After the Suns beat their rival in San Antonio on opening night Suns fans seemed to have an optimistic outlook. I guess no one noticed San Antone were without two of their starters, Manu Ginobli and Fabricio Oberto. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for the win, but it's just "Fools Gold".
Fast forward to Thursday night and the home opener. Half way through the 2nd quarter every fan in the building is sitting with their respective thumb up their ... well let's just say they were sitting on their hands. Is this really the Phoenix Suns? The same Phoenix Suns who electrified the NBA over the last four seasons? The answer is a resounding NO !!! For some reason it seemed like a good idea to let a highly successful coach, Mike D'Antoni (he won 68% of his games and advanced the Suns to the Conference Finals twice in just 5 years), leave town in favor of a GM, Steve Kerr, who has done nothing except make jump shots and take punches from Michael Jordan (at this time I officially thank MJ). Then this GM sees fit to replace the aforementioned highly successful coach with Terry Porter, who has done nothing except LOSE as head coach. Terry Porter, in an attempt to toughen up this "fragile" team, is on pace for 82 technical fouls! It's gonna be a frustrating and laborious campaign Suns fans, I'm warning you now.
Any chance we can convince Steve Kerr to trade Steve Nash & Boris Diaw to the Knicks for Starbury, and then have the Knicks send Eddie Curry and Jerome James to Miami for Shawn Marion? Please?
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Questions on my mind ...
Will the Lakers win 70 games ... Why did the Wizards give that much money to Agent Zero and his 25 knee surgeries ... Will Tony Parker be in the MVP race ... Can Toronto challenge Boston in the East ... Is AI2 (Andre Iquodala) overrated ... Do I really think Atlanta won't make the playoffs ... Will Greg Oden ever be relevant ... If we boycott Oklahoma City, does that mean we can't watch Kevin Durant ... Can Mike D'Antoni do it again ... Did JJ Redick really get 19 minutes and blow it ... Will the Suns start 2-0 and give me a ray of hope ... why are the Clippers not in San Diego ... Why haven't I purchased the NBA pass yet?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Jump Ball
Finally the NBA season is upon us and let me get right to it, only five teams matter. LA Lakers, NO Hornets, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics and Lebron James. In any event the NBA champion will be one of those teams and but most likely from the West. I'd love to commit to Houston but I just can't see them escaping the injury bug or should I say plague. LA & NO are better. LA has Bynum back and maybe just as important Trevor Ariza. An athletic defensive minded swingman who is far more valuable than most realize. NO added James Posey and a chip on their shoudler after being ousted by LA last year. My pick ... Lakers.
On a sad note, will the Suns win 50 games?
West
1. LA Lakers
2. New Orleans
3. Houston
4. Utah
5. Portland
6. San Antonio
7. Phoenix
8. Dallas
East
1. Boston
2. Toronto
3. Detroit
4. Cleveland
5. Philadelphia
6. Orlando
7. Washington
8. Miami
On a sad note, will the Suns win 50 games?
West
1. LA Lakers
2. New Orleans
3. Houston
4. Utah
5. Portland
6. San Antonio
7. Phoenix
8. Dallas
East
1. Boston
2. Toronto
3. Detroit
4. Cleveland
5. Philadelphia
6. Orlando
7. Washington
8. Miami
Monday, August 25, 2008
Gold
As expected the USA won the Gold. What was not expected is one of the best international games ever played. I'll save the play by play and will simply say I watched the final quarter with a smile that never left my face. Congrats to the entire USA basketball operation. It was a pleasure to see the utter joy on everyones face. The only smile that could have been wider was that of Paul Allen.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
USA..USA..USA...
The medal round is about to begin and I am supremely omptimistic that the USA will win the gold. I have watched every game and have enjoyed every minute. They are intense, focused on defense and fun to watch primarily because they themselves are having fun. Team USA is simply relentless as shown when they took the life out of Spain.
Lebron is the leader, or should I say "King", of this sqaud, vocally and on the floor, doing it all. Cleaning the glass, moving the ball, scoring, defense. Kobe looks so much more comfortable not HAVING to be a leader which is just not in his DNA. He is free to play basketball and that is what he does best. Dwyane Wade is D-Wade again and wow is he fun to watch. Ball hawking, getting to basket and flushing it. Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard have been a nice 1-2 punch in the middle far more athletic than any other big men in this tournament. Chris Paul and Deron Williams are the two best point guards the States and perhaps the World have to offer and play very well together. Carmelo Anthony the role player with timely 3-balls and even some good work on the glass. Tayshawn Prince was able to get in the mix and may have earned some playing time in the medal round. This team is on a mission, full of talent and depth, never a weakness on the floor...
Or is there? Possible pitfalls? Going into these games there were three concerns that most experts addressed. Perimeter shooting, interior size, and defending the pick & roll. It seems to me that defending the pick & roll was a greater concern than how tall the USA big men are. By going "small" with Bosh and Howard team USA is more athletic and more apt to disrupt the pick & roll. Problem solved. The so called lack of size in the middle has not been an issue given the team rebounding concept. Bron, Melo and the rest all getting to the glass. Having mutliple weapons on the floor who can lead and finish the break makes this possible. This leaves us with perimeter shooting.
Yes, shooting, could haunt Team USA at some point over the next three games. Let me preface this by saying I have nothing against Jason Kidd. It's just with CP3 and Deron on this squad he doesn't need to get minutes. His minutes in my opinion could be better served having Prince or even Redd getting more run and have them game ready for the medal round.
Even with the questionable shooting I don't foresee the USA faltering. In fact I expect an easy ride with 20+ point differentials in all three games. This team is on a mission and it's defense is suffocating resulting in too many easy buckets for the opposition to keep up.
USA..USA..USA...
Lebron is the leader, or should I say "King", of this sqaud, vocally and on the floor, doing it all. Cleaning the glass, moving the ball, scoring, defense. Kobe looks so much more comfortable not HAVING to be a leader which is just not in his DNA. He is free to play basketball and that is what he does best. Dwyane Wade is D-Wade again and wow is he fun to watch. Ball hawking, getting to basket and flushing it. Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard have been a nice 1-2 punch in the middle far more athletic than any other big men in this tournament. Chris Paul and Deron Williams are the two best point guards the States and perhaps the World have to offer and play very well together. Carmelo Anthony the role player with timely 3-balls and even some good work on the glass. Tayshawn Prince was able to get in the mix and may have earned some playing time in the medal round. This team is on a mission, full of talent and depth, never a weakness on the floor...
Or is there? Possible pitfalls? Going into these games there were three concerns that most experts addressed. Perimeter shooting, interior size, and defending the pick & roll. It seems to me that defending the pick & roll was a greater concern than how tall the USA big men are. By going "small" with Bosh and Howard team USA is more athletic and more apt to disrupt the pick & roll. Problem solved. The so called lack of size in the middle has not been an issue given the team rebounding concept. Bron, Melo and the rest all getting to the glass. Having mutliple weapons on the floor who can lead and finish the break makes this possible. This leaves us with perimeter shooting.
Yes, shooting, could haunt Team USA at some point over the next three games. Let me preface this by saying I have nothing against Jason Kidd. It's just with CP3 and Deron on this squad he doesn't need to get minutes. His minutes in my opinion could be better served having Prince or even Redd getting more run and have them game ready for the medal round.
Even with the questionable shooting I don't foresee the USA faltering. In fact I expect an easy ride with 20+ point differentials in all three games. This team is on a mission and it's defense is suffocating resulting in too many easy buckets for the opposition to keep up.
USA..USA..USA...
Friday, August 8, 2008
International Takeover
The International influence is center stage this summer. From Josh Childress fleeing to Europe, several European players returning to their homeland and China hosting the most anticipated international tournament in recent memory.
The Tournament in China got me thinking. The Olympic showcase for China may be followed up by two of their own hoisting an NBA Championship within the next 4 years! Yes, I said it first. The acquisition of Ron Artest in Houston has certainly made them a contender in the West, that is if T-Mac and Yao can remain healthy for just ONE season. When King James arrives in Brooklyn in two years Yi Jianlian may ride the Kings coattail to a championship. The Olympics, Yao and Yi with rings, as if basketball wasn't already soaring in the far east.
Of course there is the X factor to this prediction and that is the other international element in the forefront this summer. The exodus to Europe. If one of these Euro teams actually pays the Kings ransom of 50M a year can Lebron say no to that kind of money? Can anyone blame Lebron for accepting 50M a year? Of course not and this plays into Brons ego of being an international superstar. This of course should be on the mind of David Stern and the NBA owners. Having the best player in the league leave for Europe is not good but there is a more important element that must be addressed. Europe can't afford to pull all the stars out of the USA, yet. They can however pay the 1st year players far more. This is the issue Stern and the owners must have the foresight to remedy before the Durants and the Beasleys of the future head to Europe before they even step foot on the NBA hardwood.
The Tournament in China got me thinking. The Olympic showcase for China may be followed up by two of their own hoisting an NBA Championship within the next 4 years! Yes, I said it first. The acquisition of Ron Artest in Houston has certainly made them a contender in the West, that is if T-Mac and Yao can remain healthy for just ONE season. When King James arrives in Brooklyn in two years Yi Jianlian may ride the Kings coattail to a championship. The Olympics, Yao and Yi with rings, as if basketball wasn't already soaring in the far east.
