Money,'' and talk about how Lewis's play in these finals would decide whether he really deserved that huge contract or not.

But the more I thought about it, the more I disliked that idea. In my opinion, Rashard Lewis has earned that money, and silenced the critics.

The Magic wouldn't have reached the NBA finals without him. Perhaps they wouldn't have even made the Conference Finals.

This is the greatest season for the Magic since Shaq was hanging with Mickey Mouse—and Lewis has been a huge part of that.

This has nothing to do with money now. This is about the championship, and finally showing those teams what they missed out on.

Breaking News: Shaquille O'Neal Revealed As True NBA Commisioner (Humor)

Hoops4life — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:42:37 -0400

Breaking News: Shaquille O'Neal revealed as the true commissioner, making former teams fight for who gets to retire his jersey.

In an incredible revelation earlier today, it has become apparent that David Stern is not the true commissioner of the league, and has just been the face of the operation. ( the information was revealed by former bad guy, now good guy, Tim Donaghy)

Shaquille O'Neal, he of three rings and finals MVP's, is in fact the true commissioner of the NBA, and has been controlling NBA outcomes for years now.

At a press conference held earlier today, Stern had this to say:

''He took me to a club one night...some drinks were had...and the next morning it appeared I had signed certain documents. I'm just happy that Mr. O'Neal kept me on, he said he needed a hip face for the youngsters to connect with..''

It was also revealed that O'Neal had in fact orchestrated this year's NBA Finals' matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic.

The two teams O'Neal had the most success with will apparently be fighting for not only an NBA Championship, but the honour of hanging O'Neal's jersey when he retires.

As the big man stepped to the podium, he issued this statement

''I couldn't really decide where to hang it...so I thought the best option was just have them battle it out. In the 2010 Finals it'll be the Miami Heat vs the Phoenix Suns to decide where I get to be a Police Officer''

Shaquille went on to reveal several other events he had constructed for personal reasons at some point in this decade, some examples being:

1. Robert Horry getting the big shots in San Antonio (He was owed after hitting the big shot after O'Neal missed in 2002 against the Kings)

2.Dwyane Wade missing so much time due to injury (He was starting to steal the spotlight)

3. The Cavs being swept by the Spurs in 2007 (If Shaq got swept in his first trip to the finals, apparently so does James)

4.Tim Duncan not being signed to Orlando (''That's my house'')

5.Amare Stoudemire's season-ending eye surgery this year (see number 2)

At one point during the press conference, a young reporter asked why, if Shaquille had as much control over NBA outcomes, his own Phoenix Suns failed to even make the playoffs this year...to which O'Neal quickly replied:

''Now how in the hell am I gunna Twitter if I've got to play in the game?"

O'Neal has assured us that the NBA will not change despite the shocking revelation, though he did give us some insights into future events happening in the NBA:

The NBA shall extend into Europe and China within the decade, so that O'Neal can ''get his fill of great food.''

A new rule only allowing players under 6'10 and 250 pounds eligible to be put into the draft will be enforced next year.

The three second violation and offensive charge fouls are to be removed

Stan Van Gundy is going to be replaced by his brother Jeff

Kobe Bryant will be made to attend an ''Appreciating A**'' Seminar.

Although this has shaken many fan's faith in the NBA, really it does make it a lot more fun...and we get a great finals match-up in the process.

And besides...we all had an inkling, right?

My Letter to the L.A Clippers As a Fan of Blake Griffin

Hoops4life — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:51:28 -0400

Dear Clippernation/Mr. Dunleavy,

I, like many, am an avid fan of the talented big man from Oklahoma, Blake Griffin. A unique talent, a man with a great work ethic and a successful player at the college level.

You've made it fairly clear that you intend to take him with the first overall pick, that you were lucky enough to win this past week.

And who can blame you? Ricky Rubio is intriguing...he could be a great point guard. Guys like Hasheem Thabeet (guys that are 7'3" and have the wingspan that would make Virgin Airlines jealous) don't come along all too often. Brandon Jennings' highlights on YouTube are enough to make anything look twice.

But compared to Blake Griffin? No, definitely no-one blaming you for your choice.

After all, Griffin was the man in the NCAA this year. He won almost every award he was eligible for (including the Oscar Robertson trophy, Sports Illustrated player of the year, and Big 12 player of the year, along with so many more). He was an All-American, the MVP and the undisputed leader of his team.

A team that enjoyed success, largely due to Griffin. The team started 25-1, and Griffin's worth was proven after he missed two games with a nasty concussion, and the Sooners lost both games (though to be fair, they were close games)

The Sooners earned their No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, and easily dispatched Morgan State, Michigan and red-hot Syracuse.

They met their match in their Elite Eight matchup with North Carolina, but the team can hold their heads up high by being beaten by the eventual champions.

Griffin was huge in the tourney. He finished with 114 points and 60 rebounds- a feat unmatched for 40 years.

But then, I guess you knew that all eh? You aren't going to take him at No. 1 for nothing.

But there is so much more. Griffin's work ethic, his desire to win, his leadership qualities are all valuable commodities so rare in the NBA. His cool demeanor completely offsets his rugged style of play.

He, unlike many of the other choices in the draft this year, will make an impact on his team immediately. He can rebound. He can defend. He can work well within an offense.

Though he is a big man who can use his size and strength to his advantage, he can use other skills as well. For a man of his size, his ball-handling and outside touch are far more than respectable. In fact his jumper has been one mentioned as one of the attributes that sets him apart from the rest.

There has been nothing but positives and even amazement coming from his pre-draft workouts. He is grounded, humble, and any team would be lucky to have him.

And it seems like your Clippers, Mr. Dunleavy, are that lucky team.

So I now feel like I should get to the point of this letter...seeing as almost everyone now knows what I detailed above.

Please, Please, oh Please...do not waste this man's career.

You will have to forgive my lack of confidence in your team...but you do not have the best history as a franchise.

You don't really make the best decisions contract and trade wise. Your bench always seems to be bickering with the coaching staff...you have only made the playoffs once in something like 110 years.

Last time you had a No. 1 pick...Michael Olowokandi was chosen back in 1998. And I don't think either of us wants to relive what happened there.

You were lucky enough to have one of the best power forwards of the decade in Elton Brand. He was a walking 20-10 for years, and though he is slated as being unloyal now...I believe he is no such thing, he deserves a lot of respect for putting up with your losing ways for so many years.

You had him...and failed to utilise him. You didn't put any pieces around him apart from the 2006 season, which to your credit was a great season. But that's all it was, a season. Three years on now, and you haven't sniffed the postseason since.

I beg, do not do this with Blake Griffin.

Learn from your mistakes, let him grow and mature in his own way, and place the pieces around him in the future. I won't go so far as to say he will be an M.V.P one day...but I do say with absolute confidence that he will be a major part of your success.

If I had my way, Mr. Dunleavy, Blake Griffin would be going to almost any other team than yours. I believe any other front office and coaching staff could do a better job, but it looks like you shall have him.

So please, don't screw it up.

I am not a fan of your team, but I am a fan of Blake Griffin.

If you do this right, the latter will change the former.

The Four Players I Most Want to Watch in the Remainder of the NBA Playoffs

Hoops4life — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:10:48 -0400

Four teams are left. Two tied at one game apiece. One up a game. One trailing by a game.

That leaves us roughly 46 players to watch...soon that'll be narrowed down to 24.

And as we all do...there are always those special individual players we like to see.

Obviously everyone wants to see LeBron, everyone wants to look at Kobe (believe me, they'll get the chance) but we each have our own interests for our own reasons.

And here is just one guy's short list:

(I've decided to not include the remaining all-stars (LeBron James, Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Kobe Bryant, Chauncey Billups, or Pau Gasol) or guys that I consider to be stars on their teams (Hedo Turkoglu, Carmelo Anthony) so we can talk about some different players for once.

And yes, I do know Mo Williams was an all-star, but I want to write about him, so I'm going to use the excuse that he wasn't an original selection and therefore slips through ( I know, I'm cheating, but I'm also the guy behind the keyboard so ha)

Enjoy, and as always, show me your list in the comment section:

1. Trevor Ariza, L.A Lakers

Background:

Ariza must be one of the stories of the year...surely. He was involved in a small trade with the Magic that no-one really cared about last year and was injured for most of the playoffs.

Though his regular season numbers won't make anyone gasp, he made a very strong contribution off the bench and continued to improve all year. He was a great help on defence, averaging 1.7 steals a game and often guarding the opposition's best perimeter player.

On top of this he certainly provided some highlights with his high-flying dunks.

And it only got better in the postseason: His numbers have risen across the board, and he is shooting a blistering 50% from the 3-point line. And those dunks keep coming.

Why I want to watch:

But enough with the numbers: I'm interested in watching Trevor Ariza because he really is one of those "glue guys," he's more valuable to the Lakers than most would think.

