Bleacher Report - Articles by Daniel K

My Picks For The Early Upsets, Noise Makers, Winners For Wimbledon 2009

Daniel K — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 01:23:39 -0400

The green grasses of the Wimbledon tennis courts in England, are ready to be graced by the world's most miraculous tennis players.

From Roger Federer, to Andy Murray, to Novak Djokovic, to Rafael Nadal, sadly we will not be able to see them all.

Unfortunately, we will not be seeing the raging Spaniard Rafael Nadal this time around.

A Roger-Rafa IV final for Wimbledon just isn't meant to be, at least not yet. Although Wimbledon is missing its defending champion, does that mean we can't have fun watching everyone else? No way.

We are still going to be able to witness the likes of Marat Safin, Gilles Simon, Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Martin Del Potro, Tommy Haas, Ivan Ljubicic, Ivo Karlovic, Fernando Gonzalez, Nikolay Davydenko, Radek Stepanek, David Ferrer, Arnaud Clement, James Blakeoh, basically another 112 tennis players!

Now that we know the draws, and Wimbledon is set to get under way, I have taken place in a game called "Draw Challenge Circuit". Basically, I make picks for every match of Wimbledon, all the way to the finals.

I had in mind to make an article like this of my picks for possible winners of Wimbledon, but now with the Draw Challenge Circuit, I am going even deeper on possible upsets and possible players who go far.

Some players are so unpredictable they may be in each category of upset: noise maker, and winner, go figure.

Without further ado, here are my Wimbledon 2009 predictions.

Players Who Can Make Some Noise (key word *can*, not will):

Juan Martin Del Potro

The big man with a huge backhand. He has gone through many obstacles, and now stands somewhere many thought he would take a few more years to get to, the world number five ranking.

Yes, Del Potro has certainly risen through the rankings.

However here at Wimbledon, he has not gotten past the second round.

Although his current stat sheet may not show it, Del Potro could rage through to the quarter finals. He has taken the spot of Rafael Nadal in his absence, and he has some tough obstacles ahead, but with his current play and confidence, don't be surprised if you see this guy make it far.

Stanislas Wawrinka

The Swiss player in the top ten, not named Roger Federer. Wawrinkahas stood in the shadow of Roger, but with his all-court game and work ethic, he has cracked the top ten

In Wawrinka's draw, Marat Safin and Andy Murray can be found lurking. If he can make it to the round of sixteen, he certainly has a shot at pushing himself to the semi-final.

Murray seems like the odds-on favorite to reach the final, but if you see him losing to the likes of Stan Wawrinka, don't be surprised.

Although Murray poses a threat, Wawrinka has nothing to lose if he meets Murray.

Murray has a tons of pressure on him. Can he deliver when Rafa Nadal is not there? Is he going to be the first British player to win at Wimbledon in decades? Surely, there will be nerves that Murray must face, but no competitor will feel sorry for him and let him ease through.

If Wawrinka meets Murray, that means Wawrinka has matched his last year result at Wimbledon. At that point, he is either maintaining his ranking points, or going higher. Not much pressure compared to Murray.

James Blake

Since beating Roger Federer in the Beijing Olympics, Blake has been relatively quite. he has lost some forgettable matches, to some not-so-famous players.

But now, Blake is fresh off a finals appearance on grass, in which he gave Andy Murray some trouble, but didn't prevail.

Although I can't see Blake making it past the semi-finals, I do seem him being able to reach somewhere from the fourth round all the way to the semi-finals. However, I see a road block ahead, and in my prediction in the Draw Challenge Circuit, Blake is out in the third round.

Marin Cilic

This is one of the young guns that no one is really expecting much of. He made it to the round of 16 last year at Wimbledon, and this year he could very well go farther.

A quarter final spot for the Croat is very possible, but to me, not so probable.

The man has all the talent, size, and coaching behind him to be a top-notch player.

I say, watch out for him at Wimbledon.

Guillermo Canas

Canas, to me, makes it to the third round but loses. Although I don't have him making it deeper, that doesn't mean he doesn't have the possibility to make it to the quarters.

I don't have too much to say about Canas. He is moreso a clay court specialist.

He's a veteran, who is looking to make a push in some grand slam. He has a relatively nice head-to-head record against quite a few people in his draw.

I'm not so sure he will get through all, but I do seem him going into a tight match.

Ivo Karlovic

Of course, almost a lesser version of Goran Ivanesevic. He is tall, Croat, big server, and I do mean big.

Karlovic is very unpredictable. When he is serving with no remorse, no one can beat him. For an example, look back at his match against Roger Federer in Cincinnati 2008.

The big guy could lose in his first round match, yet he can win this whole tournament when he serves huge for the entire two weeks.

I have him making it to the quarter finals.

Gilles Muller

This guy came alive in the 2008 US Open. He became famous when he beat Andre Agassi.

But he never had too much success in grand slams. That is, until the US Open. He came back from two sets down to a rusty Tommy Haas, and won. He went on to have a great tournament, making it to the quarter final.

Similar to the US open, the courts are quite fast.

Muller can get to the fourth round, but I have him falling out in the third.

Juan Carlos Ferrero/Mikhail Youzhny

They meet each other in the first round. Whoever wins will have a good shot at reaching to quarter finals.

Each has been looking to redeem their rankings, as each has fallen off a bit.

While Ferrel has played well as of late, winning a tournament about a month ago. I am not sure how he can compete on grass.

The reason I think one of these guys could go far is because they have the game to beat anybody they could meet in the first four rounds or so, especially with a worn out Fernando Gonzalez.

I think their match will be close, with Youzhny prevailing.

Janko Tipsarevic

In the last two Wimbledon's, Tipsarevic has reached the round of sixteen.

I reluctantly picked him to lose in the third round to Novak Djokovic, but I did so with a lot of regret. I am definitely not picking Djokovic 100%.

I really think that if they meet, Tipsarevic will win. But the reason I picked Djokovic in my draw, is so he plays someone later, someone that would make the match very interesting.

Tipsarevic should be able to defeat the mentally and psychically un-stable Djokovic.

Ivan Ljubicic

Ljubicic was the world number three a few years ago, but injuries set him back, and the losses were piling up for him. He lost his ranking, and his confidence.

But in 2009, it looks like he is regaining both.

I believe Ljubicic has a great shot at returning as a top 10 player. This season he has beaten three top 10 players a total four times. Impressive, don't you think?

Plus, he was very unlucky to lose to world number three Andy Murray.

Ivan has one of the biggest serves.

I think Ljubicic has the fire power to make it to the semi-finals. But he can be out as early as the first round as well.

He faces another big server in Sam Querrey. I expect it to be a match of several tie-breakers, but Ljubicic prevails in the end. However I picked him falling in the 3rd round in a close match.

Early Exits and Peculiar Upsets

Novak Djokovic

It seems everyone is writing off the Serbian/Montenegrin superstar, Novak Djokovic. After several people thought he would face Nadal at the French Open final, people are jumping off the band wagon.

Djokovic is a former semi-finalist, but he has admitted to being psychically and mentally tired after that semi-final with Nadal at Madrid.

I can't help but expect something happening to Djokovic. Like I said, I think there is a big chance he'll lose if he meets Tipsarevic in the 3rd round.

It's a tough call, but don't give up on Djokovic completely. I am seeing a quarter final spot with his name on it, but it is hard to say he won't fall early.

Juan Martin Del Potro

Yes, I did say he could make it to the quarters, but at the very same time he could lose very early.

Most people will think I'm saying that Hewitt is the one who beats Del Potro. While I do think Hewitt would beat him, Del Potro could very well be out in the first round.

He faces last years quarter finalist, Arnaud Clement. I am pulling for Clement because he's a good player, and someone who was so very close to being in the semi-finals last year. He had such an impressive run, and his five-set loss was a classic.

We could see him make another upset by tossing out Del Potro.

If he does, I think Del Potro will be very upset with Nadal for giving him Clement to play.

James Blake

Blake is another guy that I claimed could go far...well, he can be out in the 1st round as well.

He plays Andreas Seppi. Seppi is an exceptional player, who has had some very bad luck of playing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the first through third rounds of grand slams.

Seppi is determined, and seeing as he has some competition he can beat, he should be a good test.

I think Blake will win, but don't bet your money on it.

Marat Safin

This is the guy who reestablished himself as a top 25 player, and it started with a scorching run to the semi-finals of Wimbledon last year.

He ran into Roger Federer and suffered a loss. But he gained so much, that he couldn't have been too upset.

However, he has such an unpredictable mind and game. At times, he's the best in the world. Other times he is drunk, angry, and losing to not-so-famous players.

I think Safin can make a big run again, but I'm not so optimistic in his recent results.

I am really not so sure that he will get past the third round. If he meets Stanislas Wawrinka, it will be tough, and he will have to bring his "A" game.

If not, he may suffer quite the loss in points. I really hope he doesn't lose.

