#3 Enes Kanter - C
#12 Alec Burks - SG
Overall, I think I'm good with this. Would've liked Walker or Fredette to fall to #12 so the Jazz could get that dynamic backup point guard, but Burks has athleticism, and hopefully he can improve his outside shot. Kanter is a big question mark. High risk/high reward thing. There were intriguing guys available - Kawhi Leonard, Marcus Morris, Chris Singleton - so now time will tell if they made the right choice. Gordon Hayward's panning out, so the Jazz seem to know what they're doing with lottery picks.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Dallas Mavericks win NBA championship!
In the past 27 years, only the Lakers, Bulls, Pistons, Spurs, Rockets, Celtics and Heat have won the championship, but now you can add the Mavericks.
It was a team win vs. 3 stars and their role-players.
Some thoughts on Game 6:
- LeBron James may have led his team in scoring but he was -24 on the floor. With a final score of 105-95, LBJ did more harm than good on the floor.
- Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Brian Cardinal were +18.
- Despite his terrible shooting this game, Dirk Nowitzki really was the MVP of the series. He did have 11 rebounds this game, but this game, Jason Terry was the MVP. 27 points on 11-16 shooting.
This was a very satisfying Finals. My favorite since the 2008 Celtics-Lakers series anyway.
It was a team win vs. 3 stars and their role-players.
Some thoughts on Game 6:
- LeBron James may have led his team in scoring but he was -24 on the floor. With a final score of 105-95, LBJ did more harm than good on the floor.
- Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion and Brian Cardinal were +18.
- Despite his terrible shooting this game, Dirk Nowitzki really was the MVP of the series. He did have 11 rebounds this game, but this game, Jason Terry was the MVP. 27 points on 11-16 shooting.
This was a very satisfying Finals. My favorite since the 2008 Celtics-Lakers series anyway.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Mavericks tie series at 2-2
No thoughts on Game 3 cuz I didn't watch it. But Game 4...
- On the Heat, Dwyane Wade played like a champion. His teammates played like Finals participants.
- It's unfair to compare Dirk's flu game to Michael Jordan's flu game because MJ is the best player in NBA history. Dirk still had 21 and 11 and his team won.
- Dirk's teammates stepped up. Tyson Chandler was a rebounding beast, Jason Terry was making his shots, JJ Barea had his spurts, Shawn Marion got his points. Good team effort.
- The defense of the two teams is what makes this the best finals in years, even if Miami winds up winning.
- These playoffs were one possession away from Dallas being up 3-1, and two possessions away from Miami sweeping the series.
- LeBron James led the Heat in rebounds and assists, but that 3-11 shooting line is what everyone's going to pounce on.
- One reason Udonis Haslem plays such good defense on Dirk in the fourth is the refs are giving him a lot of leeway. There were some slo-mo replays where Haslem's draped all over him as Dirk was running to the basket. I get the feeling on those if Dirk missed, whistles would've blown.
- On the Heat, Dwyane Wade played like a champion. His teammates played like Finals participants.
- It's unfair to compare Dirk's flu game to Michael Jordan's flu game because MJ is the best player in NBA history. Dirk still had 21 and 11 and his team won.
- Dirk's teammates stepped up. Tyson Chandler was a rebounding beast, Jason Terry was making his shots, JJ Barea had his spurts, Shawn Marion got his points. Good team effort.
- The defense of the two teams is what makes this the best finals in years, even if Miami winds up winning.
- These playoffs were one possession away from Dallas being up 3-1, and two possessions away from Miami sweeping the series.
- LeBron James led the Heat in rebounds and assists, but that 3-11 shooting line is what everyone's going to pounce on.
- One reason Udonis Haslem plays such good defense on Dirk in the fourth is the refs are giving him a lot of leeway. There were some slo-mo replays where Haslem's draped all over him as Dirk was running to the basket. I get the feeling on those if Dirk missed, whistles would've blown.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Mavericks beat Heat in Game 2
Some thoughts on Game 2:
- The "celebration" by Dwyane Wade that put Miami up 88-73 wasn't something I haven't seen a hundred times this year from players hitting a big shot, putting their team up that much more, that prompts the opposing coach to call time out. Jason Terry's done it many times. BUT if that motivates the Mavs to dig in, and it spurs them to close the game on a 22-5 run, more power to them.
- When the score went to 88-75, Jeff Van Gundy pointed out that Dallas is very capable of fourth-quarter comebacks.
- Few people can guard Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Bosh is not one of them. But Udonis Haslem was late on the help defense for Dirk's game-winning lay-up.
- A stat I hear on ESPN afterwards: whichever team in the NBA Finals wins Game 3 when it's 1-1 always wins the championship.
