A big trade happened on Wednesday and it involves my team. I feel somewhat obligated to talk about it and I'll get into a bit. Asante Samuel coming to Atlanta is a huge move and people are considering it a "robbery deal" The fact that the Falcons only traded a 7th round pick for a guy that is still considered a top cornerback. I'm aware of Samuel being 31 and that he didn't have a great year but think about the potential with this move. The Eagles were a disaster at one point last year and making so many trades. Samuel ripped the company by calling the office making "fantasy football" moves which was a great quote. I'll admit I've never been a huge Samuel fan, but I've always respected him and thought highly of him. The one issue with Samuel is other than being a bit of a diva was his tackling ability which is poor. That being said, Samuel is one of the best ball hawks in the past ten years and is incredible in coverage. He's fast, elusive, and always seems to get his hands on a ball near his way (that sounded wrong but you get the idea). With this move, Samuel will be more motivated and will be ready to win. I'm really excited with this move even though it seems to be an overload. With Brent Grimes and Dunta Robinson, it seems like a bit of an overload. I thought that too but the NFL is becoming a major passing league where you need three quality cornerbacks. The money is a bit expensive especially with Grimes and Dunta making a lot of money, but when you want to win it seems like you need to spend to win. I'm really psyched for this move though and it will push Atlanta to make a run. I think this move puts Atlanta over New Orleans after this move because they are building to stopping major passing attacks. Now let's hope Falcon fans that Matt Ryan's blindside blocker will be decent and the pass rush doesn't take ten seconds to get to the quarterback. Anyway let's talk basketball.
Western Conference Quarterfinals
1. Spurs vs 8. Jazz- If you read my predictions before the season started, I predicted the Spurs to completely fall off. I didn't say they weren't going to make the playoffs but a lower seed at least. That prediction was a major botch with the Spurs blowing me away. The Spurs have been impressive all season thanks to Tony Parker continuing his consistent play and Manu Ginobli staying healthy for the most part. Tim Duncan has been consistent as well but the role players have impressed me. DeJuan Blair continues to improve and Kawai Leonard has really caught my eye with his all around play. Stephen Jackson is a huge x-factor for the Spurs to make a run for the title. They play a Utah team that just clinched a playoff spot Tuesday beating the Suns (I was really pulling for them). Utah is an interesting team because I predicted them to barley make it this year (prediction correct, there we go!). Utah has a nice core but they don't really make you think they're a major threat. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap is a great duo in the front court but that's all the star power they have. My most improved player of the year pick had a very disappointing year in Devin Harris. Harris has struggled with his game this year and hasn't really connected with Utah. That's a concern along with a lack of scoring in the back court. Gordon Hayward has potential but he could really struggle with the physical play in the playoffs. Utah has a nice core and could grow next year, but they are going to have some major problems in this series. Spurs don't pull another collapse like they did last year against Memphis. Utah doesn't have the depth Memphis had last year and Spurs aren't that limited like they were last year. Spurs win 4-0 over Jazz.
2. Thunder vs 7. Mavericks- A year can sure change things in the NBA. While the Thunder have ascended to the NBA elite, the Mavericks seem to be on their last legs. Dirk Nowitzki has begun to age while acquisitions like Vince Carter and Lamar Odom have faltered. Dallas seems to be lacking in major areas to cause any major threat to a complete Thunder team. They could get hot and hit some threes but Oklahoma City plays among the best defense in the NBA. Dallas will have difficult through out the series against a team with more fire power offensively and tougher defensively. This is a night mare matchup for Dallas that will struggle to match up with the stars. Jason Kidd will have a tough time with Russell Westbrook and Shawn Marion won't stand much of a chance against Kevin Durant. In 2004 the Mavericks would be the best team in the NBA but now they are on the decline. The Mavericks could sneak one win thanks to an explosion by Dirk but that's about it. They are outmatched in almost every area in this series. Thunder win 4-1 over Mavericks
3. Lakers vs 6. Nuggets- I'm really excited for this series because I'm not sure what to expect from either team. The Lakers can play with the best but they can slump into some brutal losses while the Nuggets have an all around solid team but they aren't special in anything. Denver will step up for the occasion though and make this series more frustrating than the Lakers would imagine. They got great depth with advantages at point guard with Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari. Metta World Power will be suspended for likely all of the series and his defensive presence against a scorer like Danilo will be heavily missed. Despite all of this, the Lakers are simply too good to lose here. They have a better big man core with Gasol and Bynum against a weaker Nuggets team. Kobe Bryant is finally healthy and fully recovered so he'll be the main guy to carry the Lakers into the next round. Denver will frustrate the Lakers at times and could steal a few wins with timely consistent play but the Lakers won't let up their with their star power. Andrew Bynum will be a force in this series and be the major difference. Lakers win 4-2 over Nuggets.