Fernando Gonzalez

Surely he has the game to make it far, and his draw is not that tough in its early rounds. But he's played a lot of tennis, and is mentally and psychically worn.

That loss to Robin Soderling at the French, seems like one that could likely carry over. I am not going to be suprised if the hard hitting Gonzo falls in the first few rounds.

Gilles Simon

Simon built on some great momentum last season, then he started off well with a quarter final appearance at the Australian Open.

But since then, he has been losing some winnable matches.

It's not very certain what has come up, but he has fallen off considerably.

I am not optimistic on his play, and can't see him going far. If you add on to his poor play, he has never been known as a great grass court player.

Robin Soderling

When a player makes a final at a grand slam for the first time, he is psychically worn. It is something they never went through before, and Soderling will learn how to deal with it, especially if he keeps coming up with results like the French.

But this time around, I am sure he will be worn.

Grass is not his court of pleasure. I can't see him getting past the third round.

Andy Murray

Oh yeah, you read that right.

Murray seems to be the favorite, after Roger Federer, to win at Wimbledon in 2009.

I am not so sure he will get that far. For him to lose, say around the round of 16, is relatively an upset, compared to what people think he will do.

In his draw, the likes of Stan Wawrinka and Marat Safin stand in his way, and they pose a great threat.

If you don't see Murray in the final, make that semi-final or even quarter final, I for one will be standing here, saying "not surprised".

The Long Shot, Noice Maker, In What Would Be a Great Story

Fabrice Santoro

Okay, so in my draws, I was having some fun with some picks, I saw some matches that were long shots, but also seemed to be possible.

Fabrice Santoro has never been a great grass court player in singles.

This season may be his last on tour, and he may just wonder us by with some more magic that he can pull up his sleeve.

In Santoro's draw, he has players that he has a good record against, players who are not very comfortable on grass, and players who are worn out from the French (F. Gonzalez).

I think Santoro will amaze some people, and get far. When I unveil my draw, you may be surprised, but I think it would make an awesome story, and something that can very well become a reality. I hope something like it happens. I just love that guy. He is a great player and person, who's stunning array of shots and form keep me laughing and astonished all at once.

I wouldn't be suprised if he served with two hands.

Check out some great shots and matches of his:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI8gxsQnvQw go to the last two minutes.

http://www.break.com/usercontent/2008/4/Fabrice-Santoro-extraordinary-point-482000.html definately check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-VolX8dtkE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2Fvideosearch%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dfabrice%2520santoro%26um%3D1%26ie%3DUTF%2D8%26sa%3DN%26tab%3Dwv&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyXGGSf6gzc&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fvideo%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2Fvideosearch%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dfabrice%2520santoro%26um%3D1%26ie%3DUTF%2D8%26sa%3DN%26tab%3Dwv&feature=player_embedded

Words can't describe him!!!

My Five Favorites To Win Wimbledon 2009

5. Marat Safin - He claims this will be his final year on the ATP Tour. It is very sad to hear. But I can't do anything but hope for the best from Safin.

Marat stunned us when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the third round in Wimbledon last year. He then reached the semi-final but lost to Roger Federer. (Come to think of it, each person that Rafa and Roger played in last years Wimbledon semi, was a surprise).

Safin has all the talent, and he has the game to beat any tennis player to play on tour.

Hard hitter, good serve, good movement, nice size. He just needs to get past that mind game of his, He has been going through the year nicely. He has had some bad loses, but hopefully he can spark something here.

It is a toss up with Safin. If he shows up, like last year, or plays better, he can win this tournament. It will be great to see him back in the semi-final. I am pulling for him.

If he is not going to play at top level, he will lose early to me, if he is playing at his best, a third and fitting grand slam could be made in Wimbledon 2009.

4. Lleyton Hewitt - The two time grand slam champion has always had great results at Wimbledon.

He usually makes it to the quarters, semi's, finals, or wins the whole thing. The past couple of years have shown good results but not great, round of 16's.

But with Rafael Nadal out of his way he can return to possibly the quarters. I have him stop their in my picks. But it is the toughest of calls. He can very well be back in the final, if he is up to it, and ready.

I am going to be pulling for Hewitt, and I think he will show us he is still the champion he use to be. He has the fight and grit in him, as well as talent. It'll be fun to see what he can do.

3. Andy Roddick/Tommy Haas - Roddick may be the third or fourth best grass court player on tour. he has an impressive serve, and this season he has lost weight.

His movement is much improved, and his game is growing all around. He is playing his best tennis now.

With Nadal out of his draw, his eye's have lighten up even more. He is hungry and determined for another grand slam. Remember, before Rafa came onto the scene, it was Roddick that Federer use to meet in the Wimbledon finals.

Roddick will be very dangerous.

Tommy Haas has arguably the best form for a backhand on tour. He has an all-around game.

Haas has really impressed lately. At the French he was five points away from defeating eventual winner, Roger Federer. Then he goes on, and defeats Philipp Kohlschreiber, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Mischa Zverev, and Novak Djokovic to win his first grass court tournament in his hometown Halle, Germany.

His condfience is steaming. I tell everyone, Haas should be a top 10 player, if it wasn't for his injuries. In 2007 he made the quarters at the US Open, and semi's at the Australian Open. Then in 2008, he missed most of the year, and lost a lot of points.

Now he is making it up, and showing his resilience and will. He is definitely in my mind a possibility to capture the Wimbledon title of 2009.

2. Andy Murray - I didn't pick him to make the final, but he may be the best bet to defeat Roger Federer. While others pose a threat, it seems Murray's record may take him far.

I am not so sure if I should put him so high. But he has played very well, and he is going to be very determined to win.

With no Rafael Nadal in his way that boosts his confidence. Also, he was very impressive last year, and with the England homeboy there, the crowd may give him that extra boost.

1. Roger Federer -What to say, what to say? Roger Federer is fresh off a French Open victory. He has all the confidence, and he is in the prime of his career. Nadal is not in his way, and he must be focused on the goal of regaining the Wimbledon crown.

With that in mind, it returns Roger to his dominant form, his number 1 ranking, and most of all, it breaks Pete Sampras record for the first time, and sets the new record with a mind-boggling 15 Grand Slams!

I picked Roger Federer to win Wimbledon with Rafael Nada in the tournament, healthy or not, I see no one that will stop Roger from getting the job done.

The tide can be re-shifted and Roger will be back on his thrown, and it would only have been a matter of time. See my article http://bleacherreport.com/articles/121052-now-that-the-aussie-heat-has-cooled-down-what-is-next-for-roger.

I hope on seeing someone like Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt or Fabrice Santoro against Roger in the final, while I hope to see someone like Tommy Haas or Ivan Ljubicic meet Roger in the semi-final.

It will be a test for Federer, Nadal or not.

Ladies and gentlemen Wimbledon is upon us.

To see my draws, and my picks, and to finally unravel the mystery in who loses, wins, and really....what happens to Fabrice Santoro, follow me here, and it will tell all: http://challenge.atpworldtour.com/atp/user-bracket.php?X=1245639747

My Return To Bleacher! 2008-2009 NBA Playoffs

Daniel K — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:14:00 -0400

Hello all!!! (Read on, I will explain the length of this article, so don't leave yet, when you see the number of pages.)

If you know me, you will know that I have been away from Bleacher Report for quite some time now. Much has happened in my latest absence. I am sorry to all my fans, and all who have enjoyed my work and hoped for more. I am sorry, but I am back!

I have seen and enjoyed some great work in recent times.

Sooo. These days, the NBA Playoffs are upon us.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know; I am pretty late by now, already into the first round by three or four games now. Actually, I write this as I watch the Sixers play the Magic in Philly in Game 4, and the 76ers have the 39-38 lead in the third. (Pretty low scoring game, huh.)

This is the story. In the recent years, I, along with some family and friends, make playoff brackets to predict the outcomes. We make the first one a day prior to the start of the season and the second is made a day prior to the start of the playoffs. The one made prior to the season was a guess in who would make it, then advance and win the whole thing.

WHEN YOU SEE HOW LONG THIS ARTICLE IS BY NUMBER OF PAGES, DON'T FREAK OUT, OKAY?

I will write my brackets, talk about them, why I believe in them, and more. That part is not all that long. The reason this will be so long is because I will add something, just so I can post the brackets of a couple of others who filled them out with me. So that is why it will be so long, because there are so many brackets. You can choose not to look at them and just pay attention to my stuff, I just wanted to have the others posted for fun.

Now you can take my word, these are prior to any of the action taking place. I will present my playoff predictions, and follow it up with my thoughts on what will take place.