Of course there is the X factor to this prediction and that is the other international element in the forefront this summer. The exodus to Europe. If one of these Euro teams actually pays the Kings ransom of 50M a year can Lebron say no to that kind of money? Can anyone blame Lebron for accepting 50M a year? Of course not and this plays into Brons ego of being an international superstar. This of course should be on the mind of David Stern and the NBA owners. Having the best player in the league leave for Europe is not good but there is a more important element that must be addressed. Europe can't afford to pull all the stars out of the USA, yet. They can however pay the 1st year players far more. This is the issue Stern and the owners must have the foresight to remedy before the Durants and the Beasleys of the future head to Europe before they even step foot on the NBA hardwood.
Friday, July 11, 2008
S.O.S.
It pains me to write this about a player I have admired since his days at Duke. A seemingly stand up guy who was on the verge of doing the right thing. After two bad breaks, literally, with Shaun Livingston's knee exploding and Elton Brand's tendon snapping the Clippers went from Western Conference contender to the cellar in a hurry. Then they actually caught a break, with Don Nelson benching Baron Davis in a must win game, Baron opting opt of Golden State and taking a contract with the Clippers. Wow, the Clips will be relevant again! In the words of Lee Corso "not so fast my friend". Enter David Falk, and the plan went through the shredder. The excuse to date is "LAWYER LANGUAGE"!!! Are you serious? Do you expect us to buy that? What "language" could possibly be in the contract that was so appalling and if there was something, why not disclose it? Let us stick with the nuts and bolts of the issue. Falk claimed Brand was opting out so the Clippers could be more attractive to other free agents and create a contender. Mission accomplished, Baron Davis arrives and all that is needed now is to ink up the cornerstone, Elton Brand. Inexplicably Falk sends EB to Philly and the dance is over. Yes, I think Falk is to blame here. Perhaps because he could not land EB the 120m deal his ego was bruised and he sent Brand to the East Coast. That theory seems a lot more believable than "Lawyer Language". Bloody sad. The only thing left for the Clippers at this point is to move back to San Diego. One can dream, right?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Top 5 Draft Day Winners & Losers
WINNERS
1. Brooklyn. I might be on an Island on this one but the Nets scored big. First one must realize only ONE thing matters over the course of the next two seasons, preparing for the arrival of King James. On draft night the Nets acquired three athletic big men, Yi Jianlian @ 6'11 via trade, Ryan Anderson @ 6'10 via the 21st pick & most importantly a very tough Brook Lopez @ 7'1 via a steal with the 10th pick in the draft. All three of these men will be 22 years of age the summer The King signs his 6 year max contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The next order of business is to sign Devon Harris to a long term deal. Lebron James, Devon Harris and Brook Lopez is the foundation, throw in the athletic young PF's they acquired on draft night and I can't help but feel giddy if I'm a Nets fan.
2. Chicago. Derrick Rose, enough said.
3. Toronto. I'm thinking about Bosh, O'Neil & Bargnani in the front court, Calderon & Parker in the back court. That is an enormous & athletic starting 5 with Kapono, Delfino & Moon off the bench. The Raptors are built for the postseason.
4. Miami. It is Michael Beasley, just scares the hell out me seeing him in South Beach.
5. Portland. Eventually we will see Jarryd Bayless as the starting PG and Steve Blake coming off the bench, an absolute perfect fit for this squad. Portland just keeps getting better and better ....
LOSERS
1. Charlotte. Thankfully North Carolina has college basketball. A point guard was not the biggest need & they didn't even take the best one available!! Interior muscle was a must and Brook Lopez somehow slipped to the 9 spot and Charlotte takes DJ Augustine. Go Tar Heels!
2. Minnesota. OJ Mayo & Al Jefferson, how the hell can you pass up on that?
3. Memphis. I don't like it, I just don't like it. I can only imagine Mayo hates it worse than I do.
4. Dallas. I want to revisit why Dallas does not have a pick in the 08 draft, they traded away Devon Harris & their 1st round pick for Jason Kidd.
5. Phoenix. It's not exactly that I don't like the pick, it would just make alot more sense if Shawn Marion were still on the roster. Who cares if Robin Lopez and Shaq Fu will become best buddies, they are not going to win anything. Yes, I am still bitter.
1. Brooklyn. I might be on an Island on this one but the Nets scored big. First one must realize only ONE thing matters over the course of the next two seasons, preparing for the arrival of King James. On draft night the Nets acquired three athletic big men, Yi Jianlian @ 6'11 via trade, Ryan Anderson @ 6'10 via the 21st pick & most importantly a very tough Brook Lopez @ 7'1 via a steal with the 10th pick in the draft. All three of these men will be 22 years of age the summer The King signs his 6 year max contract with the Brooklyn Nets. The next order of business is to sign Devon Harris to a long term deal. Lebron James, Devon Harris and Brook Lopez is the foundation, throw in the athletic young PF's they acquired on draft night and I can't help but feel giddy if I'm a Nets fan.
2. Chicago. Derrick Rose, enough said.
3. Toronto. I'm thinking about Bosh, O'Neil & Bargnani in the front court, Calderon & Parker in the back court. That is an enormous & athletic starting 5 with Kapono, Delfino & Moon off the bench. The Raptors are built for the postseason.
4. Miami. It is Michael Beasley, just scares the hell out me seeing him in South Beach.
5. Portland. Eventually we will see Jarryd Bayless as the starting PG and Steve Blake coming off the bench, an absolute perfect fit for this squad. Portland just keeps getting better and better ....
LOSERS
1. Charlotte. Thankfully North Carolina has college basketball. A point guard was not the biggest need & they didn't even take the best one available!! Interior muscle was a must and Brook Lopez somehow slipped to the 9 spot and Charlotte takes DJ Augustine. Go Tar Heels!
2. Minnesota. OJ Mayo & Al Jefferson, how the hell can you pass up on that?
3. Memphis. I don't like it, I just don't like it. I can only imagine Mayo hates it worse than I do.
4. Dallas. I want to revisit why Dallas does not have a pick in the 08 draft, they traded away Devon Harris & their 1st round pick for Jason Kidd.
5. Phoenix. It's not exactly that I don't like the pick, it would just make alot more sense if Shawn Marion were still on the roster. Who cares if Robin Lopez and Shaq Fu will become best buddies, they are not going to win anything. Yes, I am still bitter.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Mini Draft Preview
There are 4 players that matter in this draft, so let's figure out where they should land.
1. Chicago. No question Derrick Rose. This is about as easy as it gets. In the era of the point guard he appears to be the next great one. Sign Deng, sign and trade Gordan or let Gordan go freeing up salary. This leaves Chicago with the 3-guard rotation of Rose, Hinrich & Hughes (yes they are stuck with Hughes for 2 more years so they gotta make the best of it) & Deng @ the 3-Spot. Nocioni also plays the 3 & can even play the 4 in a small ball scenario, as he is as tough a player as your going to find. This leaves Chicago with Noah, Thomas & Gooden to play the 4 & 5 spots. There are missing one piece. Can they land Elton Brand? Why not? They have expiring contracts in Nocioni & Gooden. Pay the luxury tax for one season and you have a very deep squad who can contend immediately in the East.
2. Miami. OJ Mayo. I am not suggesting that Miami should actually draft Mayo with the 2nd pick, just that this is where he should end up. Draft Beasley & Make a deal with whomever drafts Mayo, Minnesota or Seattle. Wade & Mayo makes a terrific back court for years to come, a smaller version of Jordan & Pippen. If they are stuck with Marion for a year that works as well, if they can sign & trade Marion, for lets say Elton Brand, you have a bright future. Yes I am going to suggest that every team makes a play for Brand.
3. Minnesota. Michael Beasley. Draft Mayo and swap for Beasley. First of all Minnesota seems about as safe a place as any for Beasley & I love the inside out combination of him and Al Jefferson, this just needs to happen.
4. Seattle/Okla City. Kevin Love. Durant & Love is something you can work with. Love a tough inside player & Durant providing the flash on the perimeter. Green can still do the dirty work.
The question is what exactly can Miami get out of Beasley in a trade or will they be forced to simply take OJ Mayo outright? I do not like Wade & Beasley on the floor together, I just don't see that working.
1. Chicago. No question Derrick Rose. This is about as easy as it gets. In the era of the point guard he appears to be the next great one. Sign Deng, sign and trade Gordan or let Gordan go freeing up salary. This leaves Chicago with the 3-guard rotation of Rose, Hinrich & Hughes (yes they are stuck with Hughes for 2 more years so they gotta make the best of it) & Deng @ the 3-Spot. Nocioni also plays the 3 & can even play the 4 in a small ball scenario, as he is as tough a player as your going to find. This leaves Chicago with Noah, Thomas & Gooden to play the 4 & 5 spots. There are missing one piece. Can they land Elton Brand? Why not? They have expiring contracts in Nocioni & Gooden. Pay the luxury tax for one season and you have a very deep squad who can contend immediately in the East.
2. Miami. OJ Mayo. I am not suggesting that Miami should actually draft Mayo with the 2nd pick, just that this is where he should end up. Draft Beasley & Make a deal with whomever drafts Mayo, Minnesota or Seattle. Wade & Mayo makes a terrific back court for years to come, a smaller version of Jordan & Pippen. If they are stuck with Marion for a year that works as well, if they can sign & trade Marion, for lets say Elton Brand, you have a bright future. Yes I am going to suggest that every team makes a play for Brand.
3. Minnesota. Michael Beasley. Draft Mayo and swap for Beasley. First of all Minnesota seems about as safe a place as any for Beasley & I love the inside out combination of him and Al Jefferson, this just needs to happen.
4. Seattle/Okla City. Kevin Love. Durant & Love is something you can work with. Love a tough inside player & Durant providing the flash on the perimeter. Green can still do the dirty work.
