It's probably overkill that I am writing about the Bucks-Hawks series for the third time in as many days but to be honest, I have invested more in this series than ever before. Already I was pretty much all in on the NBA this year, now it's official. Despite the bad first-round games, I have watched a ton of them and really like where the league is headed even though it will be locked out after next year... ugh let's continue.
And then there was a Game Seven. I credited myself with the Game 5 victory and I will credit myself with the Game 6 defeat. I wore a Desmond Mason jersey for most of the game, which were the old Buck colors and had the stench of Larry Harris all over it. I never should of put it on for the game, I should have worn red like I had initially planned. If the third quarter didn't exist tonight, the Bucks may have been alright.
It's pretty sad when you have to compare the Bucks performance to late 90s New York Knicks who couldn't hit sand if they fell off a camel and even the Knicks would have played better than the Bucks in that third quarter. I couldn't understand why the Bucks took every 18-22 footer they saw when they weren't falling and wouldn't attack the basket even if the fouls weren't going their way. It ranks right up there with the most frustrated I have been watching basketball in the past couple years with so many ill-advised shots, I thought we relapse to game 1 like Mike on the Sober House. The disappointing thing of the whole game is the Hawks had one good quarter and half, other than they played like shit.
The Bucks had them on the ropes ready to deliver the knock out punch after Carlos Delfino started spraying threes but once again, the Bucks went quiet. I said today that if the Bucks could pull away in the first half, they would be golden and headed to Florida for game one on Sunday, it didn't happen and now I worry that Sunday might be the last day we watch professional basketball in Milwaukee.
I am not waving the white flag, but it's hard to argue with the numbers plus one thing Hawks' Head Coach Mike Woodson figured out. At the Highlight Factory (great nickname for a stadium by the way, top five), the Hawks have won 14 of their last 15 games there and seemingly play two times better basketball at home minus that fourth quarter on Wednesday. The other big concern is Woodson woke up as a coach, he finally realized his best defender on Brandon Jennings is Joe Johnson. When I heard Mike Trico of ESPN say Johnson was on Jennings, I said "Shit they figured out Mike Bibby is on life support on D." If the Hawks continue this approach, Milwaukee will be in big trouble.
All of this being said, I still think the Bucks could win today. The biggest key will be the offensive rebounding of the Hawks. If Atlanta gets as many reloads as they got in the last game, this one will not be even close. I am interesting to see if we will see Joe Johnson Game 5 or Game 6 version and if Jamal Crawford steps up again the way he did in Game 6. The Bucks need to come out with some passion and energy from tip-off because that will be the best way to keep themselves in the game.
FEAR THE DEER.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Atlanta Hawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta Hawks. Show all posts
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Deer Has Been Feared
Let's go back to the Milwaukee Bucks-Atlanta Hawks Game 5 fourth quarter, the Bucks are down six at this point... I am sitting on my computer looking mindlessly at various tweets and then realize that I am nowhere focused enough so I put my computer down, then switch my snus from my left upper lip to my right lip... There you have how the Bucks won because they went on that crazy roll after that.
If you were to tell me in November that I would be pumped in the morning looking forward to the game tonight, I would reply with 'yeah and I am jumping off of the Chippewa River for shits and giggles.' Seriously, every fan of Wisconsin professional sports has bought in and now makes even more especially with how piss-poor the Milwaukee Brewers have been (we aren't going there... yet). People want to see this team advance as far as possible and Friday could be the knockout punch for the Atlanta Hawks.
Scott Skiles deserves all the credit in the world, and I am willing to bet maybe a couple of the bigger markets might want to lure him in. I hope this isn't the case but I could totally see a team have an admiration for what he is doing. Skiles figured out a way to have an ability close out a playoff series with Kurt Thomas and Dan Gadzuric as their big men, amazing. Not to mention, the Bucks' version of Mark Titus (Primoz Brezec) gets a ton of clock with Thomas/Gadz get into foul trouble, yet he still made a basket late. I love everything Skiles has done this playoff series.
What's funny about a deep playoff series is you begin to hate the opposing team. I mean I had no beef whatsoever with Atlanta, actually sort of like them... Mike Bibby invokes memories of those Sacramento Kings teams of the early 2000s, love Josh Smith's game (poor man's LeBron doesn't get the credit), and Al Hortford is a great post player. Except for Hortford, I really cannot stand Bibby/Smith.