He hustles after every loose ball, he comes up in the big moments, and you can see he just wants to win: Definitely what I want to watch on a basketball court.

And again, the dunks are pretty sick.

2. Nene Hilario, Denver Nuggets

Background:

I have the utmost respect for this man.

We all should. We know the hard times that Nene has endured and conquered, so we won't dwell on that, but I think it says a lot about his character and determination that he's even on the court, giving us the chance to talk about him.

Nene is one of the best big men in basketball. His regular season numbers of 14 and 7 per aren't eye-popping, but are more than respectable when playing in the West and being on a team loaded with perimeter scorers.

He is a major piece of the Denver puzzle, and his attitude is now completely geared towards winning, thanks to the arrival of Chauncey Billups (Mr. Big Shot has done it for all the Nuggets)

Why I want to watch:

Nene is nasty.

There was a play in game one where Pau Gasol thought he had an easy defensive board...suddenly Nene was just jumping over him, ripping the ball from the air, and dunking it back on the Spaniard's head.

He embodies this new nasty, running, dunking, attitude-heavy Denver team that have finally reached the Western Conference Finals and, as with Ariza, is a glue guy.

He does the little things. He boxes out. He sets picks (HARD picks) and he bumps cutters as they come through the lane.

And then he also has the highlights such as I mentioned above.

Nene is a great man, and his coach put it best: ''He's the comeback player of the year...this guy should be given an award for everything he's done''

3. Rafer Alston, Orlando Magic

Background:

I could write an entire article on Alston's background, so I think we'll stick to the recent history.
Alston started off the playoffs well against Philadelphia: He scored in double figures in every game, and in game six (minus Dwight Howard) he had a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists.

In the hard-fought Boston series, he struggled early on...as portrayed through his attempt to swat a bug off the back of Eddie House's head. It took until game 5 for Alston to score in double-figures, and his high for the series was 16 points.

Though he did distribute the ball well, averaging 5 assists through the series while his three-point shooting also got better as he went on.

Why I want to watch:

People like to hate on Rafer, but I found his head-slapping hilarious...it was a very long night trying to stop Eddie House, and his kissing of the refs head was just as priceless.

Alston has the chance to be part of something special, if his Orlando Magic can build on the one-game lead they have over the favoured Cavs, it'll be something of legend.

Everyone has pencilled the Cavs into the finals ever since Boston lost the first game of the entire playoffs to the Bulls.

If the Magic can go even further than that and win a championship...then very few will have gone on a longer and more storied road to an NBA championship than Rafer Alston.

4. Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers

Background:

Yeah Yeah i know...all-star...one of the team's stars, I'm breaking my own rule...but considering the quotes Williams has amassed the last two days, I couldn't leave him out.

Williams has truly become what Lebron James wanted they needed him to be...a true second offensive threat, a steady point guard and someone who fits within the team...I think you can check all three of those off.

He has scored in double figures in every playoff game (aside from a very questionable two-point outing in game three against the Pistons). He has been involved in numerous highlights involving the King and the other Cavs (dude is a great oop thrower) and highlights of his own (buzzer-beating 3's to end the half, for example)

Why I want to watch:

Since their game one loss against the Magic, Williams has put himself in the media spotlight with his quotes. After the loss he tried to take the blame:

“I have to take pressure off of [LeBron]…I look at myself, 6 for 19.” Williams said. “LeBron is 20-30 from the field. I don’t care, he can go one-on-one all he wants.”

Fair enough, I think that's being a good teammate.

But today, this quote also emerged: "I don’t feel this team can beat us four times". This is something he should be saying, he needs to have confidence in his team and not let his teammates get down on themselves, but it also does hint at over-confidence.

I say just play the game...but either way I'm interested to see how Williams does now that he's pointed all the cameras towards him-I say all the cameras, think most are reserved for LeBron and Dwight, but you get my point.

Williams is an entertaining, talented player, who is surely going to be involved in some big plays yet.

Back to my original point, there are four teams left, and it's teams that I love to watch...but still, nothing wrong with enjoying individual efforts too.

What if Jameer Nelson Had Never Been injured?

Hoops4life — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:06:32 -0400

It is strange how the smallest things can have such a large impact on the world. Many times, these small things are ones that most of us will never notice, or never attribute to the impacts they have...and yet some there are. And one of them is Jameer Nelson falling onto his shoulder and tearing his labrum on February 2nd in a game against the Dallas Mavericks. There are many injuries that have shaped these playoffs, but I think the implications of Jameer Nelson's injury goes a lot further. Before the injury, Nelson had his best year as a pro. He grew into a leader, quieted his many critics (they have predictably jumped on the bandwagon now) and most importantly helped the Orlando Magic into a contender (maybe not most importantly, he was also a major piece of my fantasy team) These are some things that could be very different if Nelson doesn't fall in that Dallas game.

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Five Things Allen Iverson Can Do To Become Relevant in the NBA Again

Hoops4life — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:30:22 -0400

Allen Iverson is a legend of the game. We may as well get this out of the way. Almost no-one has played with as much heart and passion as he, no-one has had such a surging fan base in recent years. He was the heart and sole of the City of Philadelpia for many years. He had an unstoppable arsenal of offensive weapons. More than once he took down big teams nearly by himself. Glad we have that covered. Things may have changed. He is now on a Pistons team that isn't among the happiest in the league. He didn't play a single minute during the sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers. I don't want to go into the whole thing, but Allen Iverson didn't make the Detroit Pistons horrible. He never asked to be traded there, and he didn't make nearly every other player to forget about defence and throw up brick after brick. But that discussion is for another day. Right now, Allen Iverson is nearly completely forgotten about during this postseason run, and here are five things I think the Answer could do to make himself relevant once more.

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The NBA: Where Confusing Flagrant Fouls and Suspensions Happen

Hoops4life — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:58:35 -0400

The NBA: Where confusing flagrant fouls and suspensions happen.

Playoffs.

It means many things.

Buzzer-beaters. Huge shots. Great match-ups. Crowds going nuts. Amazing wins and devastating losses.

As well as...hard fouls.

Not for better, or for worse, that's just how it is.

Its understandable. You could be matched up with the same guy for up to 7 games. So a harder foul isn't out of the question...just make him feel it a bit more. Make sure he remembers it next time type thing.

Things get chippy. You get annoyed with eachother. Fouls get harder as it goes on.

But then there are hard fouls...and then there are the so called 'flagrant' fouls.

Unavoidable. They happen. I'm not defending them. I'm not praising them. But it happens, its playoff basketball.

But when it becomes 'flagrant'. The flagrant foul rule is one of the harder ones to understand ( especially if you read the official rules). I have included a link of a decent explanation of the rule.

http://www.nba.com/features/misunderstoodrules_051128.html

Dwight Howard was suspended by one game by the NBA after throwing a rather hard elbow in the direction of Sammy Dalembert's face.

Here's the play:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjYuOG1gMDw

Howard recieved a technical foul for the elbow, which is fair enough. But the NBA reviewed the play and issued Howard with the suspension.

As it turned out, it didn't matter much, as the Magic still won and ended the series in game 6. But it could have been very different, the NBA suspended the main man of the Orlando Magic and that suspension could have changed the whole series.

Now, to be clear, I'm not trying to say that the NBA shouldn't have suspended Howard. If they feel that the elbow warrants a suspension...then it obviously does.

What I am trying to argue is, if this elbow warrants a suspension, then how does this not?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLWBPRZD1oc

Again. I'm aware it's a tough series. Nasty fouls happen, its just part of the game. But why should Howard be suspended and Rondo not?

It turned out that Howard wasn't needed to finish off the Sixers, but we'll never know if the Bulls could have upset a Rondo-less Celtics in game 7.

Again, I want to clarify. I'm not asking for a suspension here. I'm not even really trying to discuss whether or not it was deserved, what I am trying to argue is that the NBA must be consistent.

Rondo had already gotten away with a potential-flagrant in game 5, after slapping Brad Miller on one the last plays of the game. As it was so imperative to the outcome of the game, I would have thought the NBA may have taken a bit more interest in it.

Also something keeps coming in my mind. I'm sure many will be sick of hearing about this. But you may remember in 2007, this happening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYC95MziMJk

(Just quickly, don't you leave hearing Marv Albert saying: ''The Suns did not appreciate the foul''?)

I'm sure we can all remember the outcome of this: Amare Stoudemire and Boris Diaw being suspended...for standing up.
For being good teammates and having an almost involuntary reaction to seeing their teammate being knocked down.

Now, again, if the NBA says that's a suspension in the NBA, then I guess its a suspension in the NBA.

But then why is Rondo throwing Hinrich into the scorer's table not?

Whats the difference between the Howard elbow and the Rondo pull?