The question is what exactly can Miami get out of Beasley in a trade or will they be forced to simply take OJ Mayo outright? I do not like Wade & Beasley on the floor together, I just don't see that working.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Finals Recap: The Fortunate Truth
The 2008 NBA Champion Boston Celtics proved to be the best. Aside from a couple strong starts from the Lakers, games 4 & 5, the Celts dominated this series. It took me until game 5 to realize that the C's were in fact a much better team. The combination of finesse & strength overwhelmed the Lakers. Tremendous ball movement, sharp shooting and interior strength was simply too much. The weight of the world was lifted from KG's back as he came through with a monster game & the stats don't even tell the whole story, 26-14 throw in 4 assist, 3 steals and a block. He was the true leader on championship night. Paul Pierce was the best player on this team but KG showed why he was the most valuable player to the '08 Boston Celtics. The Celtics proved to be champions, however, not without some good fortune.
It wasn't that long ago the C's played a game 7 vs. the 37 win Atlanta Hawks, followed by a classic game 7 vs. Lebron. Pauly perhaps played the best game of his career to advance to the conference finals. In the conference finals the Celts became the Celts again. Ray Ray finally showed up and they cruised toward the championship. I can't help but wonder, if they had to take a different path, the Western Conference for example would they be champions? As poorly as they played & perhaps coached at times, I think not. In that regard they are fortunate. The Truth, KG, Jesus Shuttlesworth & Doc have their championship now. The road they took, I suppose, is not so relevant.
It wasn't that long ago the C's played a game 7 vs. the 37 win Atlanta Hawks, followed by a classic game 7 vs. Lebron. Pauly perhaps played the best game of his career to advance to the conference finals. In the conference finals the Celts became the Celts again. Ray Ray finally showed up and they cruised toward the championship. I can't help but wonder, if they had to take a different path, the Western Conference for example would they be champions? As poorly as they played & perhaps coached at times, I think not. In that regard they are fortunate. The Truth, KG, Jesus Shuttlesworth & Doc have their championship now. The road they took, I suppose, is not so relevant.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Game 6: The Big Ticket
Right from the start it was clear to me that there would be no game 7. The Lakers held their own for most of the 1st quarter but the C's led by KG were focused and determined to end the series immediately. They could have handed out the trophy midway through the 2nd quarter. The only question left was would the media do something foolish and give KG the Finals MVP for having such a big closeout game. Fortunately they did the right thing and handed that award to Paul Pierce. After 10 seasons in Boston Pauly finally got his due on the national stage. He has been one of the best players in this league for the last 8 years. The Celtics were the better team. The Celtics were the best team in the league and deserved this championship. Danny Ainge can finally rest easy. After some poor choices in the front office over the past couple of seasons he took a huge gamble and won. Kudos to you Danny Boy.
It seems to me that we learned that Kobe is not Michael Jordan. Just because he talks like MJ, walks like MJ, he simply is not MJ. After a sparkling run through the western conference Kobe had nothing for Boston's tenacious D. Kobe shot just 40.5% in the finals, 10% below his '08 post season percentage. He might be the best player in the league but it wasn't enough, not even close.
It was a great year, 66 wins and a NBA Championship. Congratulations to the Boston Celtic organization.
It seems to me that we learned that Kobe is not Michael Jordan. Just because he talks like MJ, walks like MJ, he simply is not MJ. After a sparkling run through the western conference Kobe had nothing for Boston's tenacious D. Kobe shot just 40.5% in the finals, 10% below his '08 post season percentage. He might be the best player in the league but it wasn't enough, not even close.
It was a great year, 66 wins and a NBA Championship. Congratulations to the Boston Celtic organization.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Game 5: Dead Cat Bounce
Laker fans, don't get too excited. Watching game 5 and seeing another early lead squandered I finally came to realize that The C's are in fact better than Showtime. I was wrong, dead wrong. I expected the Lakers to ease threw this series and be done in 5 or 6 games riding the wave of an unstoppable Kobe. Wrong, Boston's defense is simply too good & are making Kobe work so very hard for everything he gets. Game 6 is very intriguing. Look for the desperate Lakers to come out strong again, even on the road only for the C's defense to win out in the long run. Even with 1 game in their pocket I expect Boston to play with sense of urgency, I don't think KG would have it any other way. Having said that I hope I am wrong again, there is nothing better in sports than a game 7, especially a Game 7 between LA & Boston.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Game 4: Mongolian Reversal
57-33! I never would have a thought a Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant tandem would allow a such a 2nd half collapse @ home. Unfathomable. No team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit & no team has ever won games 6 & 7 on the road so don't expect it happen now. It appears KG, Ray Ray & Pauly will get their career validation stamps & most likely an MVP for Pauly. Boston has found it's 66 regular season stride and is on the brink of making Danny Ainge's Ginormous risk payoff. Can sports in Boston get any better? Maybe we will see the Bruins hoist the Stanley Cup next spring. God, I hope not.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Game 3: All Square
All Square, at the line that is. I'm so frustrated I am forcing myself to write something. The refs sent Kobe to the line repeatedly in an obvious effort to even the score after the unbearable game 2 officiating. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is completely annoyed with this series. The much anticipated finals after a fantasy land regular season has been a bust. I pray LA wins game 4 so we can enjoy a 3 game set for the finals. Perhaps this series would be better off if Stern allowed the players to call their own fouls.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Game 2: An Official Mess
Where do I begin? As an NBA fan I was happy to see The Truth return to the floor in game 1, I want to see a great series. As an NBA fan I absolutely do not want to see a game decided by the whistles and game 2 was just that. It disgusted me. Were the C's more physical? Yes. Did the C's get to the rack more often? Yes. Was the game called evenly? Absolutely not! The 38-10 free throw disparity pretty much told the story. I watched the game a 2nd time to analyze the officiating alone. I estimated that the disparity should have been approximately 30-20, give or take a couple either way. Amazingly the Lakers made an improbable run and pulled within 2. Just to ensure that I am not coming from a biased point of view, Vlad Rad took about 18 steps on the bucket that pulled the Lakers to within a deuce. How that was missed is also beyond me.
Paul Pierce has been the best player thus far, 2 wins away from a Finals MVP. That as a basketball fan is good to see after the disrespect that the Hawks, namely Al Horford showed Pauly in the opening round. Everyone has to have their heart melted just a little with the Leon Powe story and his tremendous effort. KG is playing fantastic team basketball, no surprise. All that adds up to a Boston 2-0 lead. In my heart & brain I feel that it should be 1-1, but it's not and LA has their backs against the wall and probably has to take all 3 in the city of angels if they want to be champions. Can Kobe pull that off? Thus far he has maintained a good attitude @ least through the media. Will that last? I can't wait for game 3.
Paul Pierce has been the best player thus far, 2 wins away from a Finals MVP. That as a basketball fan is good to see after the disrespect that the Hawks, namely Al Horford showed Pauly in the opening round. Everyone has to have their heart melted just a little with the Leon Powe story and his tremendous effort. KG is playing fantastic team basketball, no surprise. All that adds up to a Boston 2-0 lead. In my heart & brain I feel that it should be 1-1, but it's not and LA has their backs against the wall and probably has to take all 3 in the city of angels if they want to be champions. Can Kobe pull that off? Thus far he has maintained a good attitude @ least through the media. Will that last? I can't wait for game 3.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Game 1: Truth or Drama
ABC couldn't have written a better script for Desparate Housewives. Pauly not only looked done for the season but perhaps a career ender as he was wheeled into the locker room in tears. Only moments later trotting back onto the court with nary even a limp. To his credit Pauly admitted he was embarrased by the incident. I suppose fear of the worst got the best of his mind. Now onto the bigger story. How good has The Truth been playing. After a slow start by both he and Ray Ray, Pauly exploded in game 7 vs the Cavs and has been fantastic ever since. Ray slowly found his groove and has actually been an asset in the conference finals and game 1 vs LA. Having said all that, it was Kobe not getting his ball to stay in the cylinder that was probably the biggest factor in game 1. Kobe seemingly unphased by it, was upbeat, but I have a feeling that his mind might be playing tricks on him, going down 0-2 might be just too big a hole to dig out of now that all 3 of Boston's stars are playing quality basketball. The great ones deliver in the toughest of situations, I am looking forward to see how the Mamba reacts in game 2.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Finals Preview
First things first. Thank you Kobe for dismissing the Spurs, I am now a fan despite your child like behavior last off season.
Odom can guard Pierce, Kobe can shut down Allen (& Pauly for that matter), Pau can check Garnett. No one in the Universe can even fathom stopping Kobe. I'd like to go into greater detail & pretend there is something deeper but it's simply not any more complicated than that. I like LA in 5 or 6, and we will be watching Kobe put a gigantic validation stamp on his career.
Odom can guard Pierce, Kobe can shut down Allen (& Pauly for that matter), Pau can check Garnett. No one in the Universe can even fathom stopping Kobe. I'd like to go into greater detail & pretend there is something deeper but it's simply not any more complicated than that. I like LA in 5 or 6, and we will be watching Kobe put a gigantic validation stamp on his career.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Spur it on
I make no mistake about my feeling for the Spurs, I despise them. After they bounced my Suns I was sure the Hornets would dismiss them once and for all. Not the case, Arrgh. I guess experience was the difference, if not for an unforeseen run by Pargo, the Spurs win going away. Onto the Conference Finals. No way they can beat the Lakers, right? Of course they cant! Then out of no where Pau misses two ft's, Kobe takes a terrible shot, and now Barry is on the line w. two shots to tie !!! Wait! What? No foul !!! My Joy could not be contained as I bounced around my apartment. One thing here, Barry was never going to get more than two freebies, he put the ball on the floor as Fisher fouled him. How is it that all the people who get paid to notice these things did not notice this & kept rambling on about three free throws? Anyway, for all those Spurs fans crying about the missed call, your time had come (Many years overdue).