Bibby is getting exposed every night defensively by Brandon Jennings, and no one is calling him out for it. Does Jennings need to drop 40 for everyone to realize, wow Mike Bibby is way past his prime? Just because the guy still rains threes and has a tendency to make clutch baskets, doesn't mean the media has to bit their tongue about his atrocious defense.
Smith is a whole other situation, he first runs his mouth about Milwaukee, which I addressed in the last post and the other thing, the guy whines more than a spoiled rich kid that doesn't get his/her way. Every call that goes against Smith, he thinks is the worst call in America that night (arguably if it's Dick Bavetta or Joey Crawford, it might be.) and the crazy thing is... he hasn't got a technical! I swear he has done Rasheed Wallace-level bitching and not been T'd up is beyond me. If there is one thing I hope for Game 6 other than a Bucks win is seeing a ref hit Josh Smith with a technical hopefully Squad 6 will encourage this.
The crowd will be a fever pitch for multiple reasons: 1.) First close-out game since 2001, 2.) Friday Night , 3) Early start (6 PM) meaning the beers will be flowing from various bars around the Bradley Center by about 3 pm. This will be an unruly crowd and wanting blood from the Hawks. To think, I could have went. I got offered twice to buy tickets before Game 5, and turned it down due to money issues plus a three and a half hour drive. All of the things I cited above make me yearn to be in Milwaukee tonight, a lot like it was two years with the Brewers short playoff stint. I really regret not taking both of my friends up on this opportunity but I know I will be heavily intoxicated by the final buzzer hopefully celebrating in a victory.
One thing I worry about tonight is the fact the Bucks might get swept up in all of the emotion and come out flatter than Kate Moss (look her up, yes there are naked ones). I could totally see it happening but the other thing I could see the Hawks struggling mightily. They are a team full of head cases I am starting to believe that Milwaukee can struggle and still be okay. Both teams might come out tight and the true question will be who comes out of it? As my buddy E told me, "If the Bucks don't win tonight, no way they win in Atlanta." Completely agree.
-Charlie.
If you were to tell me in November that I would be pumped in the morning looking forward to the game tonight, I would reply with 'yeah and I am jumping off of the Chippewa River for shits and giggles.' Seriously, every fan of Wisconsin professional sports has bought in and now makes even more especially with how piss-poor the Milwaukee Brewers have been (we aren't going there... yet). People want to see this team advance as far as possible and Friday could be the knockout punch for the Atlanta Hawks.
Scott Skiles deserves all the credit in the world, and I am willing to bet maybe a couple of the bigger markets might want to lure him in. I hope this isn't the case but I could totally see a team have an admiration for what he is doing. Skiles figured out a way to have an ability close out a playoff series with Kurt Thomas and Dan Gadzuric as their big men, amazing. Not to mention, the Bucks' version of Mark Titus (Primoz Brezec) gets a ton of clock with Thomas/Gadz get into foul trouble, yet he still made a basket late. I love everything Skiles has done this playoff series.
What's funny about a deep playoff series is you begin to hate the opposing team. I mean I had no beef whatsoever with Atlanta, actually sort of like them... Mike Bibby invokes memories of those Sacramento Kings teams of the early 2000s, love Josh Smith's game (poor man's LeBron doesn't get the credit), and Al Hortford is a great post player. Except for Hortford, I really cannot stand Bibby/Smith.
Bibby is getting exposed every night defensively by Brandon Jennings, and no one is calling him out for it. Does Jennings need to drop 40 for everyone to realize, wow Mike Bibby is way past his prime? Just because the guy still rains threes and has a tendency to make clutch baskets, doesn't mean the media has to bit their tongue about his atrocious defense.
Smith is a whole other situation, he first runs his mouth about Milwaukee, which I addressed in the last post and the other thing, the guy whines more than a spoiled rich kid that doesn't get his/her way. Every call that goes against Smith, he thinks is the worst call in America that night (arguably if it's Dick Bavetta or Joey Crawford, it might be.) and the crazy thing is... he hasn't got a technical! I swear he has done Rasheed Wallace-level bitching and not been T'd up is beyond me. If there is one thing I hope for Game 6 other than a Bucks win is seeing a ref hit Josh Smith with a technical hopefully Squad 6 will encourage this.