(A day prior to the start of the '08-'09 season) My bracket:

East

1. Boston vs 8. Charlotte = Boston 4-2 First round

4. Orlando vs. 5.Toronto = Toronto 4-3 First round

3. Philadelphia vs 6. Cleveland = Philly 4-3 First round

2. Detroit vs. 7. Atlanta = Detroit 4-2 First round

1. Boston vs. 5. Toronto = Boston 4-3 Semis

2. Detroit vs. 3. Philadelphia = Philadelphia 4-3 Semis

1. Boston vs. 3. Philadelphia = Boston 4-2 Conference Finals

West

1. Houston vs. 8. LA Clippers = Houston 4-2 First round

4. San Antonio vs. 5. Dallas = SA 4-2 First round

3. New Orleans vs. 6. Utah = Utah 4-3 First round

2. LA Lakers vs. 7. Phoenix = LA 4-1 First round

1. Houston vs. 4. San Antonio = Houston 4-3 Semis

2. Los Angeles vs. 6. Utah = LA 4-2 Semis

1. Houston vs. 2. LA = Houston 4-3 Conference Finals

NBA 2008-2009 Finals

1. Boston vs. 1. Houston = Houston Rockets 4-3 Champions of the World!!!

Finals MVP=Ron Artest

Season MVP= Dwight Howard

All-Star Winners= West

All-Star MVP= Allen Iverson

Most Improved= Nate Robinson or Beno Udrih

Sixth Man = JR Smith

ROY= Michael Beasley or Greg Oden.

(A day prior to the start of the '09 playoffs)

East
1. Cleveland vs. 8. Detroit = Cleveland 4-1 First round

4. Atlanta vs. 5. Miami = Atlanta 4-1 First round

3. Orlando vs. 6. Philadelphia = Orlando 4-3 First round

2. Boston vs. 7. Chicago = Boston 4-2 First round

1. Cleveland vs. 4. Atlanta = Cleveland 4-2 Semis

3. Orlando vs. 2. Boston = Boston 4-3 Semis

1. Cleveland vs. 2. Boston = Cleveland 4-2 Conference Finals

West

1. L.A. vs. 8. Utah = LA 4-1 First round

4. Blazers vs. 5. Houston = Rockets 4-2 First round

3. San Antonio vs. 6. Dallas = SA 4-3 First round

2. Denver vs. 7. Hornets = Denver 4-1 1st round

1. LA vs. 5. Houston = Los Angeles Semis

3. San Antonio vs. 2. Denver = Denver 4-3 Semis

1. Lakers vs. 2. Denver = LA 4-2 Conference Finals

NBA Playoffs 2008-2009

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs. 1. Los Angeles Lakers= L.A. Lakers 4-2 are World Champions!!!

Bill Russel Award Finals MVP= Kobe Bryant

Who will win: Season MVP= LeBron James

Coach of Year= Mike Brown

Rookie of Year= Derrick Rose

Sixth Man= Jason Terry

Most Improved= Devin Harris.

Who I think are the real winners:

Season MVP= 1. Dwayne Wade 2. Chauncey Billups

Coach of Year= Rick Adelman or George Karl

Rookie of Year= Derrick Rose

Most Improved= Not Sure

Sixth Man= Jason Terry

Now. Why did I choose these specific predictions? Well, I'll get into that. Let me start from the first rounds and work my way up towards the finals.

EAST.

The Cavs defeat the Pistons 4-1.

Looks as though my prediction fanned out here, as it was very likely too. It was just a game different ending to the game. I said 4-1; it was really 4-0. The Cavs just have too much power. While the Pistons were going to make them fight, and they did for half of the game in games one, two, and four.

But Pistons' fans must understand from this series. What were the Pistons missing? A scorer. A closer. A leader. In other words: Allen Iverson, Allen Iverson, Allen Iverson.

But even if he was around, they would have still lost 4-2. But the Pistons never learned how to utilize The Answer. Even McDyess said, let AI be himself (30-35 ppg, 7-8 apg, 2-3 spg). Let him create for himself as well as everyone else. When he does, he is a top five player, but sadly the Pistons never got down to trying hard enough to adjust. Just look at his stat line, and compare it with his other years. He is still in his prime, but...ah...I am pretty sure he did A LOT of sacrificing for Detroit.

Hawks will defeat Heat 4-1.

The Heat are too young. Wade cant win the series by himself; he is not that good. No offense there, but he can not carry these guys through. If Jermaine O'Neal can get his old self going, maybe we'll see a tough game seven. I thought it would go 4-1, Hawks.

I guess I was wrong on the games, seeing that the series is tied 3-3. But I still believe Atlanta comes out. There is just too much hunger, experience, veterans, and skill. The Heat have Wade, JO, Haslem, Moon, but the other guys are not ready yet to me.

Magic beat 76ers 4-3.

I don't get it. You guys are idiots if you seriously believed Orlando would dominate this series. It has been the most exciting series, along with the Celtics/Bulls.

I mean it is tied at 2-2 (game five is right now, and the Celtics/Bulls in OT). But three of the four games have had game-winning shots. INSANE!!!

I am just plain bewildered how anyone thought this would take four or five games for the Magic to pull out the victory.

The components are all there: Philly has a major shot at winning, and actually going to the Conference Finals. Andre Miller is arguably a top five point guard, along with young stars (that are veterans in their own right) in Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert.

In addition, they have some young guns: Lou Williams, Willie Green, etc and savvy veterans: Theo Ratliff, Donyell Marshall, etc.

Orlando is hobbled by injuries, so you never know. With Dwight Howard out for Game 6, we'll have to see what happens. I still thought that Orlando would win because of home-court advantage, but now with Dwight out (as well as Courtney Lee), momentum is shifting,

Celtics win 4-2 vs. Bulls.

Veterans, champions, sound foundation, and young gunners vs. rookies, sophomores, and third year player as starters. An easy win for the first predictions.

But that ALL changed when Brad Miller and John Salmons arrived in Chicago. Miller is the best passing big man in NBA; a veteran, who can score and rebound, as well as score and a veteran who can shoot and who was under the wing of Allen Iverson.

That is a lot of help, and is the reason they are where they are. I picked six games for the Celtics. That now may change with Powe out of the action, but I think my prediction still may pan out.

Ray Allen. Paul Pierce. In there prime now. Clutch players. Superstars. Remember everyone, before they ever were the Big 3 with KG, they led their own respective teams to playoff runs, (Conference Finals and Semifinals for Ray Allen).

Sooo, I would expect these two to do something like that, ESPECIALLY TOGETHER.

WEST.

Lakers win 4-1 vs. Jazz.

RIGHT ON!

I was right on the dot with that one. The Jazz are a great team, but are not the same state of mind and play that they were last season.

LA has a top five player (arguably the best player) leading them. With veterans who have been in the Finals (a few times for Derek Fisher). With All-Stars by him, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and very good players who make HUGE contributions, such as Sasha Vujacic, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Andrew Bynum, Trevor Ariza, and Jordan Farmar that pretty much summed it up.

Rockets defeat Blazers 4-2.

Again. People were just riding along the Portland bandwagon. NOOO!

Young guys, led by Brandon Roy, the only real guy who can average 20 ppg who creates for himself against maybe the best center when healthy in Yao Ming, as well as Ron Artest and Shane Battier guarding Roy.

Uhh, pretty easy pick for me here. Just too much hunger, passion, defense, and a better coach.

4-3, Spurs over Mavericks.

Yeah, yeah, sure. 4-1, Mavs had it this time. But it was a hard decision. It was hard to tell just how much an impact losing Ginobili would have.

I think against a few other teams, the Spurs could've had it. But I guess they were too predictable.

The Spurs will be back next year, hungry. I sense a couple of shuffles here and there.

The Mavericks were hungry, hungry players, especially in their two superstars, Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki, with a great coach trying to show he can have playoff success, not just season success.

I really pushed for the Mavs to do something in the end of the regular season. If they drew the Lake show, it would have been four or five games before they said "bye bye." If they moved up, I saw a great opportunity.

They have a good shot at making the Conference Finals, but I still see the Nuggs getting that one.

Hornets lose to Nuggets 4-1.

I was right on the dime, literally. I had 4-1, and what happens? 4-1, Nuggs take it.

I told everyone that the Nuggets would win easy, that Billups would torch CP3, and CP3 would be shut down. All evidence in my support.

Even so, people continued to believe the Hornets would take it. They love CP3, and they think because they hear his name so much and he is a star, that the Hornets would win.

WRONG, big time. I have NBA League Pass and understand how the teams play and the players play better than anyone else who just plain watches regular televised games.

NO WAY were the Nuggs losing; not even close. Even last year, had these two teams met, the Nuggs would have beaten them almost as easily.

Just goes to show what idiotic fans we have these days.

EAST ROUND TWO

Cavs vs. Hawks, Cavs 4-2.

This one can really be a toss up.

Most people think the Cavs will breeze their way to the Conference Finals, even the Finals. I don't think so.

Just because the Heat pushed the Hawks to seven games, I still see the Hawks playing better versus the Cavs.

People just don't see what I see, because of that League Pass.

Teams play different versus different teams. I think this has the potential to go to six or even seven games, possibly in the Hawks' favor. It matters. If they meet for game seven, it goes to Cleveland. But if the Hawks want to win, they won't do it in seven, they will have to win an early away game. It is tough.

