Bleacher Report - Articles by JACK L

Kobe & Shaq Reunion!?

JACK L — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:11:36 -0500

This All Star Weekend, NBA fans worldwide were blessed with the reunion of possibly the greatest "big-man-little-man duo." If it is yet unknown who I am speaking of, it is nonetheless KB24 and The Cactus.

However, could this joint All-Star Game MVP award be the start of the rejoice of these two? Boy, do I hope so.

With trade talks looming around the league as the deadline approaches, the Phoenix Suns have shown plenty of disappointment and uneasiness with their current roster as well as staff.

Everyone is aware that Amare could possibly be on the move, but what is more unknown is that Shaqtus is so too on the block. In addition, O'Neal has been mentioned in talks with yours truly--Lakers.

Although the Lakers could be giving up their new-found weapon (LO- Lamar Odom), the Lakers feel that a big, in this case- massive body, down low would ameliorate the absence of Andrew Bynum.

Whether this is a good deal or a bad deal, it can very well lead to the reunion of Shaq and Kobe.

The NBA was gracious for the Shaq and Kobe dynasty in the early millennium, but imagine this tandem being reunited. This is totally insane. Super Duper. Gnarly.

Many Laker fans may be hoping this deal gets shut down, but they have nothing to worry about. As Shaq stated prior to the All Star Game in Phoenix-- "Kobe is always getting the final shot."

Also, what basketball fan would be displeased with a front-court of Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Shaq, and of course... Chris Mihm?

Thursday, February 19th, at 3 p.m. marks the trade deadline. And I, for one, would be delighted to witness the reunion of reigning MVP (soon to be MVP... again), Kobe Bryant, and one of the most dominant players ever.

I once again thank you for your time, and await your responses.

Sincerely,

Fantasy League Halftime Bible

JACK L — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:45:01 -0500

To all you fantasy basketball fanatics, let us rejoice in a great first 40 or so games of the NBA '09 season. From stellar performances to season-ending injuries, both have shaken up fantasy leagues around the world.

Well, in order to help your problems (or further your success), I present you with this year's "Fantasy League Halftime Bible," where players will be glorified with admiration and compliments while some may be exposed to their true identity.

Antonio Mcdyess (F-C DET)

McDyess has played a fabulous new year thus far averaging about nine boards and seven points per contest. He is a great bench player for the struggling Pistons, and with the looks of their shifting roster, you never know if he'll soon be starting; however, don't rely on it.

He is a great bench player, and a great fantasy pick up for those in need of boards, and FG%.

Andres Nocioni (F CHI)

Got off to a terrible start to the season, but he is starting to find some rhythm on this young bulls team. He will always score and get treys, but unless you are extremely desperate for threes and points, I do not exactly recommend this risky addition. But, with every risk, there is a greater reward...So you never know.

Carl Landry (F HOU)

Landry is currently a bench player for the rockets, however, with signs of an injured knee from Yao, Landry's minutes might take a sudden jump. But, if not, this is certainly not the end of the world.

Landry is probably the most consistent free agent in fantasy leagues. I strongly suggest him to all teams. He does a little bit of everything with the minutes given. His current minutes are in no jeopardy, and the only direction for him is up.

Von Wafer (G HOU)

I do not think of Wafer of as much of a risk as he has been labeled. His shots will certainly fall, and his percentage from the field in the last month has been slightly above 50 percent. He gets a steal and change a game, which is nice, but his downside is is that he is a completely one-dimensional player.

No assists, no rebounds for this guard. I would pick him up if you need the popular categories like points and threes, but if not, then he is useless.

Jerryd Bayless (G POR)

Bayless is known to be an explosive point guard. That's a given. However, in the past month and a half he has proven that he can also be an explosive point guard on the NBA level. Bayless is enjoyable, smart, and talented.

I can see him breaking out with 30 games left in the year to become the starting point guard on the young Blazer squad. If you have 10 games to wait, pick Bayless up, if not, your loss.

Eddie House (G BOS)

Arguably one of the best three-point shooters in the league, House should be picked up in every league by now. He knocks down threes, which equals points, which turns into more minutes, which accumulates to even more points.

Being a Boston hater I do not enjoy giving Eddie House the spotlight, but in this new year I will make an exception because of his fantastic play. With Boston's bench being both old and mediocre, House is the most essential piece to their pine, so he is sure to be the glue to this year's Celtics.

