Didn’t the Knicks get the memo? This is the NBA Playoffs. Hello? The final two-min. execution has been absolutely horrendous for New York and that has been the difference maker this series. The Knicks led in the closing moments of both games, but managed to pull a typical New York. In game one, they got beat by an out-of-bounds play and a cold-daggered three from Ray Allen. In game two, the Knicks had to rely on Toney Douglas and Jared Jeffries due to their star PG and PF being injured. The Knicks later had to go with Jeffries late in the game due to Melo being double-teamed. Result? Jeffries surprisingly gave the Knicks the lead with nearly 45 seconds left, but then he reminded us that he is Jared Jeffries. He ended up giving the game winning turnaround to Garnett, and then on the following possession, turned the ball over attempting a wrap-around pass. Jeffries had a clear lane to the basket since Melo was being doubled again. Instead, he attempted a wrap-around pass? I have no idea what he was thinking on that possession, but if he goes to the bucket strong, it’s a lay-up or a foul. The play might have been designed that way, but you cannot pass up an open opportunity like that. Regardless, the Knicks were fortunate just to be in that situation. They were lucked out by a fluke Jeffries bucket off an offensive rebound on the previous possession (or should I say last 3 since of the offensive boards). Also, New York’s offensive execution in the final two minutes was nonexistent. They looked confused in their offensive sets once Carmelo was doubled. Players were rushing shots or making poor decisions. Coach D’Antoni could have definitely done a better job preparing his team in the closing minutes. It was really sloppy basketball. What’s even worse is the Knicks forgot to foul in the final 6 sec when only being down one point. Instead, they let the clock wind down to .6 before fouling. This is one very smart basketball team. The final couple minutes were one of the poorest closing attempts I’ve seen in a while, especially in the playoffs. For all Knick fans, let’s hope players like Jared Jeffries, Roger Mason Jr., and Bill Walker never ever see minutes again when the game is on the line.
Paul Pierce
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1. Chicago Bulls vs 8. Indianapolis Pacers
The Bulls were predicted to be a good team, but nobody expected them to be the #1 ranked team heading into the playoffs. While Chicago is looking to make a deep run into the playoffs, the Pacers seem happy to be in the playoffs. However, the Pacers do have some players and can make this series interesting. The advantage the Pacers seem to have is size. Granger is big for a small forward and can bully other players in the paint. Hibbert is also one of the few remaining true 7 ft centers in the NBA. Outside of having the NBA MVP on their roster, the Bulls also have a solid set of complimentary players. Boozer is an athletic PF who should have no troubles with Hansbrough. Noah is a solid 10 & 1o player who will get looks off of pick and rolls. Deng is also a solid SF who plays well on defense and can shoot from deep. For the Pacers, they need to make sure they get out to early leads and attack the Bulls. Chicago on the other hand needs to use their superior talent and athleticism to get by the Pacers. The Bulls might lose one our two, but in the end should win this series.
X-Factors
Luol Deng, Bulls: Rose is going to get the hole and has Boozer down low to feed the rock, but a third player needs to step up. Deng needs to knock down perimeter shots when fed the ball and lock down Danny Granger.
Roy Hibbert, Pacers: I wanted to say Collison, but Hibbert needs to dominate in the paint and prove that he can be a force in the middle. He will need to eliminate his inconsistencies and lock down Noah.
Verdict
Bulls in 5
2. Miami Heat vs 7. Philadelphia 76ers
As sad as this is, I don’t think Philadelphia competes with the Heat in the least bit this series. Whenever you think of first round blowouts, this is what I have in mind. The Sixers have some solid players, but when compared to the Heat they only true advantage they have is at PG. Holliday is starting to come into his own while Bibby and Chalmers are decent at best. However, Miami has three superstars which will give Philly fits. Everyone knows LeBron James and what he brings to the table. I honestly don’t see a single player on the other team who will be able to stop him. It might get interesting if the put Igudola on him, it might get interesting, but that still leaves Dwayne Wade going against someone like Jodie Meeks. The biggest advantage I see for the Heat is down low. Elton Brand has had a nice season, but I think Bosh and his size will give the shorter Brand problems. Overall, this should be a relatively boring series that ESPN will give too much coverage to because of the names on the Heat.