I've heard the argument that Howard is obviously a much bigger and stronger man than Rondo. And that an elbow to the head could do some serious damage. No argument there, but so can being thrown into a scorer's table by your arm.

Career-ending injuries have come from a lot less.

Believe me, I don't want the NBA to suspend everyone who commits a flagrant foul in the playoffs...teams would start having issues with having enough players on the roster.

I know it must seem like it, but I didn't want a suspension for Rondo. I'd rather see him out on the floor, much more enjoyable that way.

In the same way it would have been more enjoyable to watch Howard play in game 6.

'No crying over spilt milk'.

It applies here. The Boston-Chicago series is over. The first round has closed. But still...plenty more basketball left for this argument to apply to.

Personally I don't want to see any suspensions, but if the NBA decide to issue them ( I do understand them, there has to be a limit and has to be a punishment) then they have to issue them consistently.

It is incredibly frustrating when refs don't call it the same both ways in a game. The same goes for the NBA with issueing their penalties.

There is no call for an NBA where every physical play calls for someone having to miss a game. There is no call for an NBA where dangerous fouls can be committed with no fear of punishment.

There is a call though, for a consistent NBA.

Thank you for reading my rantings

How The Dallas Mavericks Made Me Look Like a Fool

Hoops4life — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:24:52 -0400

How the Dallas Mavericks have made me look like a fool.

I've never been a particular fan of the Dallas Mavericks.

Perhaps it was because the competed with my Sacramento Kings early in the decade for the fastest offense.

Maybe its because I thought they were simply stupid in letting Steve Nash walk.

Could be because I was fully behind Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal in 2006, and the Mavs happened to get in the way.

Probably because I was told off my a teacher for making too much noise when the Warriors dispatched the Mavs in 2007. I love an upset (cmon Bulls!)

I never liked Dirk Nowitzki really. Or Jason Terry (likely because a friend never shuts up about him).

And yet, this year, I warmed towards them slightly. I've always been a fan of Jason Kidd. I've followed Jose Barea since one of my favorite writers mentioned him in her column two years ago.

Dirk Nowitzki didn't seem so annoying anymore. I put him in my fantasy team and he delivered. My respect for Jason Terry grew after watching him handle being moved to the bench with the utmost class and saw him flourish there.

I'm still not a fan of Erick Dampier. Or Ryan Hollins, but overall, I've let my grudge against the Mavs go.

But I still didn't respect them as a team. And they have shut me up.

I've included the Mavs in articles all year.

I wrote a piece on who was likely to finish in the 9th spot in the West. I voted for the Mavs.

I wrote a piece on how the Suns could easily overtake the Mavs in the playoff hunt with just two weeks remaining.

I mentioned repeatedly how the Mavs would never last against the Lakers.

I have said how they would not fare well against a Nuggets team...in the first round!

And here we are. The Mavericks have moved into the second round. Last time they did that...it was 2006. Detroit were a powerhouse, Tracy McGrady was spotted on a basketball court and Seattle had a pro bball team...things change.

The Mavs made a great late-season push (ironically, much in the same style the Spurs normally do)

They won 7 of their last 9, only losing twice in April. They surged up the Western Standings and grabbed the 6th seed, along with their 50th win, on the last night of the season.

A lot of people, even a week before the season finished, would have guessed the Mavs would have scraped themselves that high.

But they had drawn the San Antonio Spurs. No they aren't the Spurs we know and love, but they're still not too shabby.

I agreed with most that this would be a hard-fought series, which could even go to seven games, but that the Spurs would come out on top.

Wrong on both accounts. While there are still several series remaining that could easily go all the way, the Mavericks-Spurs matchup lasted just five games.

And they made it clear they are no joke. They are not the same team as last year.

It wasn't a Cleveland-Detroit type beatdown, but the Mavs did prove that they can play, and that they have the pieces to do it.

More importantly though, they showed they can do it as a team.

The Mavs have main men: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry and Josh Howard.

Dirk scored 31 in game 5, but went over 20 just one other time.

Jason Terry didn't score over 20 in the series.

Josh Howard had 28 and 25, but also had 7.

It may seem like I'm trying to show these as negatives, but they aren't at all. It showed the Mavs can work together- Dirk no longer has to be everything on the offense.

The bench has shown major improvements, perhaps none more so than J.J Barea. He scored 50 points in the series while dishing 23 assists. And he did it when it was important, he is a great help for the Mavs.

Barea is able to come in for Jason Kidd, which leaves Terry at the 2 spot to help with the scoring load.

If nothing else, the series with the Spurs has been a massive confidence boost. And it is a huge achievement in itself, whatever happens with the Nuggets.

About that...

The Nuggets are rolling. Chauncey Billups was on fire against New Orleans. J.R smith heated up towards the end of the series. It was three's and alley-oops everywhere, they are rolling as well as any team in the playoffs right now.

Can the Mavs slow them down?

My instinct says not really...but I think we've learnt what happens when I bet against Dallas.

I do expect the Mavs to put up more of a fight than the Hornets. Denver is bound to cool off for at least a game or two. And as mentioned earlier, the Mavericks can now spread the scoring load.

Whereas New Orleans had Chris Paul...and kind of David West.

It was well documented how physical Denver was in their first round series. Expect some more of that. In the same way it helped to slow Chris Paul, the Nuggets will use this on Dirk Nowitzki.

The Mavs can bang around too though. Erick Dampier's game is mostly taking up space and making hard fouls. Jason Terry and Josh Howard aren't going to be pushed around.

Whichever team comes out on top, the Mavericks should be proud, and consider this a successful season.

They managed to keep their 50-wins-a-season streak going, they not only made it into the playoffs, but got a decent seeding and caused an upset. And they did this with one of their main guys missing 30 games.

No, they are not contenders and their championship window is closed as firmly as the Suns'.

But a year ago they had been knocked out by the Hornets in a more-than-embarrassing manner. It seemed like the franchise was dead-and-buried.

As much as a few months ago, many (myself included) thought the team was done.

Alas, the Dallas Mavericks made me look like a fool. They could easily do it again.

Ben Gordon Has Turned It Around for the Chicago Bulls

Hoops4life — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:55:32 -0400

Ben Gordon has turned it all around for the Chicago Bulls.

Back in his rookie season, I liked Ben Gordon's game. He came off the bench, provided a scoring punch, and even hit a buzzer-beater or two.

He seemed like he was playing well beyond his years, and it resulted in a Sixth Man of the Year award.

News soon came around that he may be able to play on the Great Britain team, just putting him higher in my good books.

But the years wore on, and my liking for Gordon began to fade.

During 2007 (perhaps the Bulls' best year of this decade) he averaged a career high 21.4 PPG, as well in career highs in assists (3.6), rebounding (3.2) and FG % (45.5)

The Bulls soon started to fall apart though, and it seemed Ben Gordon went with them.

Basically all his numbers went down in 2008, the same as the number of Bulls' wins. There were reports of Gordon not getting on with teammates and not being a positive in the locker room. Much in the same way as Shawn Marion was being displayed in Phoenix.

(Just as a sidenote, very few of us actually know whether or not Gordon was a negative influence behind the scenes, but that's the vibe that was given out.)

Last summer, it seemed that Gordon started acting like a Prima Donna. Gordon was never in the headlines for anything on the court.

It was always contract issues...extensions, refusals of big deals, holdouts...it seemed Gordon was only interested in the money.

There was a lot of discussion as to whether Gordon would even return to the Bulls, and at the beginning of the season it seemed almost definite that this year would be the last of Gordon in a Bulls' uniform.

That still could be true, but even if it is, then Ben Gordon is throwing himself one hell of a going-away party...

This year, while most of the hype has been devoted to the newly-crowned Rookie of the Year (congratulations Mr. Rose, well deserved), a rookie coach, an injured main man, and new players thanks to a hugely successful trade deadline day deal.

He has raised his scoring back to 20.7, and posted a new career high in rebounds at 3.5. The Bulls have had a hugely successful season, reaching the seventh seed in the East.

By now, you should all know about the upset the Bulls pulled in game one. And they came very close again in game 2, they couldn't have much made it much more difficult for the Celtics.

In Game One: Gordon didn't have a great shooting night, going 6-17 from the field, including 1-5 from 3-point line.

However, he did still go for 20 points, as well as adding five assists.

His stat line may not have been as impressive as Derrick Rose's (an amazing 26 and 11) or maybe even Joakim Noah's (11 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocked shots) but he did hit some big important shots in the fourth.

It was game two, though, that really showed what Ben Gordon is capable of.

He went for a game-high 42. More importantly, 25 of these came in the second half. He hit six treys, going head to head with fellow UCONN Husky Ray Allen.

But more than the numbers...was the sheer brilliance and importance of these shots.

They were incredible. He often had two Celtics right in his face, and he was often falling on them. They were those time-out inducing, teammates falling over on the bench type shots.

