Ron-Ron Really?

One thing that is great about sports is that a player can go from being the biggest goat of the game and somebody everybody will blame the defeat on, then hit the game-winning shot and be portrayed as this clutch player.  I nearly threw my drink at the TV when I saw SportsCenter headline of "Big Shot Ron."  I understand he hit the game winner but seriously, does a guy who goes 1 for 9 really deserve the credit?

A guy who deserves big time props is Derek Fisher, a guy I have ragged on during these playoffs came up huge once again in a big game dropping 22 points and hit a couple of big shots down the stretch.  Fisher should have been the guy that everybody talked about on Friday.  He was the reason the Lakers won on Thursday night picking up the slack for the 'supposed' twin towers of Andrew Bynum/Pau Gasol.  Fisher did his thing and I wonder if he factors into tonight's game. This one is an obvious but another guy who stepped his game up was the Black Mamba himself.

Remember about two weeks ago when we discussed how the great ones handled critical 2-2 Game 5s?  Once again, Kobe pulled it out with a ridiculous 30 pts 9 rbs 11 assts.  While the LeBron James fan club will tell me that's a normal night for LBJ, my counter is he is a monster inside and has great vision, two different styles relax.  For whatever reason in the playoffs, Kobe has figured out how to pass the ball to his teammates at a high rate and still get his points. I haven't seen this type of Kobe and it's really makes you wonder, is this guy unlike any other player?  I don't believe you can compare him to anyone because he played so many roles in his career, you could call him chameleon more so than a mamba.

I think the Lakers end the Suns run tonight, I just think the Ron Artest Queensbridge Knockout might be too much for them to come back from but I could see a very close battle to the very end. Not to be John Madden, but the key for the Suns really how good their bench plays.  When the bench is successful, it results in good things. 

-Charlie.

Game 2 Ramblings

Seriously right now, I realize that my writing is slacking but really I had finals and I didn't feel like writing for awhile. Anyways, you will get basically NBA playoffs posts and the Milwaukee Brewers, maybe I should give you another baseball post about overall thoughts of the season so we will do three for you guys today. NBA, MLB, Brewers... I do this because I love all my readers, also I am officially putting pictures on every blog post. 

-I think everybody knows the Boston Celtics- Los Angeles Lakers will be playing in the NBA Finals and we all want to see because they are the two best teams left and the rivalry is unmatched like any other because it's always for the championship.  It's totally different than just meeting the playoffs but we have to talk about the Orlando Magic and the Suns so here we go with Boston/Orlando and Phoenix/Los Angeles

-The Celtics are playing this 'we are going to kick your ass' and not really care if you like or not.  I am not seeing this out of the Lakers nor any other team. They are just flexing their muscles and acting like they are scared of no one.  The Lakers have more of a calm approach and the Celtics just have this gritty ability about them.

-I think the one thing we love about playoffs in professional sports is that players will make a complete name for themselves in a mere two months.  Rajon Rondo is doing that and no one would have had Rondo is his top five point guards list before the playoff started, now he is top 3 or... maybe the best?  I haven't seen Rondo's arsenal be stopped by any one in the league even LeBron James.  Yes, LBJ shut him down scoring wise, but he still made things happen by creating space in the floor.  In addition, Rondo is definitely a guy I would pay to see at Bradley Center and on my list of jerseys I would love to own.  Also because the Celtic green is awesome.  

-Vince Carter proves why he is a choke.  There is no question about it after he shanked both free throws, once from the left and once to the right. I sadly owned a Carter jersey in Toronto back in day but after reading Bill Simmons' book, I have done a complete 180 about VC because I realize how much of the "me" guy he really is and doesn't deserve the hype he gets. Like I said on Twitter, "It never fails that VC fails to step up in big moments. What a choke artist, only one worse is cousin T-Mac."

-I think ESPN should do a "40 for 40" on Rasheed Wallace abilty to step it up in the playoffs after mailing in the entire regular reason. Sheed looked like he could give shit for the entire year and now he is killing it in the playoffs. A special sit down with Wallace about coming up big in the playoffs next on ESPN!

-We were talking in the beautiful lounge of 223 about how to beat this year Magic and it really is all about letting Dwight Howard getting his and cutting off all his resources. I wonder if he learned from his alma mater because this is something that Buzz Williams has done in the past couple of years with the lack of big men, he would let Shrek, and Greg Monroe get his. 