X-Factors
Chris Bosh, Heat: The “third” wheel needs to step up in a big way, most likely against fellow big Elton Brand. If he plays the way that everyone knows he is capable of playing, than this series should be over fairly quick. If he doesn’t, perhaps Philly can sneak a game (or two?) from the Heat.
Jrue Holliday, 76ers: When this kid makes plays, the 76ers seem to win. That might not necessarily hold true in this series; however, if he does play well, then that will at least give them a chance…right?
Verdict
Heat in 4
3. Boston Celtics vs 6. New York Knicks
I’ll be dead honest; I have a strong aversion towards the Celtics. I’m sure it’s how everyone else feels about the Spurs; they want them to lose, but they keep winning despite age. It also doesn’t help they always seem to take series down to the 7th game every single time. The Knicks are interesting to me as they are with everyone else. They made a blockbuster trade to get Carmelo, and have settled into mediocrity. A lot of this has to do with their offense. They seem to settle early and take too many three pointers. They need to figure out how to work together on both ends of the court and start meshing as a team. The Celtics also made a mid-season trade giving up Kendrick Perkins for Jeff Green. Since then, they haven’t been the same down low in the paint and have been mediocre as well. Both teams however only have one star down low so the fact that Boston has gotten smaller shouldn’t hurt them. As cliche as it is to reference a star player, Anthony needs to body up Paul Pierce and take him down low. He can dominate based on his size. I think the Knicks make it interesting, but the Celtics know what it takes.
X-Factors
Rajon Rondo, Celtics: It’s been a bit of a down year for Rondo, but he always seems to step up in the playoffs. This year is no different. He needs to take command of the Celtics and lead them through the series.
Chauncey Billups, Knicks: Billups was brought over from Denver along with Anthony and has played well. However, he’s 3-point percentage has slipped. Billups will get open looks so he needs to be ready for them.
Verdict
Celtics in 7
4. Orlando Magic vs 5. Atlanta Hawks
The first thing I thought of when I saw this match up was Dwight Howard against Al Horford. Howard is arguably the most dominant center in the league while Horford is of all-star calibur and plays in similar fashion. Seeing these two go at it will be fun. For Orlando, it’s the same team as always with a few different players. They will shoot early and often from deep and I can’t blame them with Richardson, Reddick, and Turkolu. Of course, going down low to Dwight is a pretty nice option as well. Expect to see screens to set up those looks from deep. For Atlanta, I like Joe Johnson’s matchup against Richardson. Johnson can score in just about every way imaginable so I think he should be able to put up a high number of points. The key here will be experience. Orlando has been to the finals and constantly make deep runs in the playoffs. Atlanta on the other hand hasn’t seemed to be able to make a deep playoff run in forever. They may be matched up similarly, but Orlando knows what it takes to make it in the playoffs.
X-Factors
Hedu Turkolu, Magic: For some reason, Turk only plays well for Orlando. Based on what he’s done in the past, Hedu could make the difference and play the X-Factor as he has just a few years ago.
Josh Smith, Hawks: When Orlando traded away Lewis, they gave up some definite size as they had him at PF. Josh Smith is uber athletic and a force down low. If he can focus and stay in the paint, he can dominate.
Verdict
Magic in 6
Earlier today, the 3-point shootout contestants for the NBA All-Star game were released and I am not impressed at all one bit…
Here are your competitors
I was very surprised to see Kevin Durant’s name in the shootout. Not to take a knock at the kid, but he hasn’t been so hot beyond the arc this season. He is only averaging nearly 35% which isn’t even in the NBA top 40. On the other hand, I was glad to see Ray Allen up there since Allen will be the NBA’s All-Time 3-pt leader by the end of the week. Also, one last shout out to “Boobie” Gibson, as the Cavaliers have a shot to win in something since they can’t win an actual game.
My prediction:
James Jones, Miami
Why do I even bother with the All-Star game anymore?