The crowd will be a fever pitch for multiple reasons: 1.) First close-out game since 2001, 2.) Friday Night , 3) Early start (6 PM) meaning the beers will be flowing from various bars around the Bradley Center by about 3 pm. This will be an unruly crowd and wanting blood from the Hawks. To think, I could have went. I got offered twice to buy tickets before Game 5, and turned it down due to money issues plus a three and a half hour drive. All of the things I cited above make me yearn to be in Milwaukee tonight, a lot like it was two years with the Brewers short playoff stint. I really regret not taking both of my friends up on this opportunity but I know I will be heavily intoxicated by the final buzzer hopefully celebrating in a victory.
One thing I worry about tonight is the fact the Bucks might get swept up in all of the emotion and come out flatter than Kate Moss (look her up, yes there are naked ones). I could totally see it happening but the other thing I could see the Hawks struggling mightily. They are a team full of head cases I am starting to believe that Milwaukee can struggle and still be okay. Both teams might come out tight and the true question will be who comes out of it? As my buddy E told me, "If the Bucks don't win tonight, no way they win in Atlanta." Completely agree.
-Charlie.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Can't Say I Told You So
I want to know where all of the people were before the NBA Playoffs started? I mean you all joined the bandwagon like I did, but once Andrew Bogut goes down, add to the fact the Milwaukee Bucks were playing the Atlanta Hawks, people believed they were going to get swept. Well, I didn't and now I think the Bucks may be able to win in Game 5 in Atlanta.
I know the Hawks are comparable to Kristen Cavallari of the Hills who at home is kinda of a bitch, but seems to run things smoothly at Laguna Beach also everyone thinks she is super hot, then on the road (Malibu) she is this sex-crazed girl destroying the lives of men and women in sight plus she looks completely coked out in turn making her less attractive. Basically, my poor analogy that probably has you confused is saying the Hawks cannot play away from home. I blame my lack of research for not bringing that up making the five arguments for the Bucks taking the Hawks to six or seven games. I have a feeling this series is headed to seven if the Bucks lose tomorrow but if they win.... rut roh.
Who says they cannot beat the Hawks at the Highlight Factory as they like to call it? I know Scott Skiles believes they can do it, Brandon Jennings said they aren't a true playoff team until they win on the road, and after winning two straight without Andrew Bogut, they believe they can do it. Someone like to tell me where Al Hortford has been the last two games? Maybe, getting knocked out by Bango (best viral video ever by a Milwaukee team, I loved every minute of it) but seriously, he didn't do shit for the Hawks in Game 3 or 4. The steady rotation of Kurt Thomas and Dan Gadzuric (who knew!) is appearing to soften and frustrate Hortford. He isn't the only suspect in the crime of the disappearance of the Atlanta Hawks.
Josh Smith is the next offender, the guy who ran his mouth about Milwaukee being boring and cannot find a restaurant. First off, Josh if I took you out for a Milwaukee night you would have a helluva time and probably head back to the hotel with a Milwaukee 10. Now that isn't hot as an Atlanta 10 but let's admit why you hate Milwaukee, the strippers at Arts aren't as hot as what you see in the Gold Room in ATL... that's the reason. Now on to the basketball game, Luc Richard Mbah Moute has locked you down like a clingy girlfriend on the weekend. Mbah Moute needs more respect from the NBA media community, the man is a game changer on the defensive end. You cannot get a good shot to save your soul and you are taking many ill-advised shots hurting you team. The final offender is a former playoff clutch performer...
Mike Bibby is getting exposed by Brandon Jennings as the series continued. BJ3 is running circles around Bibby making him look silly and appears clearly lost on the defensive end. Jennings is doing things that are spreading the defenses and the Hawks haven't figured him out. If the Hawks were smart (let's hope not), they put Joe Johnson on Jennings tonight, a lot like the Los Angeles Lakers did with Kobe Bryant putting him on Russell Westbrook causing big problems for the Thunder last night. Jennings is figuring out how to play playoff basketball and the true X-factor for the Bucks.
With all this being said, if the Bucks get the same effort out of all their role players just like the last two games. Nobody seemed nervous to be there like the first two games, and they were composed ready to play. I have been telling my friends this is the most excited I have been about an NBA basketball game since May of 2001. I cannot wait for tonight, I just pray if the Bucks lose, it's a hard fought battle to the finish. Fear The Deer.
-Charlie.