-Now on to the Suns, I really think the games might be getting to Steve Nash even though he had some time off, I believe he is tired.  He hasn't taken over a game in the first two games, and four guys including one bench guy scored more points than Nash last night.  That isn't a good sign if you are a Suns fan and Nash needs to try to 'get his' more than facilitating the ball.

-Only Jared Dudley stepped up on the bench for the Suns, and everyone else is appearing to a disappearing act. Channing Fyre, Gordan Dragic, and Leandro Barbosa all didn't do anything for the Suns so far in the two games and this isn't a good sign either. I think the Lakers might be able to sweep this thing or go to five games at best.

-Kobe Bryant seems to be doing everything for the Lakers and unlike Nash, I said it before he is getting better and better with all of the games.  I mean he drops 21 5 rebs 13 asst which is an awesome game and a career high for Kobe.  Do I think that Kobe gets it that the Suns cannot keep up with the scary front line of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Andrew Bynum?  Yes, yes i do... I think Bryant will be passing the ball more in the next couple of games and B-squared asked me if surprised me that Kobe's career high in assists was last night?  Nope, he never needed to pass the ball because Derk Fisher and others made sure they got the ball to Shaq and let's face Kobe thought about himself more than usual in the last ten years ago plus no way he gets 13 dishes with the likes of Kwame Brown and Smush Parker. 

-Also Amar'e don't wake up the sleeping giant that is Lamar Odom because he will inflict pain on you and also Amar'e if you are going to run your mouth... play defense next time... okay?  I got Lakers in 5 and Boston in a sweep.

-Charlie.

Western Conference NBA Playoff Picks

I am a bit late but still that doesn't matter.  Honestly, pretty exciting times for me because I really have got myself into the NBA this season, the Milwaukee Bucks are one of the 16 teams in there, and I think the playoffs are WIIIIIDE OOOPENN.  I think this will as unpredictable as ever. 
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 8. Oklahoma City Thunder- Other than the Bucks, I am pretty pumped for this series because of the Durant-Kobe matchup and the youth of the Thunder could be a preview of things to come.  I think the Thunder could push this series to the sixth or seventh game of this series but I do think they need to get one win in L.A. to really believe they can actually do it.  The difference maker will be Russell Westbrook because he will be facing a washed-up Derek Fisher therefore he could run him all over the court throughout the series. I think the Lakers win but this will be a bloodbath for sure.  LA in 7 

4. Denver vs. 5. Utah- A series that could have been a lot better if the Jazz had Andrei Kirinlinko and you have to worry about Carlos Boozer's rib injury.  The Jazz do have Deron Williams who has been playing out of this world lately and they have a mismatch with Chauncey Billups which they could expose.  I hate to bet against Carmelo Anthony because I think he is one of the best late-game closer and continues to not get enough love by the national media.  I think this will be a dogfight but the injuries of Utah pull me towards the Nugs.  DEN in 7

3. Phoenix vs. 6.Portland- Once again, a better series if Brandon Roy was healthy. The Suns have arguably been the best team since the All-Star Break.  I hate to bring it up like everyone else but Amar'e Stoudamire decided to play basketball again.  He looks like a tyrant out there and will create problems for the Trailblazers.  I will give Portland a game at home due to their rabid homecourt advantage but Steve Nash will take control of this one.  PHX in 5 

2. Dallas vs. 7. San Antonio- Two teams that have had some epic series in the past couple of years and I think this will be the proving point that the Spurs are indeed washed-up.  I haven't seen anything from them that makes me think they can beat a much-improved Maverick team with the additions of Caron Butler and Brenden Haywood. BUT remember when I wrote how Butler/Haywood have not delivered results in the playoffs?  Just keep that in mind if the Spurs find a way to win on in the Big D.  I think both teams win at home then the Mavs get knocked out in the final two.  DAL in 6

-Charlie.

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.

NBA Pacific Preview

Here the deal I am not going to give you another post on playoff predictions because its too early first off and second of all, I just am done with the NBA for awhile in terms of writing. I like it will be the Lakers-Celts again, I trust in KG's knee to stay healthy and I like the aggressiveness that Boston will play with all year. The Lakers just seem way too deep to be stopped in the postseason. In addition, watch out for the Spurs and Magic to make some noise though.