Monday, May 5, 2008
Solar Eclipse
OK, Bill Simmons stole my thunder so I won’t detail the historical mismanagement issues for the Suns. (The most egregious in my opinion was trading draft picks in 05, not drafting a back up point guard (Rajon Rondo was traded to Boston for cash) and then signing Marcus Banks, shoot me please, anybody). I’ll just take it from 2007.
All I have heard was that the Suns HAD to do something, I vehemently disagree. 2007: Losing to the Spurs in 6 games is no shame (a series considered by most the real NBA finals). 3 factors played into this. Game 1, Steve Nash bloodies his nose on Tony Parker's melon and misses several key possessions down the stretch, when he was on the floor he came up big even with the bloody sniffer. Game 3, Tim Donaghy officiated, enough said. Game 5, David Stern decided not to allow Boris Diaw & Amare Stoudemire to play and the Suns almost won anyway. Both Kurt Thomas and Steve Nash were running on fumes in the final minute. Most likely we would have watched a game 7. I'm not saying the Suns would be guaranteed a win, but @ least it would have been played out on the hardwood, not inside the hard heads @ the league office. 2008: The Suns were in 1st place 34-14 (.708) at the time of the trade. Is that really a team that HAD to do something? The best move, was to simply make one small move.
The reality is, if a Championship is the #1 goal, they should have added Grant Hill & trotted out the same squad they did last year. Yes they would have paid the luxury tax, but its pretty much an automatic trip to the Finals. In fact, who could possibly beat this
team (except our good friend to the right):
Marion 16.4m
Stoudemire 13.8m
Nash 11.8m
Diaw 9.0m
Thomas 8.1m
Barbosa 5.6m
Bell 4.8m
Banks 3.9m
Jones 2.9m
Hill 1.8m
Tucker 0.9m
Strawberry 0.4m
Total 79.4m (Currently 71.5m)
That squad would be unbeatable. Simply would have no weakness (even with Banks on the rsoter). They could defend any team, outscore any team, pose mismatches at will, play big, play small, run & score in the half court! Kurt Thomas contract expires @ end of the season. One year of the luxury tax, just one. Win a championship, dump salary, change uniforms and sell a bunch of new jerseys. Even with all the prior mistakes in the draft & such. If only Mark Cuban owned the Suns and let me run operations! As it is, The Suns are in big trouble. Can they really expect Hill to play another season? Can they expect Shaq @ age 36 to play an 82 game season? Will Nash last 82 games running a half court team? Does that not defeat the purpose of having him as your point guard? They have no means to get better defensively and they traded away their competitive advantage. I am very confident Nash would not own an MVP without Marion, In fact maybe Marion deserved his own trophy in 06. After all Marion defended ALL 5 positions that season, scored 22 points, cleaned the glass 12 times, swatted 2 shots, and even swiped 2 wallets per game. Did I mention he checked ALL 5 positions? Anyway, let me move on before I shoot myself.
Shaq was simply not a good fit (19-15 since his arrival). Don’t be fooled by those who say Amare blossomed alongside Shaq. Amare was emerging just before the trade and erupted the day of the trade. He started putting up ridiculous numbers when Marion left the lineup, not when Shaq arrived. His scoring binge however did not equate to wins because all Amare offers is scoring. Shawn Marion was sorely missed in this series. Tony Parker killed the suns (29/7). Shaq did not stop Tim Duncan (24/13). The Suns record before Shaq 37-16, after Shaq 19-15. It’s not a complicated story. Check out the Lenovo Stats from NBA.com. All show a huge upside when Marion is on the floor (primarily because he can actually defend people) & quite the opposite when Shaq was on the floor.
But let's get to the real reason Robert Sarver made this deal, financial reasons as always. Shawn Marion doesn't sell jerseys and they could dump a prior mistake in Marcus Banks. The trade caused hype, they probably sold a lot of "32" jerseys. They just didn't count on only getting two home games in the post season. Through 2009 they break even on contracts, since they unloaded Banks 9.3m over the final 2 years they save money from 2010-11 assuming they trade Shaq and his expiring contract sometime in 2009. If not they can still dump Nash's corpse on the railroad tracks as the final year of his contract is a team option. I've been a Suns fan ever since I saw Kevin Johnson dunk over the Dream, good riddance Robert Sarvar.
All I have heard was that the Suns HAD to do something, I vehemently disagree. 2007: Losing to the Spurs in 6 games is no shame (a series considered by most the real NBA finals). 3 factors played into this. Game 1, Steve Nash bloodies his nose on Tony Parker's melon and misses several key possessions down the stretch, when he was on the floor he came up big even with the bloody sniffer. Game 3, Tim Donaghy officiated, enough said. Game 5, David Stern decided not to allow Boris Diaw & Amare Stoudemire to play and the Suns almost won anyway. Both Kurt Thomas and Steve Nash were running on fumes in the final minute. Most likely we would have watched a game 7. I'm not saying the Suns would be guaranteed a win, but @ least it would have been played out on the hardwood, not inside the hard heads @ the league office. 2008: The Suns were in 1st place 34-14 (.708) at the time of the trade. Is that really a team that HAD to do something? The best move, was to simply make one small move.
The reality is, if a Championship is the #1 goal, they should have added Grant Hill & trotted out the same squad they did last year. Yes they would have paid the luxury tax, but its pretty much an automatic trip to the Finals. In fact, who could possibly beat this
team (except our good friend to the right):Marion 16.4m
Stoudemire 13.8m
Nash 11.8m
Diaw 9.0m
Thomas 8.1m
Barbosa 5.6m
Bell 4.8m
Banks 3.9m
Jones 2.9m
Hill 1.8m
Tucker 0.9m
Strawberry 0.4m
Total 79.4m (Currently 71.5m)
That squad would be unbeatable. Simply would have no weakness (even with Banks on the rsoter). They could defend any team, outscore any team, pose mismatches at will, play big, play small, run & score in the half court! Kurt Thomas contract expires @ end of the season. One year of the luxury tax, just one. Win a championship, dump salary, change uniforms and sell a bunch of new jerseys. Even with all the prior mistakes in the draft & such. If only Mark Cuban owned the Suns and let me run operations! As it is, The Suns are in big trouble. Can they really expect Hill to play another season? Can they expect Shaq @ age 36 to play an 82 game season? Will Nash last 82 games running a half court team? Does that not defeat the purpose of having him as your point guard? They have no means to get better defensively and they traded away their competitive advantage. I am very confident Nash would not own an MVP without Marion, In fact maybe Marion deserved his own trophy in 06. After all Marion defended ALL 5 positions that season, scored 22 points, cleaned the glass 12 times, swatted 2 shots, and even swiped 2 wallets per game. Did I mention he checked ALL 5 positions? Anyway, let me move on before I shoot myself.
Shaq was simply not a good fit (19-15 since his arrival). Don’t be fooled by those who say Amare blossomed alongside Shaq. Amare was emerging just before the trade and erupted the day of the trade. He started putting up ridiculous numbers when Marion left the lineup, not when Shaq arrived. His scoring binge however did not equate to wins because all Amare offers is scoring. Shawn Marion was sorely missed in this series. Tony Parker killed the suns (29/7). Shaq did not stop Tim Duncan (24/13). The Suns record before Shaq 37-16, after Shaq 19-15. It’s not a complicated story. Check out the Lenovo Stats from NBA.com. All show a huge upside when Marion is on the floor (primarily because he can actually defend people) & quite the opposite when Shaq was on the floor.
But let's get to the real reason Robert Sarver made this deal, financial reasons as always. Shawn Marion doesn't sell jerseys and they could dump a prior mistake in Marcus Banks. The trade caused hype, they probably sold a lot of "32" jerseys. They just didn't count on only getting two home games in the post season. Through 2009 they break even on contracts, since they unloaded Banks 9.3m over the final 2 years they save money from 2010-11 assuming they trade Shaq and his expiring contract sometime in 2009. If not they can still dump Nash's corpse on the railroad tracks as the final year of his contract is a team option. I've been a Suns fan ever since I saw Kevin Johnson dunk over the Dream, good riddance Robert Sarvar.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Elimination Part II
If Mike D'Antoni ends up in Toronto, they won't be so forgettable next year. Although New York would be the best resting place for "Coach D". I'll explain @ a later date.
I was right about Philadelphia for 3 1/2 games. I guess that means I was wrong. I did pick Golden State last year, just need to find a way to prove it.
I'm convinced Houston was the better team, In an odd twist of fate, the home court advantage hurt Houston as they played two home games without Skip to my Lou. They played fantastic in Utah except for one very important 3rd quarter.
The Washington Wizard Organization should be embarrassed. Yes the entire organization takes responsibility for this one. At any point did it occur to Eddie Jordan to tell his 2 bit players, Deshawn Stevenson & Brenda Haywood to shut up? Did Ernie Grunfeld ever tell Eddie Jordan to get control of his team? Gilbert informing his club that he was done for the season through the media? A clear lack on institutional control. The problem is their "best" player, Gil is not manageable. Eddie Jordan might be the Norv Turner of the NBA. The game plan to rough up Lebron was ill-conceived to begin with as you will never win a physical battle against a 6'9 260 lb force of nature. That's the equivalent to staying in New Orleans with a category 5 hurricane on the way. Not only was it a poor game plan, the idea of pushing an air born Lebron out of bounds while making absolutely no play on the ball is appalling (real good D Brenda).