4. Grizzles vs 5. Clippers- My favorite series in the Western conference that seems to be so even between both teams. They are very balanced and similar with a strong front court and a balanced back court but with one difference. While Rudy Gay is a far better player than Caron Butler, it won't be that lopsided. The major question is how Memphis choses to slow down Chris Paul. Paul has been a game changed all year for the Clippers and can completely change the game. While Mike Conley has improved, I'm not sure if he can last against Paul. Memphis has better depth than the Clippers but it doesn't seem by that much with Zach Randolph back. I'm not sure how Zach is going to do against a taller and far more athletic player than Blake Griffin which has me concerned about Memphis. They are a fantastic team to watch but they don't seem to stack up well against a Clippers team that has been waiting for this big playoff moment. Both teams are going to go back and forth with their players which will bring it to the dreaded Game 7. With their backs against the wall, the Clippers emerge from the depths of doubters to achieve success away from home. This series could go either way especially with how even it is with the major reason being if Memphis can out rebound them. Chris Paul is a top five worthy player while Memphis doesn't possess that. Clippers win 4-3 over Grizzles.
Scoring at a inhumanly pace defines both men.
It all ends here for Parker and company.
2. Thunder vs 7. Mavericks- A year can sure change things in the NBA. While the Thunder have ascended to the NBA elite, the Mavericks seem to be on their last legs. Dirk Nowitzki has begun to age while acquisitions like Vince Carter and Lamar Odom have faltered. Dallas seems to be lacking in major areas to cause any major threat to a complete Thunder team. They could get hot and hit some threes but Oklahoma City plays among the best defense in the NBA. Dallas will have difficult through out the series against a team with more fire power offensively and tougher defensively. This is a night mare matchup for Dallas that will struggle to match up with the stars. Jason Kidd will have a tough time with Russell Westbrook and Shawn Marion won't stand much of a chance against Kevin Durant. In 2004 the Mavericks would be the best team in the NBA but now they are on the decline. The Mavericks could sneak one win thanks to an explosion by Dirk but that's about it. They are outmatched in almost every area in this series. Thunder win 4-1 over Mavericks
3. Lakers vs 6. Nuggets- I'm really excited for this series because I'm not sure what to expect from either team. The Lakers can play with the best but they can slump into some brutal losses while the Nuggets have an all around solid team but they aren't special in anything. Denver will step up for the occasion though and make this series more frustrating than the Lakers would imagine. They got great depth with advantages at point guard with Ty Lawson and Danilo Gallinari. Metta World Power will be suspended for likely all of the series and his defensive presence against a scorer like Danilo will be heavily missed. Despite all of this, the Lakers are simply too good to lose here. They have a better big man core with Gasol and Bynum against a weaker Nuggets team. Kobe Bryant is finally healthy and fully recovered so he'll be the main guy to carry the Lakers into the next round. Denver will frustrate the Lakers at times and could steal a few wins with timely consistent play but the Lakers won't let up their with their star power. Andrew Bynum will be a force in this series and be the major difference. Lakers win 4-2 over Nuggets.