1. Los Angeles Lakers: KEY PLAYERS: SG Kobe Bryant, SF Ron Artest, PF Pau Gasol: OUTLOOK: You could added Lamar Odom, or Andrew Bynum to that list as well because like I said up top, they are so deep. It can be any of those five guys on a given night and I am beginning to really like the comparison of Dennis Rodman-Ron Artest with Phil Jackson. PREDICTION: 1st in the Western Conference.

2. Phoenix Suns: KEY PLAYERS: PG Steve Nash, PF Amare Stoudamire, SG Jason Richardson OUTLOOK: I love that this team can run again with guys listed above and I think Earl Clark will be a hell of a rookie for them too. I think they have a rebound year back in the playoffs. PREDICTION: 7th in the Western Conference.

3. Los Angeles Clippers: KEY PLAYERS: PG Baron Davis, PF Blake Griffin, SG Eric Gordon OUTLOOK: The Clips let me down last year playing like complete dogshit but Davis looks much more trim than last year plus when Griffin returns from injury, they will have a nice inside-outside game. PREDICTION: 8th in the Western Conference.

4. Golden State Warriors: KEY PLAYERS: SF Stephen Jackson, SG Monta Ellis, F Anthony Randolph OUTLOOK: People are real high on Randolph becoming an absolute stud and I think Jackson will be out of Golden State before November is over letting him take control of the team. They are a mess though and will continue to be all year. PREDICTION: 13th in the Western Conference.

5. Sacramento Kings: KEY PLAYERS: SG Kevin Martin, PF Jason Thompson, PG Tyreke Evans OUTLOOK: Could be a very ugly season for the Kings and shooting for that top spot in the draft seems very likely. Martin is their only scorer and the rest do not do much for me. OUTLOOK: 14th in the Western Conference.

-Charlie.

Suns Gave an Extension to the Wrong Guy

The Phoenix Suns at the beginning of the off season looked like complete sellers by trading Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland Cavaliers for basically a bunch of expiring contracts and then there were rumors that Amare Stoudamire might get moved to Golden State for a lot of young players with light money. Now they decided to give an extension to the two-time MVP Steve Nash for two years. What the hell?

I understand that Nash has had some great years at Phoenix and is a fan favorite of the Suns although he is past his prime. Nash's points per game has dropped in the last two years therefore that is something to worry about if you are giving a guy an extension. In addition his minutes have dropped a bit too showing maybe there are signs of wearing down.

The other thing I do not get about their cheapskate owner Mr. Robert Sarver is why add years on to Nash if there wasnt an intent to make sure that Stoudamire stays on the squad for at least three to five years past this upcoming season. I would have made sure that Stoudamire was protected for the next couple of years and then maybe Phoenix deals Nash for a bunch of young players to build with Amare.

If I was a Suns fan this might scare me. They might let Nash ride off into the sunset and just have a young players around him if they deal Amare. Which leads to see maybe they can get to the playoffs with Nash and the young guns.

-Charlie.

The Shaqtus Headin' to the Rock n Roll Capital?

First, a shout-out to the scared person who said I bring nothing to the table. Thank you. Moving on, there are some rumblings about the NBA off season that we have to cover before the Finals are over. The deal to send Shaquille O'Neal to Cleveland didnt die in February when it was first suggested and it now appears that the trade talks are heating up once again.

The proposed deal is Shaq to the Cavs for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic because there are rumors that Wallace may retire leading to complete salary dump for the Suns and the Cavs getting the most dominant center in the past fifteen years. In my opinion, this could a couple ways for the Cleveland.....

1. This could bring a championship to the city of Cleveland- I think the Boston Celtics at full health are the only team that could handle Shaq inside but they have already had many issues covering LeBron James. I think the chemistry would be great with two fun loving guys like Shaq and LeBron so that doesnt become a problem.

2. It ruins LeBron legacy- The whole debate about whose better will be pretty much nullified if Shaq does come to Cleveland because now the three best players in the league have all played wtih Shaq and Kobe Bryant/Dwayne Wade both have won titles only with Shaq there (granted that could come to end tonight with Kobe). LeBron will now have help and trust me it will make the Cavaliers such a better team with LBJ being able to play man-to-man instead of a zone that seems to not work. Also Shaq will flourish with teams likely choosing to stop LeBron in the paint instead of Shaq leading to many easy thunderous dunks.