Magic vs. Celtics. The Champs keep on keepin' on, 4-3.

Ray Allen. Paul Pierce. Two superstars in their prime.

Before the Boston Big 3 happened, each star led their respective teams to much success, notably Ray Allen. The Celtics have the foundation built in. They are veterans who are playing hard. Ray and Pierce won't let it end easy. It will be a fight. With Courtney Lee possibly out, it will hurt the Magic.

I see Allen and Pierce leading the Celtics on to the Conference Finals, with the rest of the team playing very well.

WEST.

Rockets out of the first round, but how much farther? Not much, Lakers 4-1.

The Rockets are playing great. They have a great coach and great defense.

But...they don't have that many scoring options. Sure, Yao and Artest can produce 20-25 points. But the rest of the guys are not such prolific scorers, and they are young as well. It will be tough.

I think it will be 4-1 Lakers, but most of the games will be very tight. Lakers have too much of everything this series.

Spurs vs. Nuggets, Nugs 4-3.

Well, it won't happen anymore, since the Spurs are out. But either way, I had Denver in this one.

I thought the Spurs would run out of some gas, while Denver would be at full strength, easily handling the Hornets. Nuggets have a leader point guard, who has one a chip, and very talented young players and veterans like Melo, Kenyon Martin, JR Smith, Linas Kleiza, etc.

I thought T. Parker and T. Duncan would push the Nuggets, but Denver would ultimately have it.

East. Rematch, Cavs vs. Boston, Cavs 4-2.

No Powe, no KG. Tough loses.

But again, the team is still very good. But the Cavs are just stacked with stars. Delonte West, Anderson Varejao, Ben Wallace, Big Z, Wally's World, LeBron James, Daniel Gibson, Maurice Williams. So many options.

People say that Garnett won't be back these playoffs. But...I think different. I think they say this just so the players get it in their minds, that they will get the minutes, and who will play, they won't be relying on KG returning.

But if the Celtics make it far, I see KG possibly suiting up for a few games for say 12-20 minutes.

The Celtics can beat the Cavaliers. LeBron James is nowhere near unstoppable. But the Celtics wll have to bring different game plans. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are just too good, and the Celtics already are champions.

Throughout the playoffs, I see Stephon Marbury making the difference in at least one game. You never know, but this time I just picked the Cavaliers.

WEST. Another rematch, Denver vs. LA, Lakers back in the Finals, 4-2.

Okay. The difference is that the Nugs no longer have the dynamic superstar, Allen Iverson.

Although they got a player who is actually alot lower than Iverson( not as great a basketball player as AI, in other words), Iverson is not the better fit. The Nuggets were too much of and offensive team, with young guys that needed to be guided.

Iverson doesn't guide; he sets examples by playing hard and the team follows, but that is not the right leader for this squad.

The Nuggets will give the Lakers a hard time and push them in each game. But ultimately the Lakers want to avenge last year's loss in the Finals, and even though the Nuggets improved defensively, it won't be enough.

You never know, the Nugs have a good chance, but we'll see.

The 2008-2009 NBA Finals!!! L.A. Cleveland. Who prevails? No doubt, Lakers in Six.

The match up that is supposedly this unbelievable series.Uh, I don't think it will be that great.

Let it be said, KOBE BRYANT IS BETTER THAN LEBRON JAMES! KOBE BRYANT IS BETTER THAN LEBRON JAMES. Everyone should understand that; it is the truth, I really don't see ANY argument for LeBron, or even close.

Look, Kobe Bryant is in a certain kind of mindset right now.

The Spurs. The Celtics. These are the only two teams that WOULD beat LA if healthy. But both of these teams are hobbled this year.

Kobe sees his opportunity to strike, NOW! The Lakers lost last year to the Celtics and would do the same thing this year, had they been healthy. Last year, the Lakers even got lucky in getting to the finals.

The Spurs had a less than 100 percent Manu, and still made it to seven games. Had he been healthy, it would've been a S.A. vs Boston final. Bryant sees his best opportunity now.

The Cavs and Lakers are two very different teams. As I had stated, I have NBA League Pass. I understand the teams and players better. The Lakers are very good, and always are the team to beat with the elites.

But although they beat the elite teams, they lose to the below .500 teams (got swept by Charlotte, almost lost to Thunder, and more). The Cavaliers dominate, absolutely dominate the lower-ranked teams. They dismantle and bully them. They are beasts. But when it comes to the top-notch teams, they play lesser than versus other teams. So strange.

In the end,the Lakers win. Kobe sees this is his best shot of late. LeBron is not better than Kobe. The Lakers are too hungry as a whole. The Cavs have been swept by the Lake Show. The Cavs are not all that good against elite teams.

Actually, the Lakers might not even meet the Cavs. If the Cavs meet the Magic, Orlando has a great shot at winning, actually I think they would win. But again, teams play different versus certain teams, and although I think Orlando can beat Cleveland, I am not so sure they can beat Boston, although the Cavs can. I know, confusing.

The only way the Lakers don't win the championship this year is if they lose to a western team. If they make it to the finals, it is all over. The Nuggets might have the best shot at beating them

What will happen then? Kobe Bryant used to be overrated and still is, but not as much. If LA wins, that overrating will come back, and he, along with LBJ will be the two most overrated players in the NBA.

This year's MVP will be LBJ although it should be Wade. After him, it is Billups.

Here is my All-NBA team (not so sure though, didn't do much thinking here):

G) Dwayne Wade G) Chauncey Billups (REALLY TOUGH CHOICE THOUGH) F) LeBron James F) Pau Gasol C) Dwight Howard

Second team G) Kobe Bryant G) Chris Paul F) Dirk Nowitzki F) Tim Duncan C) Yao Ming

Third Team G) Deron Williams G) either Brandon Roy/Jason Kidd/Andre Miller/Ray Allen/Joe Johnson/Tony Parker/Steve Nash F) Camelo Anthony/Paul Pierce/Vince Carter/Chris Bosh/Ron Artest/Amare Stoudemire C) Shaq/Al Jefferson

The 2008-2009 season. I just want to say, it has been maybe the worst NBA season I have ever watched. The stars have all been getting injured or playing on the wrong style of teams: Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Amare Stoudemire, Al Jefferson, Michael Redd, Manu Ginobili, Andrew Bynum, Greg Oden, Elton Brand, Marcus Camby, Tim Duncan, Baron Davis, Gilbert Arenas, Chris Kaman, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Eddie Curry, Peja Stojakovic, Jameer Nelson, Rasheed Wallace, Rip Hamilton, Carlos Boozer, and more.

That is way too many. On top of that, the NBA has stricken an all-time low and become much too much materialized and marketed. What do I mean? It is all about the stars and not enough about the teams. The players are becoming overrated.

The NBA commish and everyone is trying to blow up the images of players that are loved way way out of proportion, and people are buying into it. So this causes the fans to overrate players, and the NBA is even letting them do so by letting them vote for the All-Star MVP or dunk contest winner. The fans buy merchandise and the NBA gets the money. That is why they do it. It has become more about business than basketball; it is very sad.

Playoff brackets of two people (left unnamed) that I show the brackets made prior to the season and the playoffs. You can choose what to do, but my part is pretty much done. Here they are:

Anonymous No. 1 (prior to '09 season)

East First round

1. Cetics vs. 8. Sixers = Celtics 4-1

4. Magic vs. 5. Raptors = Raptors 4-3

3. Cavaliers vs. 6. Bulls = Bulls 4-2

2. Pistons vs. 7. Bucks = Pistons 4-1

Semis

1. Celtics vs. 5. Raptors = Celtics 4-1

6. Bulls vs. 2. Pistons = Pistons 4-0

Conference Finals

1. Celtics vs. Pistons = Celtics 4-2

West First round

1. Suns vs. Jazz = Suns 4-2

4. Hornets vs. 5. Nuggets = Nuggets 4-3

3. Rockets vs. 6. Blazers = Rockets 4-2

2. Spurs vs. Mavericks = Spurs 4-0

Semis

1. Suns vs. 5. Nuggets = Nuggets 4-3

3. Rockets vs. 2. Spurs = Spurs 4-2

Conference Finals

5. Nuggets vs. Spurs = Nuggets 4-0

NBA Finals 2009

Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics = Denver Nuggets 4-3

Finals MVP= Allen Iverson

Season MVP = Kobe Bryant

All-Star Winners/MVP= West/Kobe Bryant

Most Improved= Shaq

Sixth Man= Jason Terry

Rookie of Year= Michael Beasley

Amazing! He got three of the four first round Western Conference series correct, (Nugs/NO, Dallas/SA, Houston/Blazers) and even got two of the three results right. He got the All-Star game winner right, the west, and partially the MVP, Kobe. He even got the Jazz right on their playoff spot in the eighth seed, and got the sixth man right, Jason Terry. This is all before any action started in the season of 2008-2009.

