Some Mailman love here and http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/jack_mccallum/08/11/malone.pippen.hof/index.html.
Very classy, moving speech he gave tonight.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Who I Want to Win the 2011 NBA Finals
30. LOS ANGELES LAKERS - Highest payroll in the league. Kobe's got five rings now, Phil Jackson's got eleven. Enough! Someone please knock them off their horse! If Kobe and Phil left and it became Pau's team, maybe I could like them again, which I haven't been able to do since Magic retired.
29. MIAMI HEAT - If the Finals come down to Lakers-Heat, you bet I'm rooting for the Heat. Otherwise I'm looking forward to the soap-opera year this team is sure to have. And Miami won a championship not too long ago.
28. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - A team run this badly does not deserve to win.
27. DALLAS MAVERICKS - Come on, is there an owner more fun to hate than Mark Cuban? I don't really hate Mark Cuban, in the way I didn't really hate Nature Boy Ric Flair when he was backstabbing good guys left and right in his pro-wrestling prime. Both are showmen. I guess it's called sports-hate. What can I say? The Dirk-era Mavs are like the C-Webb Kings. I'm glad they're good, but I enjoy rooting against them. Again, if it's the Lakers and Mavs in the Western Conference Finals, I'm going back to my Amarillo roots and becoming a big Mavs fan. (From now on, when I say hate, I mean sports-hate.)
26. DETROIT PISTONS - They already have three rings in the past twenty years. And see #28.
25. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Four rings in the past decade is plenty. They're getting old, and they're not even fun to hate. They're just annoying. Annoyingly effective, but annoying nevertheless.
24. DENVER NUGGETS - I lived in Seattle in the late 1980's/early 1990's, so I am a Coach Karl fan, but I revelled in the Nugs falling apart under Adrian Dantley's watch. Melo's like Dirk. I can respect his game, but he's fun/easy to hate. And K-Mart, and J.R. Smith...
23. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS - They're owned by Michael Jordan and coached by Larry Brown, so...
22. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - They won in the 1980's once, so no.
21. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS - For firing Kevin Pritchard on draft night, and for trying to steal Jazz players every year with toxic contract offers (and succeeding this year with Wesley Matthews), I say there are 20 other teams I'd rather have win.
20. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS - No Jazz fan wants Chris Paul to win a ring before Deron Williams, nor a New Orleans franchise to win a ring before a Utah one.
19. INDIANA PACERS - I could care less about this team, but if THIS squad won a ring, I would then be looking for the last few signs of the Apocalypse.
18. HOUSTON ROCKETS - They won twice in the 1990's, so no. Though I do hope Yao Ming doesn't have to retire.
17. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - Coach Don Nelson has become a parody of himself, so no.
16. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Good thing they changed their name from the Bullets, right, Gilbert? Gilbert? Sheesh, what's eating him?
15. L.A. CLIPPERS - If they won, it would justify everything Donald Sterling has ever done, and we can't have that.
14. CHICAGO BULLS - They had MJ. They're not allowed to get more rings just yet.
13. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - In a way, I'd like them to benefit from the otherwise brutal Pau Gasol giveaway. On the other hand, this is the team that handed two more rings to Kobe on a platter.
12. NEW JERSEY NETS - I must admit, I'd enjoy the Russian Billionaire geting more pub, but see the Pacers.
11. NEW YORK KNICKS - See the Pacers.
10. SACRAMENTO KINGS - See the Pacers.
9. TORONTO RAPTORS - Noh Canada. On one hand, it'd be cool to see a team thrive after its superstar leaves, but no.
8. ATLANTA HAWKS - We're actually getting into teams I kinda like now. Hawks seem constantly on the verge of breaking through, and it'd be nice if they can figure it out. But man, they're going to regret that Joe Johnson contract in three years!
7. BOSTON CELTICS - I can like Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and company. They play hard. They were two minutes away from winning last year, and I would've loved it. (Actually it would have felt more like relief.) And in a way I'd like Shaq to tie Kobe for championship rings.
6. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - I don't really like the Cavs, but it'd be awesomely funny for the city if the team could pull it off.
5. MILWAUKEE BUCKS - Small market team doing what they can with the limited resources they have. They look like they're making smart moves. Plus Andrew Bogut came out of Utah, so I'd like to see him excel.