3. Does the style change?- My last thought would be that the style of the Cavs has been an up and down team who will have to slow it down for Shaq although I could see many Shaq to LeBron outlets leading to easy baskets. I really dont think that becomes an issue for the Cavs as much as people would like to believe.

-Charlie.

Terry Porter Needs a Job

Once again Terry Porter is fired.

After four months of coaching the Phoenix Suns, Terry Porter is fired. Porter couldnt get his offense in place with Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire, and Shaq. Now I firmly believe that Steve Kerr is single-handily dismantling the Suns.

With giving Porter the boot, this confirms that he made a mistake. He screwed up firing Mike D'Antoni last summer. He traded for Shaq which did not fit the offense at all whatsoever and basically forced D'Antoni out of Phoenix. Then he hires Porter who got royally screwed in Milwaukee but I firmly believe he will not be any better than a 6th place team. Porter reminds me a ton of Maurice Cheeks; he will just never be a great coach yet he will still have a job.

Kerr now has said they are exploring the option of Amare Stoudemire. That is another just awful idea by Kerr because Stoudemire could easily be the face of the franchise. His defense will improved over the years but Stoudemire isnt just there yet.

So really this isnt an opinion column on why Porter need to get fired; it really boils down to Steve Kerr needs to go.

-Charlie.

Coaching Changes Galore in the NBA

Something that I forgot to blog about this weekend was the new coaches of the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks.

First off with the Knicks with the hiring of Mike D'Antoni, I think anytime you get a guy whose won 254 games in four years, its usually a good pick up. I thought they overpaid for D'Antoni because he has not done anything in the playoffs. Granted that was out west where the entire conference is stacked and you get to the East where three good teams are out there. Also people have made the comment why didnt he go to the Bulls where he had the perfect fit but D'Antoni would get pushed by Paxson just like Kerr and Reinsdorf is a prick. Simple as that. I think he will end up completely changing the make-up of this team with them drafting fifth (Projected), they can get a guy like Jared Bayless or if they move up to one/two getting Rose/Beasley. That will start a young foundation and maybe in two years getting LeBron James.

The Mavericks went with the guy who I wanted to see the Bucks get in Rick Carlisle. I think anyone the Mavs get is not going to last very long as for the team is getting old. Jason Terry is becoming past his prime, Josh Howard is not as good when he is looked as a main scorer. Dirk seems to get hurt too much and they have no inside presence. The dumbest thing Mark Cuban ever did was trade for Jason Kidd. It has aged the team in so many ways. Unless moves are made, Carlislie is probably out in three years in my opinion.

Charlie.

An Overlook at The Steal out of Memphis and the Big Shaqtus

Let me be the first one to say it: The NBA is becoming more fun to watch as great players move to different teams so it definitly adds new spice to the game. Also there are alot of young players that are becoming better making it more exciting to watch.

First starting off with the Pau Gasol trade: I really think that Kobe Bryant made a deal with the devil and pleaded to him to bring him another powerful force in L.A. They made out like bandits only giving up Kwame Brown and Jarvais Crittention plus a couple first rounders yet they really did give anyone up that would be damanging to the team. Now the Lakers are a legitamate threat to win the powerful West. The front line of Gasol-Bynum-Odom is the best in the NBA and that powerful size inside will be able to stop anyone in my opinion and why right now I think the Lakers will be back in the Finals. It is good for Memphis because as much as Gasol was a fan favorite; they are now able to retool with those draft picks and hopefully become a better team.

Then after that happen, Steve Kerr who was a force from the outside in the 90s yet his attempt to keep up with the Lakeshow was an airball. He decideds to trade away the frustrated Shawn Marion who is the glue of that team; he does all of the little things that people forget about and not shown in the stat book. And who does he get in return.... Shaq Diesel... Wow not a smart move at all. Shaq is averaging his worst numbers in his fifteen-year career and he is well-over 300 pounds, do you think it went through Kerr mind that Shaq is washed up? I do not know how it cannot and Shaq is a great performer infront of a mic so all the bullshit he fed about "Bringing a 5th ring", it will not happen yet how great would it be to see a Kobe-Shaq Western Conference Finals? I would be tuned in to every game possible if that was the case. For my main man, D-Wade eventhough they have the worst record in the NBA, they now get a force in Marion who can run with Mr. Wade and hopefully he will want to come back when they draft Eric Gordon, Derrick Rose, or Michael Beasley.

Hopefully this brings back fans to the NBA.

Charlie.