4. Grizzles vs 5. Clippers- My favorite series in the Western conference that seems to be so even between both teams. They are very balanced and similar with a strong front court and a balanced back court but with one difference. While Rudy Gay is a far better player than Caron Butler, it won't be that lopsided. The major question is how Memphis choses to slow down Chris Paul. Paul has been a game changed all year for the Clippers and can completely change the game. While Mike Conley has improved, I'm not sure if he can last against Paul. Memphis has better depth than the Clippers but it doesn't seem by that much with Zach Randolph back. I'm not sure how Zach is going to do against a taller and far more athletic player than Blake Griffin which has me concerned about Memphis. They are a fantastic team to watch but they don't seem to stack up well against a Clippers team that has been waiting for this big playoff moment. Both teams are going to go back and forth with their players which will bring it to the dreaded Game 7. With their backs against the wall, the Clippers emerge from the depths of doubters to achieve success away from home. This series could go either way especially with how even it is with the major reason being if Memphis can out rebound them. Chris Paul is a top five worthy player while Memphis doesn't possess that. Clippers win 4-3 over Grizzles.
Western Conference Semifinals
1. Spurs vs 5. Clippers- It will be the clash of young vs wise with both teams against each other. Spurs have all the experience while the Clippers seem new to this. I'm very high on the Clippers but I do see their doubts when the offense can get lethargic and really toned down. They are going to need to push the pace against the methodical play by the Spurs. Without transition buckets, the Spurs will own the paint and half court offense. The stars will all likely show but the role players could be a part. I've watched both benches play and the Spurs just blow them away. San Antonio has a very deep roster that can play any kind of significant minutes. The Clippers don't have that depth to hang around but nevertheless they have two primer stars that can put them over the top for a few wins. They will get trapped playing in a half court offense game which will play right in the Spurs hands. They have enough big men depth to control Blake and they'll make sure to harass him. Clippers need some more development before being a main contender. Unless Chris Paul really begins to dominate both sides of the court, I don't think the Spurs will be affected and control the show with their balanced ring. Spurs win 4-1 over Clippers
2. Thunder vs 3. Lakers- The biggest series of the conference semifinals has to be this one. With all the star power and the controversy from Sunday, this will be a huge test for the Thunder. They will need to bang down low and not be intimidated by the Lakers size. The Thunder seem to be much more mature and should out class the Lakers with their efficiency. Despite the star power, Lakers have went through many obstacles with chemistry and unbalanced offense. Can they utilize Bynum and Gasol right for the Lakers to pull off the surprising win? They will have their moments but the Thunder are among the most consistent defensive teams in the league. That could be difficult with Gasol always wanting the ball but the same can be said for Bynum. Both men are heavy scorers so I'm not sure what to expect from the distribution process between both men. Metta World Power is a huge x-factor in this series after the major incident with James Harden. I expect him to get booed loudly in Oklahoma City along with playing with an even bigger chip on his shoulder. The scoring should be heavy with Durant and Bryant going back and forth but led by sixth man James Harden and a recovering Russell Westbrook (awful game against the Lakers on Sunday). This will be a really fun series with the Lakers having some big moments beating the Thunder but it won't be enough. They are facing a younger and more improved Lakers team except with a more effort defending the basketball. My pick will be the Thunder to keep the momentum going and showing more support in their coach. I can't buy into Mike Brown and I'm not sure if anyone believes in Mike Brown. It will be a tough process but the Thunder will get enough stops and have their star players perform better with serious advantages at their respective position particularly Westbrook. Thunder 4-2 over Lakers
Western Conference Finals
1. Spurs vs 2. Thunder- The series will show who is truly the number one seed. Despite the home court advantage going to the Spurs, it won't lay much effect. The aging will eventually affect the Spurs along with the large depth not having much of an advantage. It will be tough for the Spurs to have any answer for Durant when he's on the court. Spurs don't have much options to defend him which will be a massive problem. Durant can score at will and I'm expecting a huge series from him. Russell Westbrook going against Tony Parker could be a special matchup with each player playing at a high level. They are so similar that it makes you wonder who will perform better. It has to be Parker for the Spurs to have a chance in this series. That doesn't seem likely and the Spurs are facing their match right here against a team full of youth and talent. Unless the young role players step up like they have never before, the Thunder will be in control of the series. Tim Duncan could have a difficult time against athletic defenders that don't mind physical play. Duncan will get sick of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka crowding the paint when it's all said and done. This won't end well for the Spurs but it was a terrific season. Oklahoma City goes to the finals for the first time ever with a commanding series performance from Durant along with their front court and James Harden who is always the x-factor. Thunder win 4-1 over Spurs
Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