Atlanta is still playing. Atlanta is still playing? Atlanta is still playing! As a big KG fan it bothers me that I found myself rooting for the Hawks in game 6. As a Suns fan it's agonizing watching Joe Johnson (the best perimeter player in this series) go for 21-5-4 though 6 games. The easy explanation is that the Hawks are younger and more athletic, which is true, causing a lot of trouble for Pauly. The Hawks don't fear the C's and that's why they are facing a game 7. I literally laughed out loud a couple weeks ago when Tim Legler said Al Horford LED the Hawks to the playoffs. "Led" is a very strong word for a 37 win team, but now I understand. They are fearless because Horford is fearless. I like "ATL" in game 7. My apologies Tim.
Playoff Notes:
* How many times has Reggie Miller said "You gotta remember"
* Amazing how every TNT analyst loves the Tyler Perry Show
* Watching Joe Johnson playing so well is giving me unbearable stomach pains. All I can think about is how awful the Suns Management team (Robert Sarver) must be that both Jo Jo & Shawn Marion had ZERO Interest in remaining with a team on the brink of an NBA Championship.
I was right about Philadelphia for 3 1/2 games. I guess that means I was wrong. I did pick Golden State last year, just need to find a way to prove it.
I'm convinced Houston was the better team, In an odd twist of fate, the home court advantage hurt Houston as they played two home games without Skip to my Lou. They played fantastic in Utah except for one very important 3rd quarter.
The Washington Wizard Organization should be embarrassed. Yes the entire organization takes responsibility for this one. At any point did it occur to Eddie Jordan to tell his 2 bit players, Deshawn Stevenson & Brenda Haywood to shut up? Did Ernie Grunfeld ever tell Eddie Jordan to get control of his team? Gilbert informing his club that he was done for the season through the media? A clear lack on institutional control. The problem is their "best" player, Gil is not manageable. Eddie Jordan might be the Norv Turner of the NBA. The game plan to rough up Lebron was ill-conceived to begin with as you will never win a physical battle against a 6'9 260 lb force of nature. That's the equivalent to staying in New Orleans with a category 5 hurricane on the way. Not only was it a poor game plan, the idea of pushing an air born Lebron out of bounds while making absolutely no play on the ball is appalling (real good D Brenda).
Atlanta is still playing. Atlanta is still playing? Atlanta is still playing! As a big KG fan it bothers me that I found myself rooting for the Hawks in game 6. As a Suns fan it's agonizing watching Joe Johnson (the best perimeter player in this series) go for 21-5-4 though 6 games. The easy explanation is that the Hawks are younger and more athletic, which is true, causing a lot of trouble for Pauly. The Hawks don't fear the C's and that's why they are facing a game 7. I literally laughed out loud a couple weeks ago when Tim Legler said Al Horford LED the Hawks to the playoffs. "Led" is a very strong word for a 37 win team, but now I understand. They are fearless because Horford is fearless. I like "ATL" in game 7. My apologies Tim.
Playoff Notes:
* How many times has Reggie Miller said "You gotta remember"
* Amazing how every TNT analyst loves the Tyler Perry Show
* Watching Joe Johnson playing so well is giving me unbearable stomach pains. All I can think about is how awful the Suns Management team (Robert Sarver) must be that both Jo Jo & Shawn Marion had ZERO Interest in remaining with a team on the brink of an NBA Championship.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Elimination
I won't miss Carmelo.
Was Toronto in the playoffs?
It's fun to watch Mark Cuban lose.
Sun's choked, the entire organization. Management, the head coach & the star players all choked. I watched the final quarter looking for Raja Bell & Boris Diaw to get it done, enough said.
Was Toronto in the playoffs?
It's fun to watch Mark Cuban lose.
Sun's choked, the entire organization. Management, the head coach & the star players all choked. I watched the final quarter looking for Raja Bell & Boris Diaw to get it done, enough said.
Monday, April 28, 2008
1st Round Underway
I’d fire Eddie Jordan immediately following elimination. He clearly has no control of his team & it has turned into a carnival. I suppose that makes Deshawn Stevenson the bearded lady.
Who exactly does Al Horford think he is?
I really like Doris Burke.
I even like Jeff Van Gundy more. I hope he never lands a head coaching position. Actually, there is a vacancy in Washington right?
Did Sir Charles really expect Dallas to win and why was Kidd not suspended.
Suns v Spurs should be 2-2, Coach D and Amare let game 1 get away. Seems logical Kerr will defer blame and fire Coach D after the season. Coach D will head to Golden State reunite w. Shawn Marion (Shawn please opt out) and lose in the Western Conference Finals. Baron, Monte, Captain Jack, The Matrix & Al Harrington? How fun would that be? Back to reality, don’t be surprised if this goes 7 games, I expect it to.
Denver’s best case scenario was 5 games anyway, Everybody calm down.
Bravo to Houston for playing Utah so well in Salt Lake. The home court proved to be a disadvantage as Houston was home without Rafer. Probably 2-2 if this series actually started in Utah.
Philadelphia was one half of basketball from putting this series away. I said Philly in 7 and I’m sticking with it.
Looking forward to watching an Orlando game in the 2nd round.
The San Antonio Spurs put on one of the best playoff road perfomances I can remember, Not only were all three stars @ the very top of their game but Bruce Bowen masterfully shut down Steve Nash without the use of cheap and dirty tactics, we may never see the likes of that again!
Who exactly does Al Horford think he is?
I really like Doris Burke.
I even like Jeff Van Gundy more. I hope he never lands a head coaching position. Actually, there is a vacancy in Washington right?
Did Sir Charles really expect Dallas to win and why was Kidd not suspended.
Suns v Spurs should be 2-2, Coach D and Amare let game 1 get away. Seems logical Kerr will defer blame and fire Coach D after the season. Coach D will head to Golden State reunite w. Shawn Marion (Shawn please opt out) and lose in the Western Conference Finals. Baron, Monte, Captain Jack, The Matrix & Al Harrington? How fun would that be? Back to reality, don’t be surprised if this goes 7 games, I expect it to.
Denver’s best case scenario was 5 games anyway, Everybody calm down.
Bravo to Houston for playing Utah so well in Salt Lake. The home court proved to be a disadvantage as Houston was home without Rafer. Probably 2-2 if this series actually started in Utah.
Philadelphia was one half of basketball from putting this series away. I said Philly in 7 and I’m sticking with it.
Looking forward to watching an Orlando game in the 2nd round.
The San Antonio Spurs put on one of the best playoff road perfomances I can remember, Not only were all three stars @ the very top of their game but Bruce Bowen masterfully shut down Steve Nash without the use of cheap and dirty tactics, we may never see the likes of that again!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
"I must kill the Queen"
I woke up Sunday morning and I was Reggie Jackson in the Naked Gun, walking around my home holding a freshly sharpened sand wedge chanting in a monotone voice “I must kill Bruce Bowen, I must kill Bruce Bowen”. My hatred for Bowen runs so deep, that 20 years from now I will tell a story about the 07 playoffs, when Bowen punched Steve Nash to bloody his nose & Tim Donaghy called a foul on Nash.
I’m not blind to the fact that “Coach D” was out coached. Not blind to Amare not trusting his jump shot, the same jump shot he has worked on for two years, the same jump shot that has made him an impossible cover. He did not trust it with 10 ticks left and an uncontested 9 foot jump shot starring him in the face that would have ended the game in the 1st OT. Instead he chose to throw his body directly into Kurt Thomas like Jimmy "The Superfly" Snuka and foul himself out of the game unable to participate in the 2nd OT. But I’m also not blind to the fact that Bowen held Nash and took him to the ground in a critical inbound play in the 2nd OT. The relevance beyond the obvious free throw & the ball, is that it cost the Suns a timeout, a timeout that would have come in handy with 1.8 ticks on the clock. Bowen wasn’t even relevant to this game in any other fashion except for 1 dirty little play. I think I remember Mike Breen even saying something to the effect of that’s how San Antonio wins championships. “I must kill Bruce Bowen, I must kill Bruce Bowen”.
I’m not blind to the fact that “Coach D” was out coached. Not blind to Amare not trusting his jump shot, the same jump shot he has worked on for two years, the same jump shot that has made him an impossible cover. He did not trust it with 10 ticks left and an uncontested 9 foot jump shot starring him in the face that would have ended the game in the 1st OT. Instead he chose to throw his body directly into Kurt Thomas like Jimmy "The Superfly" Snuka and foul himself out of the game unable to participate in the 2nd OT. But I’m also not blind to the fact that Bowen held Nash and took him to the ground in a critical inbound play in the 2nd OT. The relevance beyond the obvious free throw & the ball, is that it cost the Suns a timeout, a timeout that would have come in handy with 1.8 ticks on the clock. Bowen wasn’t even relevant to this game in any other fashion except for 1 dirty little play. I think I remember Mike Breen even saying something to the effect of that’s how San Antonio wins championships. “I must kill Bruce Bowen, I must kill Bruce Bowen”.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Meaningless Awards & Predictions
AWARDS
MVP: Chris Paul, I honestly dont even think it's a close race.
Kobe doesn't match his leadership skills.
No one wants the ball in KG's hands in crunch time, even himself.
Lebron has been hampered by Danny Ferry.
Coach of the Year: Rick Adelman.
Rookie of the year: Kevin Durant, he will flirt w. 40 ppg before he's 25.