Day Prior to the Playoffs

East First round

1. Cavs vs. Pistons = Cavs 4-2

4. Hawks vs. Heat = Hawks 4-1

3. Magic vs. Sixers = Magic 4-0

2. Celtics vs. Bulls = Celtics 4-3

Semis

1. Cavs vs. 4. Hawks = Cavs 4-2

2. Celtics vs. 3. Magic = Celtics 4-2

Conference Finals

1. Cavs vs. 2. Celtics = Cavs 4-2

West First round

1. Lakers vs. 8. Jazz= Lakers 4-2

4. Blazers vs. 5. Rockets = Rockets 4-3

3. Spurs vs. 6. Mavericks = Spurs 4-2

2. Nuggets vs. 7. Hornets = Nuggets 4-1

Semis

1. Lakers vs. 5. Rockets = Lakers 4-0

3. Spurs vs. 2. Nuggets = Spurs 4-3

Conference Finals

1. Lakers vs. 3. Spurs = Lakers

NBA 2009 Finals

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers= Cleveland 4-3

Finals MVP= LeBron James

Anonymous # 2 (Prior to the '09 season)

East 1st round

1. Cavs vs. 8. Hawks = Cavs 4-2

4. Pistons vs. 5. Raptors = Pistons 4-3

3. Magic vs. 6. Sixers = Sixers 4-3

2. Celtics vs. 8. Bucks = Celtics 4-2

Semis

1. Cavs vs. 4. Pistons = Cavs 4-2

2. Celtics vs. 6. 76ers = Celtics 4-3

Conference Finals

1. Cavs vs. 2. Celtics = Cavs 4-3

West First round

1. Lakers vs. 8. Nuggets = Lakers 4-2

4. Hornets vs. 5. Suns = Suns 4-2

3. Jazz vs. 6. Spurs = Spurs 4-3

2. Rockets vs. 7. Mavs = Rockets 4-1

Semis

1. Lakers vs. 5. Suns = Lakers 4-3

6. Spurs vs. 2. Rockets = Rockets 4-3

Conference Finals

1. Lakers vs. 2. Rockets = Lakers 4-3

NBA 2009 Finals

1. Lakers vs. Cavaliers= Lakers 4-3

Finals and season MVP = Kobe Bryant

All-Star winners/MVP= East/ LeBron James

Rookie of Year= Greg Oden

He got the Sixers/Magic match up right, even the seeding. He also got the Cavs and Lakers seeding right.

Day Prior to the '09 Playoffs

East 1st round

1. Cavs vs. 8. Pistons= Cavs 4-2

4. Hawks vs. Heat = Hawks 4-3

3. Magic vs. 6. 76ers = Magic 4-1

2. Boston vs. 7. Chicago = Celtics 4-1

Semis

1. Cavs vs. 4. Hawks = Cavs 4-1

3. Magic vs. 2. Celtics= Celtics 4-3

Conference Finals

1. Cavs vs. 2. Celtics = Cavs 4-3

West First round

1. Lakers vs. 8. Jazz= Lakers 4-1

4. Blazers vs. 5. Rockets = Blazers 4-3

3 Spurs vs. 6. Mavs = Mavs 4-2

2. Nuggets vs. 7. Hornets = Nuggets 4-3

Semis

1. Lakers vs. 4. Blazers = Lakers 4-2

6. Mavs vs. 2. Nuggets = Nuggets 4-3

Conference Finals

Lakers vs. Nuggets = Lakers 4-3

NBA Finals 2009

Lakers vs. Cavaliers = Lakers 4-3

Finals MVP= Kobe Bryant

Thank you for reading! Sorry it was sooo long. I hope you got through it all.

Enjoy the rest of the playoffs; I am sure I will. Game 7 Bulls/Celtics, should be nasty!

I'd love to see some feedback on this. It is my return to Bleach Report, so I might have been a bit rusty. The 2008-2009 season? Uhh, not so good. 2008-2009 playoffs? Amazing is happening!

The 09 Trade Deadline: A Few Crazy Moves When Theres Nothing To Lose

Daniel K — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:03:23 -0500

The NBA Trade Deadline is nearing, and the GM are calling one another. A few deals have already gone done this season, as early as the Iverson trade in the first two weeks of the season, or the recent Jermaine O'Neal-Shawn Marion trade, Brad Miller to the Bulls, Tyson Chandler to the Thunder. We have yet to see the effects of a few of those. But we are now at our final day of making trades for the season. Some teams are going to look for a trade for the future, or possibily for the present, to make a run the coming playoffs, a la Spurs. I was really wondering who might make a trade. The Rockets are looking down and out, will they do a little moving? The Bucks are playing well, but will they need some more fire power to secure a playoff spot? The Pistons made a trade for a superstar already, will they make another move? The Suns are fighting, could Steve Kerr be giving other GM's a ring-a-ding-ding? I thought of some trades that just may happen. Others, were just for fun. I through some crazy names and teams around, trades that may never happen, but just might make some sort of sense.

Begin Slideshow

Now That the Aussie Heat Has Cooled Down, What Is Next for Roger Federer?

Daniel K — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:52:21 -0500

Well now, I had to wait a while before writing this. I knew what was coming, ever since Roger's loss.

I knew there would be tons of Bleacher Report articles about the Roger-Rafa 09 Aussie Final.

I knew most people would be repeating the same thing. Some saying Rafa is the best, Roger is done, things like that. But I wanted to wait, wait until the heat cooled off a bit.

So really, what is next for Roger?

First off, have you guys noticed something new? Something in how people have, ALL OF A SUDDEN, started talking about Federer? People are beginning to say less and less that Roger Federer is the greatest of all time.

More and more you are hearing Top 10, Top 5, Top 3, and so on. Nadal, last year, clearly stated that Federer is the greatest of all-time, but this year, after the Aussie Final, said Roger is ONE of the greatest of all-time.

Rafa's uncle Toni said Rod Laver is the best ever, then comes Federer.

But last year, and the year before that, it was all Roger, "he is the best," "no one will ever be better than Roger," "no one will ever break his Grand Slam Record when he passes Pete."

So why the sudden change? What, because he lost the Aussie? Because he is still at 13 Grand Slams? Because he is No. 2 in the world? What?

Well many questions were racing in my mind as well as others. To tell the truth I too, thought it was over, Roger will never be the best ever.

Even if he passes Pete, Rafa will catch up. I thought Roger couldn't do it, didn't have enough confidence, and many more things.

But look, Roger should be at 15 Grand Slams by now. Had it not been for that darn mono sickness he had. Last year's losses hurt. Last year Fed was supposed to finish with 15 Grand Slams.

We are past the Aussie, and already Fed has suffered a loss. Last year people were starting to speculate on what was happening to Roger. Some attacked him, some defended him.

But then, he won the doubles gold in Beijing, he won the U.S. Open, where he had a strong performance that was supposed to, and I guess did for most of the time, give Fed steam heading into the Australian Open.

This year, the Aussie was suppose to really tell the world, Roger is the greatest ever, forever. This was suppose to rejuvenate him.

After winning the doubles gold and US Open, now he was supposed to really declare his return to dominance, and stop the questioning of his primacy, of whether he has passed it or not.

Last year, he suffered tough losses to Nadal. Roger was destroyed at the French Open, while he had barely been beaten at Wimbledon.

A win over Nadal would give him confidence for the whole year, it would tell Roger that he is able to beat Rafa. But he lost. With everything Roger has, all the shot making ability, fitness, physicality, it wasn't enough.

But Nadal has the mental toughness that Rog seems to lack against Nadal. And this loss, more than any other, hurts him mentally even more. He has lost to Nadal on all surfaces, lost his No. 1 ranking, lost his Wimbledon streak.

Roger might be thinking? "He already beat me on grass, he is the best on clay, NOW ON HARD COURT TOO? WHAT WILL I DO?!

Going into 2008, many did not even bring up for a second, to question Roger, but after '08 they did.

What is really hurting Roger mentally? It is many things. He had a strong mental game in '07, but then '08 came. He got the mono sickness, then lost the tournament he was defending, the Aussie.

He then was hammered by Nadal at the French, including losses to Fish and Roddick before that.

So some of these losses were tough, but Fed was still strong heading into Wimbledon '08. He was the clear favorite. But in the end he was narrowly edged out by Nadal. The loss hurt, A LOT.

But that is when Roger's mindset was vulnerable, not as much the loss, but how people reacted, how people started talking about Rafa and not Roger. Roger listened to the critics, and it got to him.

After that, every match he played in, he felt that all was against him. What the critics would say was in the back of his mind, especially at the end of close matches, where he choked. It got to him more, losing many more matches in the summer to people he routinely beat.

Then he began a streak that saw him win doubles gold as an underdog, and the US OPEN. His re-established dominance at Flushing Meadows seemed to make up for his failures at a place that used to be his throne for so long, Wimbeldon.