1. Bulls vs 8. 76ers- This will be a fun matchup regardless of how much better the Bulls are. The 76ers are a fun team to watch with their balance of play and transition basketball. I'm a bit shocked that they fell off this badly but they're still young. They are still lacking that major star that most teams would need unless you're the 2004 Pistons even though they still had a bunch of stars (I considered Bullips and Rasheed Wallace all stars). Evan Turner could be that star but he's still young and can be immature. We all know that Andre Iguodala isn't going to be the franchise guy even though he's a very solid player. The 76ers are missing that major piece which could be the main reason why they have fallen off so bad. That will hurt against the Bulls who have a complete team. I'm not sure what to expect from Derrick Rose with his injury issues but he'll still be the biggest threat. The Bulls still got loads of talent with Loul Deng having a huge year and Carlos Boozer staying healthy. Richard Hamilton was a nice pick up along with a very deep bench that was very productive. The Bulls are the 1st seed for a reason and they'll pull away from the 76ers. They have plenty of muscle inside while the 76ers don't and they can out shoot the 76ers off the court. Kyle Korver has been outstanding whenever I've watched the Bulls this year with his shooting ability and will give teams nightmares through out the playoffs. Despite how complete the Bulls are, I could see the 76ers winning a game in this series because the Bulls tend to take off at times. The Bulls have far too much depth and star power for the 76ers to make it anymore than five games. Bulls win 4-1 over76ers.
2. Heat vs 7. Knicks- I'm pretty sure this is the most popular series out of all of them. We have two teams that have a huge fan base although their two different kinds. The Knicks have true hardcore fans that may have a good share of clueless fans, but I can't find much bandwagon Knick fans. The Heat might possibly have the worst fan base which is a shame but I've accepted that many Heat fans came after the summer of 2010. Both teams have loads of star power but both teams are very different. Heat have title hopes like everyone expected with their star power even though they had a decent season by their standards. They took care of business, but they left a few big games out there without a doubt. The Knicks had a roller coaster season consisting of clueless coaches being fired, Asian point guards rising then getting hurt, the franchise player finding his mojo after three terrible month, and a different vary of bench players. The Knicks are very hard to judge because I think they are the 4th best team in the East. They have loads of talent and are very dangerous with Carmelo, Amarie, and Tyson Chandler. The issue with the Knicks is that they are so inconsistent and have an identity crisis. They seem to forget to include Amarie in the offense then they have players like Shumpert, Smith, and Davis taking bad shots. Shumpert has loads of potential but he's had his rookie pains. When the Knicks are at their best, they are forcing turnovers and hitting three pointers. That will be difficult against a Heat team that plays intense rotating defense and always seems to be in control even when losing. They go on their runs when nothing seems to go right but then they have their runs when they'll go on a 16-2 run in an instant. It can be very frustrating to watch but Miami is still among the favorites. They may be undersized but with the back court play of Wade and the improving Chalmers, the Knicks will have trouble. Bosh matches up well with Amarie so I think that will be even. Chandler could be a problem but he always seems to fade out of games especially when in foul trouble. He has been a huge upgrade for the Knicks defensively but he seems to phase out of games sometime. This should be a really fun series and I'm sad that I'm not going to any games live. It has been now two years without seeing my favorite basketball team live which is an outrage to me. I'll make sure I go to a Heat game next year regardless if I have to go to New York City or even Brooklyn. Anyway this series will be closer than some predict because the Knicks have momentum and they'll be up for the occasion. Woodson has his players fired up so I see some wins here. Knicks will win both games at home which sounds scary and I'll be pretty concerned if that happens even though I'm predicting it will happen. Eventually Miami wakes up the next two games and closes it out in Game 6 with all the Knick fans crying. Even though the Knicks are going home early again this season, they'll win a playoff game this time compared to last season when Boston swept them. Heat win 4-2 over Knicks
3. Pacers vs 6. Magic- This is a odd series that will get no buzz out of all the games. It doesn't have much star power with Dwight Howard missing this series with his back problem. Indiana was a team that I felt that could make one of the those last seeds in the East but they blew that prediction away. Indiana has a great core of young talent with Danny Granger, Paul George, and Roy Hibbert to name a few. They are very talented that can really blow out teams with their smooth passing and tough defense. They still need a bit more depth but they have more than enough to beat a beaten down Magic team that doesn't stand a chance without Howard. Orlando seems like a tired team that's ready for the off-season to happen. Ryan Anderson might win most improved player of the year which he could win but he's not someone you can rely on. Other than that, Orlando has nothing going for them. Jameer Nelson looks finished, Jason Richardson looks disinterested, and Glen Davis is too inconsistent. Orlando has loads of problems that could be in the lottery next year with the Howard situation. Indiana takes care of business with ease and Tyler Hansbrough will have a breakout performance in this series. Pacers win 4-0 over Magic.