They were shots that had no business going in, yet Gordon made them.

I think what impressed me most was the way Gordon seemed to truly care. This wasn't just about getting himself more money next year, he wanted to win. He had that killers instinct. He took the big shots. He made them too.

For the rest of this series, and maybe the next if Chicago is successful, Ben Gordon will be a big factor. He may not be the main guy on this team, but he is certainly one of the most important.

What will interest me to see is if Gordon goes cold, what else will he bring to the table?

But either way, win or lose the series, Ben Gordon has at least shown himself to care about his team again. Puts him back in my good books at least.

The Five Most Important Rookies in the NBA Playoffs

Hoops4life — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:49:57 -0400

Playoff time.

You know what that means...endless predictions and analysis' of each series, of each matchup, of every possesion.

But that's just playoff basketball, eh?

So many factors to consider...and rookies are just one of them.

The 2008 NBA Draft class was a lot deeper than anyone thought it was. There are a lot more potential stars than previously thought, and a lot of rookies are already having major impacts on their teams.

There are a lot more big name rookies in the playoffs this year.

And here is who I consider as the five who can have the biggest impact on the playoffs, in no particular order:

(Note: I'll be focusing mainly of what they'll be doing in the first round, as no-one knows who will be advancing and who won't, and if I get into that aswell, it'll be one long article)

5. Marreese Speights, Forward, Philadelphia 76ers

First Round Opponent: Orlando Magic

Season averages against opponent: 5.7 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 0.3 SPG

Marresse Speights isn't going to take over the series against Orlando, but he is still going to be important.

Going against Dwight Howard, you need all the size you have... and it just so happens that Speights is 6''10 and weighs 245.

Along with Sammy Dalembert, it'll be his job to simply try and slow Howard down.

Although Speights role isn't to score, he does have the ability to, though he seemed to have lost his touch at the end of the season.

Again, he fits well with the Sixers style, being able to run and finish on the fast break.

4. Greg Oden, Center, Portland Trail Blazers

First round opponent: Houston Rockets

Season averages against opponent: 4.0 PPG, 0.0 RPG, 1.0 BPG

You thought he was gone, eh? But when it's all said and done, Greg Oden is in the playoffs, on a team with home-court advantage.

His season averages against Houston tell us almost nothing. Oden only played in one game against the Rockets, and there was only 11 minutes of action included in that.

The seven-foot rookie won't be called on to score 20 every game—he can leave the scoring to his teamates. He might not even be called upon to play more than 25 minutes.

But he will be asked to secure rebounds, take up space, and most importantly, try and bully Yao Ming a bit.

The past two years, Yao struggled against the stronger Carlos Boozer in the playoffs. Now, Greg Oden (along with Joel Przbila) will be asked to do the same.

3. Courtney Lee, Guard, Orlando Magic

First Round opponent: Philadelphia 76ers

Season averages against opponent: 10.5 PPG, 1.3 APG, 1.5 SPG

For a guy taken with the 22nd pick, Courtney Lee has been a big contributor to the Magic this season.

He started 42 of his 77 games, and has allowed a lot of flexibility for coach Van Gundy. His play has allowed Hedo Turkoglu to sometimes slide to the three position, and Rashard Lewis to the four.

Lee can shoot the ball well, adding to the Magic's game plan of almost every basket coming from three point land or a dunk from Dwight Howard.

In terms of matchups, he'll be facing mainly Louis Williams and Willie Green, whose games and roles don't differ too much from his own.

Lee does have a small height advantage though, and his defence may be slightly higher against them.

He could end up playing some important minutes if Turkoglu's injury situation worsens. Luckily, he has a lot of veterans around him to steer him in the right direction.

2. Michael Beasley, Forward, Miami Heat

First Round opponent: Atlanta Hawks

Season averages against opponent: 16.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 0.7 BPG

Michael Beasley is eager for his first taste of the playoffs.

Or at least, that's what is being said around the net at the moment. The Heat, the comeback team of the year, has moved all the way up to the fifth seed in the East.

This means they'll be facing the Hawks first, and matchup-wise, that's not too shabby for Mr Beasley.

Just this past week, while Miami sat two starters and the Hawks sat none, Beasley scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the loss.

He will most likely continue coming off the bench, to provide a scoring punch while MVP candidate Dwyane Wade is out.

I think the Hawks have no answer for Beasley. There isn't anyone in their second unit who can really match him.

It'll be interesting to see how Beasley copes with having his first two playoff games in a hostile arena (he actually scores a tad more and shoots a bit better in away games).

Beasley has grown and learnt a lot in his first year, he does all the little things well now, and is the most important player to the Heat not named Wade.

1. Derrick Rose, Point Guard, Chicago Bulls

First Round opponent: Boston Celtics

Season averages against opponent: 14.3 PPG, 4.7 APG, 2.3 RPG

You knew he was going to be here, right? He is almost guaranteed the Rookie of the Year award, and deservedly so.

I focused more on other rookies this year, but the more I see of Rose, the more I become a fan.

It isn't just his statistical production. Rose has become a leader and a main cog of, believe it or not, a playoff team. He has taken all the expectations of being the first overall pick and shattered them.

The Bulls surged in the second half of the season, and a huge part of that was Rose. He can control tempo now, his decision making has improved, and his defense gets better every day.

Unfortunately, he's been given the reigning champion Celtics as a first-round opponent.

And, more specifically, Rajon Rondo, who could easily be the winner of the Most Improved Player award.

Rose's numbers against the Bulls are underwhelming when you compare them against other teams. Rajon Rondo can match Rose for speed, taking away one of his biggest strengths.

However, two of those three games were early in the season (the first actually being Rose's second game of the season), and Rose has improved greatly during the season. Not only that, but once Rondo goes to the bench, there is no way Eddie House or Stephen Marbury will be keeping Rose in front of them.

He is, undoubtedly, the most important rookie in the playoffs.

The Denver Nuggets: Do We Dare Believe?

Hoops4life — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 16:20:08 -0400

Do we dare believe in Denver?

It's Playoff time, right around when Denver Nugget fans begin to get hopeful.

Back in 2006, the team won the Northwest Division and gained the third seed in the West. The Rocky Mountain faithful were sure that the team could get back to the second round for the first time since 1994...

But unfortunately, they drew the surging L.A Clippers and lost in the first round in five games.

When the Nuggets first acquired Allen Iverson, the team assumed that two of the league's best scorers would combine to help the team achieve even more than they had the year before...

But unfortunately, the Spurs were on their way to a championship and dispatched of the Nuggets in the first round.

And last year, even though they finished in the eighth seed, the Nuggets were a 50-win team...

But the Lakers were final-bound, and Denver got swept.

It's now been well over a decade since the Nugs have emerged from the first round.

This year, though, the team made perhaps the biggest trade of the year by swapping Iverson for Chauncey Billups.

Billups has thrust himself into the MVP conversation by transforming the Nuggets from just a "run 'n gun" group to a team that still prides itself on offense but realizes the need for defense too. And it seems to be working for them.

As of today, they are the second seed in the West (definitely no easy feat this year) and the leaders of the Northwest Division. They sport a 53-27 record and so have already surpassed last year's win total.

They had their eight-game home win streak broken last night, but have still won 13 of their last 15 and have surged from the seventh spot in just a couple weeks.

Now, if the current postseason seedings were to hold, the Nuggets would be matched up with the aging Mavericks.

But in all honesty, it is not very likely that these seedings will hold. Denver is just one game ahead of both Houston and Portland and just 1.5 games above San Antonio.

And besides that, Dallas and New Orleans are both just 1.5 games above the eighth-seeded Utah Jazz.

There's not a huge chance that Denver's own seeding will change, but their opponent may be in flux until the last day of the regular season. There really is everything left to play for in this year's volatile Western Conference.

They have two games left, the first being a home contest against the Kings. This game really should be a "gimme," as Sacramento has absolutely nothing to play for.

On Wednesday, they will travel to Oregon to face the Portland Trail Blazers in possibly their biggest game of the regular season. This battle could easily decide the winner of the Northwest Division and the seedings of the two teams.

But however the 82-game records shake out, the real question is, do we trust Denver to finally make it to the second round?

It seems likely that they will be playing against either the Hornets, Mavs, or Jazz. Let's look at how the Nuggets have performed against these clubs throughout the year:

Nuggets vs. the New Orleans Hornets

November 27: L, 105-101. J.R. Smith scored 32 off the bench.

January 3: W, 105-100. All starters plus Smith off the bench reached double-figures.

January 28: L, 94-81. Carmelo Anthony missed the game due to injury, but Kenyon Martin scored 22 on 10-of-12 shooting.

March 25: W, 101-88. Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony combined for 55 points.

So the season series ended in a tie, though Melo was out for one of the losses.