Had he won the Aussie, oh boy, that may have just told the story for the rest of the year:

It would have the world back on his side, because, he won two consecutive Slams, but also beat Nadal, in a final of a Slam other than Wimby.

Having the world back on his side would have been a ton of help. Reason being, then he would not have critics questioning his greatness, but critics supporting him.

Federer listens. He listens to the little whispers that he may have passed his prime, that he is no longer the best, that he can't beat Rafa. But had he won Aussie, those critics would not say that, and Fed would not be thinking about it. He would be confident.

But the thing against Fed at the Aussie Final, was not only the people talking about him. But also Rog himself, and his quest to win 14 Grand Slams. He was the one with all the pressure.

If he lost, that means he is still searching for Slam 14, having lost to Rafa on all surfaces. Another thing, he may not get No. 14 for a while, because Rafa is so dominant on clay. But also, since Raf has beaten him everywhere, Rog must be thinking, how it is possible to beat him.

Federer was so nervous about the Aussie final, because it could be unbelievably great for him, or absolutely disastrous. The reason that Roger is losing some matches, is because he is facing an enemy he has never had until now, pressure.

When he plays Nadal, he gets nervous because he is facing someone who will never, ever, give up. But after so many losses to Rafa, this is tampering with his mind set.

People don't realize what happened when these two played each other. They are thinking that Rafa is supposed to be out and done because of his five-set semi-final match.

But really, he was fresher than Rog. The reason, well everyone Roger played was good and fresh, Del Potro, Roddick, Safin, Berdych, etc. But Rafa never really had that many tough challenges.

Okay, he played Haas, and Gonzo, and Verdasco but Gonzo was not even that tough. Gonzo was worn out after two five-setters he had to play prior to meeting Rafa.

Pressure, it just gets to Federer, and he has not learned how to deal it, because it is still something new for him. But now even more than ever, pressure is toppling him.

His problems with Rafa, No. 14, the critics, his mentality, and how he is going to be able to beat Rafa, on all surfaces.

So many questions are in the air now. Is Rog the greatest of all time? Has Fed passed his prime? Will Nadal be the greatest ever some day? Will Rog come back?

Will Rog get over the hump, learn a new strategy, and begin to beat Nadal, regardless of surface? Also what would a win in the final vs Nadal at the upcoming French do for Rog?

Well. Is Roger the greatest of all-time? Yes he is.

Has he passed his prime? No. Many are questioning it, but truly he is just frustrated.

Will Nadal be the greatest of all-time? Maybe. He has already gotten 6 Slams and is still 22. He may get 18. But it is going to be tough to decide. It will all depend on how well his body lasts because of his knees and style of play.

There is something else that started coming up after the final, because Rog is getting older. Although still in his prime, he is going to have tough times ahead to win Slams, possibly because of his demons, and his mentality may slow him down considerably.

Will Rog come back? I think so. He will get his No. 1 spot back eventually I believe. He is just going to need to start to win, consistently, not just a Slam every now and then. But dominate, because that will help keep his demons away.

Will Rog get over the hump, learn a new strategy, and begin to beat Nadal, regardless of surface? This is a tough one. Roger just needs his confidence, and not so many people questioning him, then he should beat Nadal most of the time, on grass and hard courts.

But on clay, he will need to seriously get better. Don't think he is that far though. His bad loss to Rafa last year at the French was because his sickness. It could have been closer.

What would a win in the final vs Nadal at the upcoming French do for Rog? Everything. Momentum heading into Wimby, but not just that. The mind set, that he has beaten Nadal, on his own court, and dethroned him from being King of the French.

It will get people back on his side. Then he will just need to win Wimby, and we may see the rebirth of dominance for Roger.

Many things come to our minds. But you guys have got to understand, Roger is still here. He is the best, and he is still in his prime. I know it hurts that he lost, and I know it's hard to see better days.

But supporting him is what will help. Do not pay attention, and it's hard, to the critics who question Fed's greatness.

It is just their job, and Rog is so good, that when he loses, it is a story for a while. That is why they pick on him, because he is the only one who draws surprise when he loses.

It is going to be tough for Roger Federer to look past Nadal's accomplishments when he plays him. He will have to not think of Rafa as someone who has beaten him many times.

Roger has to remember who he is, the greatest. He should remembered that at Wimbledon, that while he was at his prime, on his court, at a tournament he had won several years in a row, still he was playing a very talented 21-year-old kid!

Many things are ahead, many obstacles Roger will have to defeat. He is who he is. There is nothing truly different about his game, his demons will always be there. He must look past them, though.

That is how he has been so dominant from 2003-2007, and still has the ability to be just as good now. The players have gotten better, and maybe he won't be as dominant, but close. We'll see how Roger Federer reacts, if he is still the best ever, but does he believe it?

This year, this season, a few others will try to return like Rog, such as Safin, Haas, Hewitt, Ivan Lub, and more. Roger Federer will return, but he will be only as great as he pushes himself to be.

Allen Iverson and Lebron James: "The Answer Vs. The King"

Daniel K — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:01:04 -0500

One is "The Answer" while the other is "The King".

Allen Iverson.

LeBron James.

First of all, there is no such thing as the "best", so I say, Iverson and James are each possibly two of five best basketball players right now. One is nearing his prime, the other is already at it.

Maybe you disagree with me about whether AI is a top-five player or in his prime. It's fine to think that, but most people thought that when he was in Philly and don't think that much of Iverson since he left the 76ers. They think less statistics mean the player is fading. But Iverson is very much still in his prime. So I am just addressing that.

Now, Sunday on ABC, the Detroit Pistons played the Cleveland Cavaliers. The game was in the Pistons' hands the first three quarters, but in the fourth they collapsed. Iverson did not have an out-of-this-world game, but he was efficient and torched the Cavs at times. That is exactly what he has been doing since his 76ers years.

So why do people say the LeBron is a better basketball player than Iverson?

Just go back and look at his time in Philly—the Sixers beat the Cavs a few times. While with the Nuggets the last two seasons, the Cavaliers never beat the Nuggs. They actually blew out the Cavs a few times, and every time Iverson played huge! Just go to youtube.com or to Google videos, or whatever, you'll see what I mean.

Iverson goes to the Pistons. They beat the Cavaliers the first time, Iverson scored 23 efficiently. In nearly every case, an Allen Iverson-led team has beaten a LeBron James-led team.

Although this time, the Cavs edged out the Pistons and Iverson in the fourth. But the game was over, all the Pistons had to do, and what they should always be doing, is feeding the ball to Iverson, and letting him create for himself as well as others. It was that exact reason that the Pistons stormed back and took the lead in the fourth.

Unfortunately, Pistons head coach Michael Curry seems to be a bit crazy, taking Iverson out in the fourth, not doing what wins games (when AI scores they win, when he doesn't they lose). Plus, the Pistons play better with Iverson and Hamilton together, but still, Rip is benched, not Stuckey.

So back to Iverson-James. These two have a whole story between one another. They go back to the Olympics in 2004, and should've been together in the past Olympics. They each showed up late one practice together in the Olympics. They have each started in the All-Star Game with each other several times. Their teams have gone back and forth.

It's pretty funny too. Iverson almost seems like a rival with James, AI went to the Nuggets, LeBron rivals with Melo, AI goes to the Pistons, the Cavs rival with the Pistons.

Each are very similar as well.

Iverson made a run to the finals and lost in five. LeBron made a run to the finals and lost in four. Each has made it to the playoffs, many times for Allen, but is knocked out in the first or second round. Each has never really been surrounded by much talent until this season. In the All-Star Games, Iverson's high-flying partner he throws ally- oops to use to be VC, now it's LBJ.

Each, are the two most unusual players and talents in basketball. Iverson is in a point guard's body, but can score as good as anybody ever has. While James is in a power forward's body, but has the speed of a small foward or even some guards.

It's hard to say which is better than the other because of age, position, playing style, and size. But there is no doubting these two are warriors.

But people must understand that the gap between these two is not as large as many think. To some, Iverson is better, to some LeBron is better, to some they are the same.

But many are talking about LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, instead of adding Iverson into the conversation. Why not? Iverson and the Pistons stopped the Cavs' winning streak earlier, while they are also the first team to defeat the Lakers in LA.

So they think LeBron is better by a landslide. Whoever is better, it is not by much, if I were to make a rating like in video games, they would not be more than a point or two away from one another.

But why go with Lebron? Just look at them head-to-head. Iverson plays a monster game, and as a result, MOST of the time his team wins. Iverson is the NBA's best scorer. So he has scoring on Lebron. But he also has steals, speed, dribbling, FT's, shooting, and clutch play.

They are about the same in passing, although again, I would give an edge to "The Answer". While James has the low post game, rebounding, blocking, over Iverson.

As for leadership, they each have not showed any real signs of who is better. But just knowing that Iverson has kept his teams good for most of the time in his career, tells me he is a better leader so far. As an athlete, Iverson was named the best athlete overall ever.