I know the Hawks are comparable to Kristen Cavallari of the Hills who at home is kinda of a bitch, but seems to run things smoothly at Laguna Beach also everyone thinks she is super hot, then on the road (Malibu) she is this sex-crazed girl destroying the lives of men and women in sight plus she looks completely coked out in turn making her less attractive. Basically, my poor analogy that probably has you confused is saying the Hawks cannot play away from home. I blame my lack of research for not bringing that up making the five arguments for the Bucks taking the Hawks to six or seven games. I have a feeling this series is headed to seven if the Bucks lose tomorrow but if they win.... rut roh.
Who says they cannot beat the Hawks at the Highlight Factory as they like to call it? I know Scott Skiles believes they can do it, Brandon Jennings said they aren't a true playoff team until they win on the road, and after winning two straight without Andrew Bogut, they believe they can do it. Someone like to tell me where Al Hortford has been the last two games? Maybe, getting knocked out by Bango (best viral video ever by a Milwaukee team, I loved every minute of it) but seriously, he didn't do shit for the Hawks in Game 3 or 4. The steady rotation of Kurt Thomas and Dan Gadzuric (who knew!) is appearing to soften and frustrate Hortford. He isn't the only suspect in the crime of the disappearance of the Atlanta Hawks.
Josh Smith is the next offender, the guy who ran his mouth about Milwaukee being boring and cannot find a restaurant. First off, Josh if I took you out for a Milwaukee night you would have a helluva time and probably head back to the hotel with a Milwaukee 10. Now that isn't hot as an Atlanta 10 but let's admit why you hate Milwaukee, the strippers at Arts aren't as hot as what you see in the Gold Room in ATL... that's the reason. Now on to the basketball game, Luc Richard Mbah Moute has locked you down like a clingy girlfriend on the weekend. Mbah Moute needs more respect from the NBA media community, the man is a game changer on the defensive end. You cannot get a good shot to save your soul and you are taking many ill-advised shots hurting you team. The final offender is a former playoff clutch performer...
Mike Bibby is getting exposed by Brandon Jennings as the series continued. BJ3 is running circles around Bibby making him look silly and appears clearly lost on the defensive end. Jennings is doing things that are spreading the defenses and the Hawks haven't figured him out. If the Hawks were smart (let's hope not), they put Joe Johnson on Jennings tonight, a lot like the Los Angeles Lakers did with Kobe Bryant putting him on Russell Westbrook causing big problems for the Thunder last night. Jennings is figuring out how to play playoff basketball and the true X-factor for the Bucks.
With all this being said, if the Bucks get the same effort out of all their role players just like the last two games. Nobody seemed nervous to be there like the first two games, and they were composed ready to play. I have been telling my friends this is the most excited I have been about an NBA basketball game since May of 2001. I cannot wait for tonight, I just pray if the Bucks lose, it's a hard fought battle to the finish. Fear The Deer.
-Charlie.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Young Money Ushers in a New Era
I am trying to decide whether I need pictures in my blog... I know some of you that read it, if you could hit me up on Facebook or Twitter giving your opinion on it. I am going to throw up a picture for the next couple of posts see what happens...
With the Milwaukee Bucks in the playoffs for the first time in four years, I didn't know what to expect as the Bucks took on the Atlanta Hawks today. To my dismay, the Bucks played a nervous first half where they took every mid-range shot that was available and never took it to the paint. Not to mention, they played awful defense that led to the Bucks being down nineteen points at halftime. The only player who decided to step up all day was Brandon Jennings.
Jennings had 34 points in his rookie debut, which made people reminisce of Derrick Rose's performance last season against the Boston Celtics. He played probably the best I have seen in the last couple of months and really showed that he can lead this team even at a young age. There were times this season where I would be worried if Brandon shot the ball, but last night, I wanted him to take every shot that was open to him. He played fantastic and I think it shows that Jennings has the sort of swagger you want in the NBA Playoffs. I think if John Salmons, Carlos Delfino, or Ersan Ilyasova can get going, the Bucks could beat the Hawks a couple of times. But I cannot say, that I feel very confident about beating the Hawks even once now.
When I made my picks, I completely forgot about Mike Bibby's complete transformation in the playoffs. A guy who looked washed up throughout the year, looked like the Bibby we all loved in the 2002 playoffs for the Sacramento Kings. He is a clutch performer and wants the ball in the fourth quarter. He isn't the only one on the Hawks who is like that, Joe Johnson made every big shot he took in the late third quarter and into the fourth. I know one thing if the Bucks-Hawks get a close game, I pray to the Basketball Gods that Johnson or Bibby has the ball in the last possession.