Chauncey Billups seems to do a relatively good job of keeping CP3 in check: Paul averages 20.8 PPG and 11 APG against the Nuggets, and those are pretty great numbers, but compared to Paul's performances against other teams, it's not bad at all.

I still believe the Nuggets would want to avoid the Hornets in the first round, though. One should never bet against Chris Paul, and if the Hornets manage to get healthy, they have a great chance against the Nuggets.

Nuggets vs. the Dallas Mavericks

November 7: W, 108-105. Carmelo Anthony scored 28, including 14-of-14 from the free-throw line.

December 15: W, 98-88. J.R. Smith scored 25 off the bench.

January 13: W, 99-97. Carmelo Anthony missed the game due to injury.

March 27: W, 103-101. Carmelo Anthony scored 43 and grabbed 11 rebounds.

It was a regular-season sweep for the Nuggets, though three of their wins were by three points or less.

I would pick the Mavs as the Nuggets' top choice for their first-round matchup. Carmelo and Chauncey play well against them, and the aging Mavs would struggle to keep up with Denver's tempo.

However, the Nuggets did play three very close games against this team and have huge problems matching up with Dirk Nowitzki. He averages 30 points against the Nuggets (this ties for his highest against any other team; he also averages 30 against Miami and Phoenix). He also gets 11 boards per game against them.

Nuggets vs. the Utah Jazz

January 25: W, 117-97. Nene Hilario scored 28 on 12-of-12 shooting.

March 6: L, 97-91. J.R. Smith scored 29 after being inserted into starting lineup.

April 2: W, 114-104. J.R. Smith scores 28 off the bench.

The Nuggets won the season series against their division rivals, but I wouldn't count the Jazz out in the Playoffs. They have Deron Williams, they have Carlos Boozer, and probably most importantly, they have Jerry Sloan.

It would definitely be an interesting matchup between the two.

So my ultimate answer to the question of the second round?

If they draw the Mavs, I'd say yes.

If they draw the Hornets or Jazz, I'd have to go with no.

But that's just me. Perhaps I underestimate them.

Or perhaps everyone else overestimates? It's possible.

The game against Portland will undoubtedly be huge, and as I said earlier, there's still everything to play for for this Nuggets team.

The Five Injuries That Will Affect the NBA Playoffs Most

Hoops4life — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:43:28 -0400

Almost here...playoff time.

Every team has strengths and weaknesses, and has matchups they prefer and those that they desperately want to avoid.

There are definitely a lot of factors that contribute to who wins a best of seven-game series, and one of the biggest is the dreaded injury bug.

Every team has at least one player with an injury that could affect their chances.

This is my list of injuries that I think will have the biggest influence on how the postseason plays out, in no particular order:

Andrew Bynum: L.A Lakers

The skinny

This is perhaps the most obvious choice, Bynum twisted his left knee which resulted in a torn MCL on Jan 13 against the Memphis Grizzlies and he hasn't played a game since. The Lakers have done surprisingly well since Bynum went down, with Pau Gasol stepping up his play inside.

Bynum has stated he wants to be back before the playoffs, possibly the last two games or so. These games would be practically meaningless for the Lakers, and could be a good chance for him to get back to playing form. Before the injury against the Griz, he had played every game for the Lakers.

His influence

Though the Lakers have coped well without him, its no secret that Bynum is needed for the playoffs.

He needs to take up space in the paint and bump the bigger bodies, he needs to be there to intimidate and provide those crowd-pleasing, momentum-giving dunks every now and then.

Dwyane Wade: Miami Heat

The skinny

Everyone knows about his amazing comeback, first showcased in the Olympics and then the MVP calibre NBA season. He has seemed healthy for most of the year, but when you do as much for your team as Wade does, for 82 games, especially with his style of play, there is bound to be some wear-and-tear.

Wade missed a game on March 18 against Boston and his shooting percentages haven't been great this month, including a 20 percent shooting performance in a loss to Indiana. The Heat training staff are reported to be spending "all-day" on making sure he is game-ready.

His influence

I don't really need to explain do I? Dwyane Wade is the Miami Heat, his play will determine if they grab any playoff wins for the first time in three years.

Even when he has been playing lately, he hasn't been 100 percent (though has still put up great numbers for the most part) and the Heat have begun to lose. The Hawks are drifting away with the fourth seed and the Sixers are on their heels from behind.

Wade is most definitely the biggest factor in Miami's playoff hopes. If he plays, he will no doubt put up big impressive numbers. But they need him to also be efficient in order to succeed.

Manu Ginobili: San Antonio Spurs

The skinny

We haven't seen the Manu we're accustomed to all season long, not since his amazing play in the Olympics. That was when he first injured his ankle.

It required surgery to repair it, meaning he missed the first 12 games of the year. When he returned, it was clear he had not fully recovered.

He recently returned from missing 19 games in a row and has put up some decent numbers since then, but he is still far from 100 percent. He has scored over 30 just twice this year, and his average has dropped to 15.8.

His influence

Tony Parker has had an underrated season, putting up great numbers to carry the Spurs. Tim Duncan has been amazing as always, but his numbers have dropped and he himself admitted he is also not at full strength.

Manu is the true x-factor for the Spurs, his play can decimate the opponent, they need him to make the big plays that they are accustomed to.

Though it seems he will be available for the playoffs, the Spurs need him at a higher percentage in order to help them.

Josh Howard: Dallas Mavericks

The Skinny

Josh Howard's form has been off all year, he is far removed from his all-star season two years ago. He has almost disappeared from the NBA world, especially after his controversial comments last summer.

His left ankle and wrist have suffered all year long, limiting him to only 47 games. So far this year, he has scored over 30 just once. His rebounding may have suffered the most, dropping to five a game.

He returned late last week and had shown promising signs so far, much better than his previous returns from injury earlier in the year.

His influence

I almost wrote a whole article on how Josh Howard is critical to the Mavericks postseason hopes.

Though it is obvious that Dirk Nowitzki is still "the man" on this team, the Mavs are so much more dangerous when they have a productive Howard on the court.

Howard has been back for two games, in his first he had 14 points and six rebounds, in his second he had 20 and eight, as well as making important plays down the stretch. The Mavs won both games

Kevin Garnett: Boston Celtics

The skinny

Since about halfway through the season, its been clear that something is wrong with Kevin Garnett. His right knee has caused a lot of problems, and has finally forced the Big Ticket to sit out games, he missed 13 games from Feb 22 to March 20.

He came back for four games, but never played more than 20 minutes, and never scored more than 12 points.

The Celtics announced they would be shutting him down for the rest of the regular season, but are strongly suggesting that he will be ready for the playoffs.

His influence

Whispers of doubt have spread concerning the Celtics. They are definitely banged up and have lost some suspect games. They are no longer a sure shot for repeat champions like they seemed with their historical winning streak earlier. They are no longer even the best team in their conference.

Kevin Garnett is undoubtedly the heart and soul of the Celtics. He is their leader and anchor of their defence. His numbers don't even tell half the story of his worth to the team.

Numerous coaches and scouts have repeated that without Garnett, it is incredibly hard to see the Celtics even escaping the East.

Of course, the Amar'e Stoudemire and T-Mac injuries are also huge, but as there is no chance in these two playing in a playoff game (especially if Phoenix don't even make it), I thought it best to include those who could have an impact.

Each player here can change the fortunes of their respective teams, for better or for worse.

If Only the Suns and Mavs Could Play for the Eighth Seed! Oh Wait...

Hoops4life — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:15:59 -0400

If only the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks could play a game for the eighth seed! Oh wait...

Did you hear the same sound as me over the weekend?

The sound of another nail being hammered in the Suns' coffin?

The formerly most beloved team in the league lost two major games this week. The first against Portland (which would have been kind of forgivable, except that they used a lot of energy in coming back from a double-digit deficit and then gave away their own seven-point advantage) and then they lost to the Kings.

Yeah, the Sacramento Kings...I don't think that needs much explaining.

At the end of the day, its another loss that the team really really could have done without.

They're just lucky that the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers as well.

That means they're 3.5 games behind the Mavs, which isn't brilliant but it could be worse. They haven't been eliminated from playoff contention just yet.

So that's the scene...

Now just imagine that Mr David Stern got creative and said ''Hey, forget this record nonsense, the Suns and Mavs can play a game...and whoever wins gets in the playoffs! Twitter about that Cuban!''

That would be pretty cool, but it probably won't happen anytime soon, but don't get too down about it, because the reality isn't all that far away...

On Sunday Apr. 5, the Phoenix Suns will travel to Dallas to face off against the Mavs in a big showdown...not as big as their western conference finals a few years ago, but as far as this year goes pretty big.

Its unlikely that it will be this game that can actually decide who makes that playoff seed, but it is definitely going to have a big impact. If the Suns lose, they can almost kiss goodbye to the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

So considering this game kind of decided who goes home early and who doesn't, lets quickly look at the teams' match-ups and see who comes out on top...