Joakim Noah (C CHI)

Noah is a very solid rebounder for the Baby Bulls even though he seems to be riding the bench a lot. When in action, Noah makes the most of his minutes with three categories- FG%, REBS, BLKS. Two out of these three categories are constantly overlooked or weak in most leagues.

I urge the addition of a nice center like Noah for team's attempting to be victorious in these categories.

Brandon Bass (F DAL)

Bass is another guy always sitting on the "players" list all year. His numbers are very similar to Landry, however, he is not as consistent, but still a moderate pick up for teams in need of field goal percentage, some points, boards and blocks.

As I commence this halftime Bible of fantasy Basketball, I leave you with one rule:

Do not pick up anyone on the LAC, they are always injured, inconsistent, and you never know if they are starting or on the bench due to Coach's decision.

Have a goodnight grasshoppers.

Cheers!

ALL STAR SNUB '09

JACK L — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:44:05 -0500

First off congrats to those all stars who have been voted to this year's All Star weekend in Phoenix. The rosters are as listed:

East:

G Dwyane Wade, MIA*

G Allen Iverson, DET*

F Dwight Howard, ORL*

F LeBron James, CLE*

C Kevin Garnett, BOS*

F Paul Pierce, BOS

C Chris Bosh, TOR

G Joe Johnson, ATL

F Danny Granger, IND

G Devin Harris, NJ

F Rashard Lewis, ORL

G Jameer Nelson, ORL

West:

G Chris Paul, NO*

G Kobe Bryant, LAL*

F Tim Duncan, SA*

F Amare Stoudemire, PHO*

C Yao Ming, HOU*

F Dirk Nowitzki, DAL

F Pau Gasol, LAL

G Chauncey Billups, DEN

G Tony Parker, SA

G Brandon Roy, POR

C Shaquille O'Neal, PHO

F David West, NO

A very controversial aspect in this year's All Star Weekend is the several players who have been left off the rosters. Although the rosters look accurate, guys like Allen Iverson, Amare Stoudemire, David West, Rashard Lewis and maybe even Tony Parker, have taken the spots of Al Jefferson, Deron Williams, David Lee, and (I can't believe I'm saying this) Vince Carter.

Al Jefferson

Al J is currently putting up 23 and 10.5 boards per. Simply outrageous especially when he plays in the Western conference against guys like Shaq, Yao Ming, and the twin towers in LA. Although one might say he plays for a crappy team, therefore, his stats show nothing. Well first of all he can't be blamed for tearing it up on a bad team it's not like I'm saying he should be MVP. Secondly, Al's wolves have 16 wins and are one of the hottest teams in the new year, as well as the last 10 games (7-3).

Deron Williams

The kid is simply great, and currently ranking second in the league in assists with 10.2 behind is buddy CP3. DWILL also puts up 16 points per for the struggling, yet good Utah Jazz. The Jazz lost Boozer early in the season, which then left the way for Deron Williams, Mehmet Okur and Paul Millsap. I am truly shocked, as well as happy for the Jazz to seem them strong in the playoff race, and that reason is because of their leader—Deron Williams.

David Lee

Lee has transcended all expectations for an undersized center picked 30th out of Florida. David Lee is currently leading this New York surge back to the playoffs. Leading the league in double doubles—hold on.

One more time, you must've not heard me—DAVID LEE LEADS THE LEAGUE IN DOUBLE DOUBLES WITH 33.

Ahead of the most voted player in the league Dwight Howard. So, why shouldn't Lee get the trip to Phoenix? The Knicks are now enjoying to watch, as well as impressive while taking down powerhouses like New Orleabs, Phoenix, Boston, and Houiston. No Knick had made the AS team since '01. It would bring great joy to the greatest city in the world if their undersized, hardworking, underrated, league leader in DD would be worthy of a reserve spot.

Vince Carter

Lastly, Vincanity. I truly hate the guy, but he is putting up great numbers for a team that was predicted to go absolutely nowhere (including Brooklyn). However, Carter is showing a new side of his game alongside his partner in crime, Devin Harris. Carter is putting up 21.5, 5, 5 this season, and yes one of those 5's is in assists—it blew me away as well. Well, it is clear the Nets are slumping, but perhaps a Net to the All Star Game would have been nice to see for a declining franchise.