4.Celtics vs 5. Hawks- I'll never forget the fun Hawks Celtics series when the 8th seed Hawks took the 1st seed Celtics to the limit. It went seven games with so many epic games but it's a shame that this series won't top that. This series is considered a bit dull but it could have some big moments with Boston having plenty of momentum going into the playoffs. After struggling early in the season, they've really turned it up with Kevin Garnett having a huge 2nd half of the season and the rise of Avery Bradley. I never thought I see the day of Ray Allen being a bench player yet it has happened now. Ray seems to have accepted that role though and has played well. With Rondo performing at an elite level and Paul Pierce still being consistent, Boston is looking very dangerous as a dark horse. Atlanta on the other hand looks very flawed ever since Al Horford went down with a major injury. I've heard the rumors of a return for Horford but he'll be out at least for one round. That will hurt along with Joe Johnson always struggling in the playoffs. One player that I've seen as a future star for the Hawks has to be Jeff Teague who is really aggressive and can be a play maker. Other than that, I'm not high on the Hawks and don't see them having much of a chance in this series to win more than one game. I'm really looking forward to the matchup between Teague and Rondo because both point guards are very similar to each other. Other than that, I don't see the series being longer than five with Boston outplaying the Hawks for the most part. Josh Smith won't save them this time who is still very maddeningly inconsistent especially against top quality players like Kevin Garnett. Boston goes to the next round with their balanced play especially with Garnett having a big series. Celtics win 4-1 over Hawks.
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Rose versus Rondo, a fan's dream matchup
1. Bulls vs 4. Celtics- Another matchup that brings back fond memories from not too long ago. Who can forget the 7th seed Bulls with rookie point guard Derrick Rose taking a 2nd seed Boston team to seven games. That was so much fun to watch although things are clearly different. Boston really stunk in the first round from the past although last year they were brilliant. This series is going to be very tight even though Boston is getting old but they match up well with Boston. They have the point guard that can hang with Rondo and have perimeter defenders that can lock up on Deng, Korver, and Hamilton. They don't have great depth in the front court but I think Bass and Garnett can hold their own with Noah, Gibson, and Boozer. Garnett is still the best player out of those five but he's never been the greatest rebounder. This series will go back and forth because Boston never goes away and they'll always hit big shots. The Bulls need to use their size to take command of this series and Derrick Rose will need to have a huge series because I don't see many open looks for the perimeter shooters. It will be up to the main stars which are Rose and Boozer to have big performances. I think that will happen but the same can be said for Boston with Garnett and Rondo. Even though Boston is only a 4th seed, this team is going to be a tough out with the momentum they have after a sluggish start to the season. The Bulls will have their hands full but thanks to home advantage and Derrick Rose stepping up even more. They will squeak by Boston in a seven game classic. Paul Pierce will falter dealing with a much quicker and stronger player in Loul Deng. The depth of Chicago will show against a Boston team that doesn't have a deep bench. C.J Watson has stepped up big when Derrick Rose needed rest or is struggling so don't think Chicago will be a liability in the back court without Rose. Bulls win 4-3 over Celtics
2. Heat vs 3. Pacers- A huge mis match series which aides the Heat. Since I'm a die hard Heat fan, the 2nd seed seems like the 1st seed to me even though the first round matchup is more difficult than expected. Still the Heat have to love this series against a team that can struggle to score against elite defenses. Danny Granger can struggle against big competition and that will could happen here. He'll be relied upon but look for the Heat to wake up after struggling in the first round. I expect a huge series from Bosh who has to like his matchup against David West. The Heat will control this series and completely dismantle Indiana who doesn't seem quite ready to play against the big teams. I said before that Knicks are the 4th best team while Boston is the 3rd best team based on how positive I've talked about them. Indiana is a notch below and against the Heat, it could get ugly. Darren Collison will be a liability in this series with his turnover problems since Mario Chalmers is such a ball hawk. The only way Indiana has success is forcing turnovers of their own and Roy Hibbert having a big series. Roy has had some great moments but other games, he seems to get lost in the shuffle. The Heat can be outmatched down low and it will be up to Hibbert to do that. I don' t think that will happen due to lack of experience with playoff pressure and foul trouble. Roy gets in foul trouble far too easily and that will happen against a team like the Heat. With Wade, James, Bosh, and the rest of the core, it won't be much of a series because of how poorly Indiana matches up. Heat win series 4-0 over Pacers.