So really what does Lebron have over Allen? Dunks? Fancy dunks? Highlights? Leaping ability? The media just makes him seem much better.

Guys are really going to go after me, or call me crazy, but that is because the media has hypnotized them so much. Look I am not saying anything bad on Lebron's part, remember I called him one of the five best basketball players earlier. All I'm saying is people must stop listening so much to media, which helps make these little Kobe-LeBron lovers and haters.

Allen Iverson. Lebron James. Two great players, talents, athletes.

Iverson has triumphed in most of their meetings, but LeBron won the last battle. The war is not over, their battles will continue, their love for each other will grow. As each of their stories continue, so will this one. Be ready for more, of The Answer and The King. Allen Iverson and LeBron James, the stories continue.

Has The '09 Dunk Contest Failed Us?

Daniel K — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 19:01:06 -0500

SUPERMAN IS IN THE BUILDING! Lil' Nate is Back! Rudy Gay is here to Stay! Rudy Fernandez is the Fourth Dunker!

Uhhh...is it me, or has the Dunk Contest of 2009 failed us this time? Okay, okay, so Dwight is back of course, he is probably going to amaze us again. But Nate Robinson, sure he won in 2006, but this is the third time he is here, and I never liked any of his dunks in 2007. Rudy Gay, again. Well I actually thought that Gay had alot of potential to be big, so he is not bad.

But still, Dwight is back for a third time, the first time was okay, the second time was great, but a third, we'll see. Now if you are going to bring back Dwight, Nate, and Gay. Well that's a bit too many people to bring back for a second or third time.

Yes Dwight won so he must be back. But really, did we need to see Gay and Nate again. Plus Rudy, I think he will come in with something nice, but who did you guys vote for to be the fourth dunker? I voted for all of them, but I thought that Joe Alexander should be there, he really promised us a show, and he seemed more into it than Westbrook and Rudy, he looked like he wanted it more, and when the dunker wants to be there more, you usually see them give us a show.

All I'm saying is that I thought we could've seen someone else instead of Rudy Gay and Nate Robinson, even if it's someone we already saw before, here are a few:

Andre Iguodala

Man, oh man, back in 2006, wooow! That was amazing. He was completely robbed of for that dunk contest. His dunk that AI threw off the back board and he caught it and dunked it was insane! I thought that was one of the best dunks I ever saw, and better than anything I've seen in the past few years.

He should have won, Nate only won it cause he was the lil' guy there, and his dunk over Spud Webb, was not really over him, it was not over his head. If you noticed, Nate's feet were near his shoulders or lower, so it's not as big as people made it to be. Iggy really impressed, and although he doesn't have AI there to give him another beautiful pass, he still has the other Andre, Andre Miller, the best ally-oop passer there is, at his side.

Josh Smith

J-Smooth! He is a monster. He won it back in 2005, but in 2006, he wasn't that big, but I think if he was there he would really try, and give us something to woooww! about. He is long, strong, can jump as high as anyone, and most of all he is, smooth.

J.R. Smith

This guy has gotten better and better, in his all around game and dunking. He was there in the '05 contest, but I think he would have more creativity, more power, and can jump higher than he did before. He has some nasty dunks, just go back and see some of his dunks last year, and not only his dunks, but his ally-oop pass from Iverson, that he finished as a 360 layup on a defender.

Julian Wright

Last year, the Hornets were sending in late tapes of Wright dunking. But he was too late to enter the Dunk Contest. But he can really get up! He has had some really nice dunks on people. Just disregard his dunk attempt, that he embarrasses himself when it comes out of his hands.

Rodney Carney

I use to watch this guy in his rookie year. I new right away that he would be something nice. He would dunk on people with no regard for who was in his way, just go look at his dunk on Dwayne Wade's face!

Kenyon Martin

This guy has everything needed. He is as strong as anyone, can jump out the roof, has all the athletic ability. If I had a guess, my guess would be Martin and Howard are the league leaders in dunks per game. All he needs is someone to help him think of a few creative dunks, oh yeah he has J.R.Smith, plus a passer, oh yeah Billups.

There are soooo many other people I would love to see, and too many more to mention, other wise, this would not be an article, it would be a book. But here are some people I would or would've liked to see, Larry Hughes, Kobe Bryant, Vinsanity, T-Mac, Jason Richardson, Steve Francis, Desmond Mason, Fred Jones.

Oh and who I would have wanted to see was Hughes when he was with the Sixers, although he was in the 200 dunk contest I would've wanted to see him again, but not only him. It's another former Sixer, it was Hughes flight brother, a little guy, Allen Iverson.

In 1997, when Kobe Bryant won, he really was not supposed to be there, he took the spot of The Answer, because AI injured his right wrist, but boy oh boy, I would have loved to see AI in the dunk contest, he was a monster!

These were all guys I would have liked to see over Rudy Gay and Nate Robinson, but hey maybe my mind will change. Maybe these two will suprise me, and Rudy the rookie too. We will just have to wait and see, if the 2009 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest is or is not a bust.

A Few NBA "What If's" from Recent Years

Daniel K — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:16:03 -0500

Guys who read this, please leave a comment, I really want to know how I am doing. I am a 'rook around here at Bleacher Report, this is only my 3rd article.

Thanks guys, and hope you enjoy!

So, these days. The Big Three in Boston dominate. The Lakers are elite without Shaq. J-Kidd and Nash are not the only talk about point guards. Allen Iverson is averaging only 18 ppg, yes thats right, ALLEN IVERSON. Kobe is passing, again that's right Kobe, Kobe Bryant.

Lebron is getting a little too much hype (wait, that's not new). The Hawks are winning. The Detroit Pistons are NOT playing D-e-e-t-r-o-i-t Basketb-a-a-ll. The Jazz have a point-foward one-two punch not named Stockton-Malone.

WAIT, WAIT!!! AI IS NOT SCORING, KOBE PASSING!! WHO in the world can compete with Nash and Kidd???

Well, many things happened. I guess some of those things I mentioned are things that were coming anyway, like the Nash/Kidd thing. But not everything might have happened that way, so I look back, and think what if this happened, how would the league be now, what if this happened, what if this, what if that..... hhmmmm.

2004- What would have happened if the Lakers won the NBA Finals, would Shaq and Kobe still be together?? Would the Pistons core have BEEN split up?? Well many things could've happened....

The Lakers could've went on to win a few more rings, drawing even more, what I think crazy, MJ-Kobe comparisons.
Kobe would not have scored his 81 point explosion, and not gotten sooo over-hyped by some, and would not have made sooo many Kobe lovers, and haters as well.
While D- Wade, The Glove, and Lonzo would not have gotten their rings.

The Pistons, what if they had not chosen Darko in '04???

They could have landed Melo, or Wade, or Bosh
They would not be better off with Melo, Bosh or Wade. They would actually be worse.
They would not have won the championship. The chemistry would not be there, with young guns like Wade, Melo, and Bosh, who were all sort of selfish players, like most all-stars are when entering the NBA. That would break the group, the team style, of everyone is just as good as the other.
The Pistons wouldn't have landed Rasheed Wallace, who was vital in their championship run.

What if Ron Artest never had that ugly brawl??

The Pacers were already a 60 win kind of team. They made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, and were neck and neck with the Pistons. So had Ron been there, they may have beaten Detroit, maybe even L.A.
Had they had success with Ron there, he may not have been traded away.
Ron Artest would not have as bad an image as he has right now.

What if Jamal Mashburn never got injured, and was healthy withe Philly in '05 and '06??

They would have been a contender
They would not have been a disappointment as they were in 06. AI stat line- 30-35 ppg, 7-8 apg, 2-3 spg throughout the season, C-Webb was good for 20 and 10. Add Mashburn to the mix, well you've got a team that could've made a push to the semis or conference finals in 06.
Had the Sixers stayed efficent, Iverson may have stayed put, and remained the talk of the league.

What if Kobe was traded to the Bulls??

The Bulls would not be contenders, but at least be better.
Chicago Bulls jersey sales would fly up
The Lakers would not be elite
The Bulls would not have their young gun, Derrick Rose

What if the Cavaliers never let go of Carlos Boozer??

James statistics would not be so high
James and Boozers teams would not have needed to wait a few years before their teams are contenders.
There wouldn't be a new Point/Foward duo in Utah similar to that of Stockton/Malone.

What if Glibert Arenas stayed healthy??

The Wiz would have been better
The Cavs may not have won the series last season in the playoffs.
The Wiz could have been worse actually, or at least last season. They were better without Gil.
They may have not won so many times and gave so much trouble every time to the Celtics.

What if Allen Iverson was not the early Christmas Gift for Denver in the 07 season?? What if the Wolves had enough money to get Iverson????