4. ORLANDO MAGIC - If a team in the East wins, I'd like it to be these guys. Let coach Stan Van Gundy get some long-due revenge against Pat Riley for his Fredo-style execution from the Miami family.
3. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Part of me still sees them as the Sonics, and while it sucks Seattle doesn't have an NBA team anymore, Kevin Durant is the humble superstar this league really benefits from.
2. PHOENIX SUNS - It'd be cool if old man Steve Nash could pull it off after all he's been through. The Donaghy playoffs, losing D'Antoni, Steve Kerr devastating the team, Amare bailing...
... but it's distant #2 compared to...
1. UTAH JAZZ - Jerry Sloan. The Miller family, carrying on the tradition of the late great Larry H. Deron Williams emerging as the best point guard in the league. Al Jefferson finally being on a winning team. The winningest franchise of the past 25 years without winning a ring winning a ring. Jerry Sloan. Make it happen!
29. MIAMI HEAT - If the Finals come down to Lakers-Heat, you bet I'm rooting for the Heat. Otherwise I'm looking forward to the soap-opera year this team is sure to have. And Miami won a championship not too long ago.
28. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - A team run this badly does not deserve to win.
27. DALLAS MAVERICKS - Come on, is there an owner more fun to hate than Mark Cuban? I don't really hate Mark Cuban, in the way I didn't really hate Nature Boy Ric Flair when he was backstabbing good guys left and right in his pro-wrestling prime. Both are showmen. I guess it's called sports-hate. What can I say? The Dirk-era Mavs are like the C-Webb Kings. I'm glad they're good, but I enjoy rooting against them. Again, if it's the Lakers and Mavs in the Western Conference Finals, I'm going back to my Amarillo roots and becoming a big Mavs fan. (From now on, when I say hate, I mean sports-hate.)
26. DETROIT PISTONS - They already have three rings in the past twenty years. And see #28.
25. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Four rings in the past decade is plenty. They're getting old, and they're not even fun to hate. They're just annoying. Annoyingly effective, but annoying nevertheless.
24. DENVER NUGGETS - I lived in Seattle in the late 1980's/early 1990's, so I am a Coach Karl fan, but I revelled in the Nugs falling apart under Adrian Dantley's watch. Melo's like Dirk. I can respect his game, but he's fun/easy to hate. And K-Mart, and J.R. Smith...
23. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS - They're owned by Michael Jordan and coached by Larry Brown, so...
22. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - They won in the 1980's once, so no.
21. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS - For firing Kevin Pritchard on draft night, and for trying to steal Jazz players every year with toxic contract offers (and succeeding this year with Wesley Matthews), I say there are 20 other teams I'd rather have win.
20. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS - No Jazz fan wants Chris Paul to win a ring before Deron Williams, nor a New Orleans franchise to win a ring before a Utah one.
19. INDIANA PACERS - I could care less about this team, but if THIS squad won a ring, I would then be looking for the last few signs of the Apocalypse.
18. HOUSTON ROCKETS - They won twice in the 1990's, so no. Though I do hope Yao Ming doesn't have to retire.
17. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - Coach Don Nelson has become a parody of himself, so no.
16. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Good thing they changed their name from the Bullets, right, Gilbert? Gilbert? Sheesh, what's eating him?
15. L.A. CLIPPERS - If they won, it would justify everything Donald Sterling has ever done, and we can't have that.
14. CHICAGO BULLS - They had MJ. They're not allowed to get more rings just yet.
13. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - In a way, I'd like them to benefit from the otherwise brutal Pau Gasol giveaway. On the other hand, this is the team that handed two more rings to Kobe on a platter.
12. NEW JERSEY NETS - I must admit, I'd enjoy the Russian Billionaire geting more pub, but see the Pacers.
11. NEW YORK KNICKS - See the Pacers.
10. SACRAMENTO KINGS - See the Pacers.
9. TORONTO RAPTORS - Noh Canada. On one hand, it'd be cool to see a team thrive after its superstar leaves, but no.
8. ATLANTA HAWKS - We're actually getting into teams I kinda like now. Hawks seem constantly on the verge of breaking through, and it'd be nice if they can figure it out. But man, they're going to regret that Joe Johnson contract in three years!