Eastern Conference Team by position:
PG: Chauncey Billups
SG: AI2
C: KG
PF: Antawn Jamison
SF: Lebron
Western Conference Team by position:
PG: CP3
SG: Kobe
C: Tim Duncan (yes he is a center, don't believe the media guides)
PF: Amare
SF: Carmelo
PREDICTIONS
Washington @ Cleveland: Washington in 6
Phoenix @ San Antonio: SA in 7
Dallas @ New Orleans: NO in 6
Utah @ Houton: Utah in 5
Toronto @ Orlando: Orlando in 6
Denver @ LA: LA in 5
Philadephia @ Detroit: Philly in 7
Atlanta @ Boston: Boston in 4
MVP: Chris Paul, I honestly dont even think it's a close race.
Kobe doesn't match his leadership skills.
No one wants the ball in KG's hands in crunch time, even himself.
Lebron has been hampered by Danny Ferry.
Coach of the Year: Rick Adelman.
Rookie of the year: Kevin Durant, he will flirt w. 40 ppg before he's 25.
Eastern Conference Team by position:
PG: Chauncey Billups
SG: AI2
C: KG
PF: Antawn Jamison
SF: Lebron
Western Conference Team by position:
PG: CP3
SG: Kobe
C: Tim Duncan (yes he is a center, don't believe the media guides)
PF: Amare
SF: Carmelo
PREDICTIONS
Washington @ Cleveland: Washington in 6
Phoenix @ San Antonio: SA in 7
Dallas @ New Orleans: NO in 6
Utah @ Houton: Utah in 5
Toronto @ Orlando: Orlando in 6
Denver @ LA: LA in 5
Philadephia @ Detroit: Philly in 7
Atlanta @ Boston: Boston in 4
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Mad Scientist
Don Nelson was at it again. Monday night in the Land of the Rising Sun, the SEASON on the line, trailing 71-57 @ the half. What does a coach do? The stakes are high, the chips are down & Donny Doolittle benches the best player on his team! Baron Davis benched!?! Did we not hear MVP chants throughout the year? Did Baron not average 22-8-5 for the season? This can never work!! the only explanation possible is that Don Nelson had his post game Bud Light at halftime. The funny thing, IT WORKED!!!! For a moment that is. Golden State went on to outscore the Suns 38-19 in the 3rd quarter. Even early in the 4th quarter Golden State maintained the advantage, but midway through the 4th that run was clearly over. Ok Don, your madness worked again, your team is back in the game and is still clinging to a lead. I guess its time to re-insert Baron. No? Really? Donny Boy kept Baron out of the entire 2nd half. I've never coached an NBA team and I never will but it seems to me that a veteran two time all-star point guard might come in handy down the stretch on the road. As it turned out Phoenix went on to win and we saw Baron in a Warrior uniform (in this case warm-up gear) for perhaps the LAST time. I cant imagine Baron not opting out of his contract now. The team that shocked the NBA just a year ago has potentially lost 2 of its 3 biggest guns. They let Jason Richardson go and essentially now have forced Baron out. Chris Mullen may have a lot of work to do in the off season.
Looking ahead .. Baron Davis for Lamar Odom & Vlad Rad .. think about it if the Lakers don't win a title. He's going to end up in LA one way or another, might as well be as a Laker.
Looking ahead .. Baron Davis for Lamar Odom & Vlad Rad .. think about it if the Lakers don't win a title. He's going to end up in LA one way or another, might as well be as a Laker.
Friday, March 28, 2008
NBA Playoff Wishlist
West Round 1
1. New Orleans vs 8. Denver - AI passing the little man torch to CP3. In a wide open series CP3 may even appear better than he is, and he is REALLY good.
2. LA vs 7. Golden State - Captain Jack & Kobe chat'n it up for 5 or 6 games, bound to be an incident and suspensions. I may even take a trip to Oak Town to take in game 3.
3. Phoenix vs 6. Houston - This match up guarantees Phoenix advances & Steve Kerr can rest a little easier, for now.
4. Utah vs 5. SA - Utah, I beg you, please win this series.
West Round 2
1. New Orleans vs 4. Utah - CP3 vs Deron.
2. LA vs 3. Phoenix - Would there ever be a Conference Semi-Final with so much on the line? I am confidant Kobe would rather die a slow and painful death than lose this series. Shaq trying to prove he can still play when it matters. Perhaps Nash's last chance @ a title. Steve Kerr hoping he's not heading back to TNT.
Western Conference Finals
1. NO vs 2. LA - Will the real MVP please stand up?
East Round 1
1. Boston vs 8. NJ - NBA gets a name, Vince Carter as an opponent to Boston & the rest of us get to see just how foolish Cuban was in letting Devon Harris go.
2. Detroit vs 7. Philly - Philly might just win this .. did I just say that?
3. Orlando vs 6. Toronto - Howard vs Bosh .. good times.
4. LeBron vs 5. LeWiz - Legit Rivalry, just ask the Wiz.
East Round 2
1. Boston vs 4. LeBron - The Massholes will be nervous !!
3. Orlando vs 7. Philly - Aren't we all just a little tired of Detroit?
Eastern Conference Finals
1. Boston vs 3. Orlando - Superman takes on Beantown
NBA FINALS
Boston vs LA - Biggest ratings in NBA finals history?
1. New Orleans vs 8. Denver - AI passing the little man torch to CP3. In a wide open series CP3 may even appear better than he is, and he is REALLY good.
2. LA vs 7. Golden State - Captain Jack & Kobe chat'n it up for 5 or 6 games, bound to be an incident and suspensions. I may even take a trip to Oak Town to take in game 3.
3. Phoenix vs 6. Houston - This match up guarantees Phoenix advances & Steve Kerr can rest a little easier, for now.
4. Utah vs 5. SA - Utah, I beg you, please win this series.
West Round 2
1. New Orleans vs 4. Utah - CP3 vs Deron.
2. LA vs 3. Phoenix - Would there ever be a Conference Semi-Final with so much on the line? I am confidant Kobe would rather die a slow and painful death than lose this series. Shaq trying to prove he can still play when it matters. Perhaps Nash's last chance @ a title. Steve Kerr hoping he's not heading back to TNT.
Western Conference Finals
1. NO vs 2. LA - Will the real MVP please stand up?
East Round 1
1. Boston vs 8. NJ - NBA gets a name, Vince Carter as an opponent to Boston & the rest of us get to see just how foolish Cuban was in letting Devon Harris go.
2. Detroit vs 7. Philly - Philly might just win this .. did I just say that?
3. Orlando vs 6. Toronto - Howard vs Bosh .. good times.
4. LeBron vs 5. LeWiz - Legit Rivalry, just ask the Wiz.
East Round 2
1. Boston vs 4. LeBron - The Massholes will be nervous !!
3. Orlando vs 7. Philly - Aren't we all just a little tired of Detroit?
Eastern Conference Finals
1. Boston vs 3. Orlando - Superman takes on Beantown
NBA FINALS
Boston vs LA - Biggest ratings in NBA finals history?
Friday, March 14, 2008
S.O.S.
Shaq to Phoenix? It’s not that Shaq can’t still play, it’s that Shawn Marion was far more valuable than most realized. Ironic a team that was criticized mostly for defense traded away their two best defensive players, Kurt Thomas & Shawn Marion. The trade potentially shortens Nash’s tenure in Phoenix. If the experiment does not work the Suns will have 33m in contracts between Nash & Shaq for the 09/10 season and Nash’s contract is a team option. Remember it’s Robert Sarvar writing the checks, and they will be faced with a dilemma if the 08/09 season goes poorly. The only way I can see this working is for the Suns to become a half court team. Shaq has to be where the offense starts or he is just going to be in the way. I am hoping for a LA/Phoenix 1st round match up, that would be fun.
Kidd to Dallas? The trade is acceptable only to the extent they @ least still have a chance with Kidd. Although now, they HAVE to win. The problem with this trade is that it wasn’t needed. Dallas was already a very good team, as a trip to the NBA finals and a 67-win season would indicate. They were 24-7 vs. the West this season before the trade and they gave up a very good young point guard. The 2nd point guard Cuban has sent out of town in the last 4 years. This was a lateral move @ best and the Mavs gave up some size & depth in Diop. Makes you wonder if the 06 finals were officiated differently would this trade ever been made?
Shaq for Kidd! This will never happen simply because it makes way too much sense. The Mavs & Suns gave up very valuable assets in acquiring aging superstars that simply don’t fit their respective systems. These stars, Shaq & Kidd can still play in this league. The way I see it, the only way these two teams can survive these poor decisions is to do the unthinkable. Trade Shaq & Kidd in the off-season.
Shaq fits perfectly with Dallas. He can be the anchor in the post, with excellent perimeter players in Dirk, Howard & Terry. This also gives Avery Johnson great flexibility given that Dirk can play the 3 or 4, Howard can play the 2 or 3, and Terry can play the 1 or 2. Dampier, Shaq, Dirk, Howard & Terry would give them great size on D which will allow them to compete w. a Laker or Spur front line in a potential post season match up. Or they can play one or even no big men @ times and compete against smaller quicker teams, Golden State or Phoenix for example. Cuban has his core guys secured in long term contracts and can afford 1 more season with Shaq than he would have to with Kidd, after all Cuban has been paying Michael Finley 20m a year to play for the Spurs. Starting 5: Terry, Howard, Dirk, Shaq & Bass
From the Suns perspective, this is one-part damage control, only committing to 1 year contract with Kidd as opposed to two years with Shaq & one-part setting Steve Nash free again. We all know how salary cap adverse is Robert Sarver is, and this will give him 20m in salary relief for the 09/10 season. A full season with Shaq might take the life out of Nash, and force the Suns into a terrible predicament, not taking the team’s option on the final year of his contract and ending his tenure w. the Suns or paying 13m for an old spent pg. Bring Kidd into the mix and that changes. Nash & Kidd can split time @ the PG always having a HOF point guard on the floor. Anyone who has followed the Suns knows Nash has one of the highest +/- ratings in the NBA and the Suns struggle when he is not on the floor. That problem is solved. Nash one of the best shooters in the league can slide to the shooting guard position when they are both on the floor at the same time. The Suns would have a 48 minute relentless attack on their opponent. All D’Antoni has to do is commit to giving Brian Skinner his 18-24 minutes a game and let him take the fouls for the team. Starting 5: Nash, Bell, Hill, Stoudemire & Skinner. Bench: Kidd, Barbosa, Diaw. Think about watching these 5 on the floor: Nash, Kidd, Barbosa, Hill, Stoudemire. The Suns might average 125+ a game. They might not win a championship but SHOWTIME will be fun to watch even if just for 1 season. Hell, they might even win a championship.
