All weekend I was around a couple Bulls fans who were depressed about losing out on LeBron James and I tried to lighten the mood by saying "HEY, at least you got Boozer!"
They liked the deal and still believe they can be the third or fourth best team in the NBA. I also liked the deal because Boozer is a double-double machine that is a tough nose defender and they have a formidable front line. Not to mention, they also added Kyle Korver for some three-point shooting and with the Cavs probably out of the picture, people are penciling them into the Central Division. But what about the Milwaukee Bucks?
I think this year will be the first year of a long going rivalry between the Bulls-Bucks, much in the way we as Milwaukeeans and Wisconsinites hate the Chicago Cubs. The reason why some people do not have the same animosity for the Bulls is Michael Jordan. So many 18-25 year olds growing up were huge Jordan supporters therefore they jumped on the Bulls bandwagon and I have heard guys tell me "Still have something in my heart for the Bulls due to the Jordan years." This goes out the window this year.
The Bulls now have two of the biggest whiners in the middle with Joakim Noah/Carlos Boozer. Both of those guys bitch more than any of the Real Housewives shows on Bravo. They complain about calls and they're over-the-top emotional when they do well. Granted, I would love them both if they played for the Bucks but that's not the point. Chicago will be a playoff team and a top 5 team in the East, although in my opinion, they will probably play Milwaukee in the first round.
I think these two teams are the fourth and fifth best teams in the Eastern Conference. Both have key role players that will be big parts of the team. In addition,the Bulls probably have the only star with Derrick Rose (can't s say Brandon Jennings yet but he could be there during this season) will probably be a time and a half better than last season. It's tough for me to say which team is better right now, maybe the Bulls due to the Rose factor. Still the Deer needs to feared.
-Charlie.
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Showing posts with label Utah Jazz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Utah Jazz. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Not So Fast KD & Laker/Jazz Discussion
Everybody got very exciting including myself of what the Oklahoma City Thunder could do in the NBA Playoffs because of the play of Kevin Durant throughout the season. Then that all came crashing down to earth when their team had to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
It wasn't the best performance we have seen out of the Lakers but they did enough to frustrate Durant, never letting him go off like he did in the regular season. I forgot about how good Ron Artest can be as a defender until the first round because during the season, he looked lost on this Laker team and didn't seem like he really fit into their system. But Ron proved once again why he is a top five defender, he did a magnificent job on the young Durant. This wasn't the only thing telling about telling about this series.
The Lakers' perimeter defense was so bad that people like my roommate B-Squared made the claim, "I think Russell Westbrook is more key to the Thunder's success than Durant." This deserves a big time DOH but honestly, I could see why he thought this way. Derek Fisher looks like a 40 year old guy playing at the rec center and Kobe Bryant's body is the definition of playing through injury. Westbrook really had a breakout series and put his name on the map saying "I am a great second banana, and look out for us in the future." This should create another worry for the Lakers though....
They have to face Utah's Deron Williams who all the media has anointed him the "best point guard in the NBA." I would have to agree even if I don't like him (never enjoyed his career at Illinois). He could create some major problems for that poor Laker defense we discussed. I have a distinct feeling that Williams will put up 25 or more easily and make this series more interesting than the last two times they met.
A lot like the Celtics-Cavs, the front court play will be very interesting. The Jazz do have the size to throw at Pau Gasol with the physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap. I expect Gasol to struggle with those two coming at him consistently and especially if Andrew Bynum is unable to play at 100%. I would give the Jazz the advantage almost having both Boozer/Milsap.
The other big key is the Ron Artest/Lamar Odom vs. Wes Matthews/CJ Miles match up. I am puzzled to think who really has the edge, I mean yes the Lakers have the experience but Miles/Matthews has been playing at a superior level. I believe the swing men will be the difference in this series.
I expect a physical series and a very good series, there will be a ton of emotion. They do not like each other but I worry about the Jazz's ability to win in Los Angeles (something like 0-14 in the playoffs). If the Jazz want to win, they need a Game 1 or Game 2 in LA. I have the Lakeshow in 7.
-Charlie.
It wasn't the best performance we have seen out of the Lakers but they did enough to frustrate Durant, never letting him go off like he did in the regular season. I forgot about how good Ron Artest can be as a defender until the first round because during the season, he looked lost on this Laker team and didn't seem like he really fit into their system. But Ron proved once again why he is a top five defender, he did a magnificent job on the young Durant. This wasn't the only thing telling about telling about this series.