7. BOSTON CELTICS - I can like Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and company. They play hard. They were two minutes away from winning last year, and I would've loved it. (Actually it would have felt more like relief.) And in a way I'd like Shaq to tie Kobe for championship rings.
6. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - I don't really like the Cavs, but it'd be awesomely funny for the city if the team could pull it off.
5. MILWAUKEE BUCKS - Small market team doing what they can with the limited resources they have. They look like they're making smart moves. Plus Andrew Bogut came out of Utah, so I'd like to see him excel.
4. ORLANDO MAGIC - If a team in the East wins, I'd like it to be these guys. Let coach Stan Van Gundy get some long-due revenge against Pat Riley for his Fredo-style execution from the Miami family.
3. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Part of me still sees them as the Sonics, and while it sucks Seattle doesn't have an NBA team anymore, Kevin Durant is the humble superstar this league really benefits from.
2. PHOENIX SUNS - It'd be cool if old man Steve Nash could pull it off after all he's been through. The Donaghy playoffs, losing D'Antoni, Steve Kerr devastating the team, Amare bailing...
... but it's distant #2 compared to...
1. UTAH JAZZ - Jerry Sloan. The Miller family, carrying on the tradition of the late great Larry H. Deron Williams emerging as the best point guard in the league. Al Jefferson finally being on a winning team. The winningest franchise of the past 25 years without winning a ring winning a ring. Jerry Sloan. Make it happen!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
T-Wolves get even worse
The Minnesota Timberwolves are trading Ramon Sessions and Ryan Hollins to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Delonte West and Sebastian Telfair. Um, why? They have Jonny Flynn, they have Luke Ridnour, they have Ricky Rubio out there. How many point guards do they need?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
NBA Power Rankings
Off-Season Power Rankings
WEST
1. L.A. LAKERS
Best 7: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Derek Fisher, Steve Blake
They're the champs, and they haven't really lost anybody. Blake should see significant time as Fisher's backup.
2. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Best 7: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Thabo Sefolosha, Nick Collison, James Harden, Serge Ibaka
When you look at the jump in improvement from 2009 to 2010, you'd have to expect that much more improvement this season, right? Durant's proving to be one of those really special players, one to mention in the same breath as LeBron soon enough.
3. DALLAS MAVERICKS
Best 7: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood, Jason Terry
They also have JJ Barea and Rodrique Beaubois. This is a deep team that could do some damage if Kidd's as effective as he was last year and Mark Cuban doesn't trade a third of the team like he seems to do every mid-season. Cohesion is the key with these guys.
4. UTAH JAZZ
Best 7: Deron Williams, Al Jefferson, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Millsap, Mehmet Okur, CJ Miles, Raja Bell
They replaced a 6-8 20/10 power forward (Boozer) with a 6-10 20/10 center forward (Jefferson). They drafted Gordon Hayward, who showed in summer league he'll be able to handle the shooting and perimeter passing the Jazz will miss without Kyle Korver and Wesley Matthews. And they're bringing back Raja Bell, who won the hearts and minds of 14 other Western fanbases when he clotheslined Kobe in the playoffs a few years back. Now if they can just stay healthy...
5. DENVER NUGGETS
Best 7: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Nene, Kenyon Martin, JR Smith, Ty Lawson, Al Harrington
Al Harrington was a great pick-up for them, especially for a team with injury issues. The most important thing for this team is to have coach George Karl back. The Adrian Dantley experiment proved disastrous.
6. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Best 7: Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Miller, Greg Oden, Nicolas Batum, Marcus Camby, Wesley Matthews
They overpaid to bring over Wesley Matthews. Now Rudy Fernandez has to be wondering what his role is. Still, if Greg Oden can stay on the court, the Roy-Aldridge dup can only excel.
7. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Best 7: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, George Hill, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner
Health, health, health. Let me beat the drum. The Richard Jefferson experiment didn't work, and they're definitely not done looking around in the free agent market. In fact, Jefferson might even return to the Spurs at a lower price. I think the championship window has closed on this team, but not the playoffs window.
8. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Best 7: Yao Ming, Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, Luis Scola, Aaron Brooks, Chase Budinger
It will be good for the NBA if Yao Ming can return as his old self after missing the past year or so. This is a talented group that should be able to make some noise.
9. PHOENIX SUNS
Best 7: Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Jason Richardson, Goran Dragic, Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Childress, Robin Lopez
They've brought in some good players, but they will collectively not make up for the absense of Amare Stoudamire. And I predict this is the year the fountain of youth wears off and Nash loses a step. And Grant Hill.
10. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Best 7: OJ Mayo, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Marko Jaric, Tony Allen
If they had an All-Star point guard on this squad they'd be much higher, but Conley so far has not proven to be more than serviceable. They threw away a draft pick by trading for Ronnie Brewer and then passing on him to bring in Tony Allen.
11. L.A. CLIPPERS
Best 7: Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, Ryan Gomes, Al-Farouq Aminu, Randy Foye
Great starting five. No bench. A lot is riding on Griffin and Aminu, who have yet to play a minute.
12. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Best 7: Chris Paul, David West, Darren Collison, Emeka Okafor, Peja Stojakovic, Marcus Thornton, James Posey
A talented team that's been in disarray. Would they dare trade CP3?
13. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Best 7: Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Francisco Garcia, Samuel Dalembert, Beno Udrih, Carl Landry, Jason Thompson
I'm trying not to put too many rookies in the best 7 but Cousins has been dominant in summer league. He bodes well for the Kings' future, and they'll be in prime positions for the free agent class of 2011.
14. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Best 7: Stephen Curry, David Lee, Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, Dan Gadzuric, Charlie Bell
Curry-Lee-Ellis-Biedrins should be able to do some damage, but Don Nelson's still coaching and that's all they got.
15. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Best 7: Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn, Martell Webster, Michael Beasley, Corey Brewer, Ramon Sessions, Ryan Hollins
This team's a mess.
EAST
1. MIAMI HEAT
Best 7: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mario Chalmers, Udonis Halsem
The Big Three are getting decent help. They're instantly the most hated team in the East, and the favorite. It's going to be a special year.
2. ORLANDO MAGIC
Best 7: Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Mickael Pietrus, JJ Redick, Chris Duhon
I wonder if Fran Vasquez is ever going to join this team. Anyway, if the Heat ever have a chemistry meltdown, these guys are right there. And they will be there for years to come.
3. BOSTON CELTICS
Best 7: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Jermaine O'Neal
I'd heard Rasheed Wallace was retiring but I don't know if that's official or not. They're keeping the gang together, and while age may have been a factor in the finals, they were only a minute away from winning their second championship in three years. They have high hopes for Avery Bradley too.
4. CHICAGO BULLS
Best 7: Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer
They took the consolation prize of Boozer in the free agent market. I can't help but think they regret giving away Kirk Hinrich now. But hey, they're getting three Jazz players, and those guys know how to get to the playoffs. They still need to fill out their bench.
5. ATLANTA HAWKS
Best 7: Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Zaza Pachulia
They overpaid to keep Johnson, but after the top-heavy teams, the East is pretty thin. They should be in the mix of it all year.
6. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Best 7: Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd, Corey Maggette, John Salmons, Luc Mbah a Moute, Drew Gooden
This will be an interesting team to watch. I really like the pieces they put together. I wonder if they try trading Redd or just let his salary come off the books next year and go for a big-name free agent.
7. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Best 7: Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson, DJ Augustin, Tyrus Thomas, Erick Dampier, Boris Diaw, Matt Carroll
I'm not crazy about their current roster, but Larry Brown is still there as coach and no team below them has made any moves to jump above them. I predict they'll be the 7th seed in the East with a 41-41 record.
8. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Best 7: Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao, Antawn Jamison, Delonte West, Anthony Parker, JJ Hickson, Daniel Gibson
After years of building the roster to compliment LeBron James, he's gone, and now they're stuck with a James-less, Z-less, Shaq-less roster. But I don't see this team rolling over and dying, especially not with Byron Scott as their coach.
9. NEW YORK KNICKS
Best 7: Amare Stoudamire, Anthony Randolph, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Ronny Turiaf, Kelenna Azubuike
Amare and Mike D'Antoni are reunited, and the result will be the Knicks have their best season in years. Just not good enough to make the playoffs, unless they get a good mid-season deal.