Point Guard

Steve Nash vs Jason Kidd

A few years ago, we would have salivated over this match-up between the two best point guards of this decade (Chris Paul has dibs on next decade). Though both have had better days, they are still both excellent guards.

Nash though, is still a bigger threat on the offensive end than Kidd has ever been, and is a few years behind him in the age stakes.

Winner: Steve Nash

Shooting Guard

Jason Richardson vs Jason Terry

J-Rich has settled into Phoenix well and excels in the run-and-gun offense, he can go off on any given night. Jason Terry has had a career year and is nearly a shoo-in for the sixth man award (even though hes starting now).

This is definitely one of the closer match-ups, and Richardson does have a big size advantage, but Terry is a much bigger part of the offense in Dallas and will get more time due to Josh Howard's injuries.

Winner: Jason Terry

Small Forward

Matt Barnes vs Antoine Wright

This is one of the more underwhelming match-ups, but it could possibly be a lot more interesting if Josh Howard is able to be back on the court. At the moment though, Antoine Wright will have to fill that spot.

Neither are one of the main guys, but Matt Barnes is more important to the Suns and is one of those energy guys that can make a big difference in the important games.

Winner: Matt Barnes

Power Forward

Grant Hill vs Dirk Nowitzki

This would have been THE match-up if only Amare was still around. Watching him and Dirk go at it in their vastly different styles would have been very enjoyable, but its not to be. Grant Hill is obviously at a size disadvantage at this position, but you have to love this guy after everything.

But that doesn't change the fact that Dirk is a guy who you can still make a valid argument for the MVP. There's almost no contest. Hill is more likely to spend time at the small forward position anyways.

Winner: Dirk Nowitzki

Center

Shaquille O'Neal vs Erick Dampier:

A repeat of the physical match-up from the 2006 finals. Shaq got the better of Dampier then and probably will again,

Dampier fills his role effectively, bumping people and slamming put-backs every now and then, but this is the Big Cactus, the all-star co-MVP. No Contest.

Winner: Shaquille O'Neal

The Benches:

Dallas do have some good role players coming off the bench, but they are mainly guys who fall into that energy category, finishing Kidd alley-oops and so on, they don't really have anyone who will consistently give you double figures.

Phoenix's bench is mainly the same, except if Leandro Barbosa is able to get past his tibia bone bruise, in which case he becomes a huge factor.

Winner: Phoenix Bench

Alvin Gentry vs Rick Carlisle

Alvin Gentry has done a respectable job of making the guys in Phoenix at least half-happy again and reinstating the run and gun style, but he still doesn't have the experience of Rick Carlisle, who has done a better job than many thought he would in Texas.

Winner: Rick Carlisle.

So, Phoenix wins the matchups, but do they win the game?

If it were only that simple...Phoenix have played the Mavs three times already this year and lost twice, so who's to say? Not only that, but while the Mavs do have pressure on them to maintain the eighth seed, it is nothing compared to the pressure the Suns face...

What surprises me is how little people are talking about the whole Steve Nash-Dirk Nowitzki storyline.

Both of these teams are ageing, and whichever one misses the playoffs (and the possibly the one who loses to the Lakers) have a lot riding on this season.

It is almost a validation. Neither will win the title anytime soon so this is the best they've got.

While neither Steve or Dirk are exactly on the trading block, their teams are going to go through very heavy changes soon, especially the one who loses out on the NBA's real season.

Apr. 5 is a big date for both teams, whatever Stern may say.

There may well be another nail hovering above that coffin...

Bulls Or Bobcats: Who Makes It To The NBA Postseason?

Hoops4life — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:49:21 -0400

Who would have thought it? The most exciting playoff race between two teams isn't even in the West!

It isn't even between two teams that, a month or so ago, were anywhere around the playoff race.

No, in my opinion, the most exciting playoff race is between the Chicago Bulls and the Charlotte Bobcats, playing for the eighth (and possibly even seventh) seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Of course, both teams desperately want to make the postseason, regardless of who they face at that No. 1 seed. And for both teams, it is still a very reachable goal.

Now, while it is possible that the Pistons' season falls out from under them and they slip out of the race, it isn't likely, meaning it is probable that only one of these two make the cut.

Which begs the question: Which team deserves it more?

In honor of the NCAA tourney (with the Sweet 16 tipping off tonight), we're going to pretend the eighth seed of the East is treated like a spot in the tourney and given on a decision by a committee, using the basis of who deserves it more.

So, Bulls or Bobcats? Lets break it down.

The Bulls' Case

After what seemed like another lost year in Chicago, the Bulls have turned it on since the All-Star break to overtake the Bucks for the eighth seed.

Rookie Derrick Rose has now easily run away with the R.O.Y award, currently averaging 17 points and six assists. These numbers aren't overwhelming, but he has been handed the team's reins and is handling that role well.

The return of Kirk Hinrich has been a bigger boost than most think after the sixth-year guard missed the beginning of the year with a thumb injury. He is the perfect complementary player to Rose, stepping in on a bench role.

After the off-season drama, Ben Gordon is starting to look like his old self again, scoring at a high clip once more at 20.8 so far this season. The Bulls' recent trade has also paid off dividends. John Salmons has already settled into the offense well and has all-put replaced oft-injured forward Luol Deng.

Brad Miller, in his second Chicago stint, has been able to provide mentorship to the young, raw bigs of the Bulls: Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. Both have slowly improved their defense and rebounding over the season, giving the team exactly what it needs from them.

Many turned their noses up at Vinny Del Negro's hiring at the beginning of the year. It has yet to be seen what he can do with this roster, but so far, so good. They are currently in the playoffs, whereas last year they were nowhere near.

The Bobcats' case

If ever there was a Cinderella team in the NBA, this is it.

The Bobcats have been terrible ever since the team was created in 2004. Every year has been a major disappointment, and that didn't look to change this year at all.

Even with Larry Brown now at the helm, the season seemed lost early on.

But with several adjustments to the roster, the Bobcats have rallied and come out of nowhere to have a chance of making their first ever postseason bid.

While the Bobcats are still young and athletic, they have also brought in several veterans to help out the young guys. Former Suns Raja Bell and Boris Diaw have been huge down the stretch, especially Diaw, who has been revitalized since the trade.

Adding Juwan Howard and Desagana Diop has given the team since much needed interior presence, giving Emeka Okafor some much-needed help. This team has earned a slight reputation as giant killers, especially for the Boston Celtics, who they gave problems to even last year.

Would it be possible for them to do this in a playoff series? Whether they win a playoff game or not, the team and city desperately need this massive boost of just making the playoffs.

So who deserves it?

I take the Bobcats, for the simple reason that they have come out of nowhere with the roster they have, and I love a good story.

These guys really scrap for every win, and it would great for the franchise to finally have some success.

Who actually gets there?

For all my goings-on, the NBA is not the NCAA, and the eighth seed will be decided on record, not team merits. So which team is more likely to actually earn that spot?

The Bulls have a relatively easy schedule remaining. They only have three games remaining against playoff opponents, against Miami, Philadelphia, and away in Detroit. They won't go undefeated through this stretch, but it would be incredibly surprising if they do any worse than splitting even.

They do have the health of Derrick Rose to worry about, though, who missed the other nights game with a bad wrist (luckily, Kirk Hinrich stepped up in a big way).

The Bobcats have a much tougher schedule. They play the Lakers, Celtics, and Magic once each. They do stand a chance in the Magic game, as it's their last game of the year, and the Magic will be playing a meaningless game and resting their starters.

Aside from that, they only have three games against non-playoff teams. Its doable, but a very tall order.

The verdict

Chicago Bulls. Considering the schedule, you can't not believe that the Bulls won't hold onto the eighth spot. It would take a complete collapse for them to lose it now.

Then again, it's the Bulls...

Whoever wins, its a hell of a race.

Which NBA Team Needs the No. 1 Overall Pick Most?

Hoops4life — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:57:51 -0400

Which team needs the No. 1 pick the most?

It's tourney time!

And that of course means that we will start thinking about the draft, and who will be where nest year.

I don't think any of the 30 NBA teams turn their nose up at a No. 1 overall pick. Not the Lakers, not the Cavs, a No. 1 pick is a No. 1 pick, even in a year such as this when the draft is supposedly weaker than the past two years.

Though, to be fair, the past two draft classes have been unbelievably deep.

But which team in the NBA truely needs that number one pick the most? Well most would instantly say the Washington Wizards, as they have held the NBA's worst record for most of their year.

But most of the Wizards are injured, so maybe its just that that has given them such a miserable year? So perhaps they aren't the team the most in need?

As of right now, the team's bottom five teams are the Wizards, the Kings, the Clippers, the Grizzlies, and the Thunder.