Eastern Conference Finals
Rematch!
1. Bulls vs 2.Heat- The rematch will happen just like most people would expect. These two teams are head and shoulders on another level to the rest of the East teams. It showed last year and it showed again this year. I'm expecting a better performance from Chicago this time which means more than one win. They've improved too much to just fall out after five games again. Even though players like Boozer and Noah are coming off quiet seasons, they are going to play a huge part if Chicago can beat Miami. They need to attack the paint and control it which can open everything up for their perimeter shooters. They should have success but with Miami's rotating defense, I'm not sure how much. I'm sure the Bulls will be ready to game plan fully for LeBron after he dominated them. It was also a huge series for Bosh last year with arguably his best five game stretch as a Heat player. Who could forget that Game Three performance with thirty two points? It shocked me but it was great to see Bosh taking it to them. Boozer has never been a good defensive player but he can rebound and can bang down low which makes it pretty impressive. The benches will play a big role in this series and Chicago will have the advantage there but how effective will they be? I'm sure Miami is going to get all the rest they need after sweeping Indiana while Chicago will be struggling with Boston. They will be well rested and they'll be ready to play their major stars huge minutes. I'm sure Dwayne Wade doesn't forget how poor he played last year in this series so he'll have an even bigger chip on his shoulder. This series should be better than last year even though most of the games were down to the wire. It was just Miami getting the job done in the end with their clutch play and efficient defense. I'd expect that again especially with Rose being a huge question mark. I'm not sure if he can handle the role even with plenty of options to pass to. The big three step up even more and a breakout performance from Mike Miller this series will make sure this series doesn't go back to Chicago for Game 7. Heat win 4-2 over Bulls
NBA Finals
Big Time!
2. Heat vs 2. Thunder- The big matchup that seemed like the likely prediction from most people is my pick. Both these teams are just a notch better than everyone else. This will be another Finals where it will come down to playing fundamental basketball and keeping the turnovers at a minimum. Based on the past few NBA finals, I've seen some horrible decision making from the Heat last year and the Celtics did the same two years ago. The corny phrase "every possession counts" is in affect here because of how good these teams are. Both teams match up well with the superstar matchup in Durant vs LeBron. I'd also expect Wade to guard Westbrook at times in the series although Chalmers can also defend him as well. Miami is going to have to do plenty of rotating because the Thunder like to mix things up particularly with their bench when they use James Harden to play small forward. That can be mis match problems for someone like Mike Miller when LeBron is resting on the bench. The major concern for Miami has to deal with the front court of the Thunder. Ibaka and Perkins aren't major scorers but they know how to rebound and score hustle points. That could make a huge difference against Miami who is considered a small team. The likes of Joel Anthony and Ronny Turiaf need to show up big in this series if the Heat want to avoid failure for another year. This series will go back and forth with both teams relying on their big three for scoring and the role players to play their roles. I'm not convinced Miami's bench can be consistent because they were among the worst bench teams in the league. Other than Mike Miller, it seemed like the Heat bench which is pretty expensive bench seemed to struggle. Udonis Haslem is starting to age and had a poor year while Shane Battier struggled with his shot all year. These players will be needed come playoffs not from just a defensive stand point like Battier will by defending Durant but to hit open jump shots. I've been really going back and forth with this one because it really could go either way with both teams being so talented. Despite the Thunder's recent slip ups against the best teams in the West, they will pull this series out. They have the home court advantage and their size in the front court will make a huge difference. They won't dominate in the scoring column but the rebounding battle always plays a huge role in games. I expect the Big Three to deliver although Bosh will have some poor games going up against a terrific defender like Ibaka. James Harden will have a huge series with his array of scoring despite Miami's great rotating defense. It really pains me to take the Thunder but Miami seems too flawed to win and they don't give me enough confidence to. Thunder win in 7 while Spolestra probably loses his job even though he's an excellent coach. I hit depression mode for at least three days and possibly grow a James Harden beard in disgust for seeing my team that spends the most money not win again. As for LeBron James, well I wish that guy all the best after the Game 7 loss. Just stay away from the bars and out of the news King James. Thunder win 4-3 over Heat
Award Picks
I'm not making up any picks for awards although that may happen in a few weeks. For now these are just the legit awards that will be given out in the next few weeks to players.