-Charlie.
Jennings had 34 points in his rookie debut, which made people reminisce of Derrick Rose's performance last season against the Boston Celtics. He played probably the best I have seen in the last couple of months and really showed that he can lead this team even at a young age. There were times this season where I would be worried if Brandon shot the ball, but last night, I wanted him to take every shot that was open to him. He played fantastic and I think it shows that Jennings has the sort of swagger you want in the NBA Playoffs. I think if John Salmons, Carlos Delfino, or Ersan Ilyasova can get going, the Bucks could beat the Hawks a couple of times. But I cannot say, that I feel very confident about beating the Hawks even once now.
When I made my picks, I completely forgot about Mike Bibby's complete transformation in the playoffs. A guy who looked washed up throughout the year, looked like the Bibby we all loved in the 2002 playoffs for the Sacramento Kings. He is a clutch performer and wants the ball in the fourth quarter. He isn't the only one on the Hawks who is like that, Joe Johnson made every big shot he took in the late third quarter and into the fourth. I know one thing if the Bucks-Hawks get a close game, I pray to the Basketball Gods that Johnson or Bibby has the ball in the last possession.
-Charlie.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Eastern Conference Picks
Looking over my picks for where teams would finish, my glaring mistake of the year was thinking the Washington Wizards would be in the playoffs and the Bobcats would finish close to dead last in the Eastern Conference, whooops.
1. Cleveland vs. 8. Chicago- I am watching this game right now and it realy doesn't sway my opinion either way really. I believe this will just be your classic 1-8 matchup where you have a team far superior than the other one. The Bulls do not have the bench to keep up with the Cavs right now and the fact Cleveland gets Shaq back is huge, that will be a big time difference maker. I think the Bulls get one in the Windy City but that's it. CLEV in 5
4. Boston vs. 5. Miami- I also picked the Celtics back to the NBA Finals, once again not one of my best moments. I really like this series with the matchups of Paul Pierce-Dwyane Wade, a young Michael Beasley versus an old Kevin Garnett. I have no idea what Boston team will we see, the one who looks tired and there is a sort of unwillingness? Or the KG-curse laden teams who act like the biggest bullies on the court? I think the Heat do not have enough to keep up with the Celtics for a full series plus the inexperience of Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra could run them into big time trouble. BOS in 7
3. Atlanta vs. 6. Milwaukee- It feels good to have the Bucks back and I know most of you think the Bucks will not do much in the playoffs without Andrew Bogut but I am a firm believer they can at least win one game in Milwaukee, with some distant hope they can do something in Atlanta. I think they need to cut off Joe Johnson as much as possible especially in late games and they do have a good matchup for Josh Smith in the Prince of Cameroon. Fear the Deer, but they come up short this year with high hopes next year. ATL in 6
2. Orlando vs. 7. Charlotte- A very enticing series with a Charlotte team making their first trip to the playoffs but they have some veterans who have been there before like Stephen Jackson, Boris Diaw, and Tyson Chandler. Also they have the Larry Brown card and he always seem to make the right decisions in the playoffs. People also need to remember how bad Vince Carter has been in the playoffs, he is never been that guy who ends game like Bryant, Johnson, Melo, LeBron, and Wade do. I think the Magic win but this will be the equivalent of the Lakers/Thunder series, a dogfight with the better team winning game seven. ORL in 7
-Charlie
1. Cleveland vs. 8. Chicago- I am watching this game right now and it realy doesn't sway my opinion either way really. I believe this will just be your classic 1-8 matchup where you have a team far superior than the other one. The Bulls do not have the bench to keep up with the Cavs right now and the fact Cleveland gets Shaq back is huge, that will be a big time difference maker. I think the Bulls get one in the Windy City but that's it. CLEV in 5
4. Boston vs. 5. Miami- I also picked the Celtics back to the NBA Finals, once again not one of my best moments. I really like this series with the matchups of Paul Pierce-Dwyane Wade, a young Michael Beasley versus an old Kevin Garnett. I have no idea what Boston team will we see, the one who looks tired and there is a sort of unwillingness? Or the KG-curse laden teams who act like the biggest bullies on the court? I think the Heat do not have enough to keep up with the Celtics for a full series plus the inexperience of Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra could run them into big time trouble. BOS in 7