Kidd to Dallas? The trade is acceptable only to the extent they @ least still have a chance with Kidd. Although now, they HAVE to win. The problem with this trade is that it wasn’t needed. Dallas was already a very good team, as a trip to the NBA finals and a 67-win season would indicate. They were 24-7 vs. the West this season before the trade and they gave up a very good young point guard. The 2nd point guard Cuban has sent out of town in the last 4 years. This was a lateral move @ best and the Mavs gave up some size & depth in Diop. Makes you wonder if the 06 finals were officiated differently would this trade ever been made?
Shaq for Kidd! This will never happen simply because it makes way too much sense. The Mavs & Suns gave up very valuable assets in acquiring aging superstars that simply don’t fit their respective systems. These stars, Shaq & Kidd can still play in this league. The way I see it, the only way these two teams can survive these poor decisions is to do the unthinkable. Trade Shaq & Kidd in the off-season.
Shaq fits perfectly with Dallas. He can be the anchor in the post, with excellent perimeter players in Dirk, Howard & Terry. This also gives Avery Johnson great flexibility given that Dirk can play the 3 or 4, Howard can play the 2 or 3, and Terry can play the 1 or 2. Dampier, Shaq, Dirk, Howard & Terry would give them great size on D which will allow them to compete w. a Laker or Spur front line in a potential post season match up. Or they can play one or even no big men @ times and compete against smaller quicker teams, Golden State or Phoenix for example. Cuban has his core guys secured in long term contracts and can afford 1 more season with Shaq than he would have to with Kidd, after all Cuban has been paying Michael Finley 20m a year to play for the Spurs. Starting 5: Terry, Howard, Dirk, Shaq & Bass
From the Suns perspective, this is one-part damage control, only committing to 1 year contract with Kidd as opposed to two years with Shaq & one-part setting Steve Nash free again. We all know how salary cap adverse is Robert Sarver is, and this will give him 20m in salary relief for the 09/10 season. A full season with Shaq might take the life out of Nash, and force the Suns into a terrible predicament, not taking the team’s option on the final year of his contract and ending his tenure w. the Suns or paying 13m for an old spent pg. Bring Kidd into the mix and that changes. Nash & Kidd can split time @ the PG always having a HOF point guard on the floor. Anyone who has followed the Suns knows Nash has one of the highest +/- ratings in the NBA and the Suns struggle when he is not on the floor. That problem is solved. Nash one of the best shooters in the league can slide to the shooting guard position when they are both on the floor at the same time. The Suns would have a 48 minute relentless attack on their opponent. All D’Antoni has to do is commit to giving Brian Skinner his 18-24 minutes a game and let him take the fouls for the team. Starting 5: Nash, Bell, Hill, Stoudemire & Skinner. Bench: Kidd, Barbosa, Diaw. Think about watching these 5 on the floor: Nash, Kidd, Barbosa, Hill, Stoudemire. The Suns might average 125+ a game. They might not win a championship but SHOWTIME will be fun to watch even if just for 1 season. Hell, they might even win a championship.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Zero Tolerance
Gilbert Arenas has made it clear he intends to opt out of his current contract and will seek a max deal in the off-season. With “Agent Zero’s” return seemingly right around the corner, the Wizards and Gilbert face a conflict of agendas. Because Gil hasn’t played in a year, his desire to play for a max deal versus playing in a team dynamic that will allow the Wizards to make a serious playoff run could prove to be a volatile formula. Adding to the equation is the fact that Caron Butler has emerged as a true leader for the Washington Wizards for all the right reasons; an unselfish, unassuming, hard-working player on both ends of the court who has shown he wants the ball at crunch time.
The Wizards have shown they can compete with anyone while “Agent Hype” was rehabilitating his knee. For the Wizards to succeed and make a run in the playoffs, Arenas doesn’t need to score 28ppg, 18-20ppg would be fine. Scoring the ball is not a deficiency of this Wizards team. What they DO need from “Agent Offense” is a willingness to dig in on the defensive side of the floor. To date, Gil is considered one of the weakest defensive guards in the game. He likes to gamble and will secure a few steals a game, but this ultimately sacrifices the Wizards team defense. To his credit, Arenas is a tremendous one-on-one offensive player, his combination of quickness and range make him a near impossible cover, but he’s also gained a reputation as a “gunner” and rightly so (he shot 41.8% from the floor last season, while among the league leaders in attempts). I guess the “Hibachi” is not as hot as he would like you to believe. The question is, can Gilbert refrain from playing only for himself, or better yet, does he even want to?
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The Wizards have shown they can compete with anyone while “Agent Hype” was rehabilitating his knee. For the Wizards to succeed and make a run in the playoffs, Arenas doesn’t need to score 28ppg, 18-20ppg would be fine. Scoring the ball is not a deficiency of this Wizards team. What they DO need from “Agent Offense” is a willingness to dig in on the defensive side of the floor. To date, Gil is considered one of the weakest defensive guards in the game. He likes to gamble and will secure a few steals a game, but this ultimately sacrifices the Wizards team defense. To his credit, Arenas is a tremendous one-on-one offensive player, his combination of quickness and range make him a near impossible cover, but he’s also gained a reputation as a “gunner” and rightly so (he shot 41.8% from the floor last season, while among the league leaders in attempts). I guess the “Hibachi” is not as hot as he would like you to believe. The question is, can Gilbert refrain from playing only for himself, or better yet, does he even want to?
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Thursday, February 21, 2008
NBA "Extreme Makeover"
During All-Star weekend in New Orleans, there was some chatter, notably from TNT’s Reggie Miller, about the NBA seeding its teams 1-16. In a season where a trade between t
he 23-28 Sacramento Kings and the 21-28 Atlanta Hawks actually has playoff relevance for the team with a worse record, there couldn’t be a better time for revamping the NBA playoff system. Agreeing with Reggie Miller actually frightens me, but I must find a way to move forward. After mulling over a few options, and because David Stern will never actually read this, I will attempt to create a “BASKETBALL UTOPIA.”
The first order of business would be to eliminate the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies. Minnesota, led by Kevin McHale, passed a suitcase under the table to pay Joe Smith, that’s reason enough for me. Memphis, having already failed in Vancouver continues to be miserable, good riddance! Let’s take the players from these two teams and toss them into the 2008 draft pool. There will certainly be an outcry when Miami, adding Al Jefferson to a Dwayne Wade/Shawn Marion core, wins its second NBA Champion
ship. This leaves 28 teams and arguably the most competitive basketball in the history of the game. The influx of global talent and the surprising maturity level of the young players is the primary reason. The NBA is back to playing the kind of basketball it did in the glory days. Yes Vince, you are going to be required to play hard every game now.
Next, a somewhat equitable schedule would have to be put in place. With 4 seven-team divisions, teams would play each team in their own division 4 times (24 games), and teams outside their division 2 times (42 games). Yes, that is correct basketball fans, a 66 game schedule! The winner of each division is rewarded with the 1-4 seeds, while the rest of the league fills out the 5-16 according to overall record. The 1st and 2nd rounds of the playoffs would be 5-game series, the final two rounds 7-game series. I can promise you, it would be fantastic basketball, played at an extremely high level. (Note: this essentially eliminates the conferences, however, we will keep them in place so the “purists” can sleep at night).
North East
Boston
Detroit
Cleveland
Chicago
New Jersey
Utopia, by definition, does not exist. However, with a little creative scheduling, this concept is doable with the existing 30-team league while keeping an 82-game schedule. If anyone has any interest is seeing how, email me at mdcx@comcast.net. It was just a lot more fun making up my own league. Next week I will consummate my marriage to Jessica Alba as well.
he 23-28 Sacramento Kings and the 21-28 Atlanta Hawks actually has playoff relevance for the team with a worse record, there couldn’t be a better time for revamping the NBA playoff system. Agreeing with Reggie Miller actually frightens me, but I must find a way to move forward. After mulling over a few options, and because David Stern will never actually read this, I will attempt to create a “BASKETBALL UTOPIA.” The first order of business would be to eliminate the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies. Minnesota, led by Kevin McHale, passed a suitcase under the table to pay Joe Smith, that’s reason enough for me. Memphis, having already failed in Vancouver continues to be miserable, good riddance! Let’s take the players from these two teams and toss them into the 2008 draft pool. There will certainly be an outcry when Miami, adding Al Jefferson to a Dwayne Wade/Shawn Marion core, wins its second NBA Champion
ship. This leaves 28 teams and arguably the most competitive basketball in the history of the game. The influx of global talent and the surprising maturity level of the young players is the primary reason. The NBA is back to playing the kind of basketball it did in the glory days. Yes Vince, you are going to be required to play hard every game now.Next, a somewhat equitable schedule would have to be put in place. With 4 seven-team divisions, teams would play each team in their own division 4 times (24 games), and teams outside their division 2 times (42 games). Yes, that is correct basketball fans, a 66 game schedule! The winner of each division is rewarded with the 1-4 seeds, while the rest of the league fills out the 5-16 according to overall record. The 1st and 2nd rounds of the playoffs would be 5-game series, the final two rounds 7-game series. I can promise you, it would be fantastic basketball, played at an extremely high level. (Note: this essentially eliminates the conferences, however, we will keep them in place so the “purists” can sleep at night).