The Answer would be with a team like the Grizz, Bulls, Hawks, Celtics
Had Iverson landed in Boston, the Boston Big Three today would not be. Although with an Iverson/Pierce combo, the C's would still be an elite. While KG and Ray would still be looking for a contender to go to.
If AI went to a team like the Grizz, they would not have their young guns, like Mayo or Gay.
Andre Miller would still be in Denver, while the Pistons core might still be together.
AI plus KG one-two punch. Just think aboutit. Iverson and Garnett are the perfect fit for one another. KG would not give a hoot if he averaged 20 points or 2 points, as long as they win. While this would benefit Iverson. It would let AI be AI, because KG would be averaging about 15 points and still be a threat, taking away pressure from Iverson, but allowing Iverson to put more pressure on the opposing team. Iverson's stats would still be 30-35 ppg, 7-8 apg, and 2-3 spg. His stats could be even better than they were in Philly. Each Iverson and Garnett are unguardable, or at least inside the paint for Garnett's case. Iverson is in his prime to this day, so by now the Wolves would have won the championship possibly more than once. Iverson or Garnett would each have one at least one MVP, hard to choose between the two of which is more valuable, although my guess would be AI, because he is the one would came to the team and they started winning. Iverson would continue to get more MVP's, scoring titles, steals titles, and All NBA 1st Team Honors. The Iverson fans will be crying forever because this deal didn't go down. It would let Iverson's stats be the same or better while his team is winning.

Sooo... those were alot of things that could've went down. Some things could've been horrible, some could've been great. But one way or the other they would be amazing. Bryant a Bull. Wade a Piston.

Just imagine Iverson and KG! Well guys thanks for reading, I appreciate it. Please leave a comment to let me know how I did, remember this was only my third article on Bleacher Report.

What Has Happened to the Once Elite of Tennis?

Daniel K — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 20:18:07 -0500

Hey guys, how are you? I am just starting up here at Bleacher Report. I wrote my first article a little while ago.

This is only my second, so I guess I am sort of a rookie 'round here. So I would love for somebody to read this and tell me how I did, Thanks! Hope you enjoy!

The Australian Open has been flying by, hasn't it? So many great names up there in the Round of 16, Federer, Nadal, Djok, Murray, Monfils, Gonzo (who had an epic match against Gasquet, and barely got out, might have a hard time with Nadal after TWO 5-setters).

But to me there is something missing. Something that used to be around in the semis, quarters, finals, all the time. Hmmmm...what is it, I thought.

Then I realized some of the names I am used to seeing are already out either in the first, second, or third Rounds. Three of them are Marat Safin, Tommy Haas, and Lleyton Hewitt.

I was shocked all of them were out, but not as surprised seeing, how tough their draws were. Safin lost to the greatest ever, Federer. Hewitt lost to Gonzo. Haas lost to Nadal. So I guess it's not too bad about their losses.

But then I thought, were their opponents the only things holding them back? These are guys who should meet Fed, Nadal and Gonzo, later, like in the quarters, or semis, or something like that.

So if they were up against theses guys so early, it must mean they are not highly ranked. Hewitt is ranked No. 70, Haas is ranked No. 79, and Safin is ranked No. 27. So I am thinking, how in the world did these guys fall back so much?!!!

Well, Hewitt has been injured, so of course he has fallen back, he was not in action, that's understood. Haas, well, he was injured too, but in 2008, so understood as well.

Then Safin, well, I hear he was drinking a lot. But ever since Wimbledon, he has been pretty consistent, he made it to the semis, and lost to Fed. He was out of the Top 50, now he is 27th ranked.

Now, I am flashing back. Remember the old Hewitt who won the US Open in '01, and then Wimbledon in '02? Yeah. Oh, oh, and remember how he made it all the way to the finals in his hometown in the Aussie Open in '05?

Well what about Haas, although he hasn't got a Grand Slam, he has been very successful, remember his '99, '02, and '07 Semifinals in the Aussie? How about making it to the Quarters at the US Open in '04, '06, and '07?

Now Safin, one of the most talented players ever! Won the US Open in '00 and the Aussie in '05. Then made it to the Semis in Wimbledon '08, and Semis in the '02 French. Haas was ranked No. 2 once, while Hewitt and Safin were ranked No. 1 before.

Injuries, drinking, this is what brought them down.

But another thing is being unfortunate to play in the Federer era. Had they not been playing around his time, each should have around five Slams by now and still ranked high. And how strange, all these guys seemed to have their best success around the same time.

Not too long ago, though, they have been just as good as ever, look at Haas in The Aussie in 06/07. Or Hewitt in the Aussie in 05. How about Safin in Wimbledon in 08. Each seemed to be coming back.

Then this setback again, and a few earlier. Had Haas not lost so early in a five-setter in Wimby, he would be up in the Top 30, had Hewitt not been injured same for him.

These days, all the talk is on Fed, Rafa, and Djok. It used to be on Haas, Safin, Hewitt. But could it still be?? They are still around, so why not?

Look at how successful they have been when not injured. Haas was in the Aussie Semis not long ago. This Aussie, Hewitt hasn't even played, and ended up giving Gonzo, No. 14 in the world, a tough five-setter.

While Safin has been back to normal almost since his Wimby Semis? So can these guys really get back to old form?? I think so.

They are just so amazing, each having tons left in them. They just need their time. Safin and Haas will most likely have the most recent success, since they have been playing well, but Hewitt will need time to get back from surgery.

Each of these guys are capable of beating anyone, especially Safin (Djok 08, Fed 05). Remember, they are the former elite, and also remember, Agassi won about half of his Grand Slams when he was 30-plus years young.

So even though Haas is 30, Hewitt still 27, and Safin 28, they still are just as good as they used to be, when healthy and ready. I say watch out.

We might have to see if these guys can make a return, come back to the Top 20s in the World. Will the former Elites come back, and return as the present Elites with Fed, Djok, Nadal? We'll have to see.

They are probably not as good, but are not far away from guys like Murray and Djok. I am always rooting for them, again, remember they all had some great success from 05-08, all of them, that's not long ago.

So we will just wait and see, if Haas, Safin, and Hewitt can still go out and do it.

The New Move, A.I. Starts, Rip Benched

Daniel K — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:22:00 -0500

The move happened, didn't we see it coming? No Rip, seven-game win streak. With Rip, five-game losing streak. Against the Grizzles, AI scored 12 points in the first with the starters, while Rip went for 12 with the bench in the second quarter. AI then went for 10 pints in the fourth quarter to finish the game.

Were these the signs? I am not sure. But did it work? Yes. AI was able to be AI. He was able to be the person he has been know for his career. He was able to be what makes him one of the top 10 or top 5 players in basketball. He shot, he scored, he ran the team up and down.

Rip came in, played with the bench, and didn't miss a shot in the second quarter! He was able to do what we know him of doing, catch the ball off a screen, shoot, money! In the last quarter it was close, but Rip was not the one taking over, it was AI. He took the game over. Result= Pistons win.

Okay, okay, it was against the Grizz, not taking anything from them, they have been playing pretty decent. But in the game, it was a whole new Pistons team. Whenever there was a Grizz miss, and the Pistons got a fast-break, the ball was always, always in AI's hands. This was good, no one could catch AI, and he was able to keep the Grizz running and tire them out, while he hadn't even broken a sweat. It seemed AI was much more aggressive.

Sheed and Tay seemed to be doing their own role, Stuckey got his shots, picked his moments to score. His consistent shooting was part of AI and Rips performance, the Grizz were so focused on those two, that it opened up spots for everyone else. Although Tay and Sheed struggled, they got good looks, and are going to make those shots.

Is this a new style of play? It may be. The Pistons were on a whole new plan, they played much more consistent. I must say this move of Rip to the bench was good.

It let AI be AI, maybe the best scorer in basketball, and takes over the close games in the end. While Rip comes off the bench and plays very consistent, he is there in the fourth quarter to help.

This is going to draw much focus on AI, that it will open so many shots for everyone else. Plus AI has come up big on defense, he is playing much more consistent on D. Not just steals, but actually man to man, and help D. Lately he has not been stealing the ball just in the passing lanes, but taking it out of people's hands.

This is what the Pistons want. While Rip is going to get his shots, his minutes, and his turns to be the man. He is going to be happy with being the go to guy with the bench. This also gets the bench players happier, because of more minutes.

It seems like a good move for everyone. Plus the right move from Coach Curry. If AI is with the bench, the defense will gang up on him, and the bench will not get those open shots AI can make for them because of double- and triple-teams he draws. This also makes the Pistons small, because AI and Will Bynum, each are undersized, each six feet, maybe less. While with Rip off the bench, Rip will be playing his own game, coming off screens. The Pistons will no longer be small.

Now we just have to wait and see if it really works. We can start tonight, as the Pistons will host the Raptors, who have been losing, but in close games, to good teams. So look for them to come into to the Palace strong.

Just to add a little note, when Iverson is the go to guy, the have won these game: at Lakers, at Nuggets, vs Nets, vs Cavs, vs Magic, plus a few game winners. Let's just wait, and see what happens.