3. Atlanta vs. 6. Milwaukee- It feels good to have the Bucks back and I know most of you think the Bucks will not do much in the playoffs without Andrew Bogut but I am a firm believer they can at least win one game in Milwaukee, with some distant hope they can do something in Atlanta. I think they need to cut off Joe Johnson as much as possible especially in late games and they do have a good matchup for Josh Smith in the Prince of Cameroon. Fear the Deer, but they come up short this year with high hopes next year. ATL in 6
2. Orlando vs. 7. Charlotte- A very enticing series with a Charlotte team making their first trip to the playoffs but they have some veterans who have been there before like Stephen Jackson, Boris Diaw, and Tyson Chandler. Also they have the Larry Brown card and he always seem to make the right decisions in the playoffs. People also need to remember how bad Vince Carter has been in the playoffs, he is never been that guy who ends game like Bryant, Johnson, Melo, LeBron, and Wade do. I think the Magic win but this will be the equivalent of the Lakers/Thunder series, a dogfight with the better team winning game seven. ORL in 7
-Charlie
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Ramblings From an Average NBA Fan
I decided since we are two weeks away from the NBA Playoffs that I might as well write about something other than Major League Baseball getting going. I would consider myself average because I do not watch a random game who aren't the Milwaukee Buck so these are just a bunch of random thoughts about the season.
-I was impressed with the Bucks performance in a defeat against Cleveland. Take away that they lost, they showed the heart it will take to win on the road. This team can win in the first round and push a team in the second round. John Salmons is a complete game changer for the Bucks and if Brandon Jennings can shine in the playoffs... look out.
- I would like to buy stock in the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship but there is something about them that worries me. I can't explain yet and maybe I need to watch more of them to really form an opinion. The one thing I do know is LeBron James is playing head and shoulders above almost anyone in the league.
-Almost wrote about the Lakers' struggles this week, I do not think it's a good thing heading into the playoffs. I know teams especially in the NBA can turn it on whenever they want but still there appears to be a disconnect that wasn't there last year. Maybe Ron Artest who knows?
-I wonder when the national media will realize that Vince Carter will do the magic act of disappearing. I give 2 to 1 odds that happen, a notorious choke in the playoffs. The Magic could be saved by Matt Barnes, helluva a defender and a scrappy player.
-Does it bother anyone else that Robin Lopez and Joakim Noah are both intricate parts of their teams? Two of the most hated guys when in college, now needed parts on Chicago and Phoenix. In addition, the Suns will be in trouble come playoffs if Lopez isn't there.
-I do not want the Bucks to play Atlanta. I think they are as dangerous as any team in the Eastern Conference because they have bounds athleticism and they have Joe Johnson who seemingly hits every clutch shot possible.
-Another team I wouldn't want to play if I were an Eastern Conference team is the Bobcats. Larry Brown might not have many championships but he is known for deep runs. I think he has a nucleus of players that work for his system making them very dangerous. Even though most of the nation wouldn't be intrigued, I would love to see Atlanta vs. Charlotte.
-My vote for Rookie of the Year is Tyreke Evans. I would love to give it to Brandon Jennings because he is leading a playoff team right now but inconsistent nights do not garner an award. Evans has come with it, night in and night one.
-A subset of this, I love that Jennings has said publicly that basically he doesn't give a shit about the award and wants to lead this team in the playoffs a la Derrick Rose.
-Despite having former Marquette guard Wes Matthews, I just cannot pull for Utah. Wes is the only guy I liked straight out of college, couldn't stand Deron Williams or Carlos Boozer plus I never liked the Jazz when they were good in the nineties, cannot explain why.
-Now both guys haven't came out but there will be discussions about John Wall or Evan Turner. I think most in the lottery will take Wall but I feel if New Orleans/Utah (via New York) get that pick, they select Turner.
-Last thought I love the Russian Billionaire that is ready to own the New Jersey Nets. He seems like an awesome guy and I am submitting my resume to him so I can work for him plus get loads of Eastern European women.
-Charlie.
-I was impressed with the Bucks performance in a defeat against Cleveland. Take away that they lost, they showed the heart it will take to win on the road. This team can win in the first round and push a team in the second round. John Salmons is a complete game changer for the Bucks and if Brandon Jennings can shine in the playoffs... look out.