- The "celebration" by Dwyane Wade that put Miami up 88-73 wasn't something I haven't seen a hundred times this year from players hitting a big shot, putting their team up that much more, that prompts the opposing coach to call time out. Jason Terry's done it many times. BUT if that motivates the Mavs to dig in, and it spurs them to close the game on a 22-5 run, more power to them.
- When the score went to 88-75, Jeff Van Gundy pointed out that Dallas is very capable of fourth-quarter comebacks.
- Few people can guard Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Bosh is not one of them. But Udonis Haslem was late on the help defense for Dirk's game-winning lay-up.
- A stat I hear on ESPN afterwards: whichever team in the NBA Finals wins Game 3 when it's 1-1 always wins the championship.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Heat beat Mavericks in Game 1
Some thoughts on Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
- Great defense from both teams. The coaching staffs did their homework and then some on each other.
- Heat outrebounded Mavs 46-36. I think that was as big a factor as anything.
- Dallas needs more from their bench. They can't afford to have Jason Terry, JJ Barea, Peja Stoyakovic and Brendan Haywood go 4-22 shooting. By comparison, the Heat bench was 8-22. Again, good defensive night, but Dallas's bench is more important than Miami's bench.
- Dirk did everything he could. He was relentless in attacking the rim, and Dallas overall had the free-throw-attempt advantage. Shawn Marion was good too, but Dirk needs more help.
- I don't know why Mike Bibby starts. He should be a DNP-CD. Just start Mario Chalmers and be done with it.
- Udonis Haslem is a glue guy that was key tonight.
- Game 2 will really test Rick Carlisle's mettle as a coach. If he can make the adjustments and steal one on the road, he's a stud.
- I'm rooting for the Mavericks. For the past 27-ish years, only seven teams have won the NBA Finals. Which is just one reason why the NFL is better than the NBA. If you're not a fan of the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, Spurs, Rockets, Pistons or Heat, why watch the NBA? I'd like someone else to break through, and the Dallas Mavericks have Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Tyson Chandler, Peja Stoyakovic, i.e., hard-working veterans who've earned their places in the NBA.
- Since Michael Jordan retired from the Bulls in 1998, only two teams have won the NBA Finals without Shaq, Kobe or Tim Duncan. (The 2004 Pistons and the 2008 Celtics). And both of those times, Kobe was on the other team in the Finals. If the Heat win, you can swap Shaq for D-Wade and that statement will still be true.
- The Heat are going to dominate the NBA for the next five years. Ring-hungry vets are going to fight to get on to the Heat bench every year.
- Great defense from both teams. The coaching staffs did their homework and then some on each other.
- Heat outrebounded Mavs 46-36. I think that was as big a factor as anything.
- Dallas needs more from their bench. They can't afford to have Jason Terry, JJ Barea, Peja Stoyakovic and Brendan Haywood go 4-22 shooting. By comparison, the Heat bench was 8-22. Again, good defensive night, but Dallas's bench is more important than Miami's bench.
- Dirk did everything he could. He was relentless in attacking the rim, and Dallas overall had the free-throw-attempt advantage. Shawn Marion was good too, but Dirk needs more help.
- I don't know why Mike Bibby starts. He should be a DNP-CD. Just start Mario Chalmers and be done with it.
- Udonis Haslem is a glue guy that was key tonight.
- Game 2 will really test Rick Carlisle's mettle as a coach. If he can make the adjustments and steal one on the road, he's a stud.
- I'm rooting for the Mavericks. For the past 27-ish years, only seven teams have won the NBA Finals. Which is just one reason why the NFL is better than the NBA. If you're not a fan of the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, Spurs, Rockets, Pistons or Heat, why watch the NBA? I'd like someone else to break through, and the Dallas Mavericks have Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, Shawn Marion, Tyson Chandler, Peja Stoyakovic, i.e., hard-working veterans who've earned their places in the NBA.
- Since Michael Jordan retired from the Bulls in 1998, only two teams have won the NBA Finals without Shaq, Kobe or Tim Duncan. (The 2004 Pistons and the 2008 Celtics). And both of those times, Kobe was on the other team in the Finals. If the Heat win, you can swap Shaq for D-Wade and that statement will still be true.
- The Heat are going to dominate the NBA for the next five years. Ring-hungry vets are going to fight to get on to the Heat bench every year.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Utah Jazz land #3 pick
I'm thrilled. Sure, landing #1 or #2 would have been more thrilling, but I'm relieved they got this pick. My hunch is they use it on Brandan Knight, unless someone else really impresses them in the next month, or David Kahn of Minnesota (with #2 pick) gambles ahead of them for Knight, and the Jazz have Derrick Williams fall to them.