The best of the best
MVP: LeBron James: I'm pretty sure nobody will debate this pick with LeBron having an outstanding year. Nobody comes close in all around stats and LeBron had to deal with Dwayne Wade missing a significant amount of games. LeBron is the easy choice here and will run away with the award.
Runner Up: Kevin Durant: Durant was impressive as always this season but he simply can't compete with LeBron's outstanding ability of passing and being a play maker. He should win an MVP at some point in his career.
Rookie Of The Year: Kyrie Irving: I had two fantasy basketball teams and Irving was on both teams because were selling him short because he didn't play much in college basketball. He was going to be great this season and put up great numbers so he made me a happy owner. Irving has brought hope to a depressing town in Cleveland with his impressive play. He had the Cavs in striking distance for the 8th seed before an injury put them out of reach. This is another pick that isn't debatable because nobody had an impact like Kyrie for a full season.
Runner Up: Ricky Rubio: If he stayed healthy, he is someone that could give Kyrie a run for this award. Rubio was living up to the hype and made Minnesota a possible playoff team before tearing his ACL. Rubio was becoming very popular with players and fans, so it made the injury very tragic. Hopefully he has a speedy recovery because he showed so much promise with his passing ability and defensive effort. He's not a complete scorer like Irving but he's more of a play maker than Irving. Both players are going to be future all-stars.
Defensive Player Of The Year: Tyson Chandler: This is another pick that is pretty easy. The Knicks haven't played with a true center since Patrick Ewing. Chandler gives them that with great rebounding and shot blocking ability. Tyson improved the Knicks defense efficiency from 21st to 5th. That's a very impressive stat for a team that struggled so much defensively in the past.
Runner Up: Dwight Howard: Even though he had a bit of a down year by his standards, Howard still changes the game when he's involved. No player in the NBA blocks the rim or holds the paint down like Dwight Howard. He did have injury problems this season and didn't have quite the impact but look for Howard to come back strong next season.
Sixth Man Of The Year: James Harden: James will win in a landslide without a doubt. He's very popular with the fans thanks to his great shooting and beard, but he's really come a long way. He has really slimmed down after looking a bit heavy in college. He's starting to live up to the claim of being the 4th pick of the draft. Harden is the x-factor for the Thunder because he gives them that much needed third scorer. Hopefully he recovers from that punk move Artest made (Metta World Power is another name I call him) and continues his great run because he's fun to watch.
Runner Up: Lou Williams: For the casual basketball fan, I'm sure you have guessed that Andre Iguodala was the top scorer for the 76ers. That's not the case anymore thanks to Lou Williams. Williams is a terrific scorer that can score at will at times. Lou continues to impress and could be a problem in the playoffs for Chicago. Chicago knows a thing or two about great six men, anyone remember Ben Gordon? He's fallen off the map huh? Anyway Lou doesn't start because he's in that tweener role that is too small for shooting guard but isn't a good enough passer at point guard. He'll accept the role at being Bobby Jackson and scoring at will.