- I would like to buy stock in the Cleveland Cavaliers winning the NBA Championship but there is something about them that worries me. I can't explain yet and maybe I need to watch more of them to really form an opinion. The one thing I do know is LeBron James is playing head and shoulders above almost anyone in the league.
-Almost wrote about the Lakers' struggles this week, I do not think it's a good thing heading into the playoffs. I know teams especially in the NBA can turn it on whenever they want but still there appears to be a disconnect that wasn't there last year. Maybe Ron Artest who knows?
-I wonder when the national media will realize that Vince Carter will do the magic act of disappearing. I give 2 to 1 odds that happen, a notorious choke in the playoffs. The Magic could be saved by Matt Barnes, helluva a defender and a scrappy player.
-Does it bother anyone else that Robin Lopez and Joakim Noah are both intricate parts of their teams? Two of the most hated guys when in college, now needed parts on Chicago and Phoenix. In addition, the Suns will be in trouble come playoffs if Lopez isn't there.
-I do not want the Bucks to play Atlanta. I think they are as dangerous as any team in the Eastern Conference because they have bounds athleticism and they have Joe Johnson who seemingly hits every clutch shot possible.
-Another team I wouldn't want to play if I were an Eastern Conference team is the Bobcats. Larry Brown might not have many championships but he is known for deep runs. I think he has a nucleus of players that work for his system making them very dangerous. Even though most of the nation wouldn't be intrigued, I would love to see Atlanta vs. Charlotte.
-My vote for Rookie of the Year is Tyreke Evans. I would love to give it to Brandon Jennings because he is leading a playoff team right now but inconsistent nights do not garner an award. Evans has come with it, night in and night one.
-A subset of this, I love that Jennings has said publicly that basically he doesn't give a shit about the award and wants to lead this team in the playoffs a la Derrick Rose.
-Despite having former Marquette guard Wes Matthews, I just cannot pull for Utah. Wes is the only guy I liked straight out of college, couldn't stand Deron Williams or Carlos Boozer plus I never liked the Jazz when they were good in the nineties, cannot explain why.
-Now both guys haven't came out but there will be discussions about John Wall or Evan Turner. I think most in the lottery will take Wall but I feel if New Orleans/Utah (via New York) get that pick, they select Turner.
-Last thought I love the Russian Billionaire that is ready to own the New Jersey Nets. He seems like an awesome guy and I am submitting my resume to him so I can work for him plus get loads of Eastern European women.
-Charlie.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
NBA Southeast Division Preview
Here is the last part of the Eastern Conference and I just want to let you know if you are a fan of rap then download Lil Wayne's new mixtape... wow.
1. Orlando Magic- KEY PLAYERS: C Dwight Howard, SG Vince Carter, PG Jameer Nelson OUTLOOK: Probably the most interesting team in the Eastern Conference with the addition of Carter who is looking to make a name for himself again. I think they are a real threat to be back in the Finals. PREDICTION: 2nd in the Eastern Conference
3. Miami Heat- KEY PLAYERS: SG Dwayne Wade, PF Michael Beasley, PG Mario Chalmers OUTLOOK: Wade should have another MVP-like season but the Heat have a lot of ifs and buts. Also I think they would want to move Jermaine O'Neal's corpse as well. If Beasley/Chalmers make that jump, look out. PREDICTION: 6th in the Eastern Conference
4. Washington Wizards- KEY PLAYERS: SG Gilbert Arenas SF Caron Butler PF Antwan Jamison OUTLOOK: If Agent Zero stays healthy, they could be better than my prediction but who knows, watch out for Andray Blatche too. PREDICTION: 7th in the Eastern Conference
5. Charlotte Bobcats- KEY PLAYERS: SF Gerald Wallace PG Raymond Felton C Tyson Chandler OUTLOOK: This may be Larry Brown last run, they do not have what it will take to keep up with this division. PREDICTION: 14th in the Eastern Conference
-Charlie.