WEST
Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City
Deron Williams, PG, Utah
Manu Ginobli, SG, San Antonio
Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles
Dirk Nowitski, PF, Dallas
Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio
Pau Gasol, C, Los Angeles
EAST
Rajon Rondo, PG, Boston
Ray Allen, SG, Boston
Joe Johnson, SG, Atlanta
Paul Pierce, SF, Boston
Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston
Chris Bosh, PF, Miami
Al Horford, C, Atlanta
Western Conference Reserves
Guards
Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
Forwards
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Center
Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers
Snubs
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors
Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers
Eastern Conference Reserves
Guards
Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
Stephen Jackson, Charlotte Bobcats
Forwards
Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers
Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
Center
Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks
Snubs
Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks
Carlos Boozer, Chicago Bulls
Raymond Felton, New York Knicks
Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
In my opinion, the NBA All-Star game is a joke; just like the Pro Bowl. It usually consists of fan favorites and high-flyers, which is pointless. It’s more of a popularity contest and sometimes the more deserving players get shafted due to playing for smaller market teams. This is what I think the Western and Eastern All-Stars should look like.
Western Conference Starters
PG: Deron Williams, Utah Jazz
SG: Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors
SF: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
PF: Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
C: Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
Other Reserves
PG: Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder and Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
SG: Eric Gordon, Los Angeles Clippers and Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
SF: Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
PF: Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies and Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
C: Al Jefferson, Utah Jazz
Eastern Conference Starters
PG: Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
SG: Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat
SF: Lebron James, Miami Heat
PF: Amare Stoudemire, New York Knicks
C: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau
Other Reserves
PG: Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics and Raymond Felton, New York Knicks
SG: Stephen Jackson, Charlotte Bobcats
SF: Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers and Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics
PF: Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
C: Brook Lopez, New Jersey Nets and Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors
10. Denver Nuggets (16-10)
If Carmelo Anthony is traded, this team will have no business being on this list for the rest of the season.
Upcoming Games: Wed @ SA, Sat @ OKC
9. Orlando Magic (16-11)
With the return of Hedo Turkoglu and the additions of Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson, look for this team to creep up in the East.
Upcoming Games: Tue v. Dal, Thu v. SA
8. Chicago Bulls (16-9)
It is unfortunate the Bulls will be losing Joakim Noah for approximately 8-10 weeks due to injury just after Carlos Boozer returned from his.
Upcoming Games: Tue v. Philly, Weds @ Was
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (19-9)
This young team is quietly winning games, but they still have a long way to go.
Upcoming Games: Tue @ Cha, Weds @ NY
6. Utah Jazz (20-9)
Deron Williams continues to make his case for MVP.
Upcoming Games: Wed @ Min, Mon v. Portland
5. Miami Heat (21-9)
Their 12-game win-streak finally came to a halt, courtesy of the Mavericks.
Upcoming Games: Thu @ Pho, Sat @ LA
4. Los Angeles Lakers (21-7)
With Andrew Bynum finally returning from injury, look for the Lakers’ defense and rebounding to improve quickly.
Upcoming Games: Tue v. Mil, Sat v. Mia
3. San Antonio Spurs (24-3)
Spectacular plays from Manu Ginobili have been the story for the Spurs this season. Ginobili has been playing at a MVP level this season as the Spurs hang onto the best record in the NBA.
Upcoming Games: Wed v. Den, Thu @ Orl
2. Dallas Mavericks (22-5)
The Mavs have won 15 of their last 16 as they trail the Spurs by two games. Dirk Nowitzki has been shooting lights out with a career-best 56% (.558) so far this season.
Upcoming Games: Tue @ Orl, Mon @ OKC
1. Boston Celtics (22-4)
Even with Rondo hampered by ankle injury, the Celtics continue to win games. They currently hold the longest, active win-streak in the league with 13 in a row.
Upcoming Games: Wed. v Philly, Sat @ Orl
According to the Boston Herald, Paul Pierce will remain a Celtic. Pierce agreed to a new 4-year deal that will pay him a little over $60 million. I like this deal for a number of reasons. One, it’s not overly long. I think 4 years is a nice shelf-life for a guy that will turn 33 right before the season starts. Also, it still leaves them with enough cap flexibility to go and re-sign Ray Allen, someone they now can turn their full attention to. Pierce could probably have gotten a lot more than this on the open market, but in the end, he stuck with the team that drafted him out of Kansas and remained in Boston. Nice move.