The Lakers' perimeter defense was so bad that people like my roommate B-Squared made the claim, "I think Russell Westbrook is more key to the Thunder's success than Durant." This deserves a big time DOH but honestly, I could see why he thought this way. Derek Fisher looks like a 40 year old guy playing at the rec center and Kobe Bryant's body is the definition of playing through injury. Westbrook really had a breakout series and put his name on the map saying "I am a great second banana, and look out for us in the future." This should create another worry for the Lakers though....
They have to face Utah's Deron Williams who all the media has anointed him the "best point guard in the NBA." I would have to agree even if I don't like him (never enjoyed his career at Illinois). He could create some major problems for that poor Laker defense we discussed. I have a distinct feeling that Williams will put up 25 or more easily and make this series more interesting than the last two times they met.
A lot like the Celtics-Cavs, the front court play will be very interesting. The Jazz do have the size to throw at Pau Gasol with the physical play of Carlos Boozer and Paul Milsap. I expect Gasol to struggle with those two coming at him consistently and especially if Andrew Bynum is unable to play at 100%. I would give the Jazz the advantage almost having both Boozer/Milsap.
The other big key is the Ron Artest/Lamar Odom vs. Wes Matthews/CJ Miles match up. I am puzzled to think who really has the edge, I mean yes the Lakers have the experience but Miles/Matthews has been playing at a superior level. I believe the swing men will be the difference in this series.
I expect a physical series and a very good series, there will be a ton of emotion. They do not like each other but I worry about the Jazz's ability to win in Los Angeles (something like 0-14 in the playoffs). If the Jazz want to win, they need a Game 1 or Game 2 in LA. I have the Lakeshow in 7.
-Charlie.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
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.
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.
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 Northwest Division Preview
Two left to go and then I leave you with the predictions that will come true in June.
1. Utah Jazz: PG Deron Williams, PF Carlos Boozer, PF Paul Millsap OUTLOOK: If they can figure out ways to have Millsap/Boozer on the court at the same time then they could be real dangerous as a large front court team. PREDICTION: 3rd in the Western Conference.
2. Denver Nuggets: SF Carmelo Anthony, PG Chauncey Billups, PF Nene OUTLOOK: The Nuggets have a lot of the same parts that brought them to the Western Conference Finals and I think Ty Lawson could be the Rookie of the Year this year. The two top spots are interchangeable. PREDICTION: 4th in the Western Conference.
3. Portland Trailblazers: SG Brandon Roy, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, SF Travis Outlaw OUTLOOK: In my opinion, this will be the best division in the Western Conference. Another team that could contend for the top spot in the Northwest. Greg Oden's development plays a large part. PREDICTION: 5th in the Western Conference.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Kevin Durant, PG Russell Westbrook, PF Jeff Green- OUTLOOK: The Thunder are my favorite young team right now and a team who I truly believe could make the playoffs if they weren't in such a tough division. Next year will be a huge year for them. PREDICTION: 11th in the Western Conference.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Al Jefferson, PG Johnny Flynn, PF Kevin Love- OUTLOOK: The mastermind that is David Kahn could not land Ricky Rubio to the states so he better hope that Flynn has a huge year or he could be short-lived as T-Wolves GM. PREDICTION: 13th in the Western Conference.
-Charlie.
1. Utah Jazz: PG Deron Williams, PF Carlos Boozer, PF Paul Millsap OUTLOOK: If they can figure out ways to have Millsap/Boozer on the court at the same time then they could be real dangerous as a large front court team. PREDICTION: 3rd in the Western Conference.
2. Denver Nuggets: SF Carmelo Anthony, PG Chauncey Billups, PF Nene OUTLOOK: The Nuggets have a lot of the same parts that brought them to the Western Conference Finals and I think Ty Lawson could be the Rookie of the Year this year. The two top spots are interchangeable. PREDICTION: 4th in the Western Conference.
3. Portland Trailblazers: SG Brandon Roy, PF LaMarcus Aldridge, SF Travis Outlaw OUTLOOK: In my opinion, this will be the best division in the Western Conference. Another team that could contend for the top spot in the Northwest. Greg Oden's development plays a large part. PREDICTION: 5th in the Western Conference.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: SF Kevin Durant, PG Russell Westbrook, PF Jeff Green- OUTLOOK: The Thunder are my favorite young team right now and a team who I truly believe could make the playoffs if they weren't in such a tough division. Next year will be a huge year for them. PREDICTION: 11th in the Western Conference.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves: PF Al Jefferson, PG Johnny Flynn, PF Kevin Love- OUTLOOK: The mastermind that is David Kahn could not land Ricky Rubio to the states so he better hope that Flynn has a huge year or he could be short-lived as T-Wolves GM. PREDICTION: 13th in the Western Conference.
-Charlie.
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