North East
Boston
Detroit
Cleveland
Chicago
New Jersey
New York
Toronto
Toronto
South East
Miami
Orlando
Atlanta
Charlotte
Washington
Philadelphia
Indiana
Miami
Orlando
Atlanta
Charlotte
Washington
Philadelphia
Indiana
North West
LA Lakers
Golden State
Utah
Sacramento
Portland
Milwaukee
LA Clippers
South West
San Antonio
Houston
Dallas
Phoenix
Denver
New Orleans
Oklahoma City
Utopia, by definition, does not exist. However, with a little creative scheduling, this concept is doable with the existing 30-team league while keeping an 82-game schedule. If anyone has any interest is seeing how, email me at mdcx@comcast.net. It was just a lot more fun making up my own league. Next week I will consummate my marriage to Jessica Alba as well.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
SUNS SETTING?
Shockwaves: The Phoenix Suns recently made a tidal wave like splash with the acquisition of Shaquille O'Neal for Shawn Marion. There has been much debate as to the ramifications of this deal. Most "experts" immediate reaction was against the trade, but for all the wrong reasons. They suggested the Diesel would slow down the solar powered light speed Suns. I won’t spend too much time on that except to say the Big Aristotle should actually help the running game, not by filling lanes, but by cleaning the defensive glass. Some have gone on record supporting the trade, like ESPN’s Bill Simmons, although it seems he is more excited that someone actually made a move worth discussing. I have analyzed this trade from every possible angle and have concluded that this was an enormous mistake.
Why: I fully understand why they made the trade. There was a lack of energy and joy being displayed on the floor. No one should be surprised by this lack of energy. After the controversial end to their run in the 07 playoffs, the 07-08 regular season was never going to be anything more than an 82 game hangover. Still, they are in 1st place at the all-star break (I realize they are only 2 games over .500 vs. the west). It was simply going to be impossible for this squad to get overly excited until the post season arrived.
Asleep at the Wheel: Now to the real meat & potatoes of this debacle, the Suns interior defense. OF COURSE IT’S GOING TO BE ATROCIOUS. And there is no one to blame other than the Suns ownership. They traded away a very reliable interior defender in Kurt Thomas and draft picks to Seattle for cash in the off-season. Apparently the Suns are in deep financial trouble even with the best bargain in basketball, Steve Nash. And I’m guessing the unexpected merchandise sales he created with his MVP play even makes it more of a bargain. Kurt Thomas makes 8m a year and his contract expires at year-end. If Marion chooses, he could opt out of his contract at the end of the season, thus freeing up 25m in salaries. This would afford the Suns the luxury of spending, at the very least, 15m in the off-season to acquire free agents who are younger than 36 years old. Are you kidding me? Seriously?
Break up the Band: The Suns, as they were made up, were a 60+ win team and a legit threat to win it all. Suns owner Robert Sarver saw fit to give that team a ONE-year window, although the season ended in controversy with Bruce Bowen’s cheap tactics, the Tim Donahue scandal and the Game 5 suspensions imposed by the NBA. You mean to tell me you wouldn’t throw that team back out there for ONE MORE run before giving up? It wasn’t worth the salary cap penalties to give your franchise its best ever opportunity to win a championship? Hey Sarver, you did not have to give Marcus Banks 4-5m a year. I hope you don’t have to file bankruptcy anytime soon.
Crisis Management: Now lets get back to the present day. Nash & Amare are a deadly combination in the half court because of the pick & roll. The lane was open with 3 players on the arc poised to fire a three ball or a cutting Matrix sliding in for an easy bucket. This was all possible because the floor was spread and the lane was more open than the Grand Canyon. Now with Shaq in the mix, what does this do to Amare? If Shaq is on the post and they run the pick and roll, it will force Amare to read and react as opposed to dive to the rack. Passing is the weakest aspect of Amare’s offensive game. The Suns with Shaq in the lineup may even be better served running the pick and roll with Diaw, as he is a more polished passer. But again, what does that do to Amare? Fortunately Stoudemire has greatly improved his jump shot, so in the words of Madonna, there might be a ray of light. (I think Madonna & Shaq were last relevant @ the same time).
Think Outside the Box: Instead of trading for a 300 lb injury, I would have changed my defensive philosophy to keep Amare out of foul trouble. DO NOT have Amare defend the other teams primary post player. The Suns could have made the Matrix (or Skinner when in the game) the primary post defender. Shawn actually gets to spots on the floor faster and keeps the post player further from the basket. Upon entry pass, you could immediately double team with Amare. Amare's length & athleticism would make it more difficult to pass out of the post. Not only would you keep Stoudemire out of foul trouble, it would also speed up the game. Amare freelancing on D is when he is at his best.
Potential Disaster: As I previously stated, the Suns are in 1st place at the All-Star break, however they are only 4 ½ games out of 9th place! Bringing in the 36 year-old Shaq-Fu actually brings the potential of MISSING the playoffs. The schedule they face in the upcoming weeks gets tougher and it only makes it more difficult trying to get used to an aging Superman in the lineup. I still expect them to make the playoffs, mostly because Kobe will be missing his pinky finger for the rest of the season, but Golden State is also lurking.
Silver Lining: Steve Nash. We may find out if he truly is the best point in the game.
Why: I fully understand why they made the trade. There was a lack of energy and joy being displayed on the floor. No one should be surprised by this lack of energy. After the controversial end to their run in the 07 playoffs, the 07-08 regular season was never going to be anything more than an 82 game hangover. Still, they are in 1st place at the all-star break (I realize they are only 2 games over .500 vs. the west). It was simply going to be impossible for this squad to get overly excited until the post season arrived.
Asleep at the Wheel: Now to the real meat & potatoes of this debacle, the Suns interior defense. OF COURSE IT’S GOING TO BE ATROCIOUS. And there is no one to blame other than the Suns ownership. They traded away a very reliable interior defender in Kurt Thomas and draft picks to Seattle for cash in the off-season. Apparently the Suns are in deep financial trouble even with the best bargain in basketball, Steve Nash. And I’m guessing the unexpected merchandise sales he created with his MVP play even makes it more of a bargain. Kurt Thomas makes 8m a year and his contract expires at year-end. If Marion chooses, he could opt out of his contract at the end of the season, thus freeing up 25m in salaries. This would afford the Suns the luxury of spending, at the very least, 15m in the off-season to acquire free agents who are younger than 36 years old. Are you kidding me? Seriously?
Break up the Band: The Suns, as they were made up, were a 60+ win team and a legit threat to win it all. Suns owner Robert Sarver saw fit to give that team a ONE-year window, although the season ended in controversy with Bruce Bowen’s cheap tactics, the Tim Donahue scandal and the Game 5 suspensions imposed by the NBA. You mean to tell me you wouldn’t throw that team back out there for ONE MORE run before giving up? It wasn’t worth the salary cap penalties to give your franchise its best ever opportunity to win a championship? Hey Sarver, you did not have to give Marcus Banks 4-5m a year. I hope you don’t have to file bankruptcy anytime soon.
Crisis Management: Now lets get back to the present day. Nash & Amare are a deadly combination in the half court because of the pick & roll. The lane was open with 3 players on the arc poised to fire a three ball or a cutting Matrix sliding in for an easy bucket. This was all possible because the floor was spread and the lane was more open than the Grand Canyon. Now with Shaq in the mix, what does this do to Amare? If Shaq is on the post and they run the pick and roll, it will force Amare to read and react as opposed to dive to the rack. Passing is the weakest aspect of Amare’s offensive game. The Suns with Shaq in the lineup may even be better served running the pick and roll with Diaw, as he is a more polished passer. But again, what does that do to Amare? Fortunately Stoudemire has greatly improved his jump shot, so in the words of Madonna, there might be a ray of light. (I think Madonna & Shaq were last relevant @ the same time).
Think Outside the Box: Instead of trading for a 300 lb injury, I would have changed my defensive philosophy to keep Amare out of foul trouble. DO NOT have Amare defend the other teams primary post player. The Suns could have made the Matrix (or Skinner when in the game) the primary post defender. Shawn actually gets to spots on the floor faster and keeps the post player further from the basket. Upon entry pass, you could immediately double team with Amare. Amare's length & athleticism would make it more difficult to pass out of the post. Not only would you keep Stoudemire out of foul trouble, it would also speed up the game. Amare freelancing on D is when he is at his best.
Potential Disaster: As I previously stated, the Suns are in 1st place at the All-Star break, however they are only 4 ½ games out of 9th place! Bringing in the 36 year-old Shaq-Fu actually brings the potential of MISSING the playoffs. The schedule they face in the upcoming weeks gets tougher and it only makes it more difficult trying to get used to an aging Superman in the lineup. I still expect them to make the playoffs, mostly because Kobe will be missing his pinky finger for the rest of the season, but Golden State is also lurking.
Silver Lining: Steve Nash. We may find out if he truly is the best point in the game.
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