With Knight at #3, my guess is they hope Jan Vesely or Alec Burks or Bismack Biyombo or Kawhi Leonard is still there at #12. I could also see them packing #12 in a draft-day trade.
With Knight at #3, my guess is they hope Jan Vesely or Alec Burks or Bismack Biyombo or Kawhi Leonard is still there at #12. I could also see them packing #12 in a draft-day trade.
Hours before the Ping-Pong Balls Bounce
The Utah Jazz have never won the NBA draft lottery. Granted, they're rarely there, but the last time they were in the top four, they fell to #6. They made some deals, though, to move u to #3 and were able to pick Deron Williams, who in two years had the team in the Western Conference Finals.
Williams is gone, and the Jazz got for him Devin Harris, last year's #3 Derrick Favors, this year's #6 (if nothing changes), and next year's Golden State pick Top-7 protected.
Now next year's draft looks like it will be one of the deepest in history so even if the Jazz wind up around #11 with that pick, they can still get a potential All-Star out of there. This year, however, is projected to be the weakest in a decade, and if the Jazz don't land in the top 2, I think the best they'll get are two role-players.
Now there are always surprise players who fall to late first-round or second-round who become stars, but history bears out that the lower the pick, the greater the odds the player won't pan out. And even then, the #1 pick has included players like Kwame Brown and Michael Olowokandi, the #2 pick has included Darko Milicic and Marvin Williams, etc.
I do think Kyrie Irving (PG) and Derrick Williams (SF/PF) will be legitimate stars in this league. I think Brandan Knight will be a top-ten point guard. Everyone else in this draft to me is a question mark.
So if the Jazz wind up staying at #6 and #12 (or worse, #7 and #12), then luck's going to have to be a major lady. Is it possible for a franchise-changer in this weak draft to wind up there? Sure. Is it likely? No. And without a returning All-Star on the team and a Hall of Fame coach walking the sidelines, there's also no guarantee the Jazz won't be back for many years to come.
Williams is gone, and the Jazz got for him Devin Harris, last year's #3 Derrick Favors, this year's #6 (if nothing changes), and next year's Golden State pick Top-7 protected.
Now next year's draft looks like it will be one of the deepest in history so even if the Jazz wind up around #11 with that pick, they can still get a potential All-Star out of there. This year, however, is projected to be the weakest in a decade, and if the Jazz don't land in the top 2, I think the best they'll get are two role-players.
Now there are always surprise players who fall to late first-round or second-round who become stars, but history bears out that the lower the pick, the greater the odds the player won't pan out. And even then, the #1 pick has included players like Kwame Brown and Michael Olowokandi, the #2 pick has included Darko Milicic and Marvin Williams, etc.
I do think Kyrie Irving (PG) and Derrick Williams (SF/PF) will be legitimate stars in this league. I think Brandan Knight will be a top-ten point guard. Everyone else in this draft to me is a question mark.
So if the Jazz wind up staying at #6 and #12 (or worse, #7 and #12), then luck's going to have to be a major lady. Is it possible for a franchise-changer in this weak draft to wind up there? Sure. Is it likely? No. And without a returning All-Star on the team and a Hall of Fame coach walking the sidelines, there's also no guarantee the Jazz won't be back for many years to come.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
ESPN's Around the Horn watch
I watch more of this show than I should, as I only care about football and basketball. Don't mention baseball to me until the playoffs, and I'm not about to pretend I care about hockey, soccer, tennis, golf, etc. So it's to these guys' credit that I still watch 3-4 times a week.
The show hasn't missed a step since firing Jay Mariotti with a deep roster of old and young pros.
Of the older types, I like Bob Ryan, Bill Plaschke, Woody Paige and Jackie McMullan. As for the rest, I enjoy JA Adande, Michael Smith, Kevin Blackistone and Tim Cowlishaw.
The show hasn't missed a step since firing Jay Mariotti with a deep roster of old and young pros.
Of the older types, I like Bob Ryan, Bill Plaschke, Woody Paige and Jackie McMullan. As for the rest, I enjoy JA Adande, Michael Smith, Kevin Blackistone and Tim Cowlishaw.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Gordon Hayward is a stud
The rookie out of Butler scored 34 points in the Jazz's final game of the season. At least they didn't have a losing home record.
So between him and Favors, and two lotto picks this summer, things aren't looking so bad. This really isn't a good year for the Jazz to have a looming lockout. Coach Ty Corbin needs to be able to work with his staff, develop schemes, work the summer league, etc.
So between him and Favors, and two lotto picks this summer, things aren't looking so bad. This really isn't a good year for the Jazz to have a looming lockout. Coach Ty Corbin needs to be able to work with his staff, develop schemes, work the summer league, etc.
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