So assuming not too much changes, these will be the five teams with the most chance of landing the number one spot.

So I intend to look at each team and try and decide which of the low five needs this pick the most, with my final decision coming at the end of the article.

As always, enjoy, which team do you think needs it most?

Team One: Memphis Grizzlies

Many have cited this team as one of the more exciting lower teams in the league, but as the year has worn on the team has worsened and is now tied for third worst record in the league.

They made a good trade at the beginning of the year, swapping Mike Miller and Kevin Love for O.J Mayo. Mayo is definitely a great player who can put fans in the seat and was a great contender for the R.O.Y for most of the year.

Mayo appears to have hit the infamous "rookie wall" though, as his shooting percentage has decreased each month.

The Grizz have a lot of young talent. Rudy Gay can be a great scorer and Marc Gasol may have been the steal of last years draft.

The team needs some more talented bigs, but more importantly needs some leadership and experience.

Team Two: Sacramento Kings

Oh my dear Kings, what happened to you? This is an emotional one for me folks.

Early on in the decade, i fell in love with the Sacramento Kings. They were the best, the brilliant passing, the fast breaks, the three-point shooting. But alas they broke my heart...not a single player from those days remains.

But hey, this is about the future right.

The Kings must be looking forward to the future, because, frankly, it cant be much worse than the present.

The Sacramento Kings now own the worst record in the league: 14-54. Thats ugly.

They haven't beaten an Eastern Conference opponent all year. ALL YEAR! FROM THE EAST! I think thats all we need to know to prove how bad this team is.

In fairness to them, they have hung around with a lot of teams and lost in overtimes and by less than 5 points a fair few times. But at the end of the day, a loss is a loss.

They have Kevin Martin, their best player. But he has been injury prone this year and not as outstanding as before.

The recent trade was probably a good one, Andres Nocioni is a good addition, providing some much needed energy.

They also some young talented bigs in Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes, two of the few highlights for this team.

The Kings lack a true leader, someone to go to, or a clear building block. They also desperately need some continuity. A long-term coach would be just lovely.

Team Three: L.A Clippers

I'm almost tempted to simply write: 'It's the Clippers, do they really need any explanation?'. But I guess I should be fair and write a little something...just don't expect many positives.

For a few hours earlier in the offseason, Clippers fans had some hope. Elton Brand had said he would re-sign with the team, and they managed to coerce Baron Davis from Oakland. It looked good.

But that was juts for a few hours. Brand signed with the Sixers and the hope was gone.

Still, the Clippers looked to be much improved. They gave away practically nothing for Marcus Camby, drafted a strong rookie in Eric Gordon, and had two major pieces with Al Thornton and Chris Kaman.

Yet here we are, at 17-51, and the Clippers are one of the hardest teams in the league to watch. Its not just that they lose, its how horribly they lose. They've given up a lot of leads and just don't look like they're interested in winning half the time.

There is a serious lack of effort on this team, its just a bad attitude.

But again, I'll be fair. The team has been injured more than most- they have a talented roster, and when they are all on the floor they can be a threat...but only if they bother to play hard.

This team needs a new image, a new poster child.

And it needs to get rid of Mike Dunleavy.

Team Four: Oklahoma City Thunder

This is definitely my favourite team on this list.

Yes, they are 19-49, but this was a team who was supposed to tie for the worst record in history. They've become exciting and fun to watch. No longer are they a given victory, you have to respect these guys.

They have a young group with a lot of potential. Of course, Kevin Durant has improved his game so much more than anyone thought he would in just his second year, Jeff Green has improved just as much and Russell Westbrook is my favourite rookie by far.

His dunks are scary.

The addition of Nenad Kristic is underrated. The same can be said for Thabo Sefolosha. Both have made huge impacts for this team.

To be honest, they don't belong on this list, its just the numbers in that loss column that keep them here.

Hopefully with a few years growth, they won't be here again.

Team Five: Washington Wizards

Ah the Wizards, that interesting team that had made the playoffs each of the past few years. They sure have fallen far huh?

But as mentioned earlier, this team has been absolutely decimated by injuries. We all know the situation about Gilbert Arenas. But Brendan Haywood, who had more of an impact on the team than we realised has missed the whole season too.

Caron Butler, the former all-star, has also had injury problems all year and hasn't been able to reproduce at the same level.

Eddie Jordan was let go early, something I still believe to be a mistake.

This is a veteran team, if they were healthy theres no way they would be on this list, especially in the East.

THE VERDICT

The team that needs the number one overall pick the most is...

The Sacramento Kings.

Yes, my formerly beloved team needs that pick.

They need something to remind the league they still exist, something to convince them there is a point in lacing them up night after night.

They need a clear point to build around.

To be honest, they just need some hope.

The Clippers did come close, but they do have a fairly talented roster, its not a new player they need, it's motivation.

Hope you like Cow-Belles Mr Griffin.

Who Will Rise and Fall Down the Stretch in the NBA?

Hoops4life — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 16:11:50 -0400

Your team has one month.

One month to move up in the seedings, clean the cobwebs out, and perhaps make the playoffs at all.

Do you think the standings, as they are now, will be the same at the end of the regular season?

I wouldn't bet on it.

I hear you saying, "But what about the Lakers?" They aren't about to lose the top seed in the West, so surely they can just relax and rest their starters? And perhaps the same for the Cavs out East?

Well, up to a certain point you are right. They can rest slightly and make sure their players are ready for the postseason. But you also don't want your team going into the playoffs with a losing record do you? Having loose ends on defense or even a loss of confidence?

No, you need your team confident, a well-oiled machine prepared to do battle, no matter the seeding.

Hence, here are my candidates for the risers and fallers down-the-stretch. The teams who will make a strong push and finish out the season in a strong manner. And those who are going to falter, leaving people second-guessing them before a game is even played.

There are four candidates, two from each conference, for each category. Do you agree, or is your list different? Let me know in the comments.

As criteria, I'm using their play as-of-late, remaining schedule, injuries, and mainly, simple gut feeling.

The Fallers

Western Conference

Denver Nuggets (currently 42-25, Fourth seed)

Despite having won their last two games, I have to nominate the Nuggets as a team likely to lose a few important ones in the next month.

For most of the year they had held down the third seed, but had recently fallen all the way to the seventh spot in the last two weeks. They have managed to reclaim the fourth spot, partly because of a two game win streak, but largely due to Utah's recent slump.

This is a much improved team, with Chauncey Billups being easily the best pick up from last season and Carmelo Anthony, seeming like a reformed player and not simply obsessed with scoring. I believe the team might be able to win a playoff series.

Denver won't play an Eastern Conference opponent in April, so that will be the time of testing to determine their playoff position and if they can get a favorable matchup.

New Orleans Hornets (currently 41-24, Fifth seed)

They are 8-2 over the last 10 games, and recently had a seven-game winning streak. So why are they in this category?

Out of everyone, I had to pick this team. They're here because, even though I adore Chris Paul and like the team, they haven't shown up well in a lot of big games this year and injuries have played a big factor.

I think if this team loses a few, they don't have the correct mindsets to get through it and correct themselves in time.

This spot was nearly given to the Portland Trailblazers, but the Hornets clinched it just because of their schedule.

Their final five games will be against divison rivals, playing Dallas twice, Houston, San Antonio, and Phoenix.

That could be a nasty way to end, remember that Texas Triangle everyone was talking about for the Celtics last year?

The Hornets will end with that, plus an extra at home against Dallas

(Sidenote: of the four sub-categories, that was easily the hardest, hence why I got it out of the way early. The West is full of great teams, it was incredibly hard to pick teams that could falter. I'm not saying these will, just that they are the most likely.)

Eastern Conference

Boston Celtics (currently 50-17, Second seed)

I know, I know.

They are true title contenders and should at least be getting to the conference finals, and, believe me, I'm not arguing with that.

But they have faltered as of late, going 5-5 in the last 10 (considering its the Celtics, that's quite bad). Kevin Garnett is still out with an injury, and Rajon Rondo still seems to be suffering somewhat.

Though he is still rebounding and dishing well, Rondo is shooting in low percentages lately and has struggled to get back into the flow. He is one of the biggest keys for the Celtics this year and definitely tied to their success.

Boston doesn't have a particularly tough schedule left, but it is full of big games where if they lose a couple, it will leave a serious dent in their confidence.

They must still play Orlando and Cleveland, which are obviously the big ones. They also play both Miami and Atlanta twice, and neither of these teams should be taken lightly.

They also have Charlotte, who they have never handled well.

Milwaukee Bucks (currently 31-38, Eighth seed)

The only team in this list with a losing record is of course also the team with the most to lose.

Milwaukee is clinging to the eighth seed in the East, mainly because they are .001 of a percentage point ahead of Chicago.