Coach Of The Year: Gregg Popovich: I'm usually against giving coach of the year to the number one seed but I've been so impressed with Popovich. Usually I'll give it to the most surprising team because it shows that the coach has done a terrific job. Instead the surprise teams has been limited and I'm sure nobody saw the Spurs coming in as a number one seed. Even though the Spurs star power is old and their role players are mostly young, they mixed it up perfectly to get the top seed in the West. It just amazes me how he keeps his players motivated to win always when teams tend to take games off. I'm pretty positive he'll win but something could change. Gregg deserves all the praise though.
Runner Up: Tom Thibodeau: Another coach that has a number one seed but still did a terrific job. He got productive year from the likes of C.J Watson and John Lucas when people saw them as afterthoughts. His team beat the Heat twice without Derrick Rose and still captured the first seed. He's a deserving winner and I would have no problem with him winning it even though I feel Popovich should win mainly because he coaches in a tougher conference. Either way though, Thibodeau did a phenomenal job without the services of his franchise player.
Most Improved Player Of The Year: Ersan Ilyasova: This isn't a popular pick and I doubt he wins, but this is my awards pick and he's my pick. Ilyasova came out of nowhere and really started to pick up his play. Once Andrew Bogut got hurt, he took that role and started to produce. He came in 12th in the league with double doubles and was in the top five in three point percentage. Illyasova isn't the typical big man but neither was Dirk Nowitzki and look how he turned out. Ersan has a great shooting stroke but could use a true center beside him. He's been playing well all season and deserves this award but since he's playing for a non playoff team, it will hurt his case.
Runner Up: Jeremy Lin: I'm aware that Lin will likely win but I don't think that's right. He came out of nowhere and took the NBA by storm for about six weeks. He was an impact player and started to become one of the most popular players in the league. That being said, Lin started to fall off once the Knicks got their stars back. Then Lin got injured which left his case lost. I'm not crazy about Lin because once the Knicks got their stars back, he started to look confused and his numbers showed. Lin deserves his due but he shouldn't win this award because he's not qualified enough.
All- NBA Teams
This is the last award that is official. I'm not doing executive of the year or most sportsmanship because I don't know who's going to win that. The All-NBA teams are my favorite award because it rewards all the premier players in the league that deserves their due.
1st All-NBA Team
SF Kevin Durant- Easy pick right here since he's the most premier scorer in the league.
PF LeBron James- Another easy pick & positions don't matter that much with these teams like you've seen.
C Kevin Love- He rose to the occasion this year and joined the elite list of players. Absolute workhorse
SG Kobe Bryant- Another scorer that is a daily award winner from the past eight years.
PG Chris Paul- He's been as good as advertised for the Clippers. He's changed that team to a contender.
2nd All-NBA Team
SF Carmelo Anthony- He's really turned it up in the past month & has been on a huge tear.
PF Blake Griffin- He's been critcized a bit lately but Blake is a stud. Still deserves his praise for his impact.
C Andrew Bynum- I'm not a big Bynum fan but I give the devil his due. He's been a monster this year.
SG Dwayne Wade- He's missed some games this year, but you can't discount him.
PG Tony Parker- He's still the same consistent player that is the main reason for Spurs being first seed.
3rd All-NBA team
SF: Paul Pierce- I'm a bit shocked he's still on, but Paul still performs at a high level for a small forward.
PF LaMarcus Aldridge- Portland was a massive disappointment, but LaMarcus has grown into a true star.
C Dwight Howard- He was quiet by his standards this year, but he's still worthy of a spot.
SG Russell Westbrook- The shooting guard position has been weak. Westbrook has been terrific.
PG Rajon Rondo- I couldn't keep him off the list. He's been too good this season not to get praised.
I'll give honorable mentions to Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Deron Williams, Kevin Garnett, and Al Jefferson for great seasons.
Final Word & Plugs
I wish everyone good luck to their respective teams except the Knicks of course. It should be an epic playoffs although I'm not sure if can top last year. Despite the Heat collapsing, I realy enjoyed last year's playoffs with so many great games. I'm not sure what I'll be doing next week but I'll be covering the series once a week. Regardless of where the games stand, I'll make sure to cover every series once a week although if something huge happens, I'll discuss it the day after like if the Knicks take a 2-0 lead in the series over the Heat (not happening, don't get excited). Anyway here is where you can reach me below and have a good day.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/allenstreck
Twitter: @AllenOutraged
Gmail: AStrk19@gmail.com
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