Thanks for your time and I wait for your feedback.

Yours Truly,

-KB MVP

This Year's NBA Fantasy Sleepers

JACK L — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:06:24 -0400

As the new season approaches, so too does the new season of fantasy basketball.

With the world of fantasy basketball comes the much-heated draft season. Every year, every draft has its sleepers taken late, which later in the year help the team thrive to victory. I attempt to shine some light on this year's FANTASY SLEEPERS.

Francisco Garcia (Kings)

Artest gone, Garcia in. This guy can shoot the lights out, and now with Artest gone, the three-spot will be shared between Salmons and Francisco.

If you realize late in the draft you've botched the SF category, keep your eyes glued to this stud. He can shoot, score, and is not allergic to rebounds.

Jeff Foster (Pacers)

Jermaine has been traded, and Foster is still left with Indy. This guy puts up consistent numbers in the points and rebounds category. Last year he averaged 8.4 rebs a game, quite good for a 12th= to 13th-rounder. He has not any great seasons yet, but he certainly is due one now with JO gone.

Carl Landry (Rockets)

Although some speculate Artest might cause trouble to this guy's playing time, I hold otherwise. This late pick gets you rebounds, as well as an overlooked category—field-goal percentage.

Last year, Landry shot an outstanding 61.8 percent from the field. As for his minutes, he'll make due with what he is given. In the previous year he only averaged under 17 minutes, so he is definitely worth the risk.

Antonio Daniels (Wizards)

With Gilbert Arenas expected to be back December at the earliest, Daniels will be getting plenty of minutes. He fills the stat sheet pretty well for a late rounder, and has an incredible assist-to-turnover ratio.

I have got a couple other sleepers up my sleeve, but maybe four is enough for now. I hope I am able to give some insight and help during your drafts. Good Luck!

The Eastern Conference Is Back

JACK L — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:01:15 -0400

Last year the NBA and its fans, both nationally and worldwide, were blessed with a ferocious Western Conference battle.

However, this year, we can expect the same thing from the East Coast. With the West's top contenders becoming more evident, it is time for the "boring East" to get its time to shine in the spotlight.

Several aspects have convinced me to believe such an outlook on this much-anticipated upcoming season.

First, it is about time Lebron James has been given help. With the possible last years for Lebron in Cleveland, it's the time where they must go for the ring. Mo Williams is the right fit for this one-dimensional team.

In the past season, James has been the one strength for the Cavs. Teams would stick their best defenders, as well as additional help, to contain this guy. However, this year Williams will be wearing the maroon and gold jersey. Williams is a sharpshooting point guard coming off two outstanding seasons averaging 17.3 and 17.2 points per game.

The second aspect indicating chaos in the east is Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley. These kids are beasts, and I mean BEASTS.

Michael Beasley is a rebounding and scoring machine. As for Rose, he is a freakishly quick 6'3" point guard. Both rookies will add trouble to the other Bulls' guards, as well as the rest of the eastern conference because these boys can play.

Third, the Eastern Conference has not lost any of its best players to other teams or free agency.

If anything, the top five or six teams have built on their already successful teams in the east. J. O'Neal is now in Toronto to assist Chris Bosh. Philly has added Elton Brand, as well as AI's new contract to their team. Washington will have Gilbert Arenas for more than 16 games. Knicks now have a new face in their franchise with D'Antoni and Walsh.

The last indication to my prediction for the East's craziness this year is the Western Conference.

The Spurs are older and slower. Perhaps it's time for their decline. The Warriors are a whole new team without their former star Baron 'Beardly' Davis. And King Kobe's finger will definitely prove to cause some problems for the Lakers.

The Suns now have to deal with Shaquille O'Neal for a whole season. He's slow, big, and old. Still the most dominate ever, but he's 36 years old. After all the hack-a-Shaq, he must be tired.

Nash is hurting, and Chris Paul is now the best point guard in the league. The Nugs have given up all the defense they had last year in Marcus Camby. The West is definitely still stronger than the East, but they are no longer as much run and gun.

As for my playoff predictions, we'll wait for the season to start. The NBA season of 2008-2009 starts Oct. 28, and I hope you are all as excited as I am.

Thanks a lot and I look forward to your comments.