Behind that is New Jersey, New York and Charlotte. So out of everyone, the Bucks can relax the least.

Though they have coped surprisingly well after losing Micheal Redd and Andrew Bogut, who was having a career year in some respects, it is the stretch that counts and the Bucks are just 3-7 in their last 10.

I think they need their leaders presence to win the important games, and though Richard Jefferson and Charlie V have stepped up, it may just not be enough in this incredibly tight race for the 8th spot.

The schedule is against them also. Of their 13 remaining games, eight of them are against playoff teams, three of those against the mighty Magic. They will also be playing New Jersey at the end of March, who will of course be seeking to gain a game on the Bucks.

In my opinion, Milwaukee has actually had a surprisingly good season but I do not see them being rewarded with a playoff berth.

The Risers

The Western Conference

San Antonio Spurs (currently 44-21, Second seed)

Before we start, I know the Spurs won't be actually 'rising' in their playoff seeding, what I'm arguing is that they are going to finish the season strong and in good form.

And if you don't know why I think this, then you haven't watched the NBA this decade.

The Spurs are notorious for finishing out the season well. You always see the graphics in the first round of the playoffs, "The spurs are winners of 12 straight at home, going back into the regular season," or something along those lines.

Gregg Popovich knows how to get his team into shape and knows how to make the cogs all fit with the machine.

Every year, people say the Spurs have had it and bet against them, and every year the Spurs prove them wrong.

Its true that this year you have the most reason to doubt the Spurs than before, due to Manu Ginobili's injury and the change of style, but only a foolish man ever bets against the San Antonio Spurs

Besides, it is an odd year... just saying is all.

Utah Jazz (currently 41-26, Seventh seed)

WHOA! Don't immediately go comment, just hear me out.

I realize they have a three-game losing streak and have gone back into the seventh seed thanks to the incredibly close division race.

But just remember that a moment ago they had a 12-game winning streak and were flying.

Deron Williams is playing as well as any point guard in the league right now. Kyle Korver has found a rhythm and Carlos Boozer is putting up pre-injury numbers.

And the biggest reason I have faith they will finish the season strong?

They have Jerry Sloan, and he knows how to get his team into shape and how to get them in the right mindset.

This is a strong team who won't get down on themselves when they fall.

As for their remaining schedule, they only have two games against playoff teams in March. In April though, they do have a tough road stretch against New Orleans, Dallas and San Antonio. That will be their testing stretch.

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks (currently 39-28, Fourth seed)

In an article I wrote last week, I included a section about how the Hawks seemed to have lost chemistry and lost a few easy games.

Well here we are a week later, and that chemistry seems to be back.

The Hawks are winners of five straight and working well with eachother, the team is relatively healthy again and seems to be coming back together.

Josh Smith and Mike Bibby have both emerged from their individual mini-slumps and Joe Johnson has had some huge games, proving his true worth to this team.

April is an important month for the team. They only play Eastern Conference opponents, starting off with Boston and Orlando.

Their penultimate game against Miami is at home. This has the potential to be the biggest regular season game of the year for the Hawks, as it could determine if they host a series or not.

Though the Hawks are another team that won't be doing any literal 'rising', finishing in good shape for their possible first home playoff series of the decade is a must for this team.

Philadelphia 76ers (currently 33-31, sixth seed)

Since Elton Brand's season-ending injury, the media has kind of left the Sixers to it. Nobody seems to have noticed that a team outside of the playoff race a few months ago has risen to the sixth seed, and thanks to Sunday night's game, is just two away from the Heat and the fifth spot.

The Sixers finished last season in the same way, coming out of nowhere to challenge Detroit in the first round. Though it won't be Detroit they face this year, the Sixers can definitely make some noise.

The team has found their style of play and have started to enjoy basketball again.

The Sixers only have four games against playoff teams in April, though the final two of those games are against Boston and Cleveland.

It remains to be seen if the Sixers can keep the success as-of-late and keep their heads down the stretch.

NBA Pre-Playoffs: Top Five Storylines

Hoops4life — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:02:59 -0400

Today I present to you the top five storylines of the "Pre-Postseason."

In just six weeks the NBA Playoffs will begin, and all hell shall break loose. You know the deal.

But we still have those six weeks to get through first, and there are many stories and headlines to come.

1. Does Phoenix Make It?

Phoenix has made the Playoffs every year since Steve Nash came back to town, but as it stands right now, that streak is about to come to an end.

The Suns are on a four-game slide and are now four games behind the Dallas Mavericks and the eighth spot. Though the team does seem revitalized under interim coach Alvin Gentry, they are still losing ball games, going 4-6 over their last 10.

Can we really see the Suns getting last seed in the West?

Though they are four games behind Dallas, they are only six behind Denver (who's slipped a good bit recently) and Portland. So it's not like it can't be done.

Dallas appears to have righted the ship after Mark Cuban called his team out, and the only slumping team would be Denver. Teams aren't exactly lining up to give up their holds.

Can we imagine no Steve Nash in the Playoffs? No Shaq after his amazing resurgence and All-Star co-MVP award?

2. Which East Underdog Earns the Right to Be Swept?

In the West, there is only one team with postseason hopes within striking distance.

By contrast, in the East, there are five teams within two games of each other; all are battling the others to earn the right to play Cleveland or Boston in the first round.

Chicago currently holds the eighth seed in the standings, but they have Milwaukee, New Jersey, Charlotte (yes, those Bobcats), and Indiana all breathing down their neck.

Charlotte is especially interesting, coming out of nowhere with a six-game winning streak to put themselves right in the hunt. This would be a great story for the whole franchise if they finally clinched a playoff spot after being written off so early in the season.

If I have to pick someone, though, I'm going with the Nets. This team is talented enough to play in late April and deserve the privilege after overachieving so much this year. I think the combo of Devin Harris and Vince Carter carry this team.

The Bucks have done surprisingly well considering the injuries they've sustained to their main guys, namely Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut. Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva have done well and helped keep the squad afloat, but I don't think they'll make it down the stretch.

The Pacers have Danny Granger and that's about it.

3. Who Wins the Scoring Title?

I'm surprised at how little people are talking about the scoring title race this year, especially considering its closeness and participants.

For most of the season two of the league's main poster boys, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, were within a point of each other. But that's not longer true.

Wade has finally pulled away, upping his average to 29.4, opening up the largest gap all year between James' 28.1.

And very quietly, Kobe Bryant has joined the fray, averaging 28 per game now.

So will Wade ride away with it?

Only a foolish man bets against LBJ and KB24.

There are still plenty of games left, so which of these MVP candidates will be taking the scoring title home?

4. Does Miami Pass Atlanta?

No one will be catching up with Orlando, Cleveland, or Boston in the East. And for almost the whole year, the Atlanta Hawks have had the fourth spot pretty locked, too.

After finally making the Playoffs last year, the Hawks followed that with an even better surprise, taking the eventual champion Celtics to seven games.

Now, they have a chance of finally hosting a spring series (and perhaps even making it to the second round), a huge improvement from two years ago.

Last year, Miami finished last in the NBA, but the renewed Dwyane Wade has taken them further than anyone thought possible this season—right back into postseason contention.

The Heat are now just 2.5 games behind the Hawks. Wade has put up some truly amazing performances of late in order to secure some big wins, whereas the Hawks have lost several games against sub-.500 teams.

The Hawks have cited team chemistry and laziness as the reasons for these underwhelming losses, whereas the Heat have incorporated new arrivals Jermaine O'Neal and Jamario Moon very well.

Can the Heat overtake the Hawks and put the cherry on top of their highly impressive season?

Or can the Hawks right the ship and cling onto their first home-court advantage series of the decade?

5. Does Utah or New Orleans Catch the West's Third Seed?

The Jazz and the Hornets are the owners of the two biggest winning streaks in the league at the moment, at 11 and seven, respectively.

The Western Conference race isn't as close as last year; if you'll remember, a couple late-season matchups in 2008 changed approximately five playoff seeds. However, the Utah and New Orleans streaks have obviously heated things.

Only a few weeks ago the Jazz were in the ninth spot in the West, but they've now climbed all the way to fourth and the top of the Northwest Division.

The Hornets were hovering around the sixth or seventh seed for much of the year, but have now reached the fifth seed and are just four hundredths of a winning percentage point behind the Jazz.

So which team, if either, can catch up to the Rockets and take the third seed?

If I had to put money on it, I'd choose the Jazz. They are just solid at the moment. Carlos Boozer is slowly improving after his long injury and Deron Williams is just off-the-charts right now.

Of course, there is another point guard who is off-the-charts right now, too. And he happens to play for the Hornets.

The Hornets are healthy for the first time all season, and now have the motivation to prove their critics wrong and show they're still among the elite of this league.

There's an awful lot to fit into six weeks, huh?

What are the storylines that interest you?