10. TORONTO RAPTORS
Best 7: Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Leandro Barbosa, Marco Bellinelli, Jarrett Jack, Amir Johnson, Demar DeRozan
Another team that'll play with a chip on its shoulder now that they've lost their star player. But Barbosa should fit in nicely, and Ed Davis will get every opportunity to contribute right away.
11. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Best 7: Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Elton Brand, Andres Nocioni, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday, Jason Kapono
Evan Turner wasn't great in summer league, but he should pick the NBA game pretty quickly and get this team back on the right path. A lot hinges on his progress and Brand's health. I don't know if Doug Collins still has it in him to be a great coach. I remember his Wizards stint.
12. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Best 7: Gilbert Arenas, John Wall, Al Thornton, Kirk Hinrich, Andray Blatche, Nick Young, JaVale McGee
Arenas, Wall, Hinrich. One heck of a backcourt. But what do they really have for a frontcourt?
13. DETROIT PISTONS
Best 7: Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Gordon, Rodney Stuckey, Austin Daye, Charlie Villenueva, Jason Maxiell
Greg Monroe will be a nice addition to this club, but last year made it look like it's time to blow this thing up and start over. I'm sure they'll entertain plenty of offers for Tayshaun's expiring contract in the midseason.
14. INDIANA PACERS
Best 7: Danny Granger, Brandon Rush, TJ Ford, Jamaal Tinsley, Roy Hibbert, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy
Seems like this season will just be a formality so they can get all these ex-Warrior contracts off their books next year.
15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Best 7: Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee, Travis Outlaw, Josh Boone, Jordan Farmar, Terrence Williams
The worst team in the league last year and their big free agent signings were Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow and Travis Outlaw. And if summer league's any indication, it's going to take Derrick Favors a year or two to develop. I don't really think they'll be the worst in the East but I think the bottom five of six will only be three or four games apart.
WEST
1. L.A. LAKERS
Best 7: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Derek Fisher, Steve Blake
They're the champs, and they haven't really lost anybody. Blake should see significant time as Fisher's backup.
2. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Best 7: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Thabo Sefolosha, Nick Collison, James Harden, Serge Ibaka
When you look at the jump in improvement from 2009 to 2010, you'd have to expect that much more improvement this season, right? Durant's proving to be one of those really special players, one to mention in the same breath as LeBron soon enough.
3. DALLAS MAVERICKS
Best 7: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Caron Butler, Shawn Marion, Tyson Chandler, Brendan Haywood, Jason Terry
They also have JJ Barea and Rodrique Beaubois. This is a deep team that could do some damage if Kidd's as effective as he was last year and Mark Cuban doesn't trade a third of the team like he seems to do every mid-season. Cohesion is the key with these guys.
4. UTAH JAZZ
Best 7: Deron Williams, Al Jefferson, Andrei Kirilenko, Paul Millsap, Mehmet Okur, CJ Miles, Raja Bell
They replaced a 6-8 20/10 power forward (Boozer) with a 6-10 20/10 center forward (Jefferson). They drafted Gordon Hayward, who showed in summer league he'll be able to handle the shooting and perimeter passing the Jazz will miss without Kyle Korver and Wesley Matthews. And they're bringing back Raja Bell, who won the hearts and minds of 14 other Western fanbases when he clotheslined Kobe in the playoffs a few years back. Now if they can just stay healthy...
5. DENVER NUGGETS
Best 7: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Nene, Kenyon Martin, JR Smith, Ty Lawson, Al Harrington
Al Harrington was a great pick-up for them, especially for a team with injury issues. The most important thing for this team is to have coach George Karl back. The Adrian Dantley experiment proved disastrous.
6. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Best 7: Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Miller, Greg Oden, Nicolas Batum, Marcus Camby, Wesley Matthews
They overpaid to bring over Wesley Matthews. Now Rudy Fernandez has to be wondering what his role is. Still, if Greg Oden can stay on the court, the Roy-Aldridge dup can only excel.
7. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Best 7: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, George Hill, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair, Matt Bonner
Health, health, health. Let me beat the drum. The Richard Jefferson experiment didn't work, and they're definitely not done looking around in the free agent market. In fact, Jefferson might even return to the Spurs at a lower price. I think the championship window has closed on this team, but not the playoffs window.
8. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Best 7: Yao Ming, Kevin Martin, Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, Luis Scola, Aaron Brooks, Chase Budinger
It will be good for the NBA if Yao Ming can return as his old self after missing the past year or so. This is a talented group that should be able to make some noise.
9. PHOENIX SUNS
Best 7: Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Jason Richardson, Goran Dragic, Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Childress, Robin Lopez
They've brought in some good players, but they will collectively not make up for the absense of Amare Stoudamire. And I predict this is the year the fountain of youth wears off and Nash loses a step. And Grant Hill.
10. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Best 7: OJ Mayo, Marc Gasol, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Marko Jaric, Tony Allen
If they had an All-Star point guard on this squad they'd be much higher, but Conley so far has not proven to be more than serviceable. They threw away a draft pick by trading for Ronnie Brewer and then passing on him to bring in Tony Allen.
11. L.A. CLIPPERS
Best 7: Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, Ryan Gomes, Al-Farouq Aminu, Randy Foye
Great starting five. No bench. A lot is riding on Griffin and Aminu, who have yet to play a minute.
12. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
Best 7: Chris Paul, David West, Darren Collison, Emeka Okafor, Peja Stojakovic, Marcus Thornton, James Posey
A talented team that's been in disarray. Would they dare trade CP3?
13. SACRAMENTO KINGS
Best 7: Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Francisco Garcia, Samuel Dalembert, Beno Udrih, Carl Landry, Jason Thompson
I'm trying not to put too many rookies in the best 7 but Cousins has been dominant in summer league. He bodes well for the Kings' future, and they'll be in prime positions for the free agent class of 2011.
14. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Best 7: Stephen Curry, David Lee, Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins, Brandan Wright, Dan Gadzuric, Charlie Bell
Curry-Lee-Ellis-Biedrins should be able to do some damage, but Don Nelson's still coaching and that's all they got.
15. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Best 7: Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn, Martell Webster, Michael Beasley, Corey Brewer, Ramon Sessions, Ryan Hollins
This team's a mess.
EAST
1. MIAMI HEAT
Best 7: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Mario Chalmers, Udonis Halsem
The Big Three are getting decent help. They're instantly the most hated team in the East, and the favorite. It's going to be a special year.
2. ORLANDO MAGIC
Best 7: Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, Mickael Pietrus, JJ Redick, Chris Duhon
I wonder if Fran Vasquez is ever going to join this team. Anyway, if the Heat ever have a chemistry meltdown, these guys are right there. And they will be there for years to come.
3. BOSTON CELTICS
Best 7: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Jermaine O'Neal
I'd heard Rasheed Wallace was retiring but I don't know if that's official or not. They're keeping the gang together, and while age may have been a factor in the finals, they were only a minute away from winning their second championship in three years. They have high hopes for Avery Bradley too.
4. CHICAGO BULLS
Best 7: Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer
They took the consolation prize of Boozer in the free agent market. I can't help but think they regret giving away Kirk Hinrich now. But hey, they're getting three Jazz players, and those guys know how to get to the playoffs. They still need to fill out their bench.
5. ATLANTA HAWKS
Best 7: Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, Zaza Pachulia
They overpaid to keep Johnson, but after the top-heavy teams, the East is pretty thin. They should be in the mix of it all year.
6. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Best 7: Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd, Corey Maggette, John Salmons, Luc Mbah a Moute, Drew Gooden
This will be an interesting team to watch. I really like the pieces they put together. I wonder if they try trading Redd or just let his salary come off the books next year and go for a big-name free agent.
7. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
Best 7: Gerald Wallace, Stephen Jackson, DJ Augustin, Tyrus Thomas, Erick Dampier, Boris Diaw, Matt Carroll
I'm not crazy about their current roster, but Larry Brown is still there as coach and no team below them has made any moves to jump above them. I predict they'll be the 7th seed in the East with a 41-41 record.
8. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Best 7: Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao, Antawn Jamison, Delonte West, Anthony Parker, JJ Hickson, Daniel Gibson
After years of building the roster to compliment LeBron James, he's gone, and now they're stuck with a James-less, Z-less, Shaq-less roster. But I don't see this team rolling over and dying, especially not with Byron Scott as their coach.
9. NEW YORK KNICKS
Best 7: Amare Stoudamire, Anthony Randolph, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Ronny Turiaf, Kelenna Azubuike
Amare and Mike D'Antoni are reunited, and the result will be the Knicks have their best season in years. Just not good enough to make the playoffs, unless they get a good mid-season deal.
10. TORONTO RAPTORS
Best 7: Andrea Bargnani, Jose Calderon, Leandro Barbosa, Marco Bellinelli, Jarrett Jack, Amir Johnson, Demar DeRozan
Another team that'll play with a chip on its shoulder now that they've lost their star player. But Barbosa should fit in nicely, and Ed Davis will get every opportunity to contribute right away.
11. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Best 7: Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, Elton Brand, Andres Nocioni, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday, Jason Kapono
Evan Turner wasn't great in summer league, but he should pick the NBA game pretty quickly and get this team back on the right path. A lot hinges on his progress and Brand's health. I don't know if Doug Collins still has it in him to be a great coach. I remember his Wizards stint.
12. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Best 7: Gilbert Arenas, John Wall, Al Thornton, Kirk Hinrich, Andray Blatche, Nick Young, JaVale McGee
Arenas, Wall, Hinrich. One heck of a backcourt. But what do they really have for a frontcourt?
13. DETROIT PISTONS
Best 7: Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Gordon, Rodney Stuckey, Austin Daye, Charlie Villenueva, Jason Maxiell
Greg Monroe will be a nice addition to this club, but last year made it look like it's time to blow this thing up and start over. I'm sure they'll entertain plenty of offers for Tayshaun's expiring contract in the midseason.
14. INDIANA PACERS
Best 7: Danny Granger, Brandon Rush, TJ Ford, Jamaal Tinsley, Roy Hibbert, Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy
Seems like this season will just be a formality so they can get all these ex-Warrior contracts off their books next year.
15. NEW JERSEY NETS
Best 7: Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Courtney Lee, Travis Outlaw, Josh Boone, Jordan Farmar, Terrence Williams
The worst team in the league last year and their big free agent signings were Jordan Farmar, Anthony Morrow and Travis Outlaw. And if summer league's any indication, it's going to take Derrick Favors a year or two to develop. I don't really think they'll be the worst in the East but I think the bottom five of six will only be three or four games apart.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Does Raja Bell make the Jazz the 2nd best team in West?
He certainly helps. I think the Al Jefferson acquisiton was great, and adding Raja just gets me excited. I'm ready for the NBA season to begin.
Here's what a West-Coaster has to say about the Jazz:
Here's what a West-Coaster has to say about the Jazz:
Raja Bell joined a Utah Jazz team that quietly put together one of the best off-season’s of any organization and could be a load for the Lakers to handle come playoff time. Deron Williams is a top-tier point guard, in Bell they now have a player that’s comfortable guarding Bryant, and the front line is one that’s formidable enough, at the very least, to contend with the Lakers having acquired Al Jefferson to go along with Paul Millsap, Mehmet Okur and a now healthy Andrei Kirilenko. Add in first round draft pick Gordon Hayward who can shoot lights out and the Jazz might very well be the 2nd best team in the West.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
NBA Summer League - Game 1 - Jazz vs. Bobcats
I watched the first half.
Gordon Hayward - His defense seemed pretty good, never got beat by his man. He had nice passing skills, and when they finally figured out how to get him the ball, he did good things.
Sundiata Gaines - Seemed to suffer a bit from Carlos Arroyo syndrome, a lot of dribbling, a lot of trying to do everything himself. Had trouble in general getting the ball to people unless it was a dump up high. Played with the confidence of an NBA player.
Kosta Koufos - He looks bigger up top, a little stronger, but he's not necessarily quicker, even though he showed hustle. He should dominate the summer league, but Alexis Ajinca outplayed him more often than he outplayed him.
Jermareo Davidson - Looked like the second coming of Mikki Moore.
Jeremy Evans - Long and skinny but quick. Interesting body. He'd be a good weapon when they're playing up-tempo teams.