1. Orlando Magic- KEY PLAYERS: C Dwight Howard, SG Vince Carter, PG Jameer Nelson OUTLOOK: Probably the most interesting team in the Eastern Conference with the addition of Carter who is looking to make a name for himself again. I think they are a real threat to be back in the Finals. PREDICTION: 2nd in the Eastern Conference
2. Atlanta Hawks- KEY PLAYERS: SG Joe Johnson SF Josh Smith PF Al Hortford OUTLOOK: The Hawks had a successful year last year and they have Johnson in a contract year plus they seem to have very good team chemistry. The Hawks still have a reliable point guard in Mike Bibby as well. PREDICTION: 4th in the Eastern Conference
3. Miami Heat- KEY PLAYERS: SG Dwayne Wade, PF Michael Beasley, PG Mario Chalmers OUTLOOK: Wade should have another MVP-like season but the Heat have a lot of ifs and buts. Also I think they would want to move Jermaine O'Neal's corpse as well. If Beasley/Chalmers make that jump, look out. PREDICTION: 6th in the Eastern Conference
4. Washington Wizards- KEY PLAYERS: SG Gilbert Arenas SF Caron Butler PF Antwan Jamison OUTLOOK: If Agent Zero stays healthy, they could be better than my prediction but who knows, watch out for Andray Blatche too. PREDICTION: 7th in the Eastern Conference
5. Charlotte Bobcats- KEY PLAYERS: SF Gerald Wallace PG Raymond Felton C Tyson Chandler OUTLOOK: This may be Larry Brown last run, they do not have what it will take to keep up with this division. PREDICTION: 14th in the Eastern Conference
-Charlie.
Monday, May 4, 2009
NBA Eastern Semifinals Picks
Scroll down a bit for the Western Conference if you are interested in my picks....
1. Cleveland Cavilers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks-Both teams had the worst playoff series to watch in the first round. They were absolutely awful, sure we saw a couple LeBron dunks but thats about it. This series could be ugliest out of the four but there is something that tells me it will be competitive. Heres why... Josh Smith is 6'9 and in my opinion is the poor man's LeBron James. He has the same skill set as LBJ granted nowhere near what James does on the court. The one thing Smith needs to learn is that he isnt a three-point shooter. I also wonder if Joe Johnson comes back in terms of playoff clutch. Johnson was so damn clutch for the Phoenix Suns and even last year in Atlanta, he was huge for the Hawks. If the Cavs stay within themselves, I think they will be able to take this in five but I can see the scrappy Hawks getting two games somehow. Cleveland in six.
2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Orlando Magic- I already wrote out my man-crush on a couple of the Celtic players who have grown on me in the past couple of weeks. The Magic have a team that I honestly do not like at all... Dwight Howard is a beast but I really dont like to watch him because its just basic post moves. There was something about Shaquille O'Neal that you wanted to watch every game that he played in. The other thing about the Magic is how much I hate Stan Van Gundy. He always seems to get a quote in SportsCenter and despite his awesome look-a-like of Ron Jeremy, he just seems like an awful guy to play for. I always base coaching on who I would want to play for. The Celtics might be drained but I think you saw the coming out party of Rajon Rondo and the C's big men. They will be able to beat up Howard and this one will end rather quickly. Boston in five.
-Charlie.
1. Cleveland Cavilers vs. 4. Atlanta Hawks-Both teams had the worst playoff series to watch in the first round. They were absolutely awful, sure we saw a couple LeBron dunks but thats about it. This series could be ugliest out of the four but there is something that tells me it will be competitive. Heres why... Josh Smith is 6'9 and in my opinion is the poor man's LeBron James. He has the same skill set as LBJ granted nowhere near what James does on the court. The one thing Smith needs to learn is that he isnt a three-point shooter. I also wonder if Joe Johnson comes back in terms of playoff clutch. Johnson was so damn clutch for the Phoenix Suns and even last year in Atlanta, he was huge for the Hawks. If the Cavs stay within themselves, I think they will be able to take this in five but I can see the scrappy Hawks getting two games somehow. Cleveland in six.
2. Boston Celtics vs. 3. Orlando Magic- I already wrote out my man-crush on a couple of the Celtic players who have grown on me in the past couple of weeks. The Magic have a team that I honestly do not like at all... Dwight Howard is a beast but I really dont like to watch him because its just basic post moves. There was something about Shaquille O'Neal that you wanted to watch every game that he played in. The other thing about the Magic is how much I hate Stan Van Gundy. He always seems to get a quote in SportsCenter and despite his awesome look-a-like of Ron Jeremy, he just seems like an awful guy to play for. I always base coaching on who I would want to play for. The Celtics might be drained but I think you saw the coming out party of Rajon Rondo and the C's big men. They will be able to beat up Howard and this one will end rather quickly. Boston in five.
-Charlie.
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