On the Bobcats, in addition to Ajinca, Gerald Henderson looked really good.
Gordon Hayward - His defense seemed pretty good, never got beat by his man. He had nice passing skills, and when they finally figured out how to get him the ball, he did good things.
Sundiata Gaines - Seemed to suffer a bit from Carlos Arroyo syndrome, a lot of dribbling, a lot of trying to do everything himself. Had trouble in general getting the ball to people unless it was a dump up high. Played with the confidence of an NBA player.
Kosta Koufos - He looks bigger up top, a little stronger, but he's not necessarily quicker, even though he showed hustle. He should dominate the summer league, but Alexis Ajinca outplayed him more often than he outplayed him.
Jermareo Davidson - Looked like the second coming of Mikki Moore.
Jeremy Evans - Long and skinny but quick. Interesting body. He'd be a good weapon when they're playing up-tempo teams.
On the Bobcats, in addition to Ajinca, Gerald Henderson looked really good.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Free agency frenzy, as of Monday
I'm reading at ESPN, Hoopshype, etc., that
- Paul Pierce is staying with the Celtics for approx. 4 year, $61 million.
- Joe Johnson is staying with the Hawks for 6 years, $120 million (which the Hawks will regret in three years).
- Dirk Nowitzki is staying with the Mavericks for 4 years, $65 million.
Amare Stoudamire is leaning toward New York.
Carlos Boozer is waiting to see what LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh do to see where he can then go. It looks like he'd go to Chicago or Miami, whichever place Bosh doesn't go. I've also read one scenario where Wade could sign with Chicago and then Boozer would sign for the leftover $13.6 million, or Chicago may try sign-and-trading Luol Deng to make room for a second max guy.
If they could keep Deng, get Wade and Boozer, and still have Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, that's an impressive starting five in the East. And if LeBron leaves Cleveland, and Boston doesn't retain Ray Allen, suddenly it's Chicago and Orlando duking it out for Best in the East.
I wouldn't count out New Jersey or New York making big moves, but no matter what they do, I see them lucky just to make the playoffs.
- Paul Pierce is staying with the Celtics for approx. 4 year, $61 million.
- Joe Johnson is staying with the Hawks for 6 years, $120 million (which the Hawks will regret in three years).
- Dirk Nowitzki is staying with the Mavericks for 4 years, $65 million.
Amare Stoudamire is leaning toward New York.
Carlos Boozer is waiting to see what LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh do to see where he can then go. It looks like he'd go to Chicago or Miami, whichever place Bosh doesn't go. I've also read one scenario where Wade could sign with Chicago and then Boozer would sign for the leftover $13.6 million, or Chicago may try sign-and-trading Luol Deng to make room for a second max guy.
If they could keep Deng, get Wade and Boozer, and still have Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, that's an impressive starting five in the East. And if LeBron leaves Cleveland, and Boston doesn't retain Ray Allen, suddenly it's Chicago and Orlando duking it out for Best in the East.
I wouldn't count out New Jersey or New York making big moves, but no matter what they do, I see them lucky just to make the playoffs.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Free Agent Frenzy
What I'm hearing today:
- Memphis offering a 5-year $80 million deal to keep Rudy Gay.
- Minnesota offering a 4-year $20 million deal to keep Darko Milicic.
- Milwaukee offering a 5-year $32 million deal to land Drew Gooden.
- Atlanta offering a 6-year $120 million deal to keep Joe Johnson.
Pat Riley's still hoping he can keep Dwyane Wade, land LeBron James, and then still get Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudamire or Carlos Boozer (in that order) as the third star.
The Lakers plan to keep Derek Fisher and let Jordan Farmar walk.
- Memphis offering a 5-year $80 million deal to keep Rudy Gay.
- Minnesota offering a 4-year $20 million deal to keep Darko Milicic.
- Milwaukee offering a 5-year $32 million deal to land Drew Gooden.
- Atlanta offering a 6-year $120 million deal to keep Joe Johnson.
Pat Riley's still hoping he can keep Dwyane Wade, land LeBron James, and then still get Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudamire or Carlos Boozer (in that order) as the third star.
The Lakers plan to keep Derek Fisher and let Jordan Farmar walk.
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