I also wanted to point out how someone of Pierce’s stature, a guy who has averaged almost 23 points a game throughout his career and the 2008 Finals MVP, can stick to his guns and re-up with his team for 4 years/$60 million, and a guy like Rudy Gay, who has no playoff wins and/or appearances, can handcuff his team by taking them for 5 years and just over $80 million. I know, I know, it’s more so the organization than Rudy being Rudy, right? And Gay is only 23 while Pierce is 32. Still yet, I have a feeling that it’s probably a combination of both. Maybe I’m just bitter that a guy like Gay can get a deal that big…
The Boston Celtics and L.A. Lakers square off tonight for the last time this season in the decisive game of the NBA Finals. Kobe and Co. must be feeling strong right now after blowing out the C’s in Game 6 and watching big man Kendrick Perkins go down with torn ligaments in his right knee. Knowing that he is out should allow the Lakers to control the boards and, more importantly, control the game defensively. I’m anxious to see how Rondo plays tonight after a horrific outing on Tuesday (5-15 shooting for 10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and one really ugly air-ball). I think it all rests on his shoulders if Boston has a legitimate shot at winning tonight; if he can get his team open looks and play like he did in the Orlando series, I think they have a chance. Ray Allen needs to be, well, Ray Allen and stroke it when given an open opportunity and Paul Pierce needs to continue to force the action and take it to the rack. If they can do this, Boston might be hoisting the trophy.
Oh how it’s so easy to mention some things without noting L.A. has the ultimate weapon: Kobe Bryant. I expect another 30+ point effort from him tonight as well as top-notch defense. There’s a reason he’s an all-NBA first-team defender. Also, Pau Gasol has, by far, been the best big man in the Finals (no offense to K.G. or Glen Davis, of course), so I expect for him to continue right where he left off in Game 6 (17 pts, 13 rebs, 9 assts, 3 blks). I’m interested to see what Andrew Bynum can give the Lakers tonight. If he can give them some productive minutes, especially with Perkins out, then I definitely see the Lake Show winning their second title in as many years. He is the X-Factor for me. Also, Derek Fisher has done a remarkable job on both sides of the floor and I expect no different. The man might be average in the regular season, but when it comes playoff time, he elevates his game significantly. Also, L.A.’s bench needs to continue to play at the level they played at in Game 6. Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown have to push the tempo in this one and allow open looks for their teammates. Doing this could be a huge key to their success tonight.
In the end, I just don’t see how Los Angeles loses Game 7 at home against Boston. I know Boston is going to come out with intensity that the Lakers haven’t seen so far this season, but anytime you have Kobe Bryant, you have to like your chances. And so, with that, I say the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics tonight by 7 points and win their 16th NBA title. Kobe Bryant takes home MVP honors (as if that was ever in question) and Phil Jackson rides off into the sunset…OK, I’m not sure about the last part, but I don’t believe he’s a sure bet to be back with the purple and gold next season. I guess that’s for another time. Right now, I’m just ready for Game 7.
The NBA Finals is set to tip off this Thursday. Before that happens, however, I feel that a breakdown of the series by position is in order. Just what team has an edge over the other? Well, let us examine this question a little closer:
Point Guard: Rajon Rondo vs. Derek Fisher
The overwhelming majority, I believe, would settle with Rondo on this one. The guy is faster, has a better understanding of how to run his team’s offense and, at this point in his career, is a much better basketball player than D-Fish. Rondo has averaged 16.7 ppg and 10 dimes compared to Fisher’s 11.1 ppg and 3.1 apg so far in the playoffs. One thing Fisher still has on Rondo, I believe, is ‘game smarts’. The guy knows what to do in every situation. That comes with the territory, however; Fisher has a lot more playoff experience than Rondo does. This is definitely a nice advantage for Fisher to have over Rondo, yet I still believe Rondo is the player I would much rather have at the point guard spot.
EDGE: Rondo
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant vs. Ray Allen
Man, I sure do love to watch Ray Allen light it up. I still believe he has the smoothest shooting stroke in basketball and has been incredibly vital to the Celtics success so far this postseason. This, however, is a moot point when you compare him to the best basketball player on the planet. Kobe Bryant can do it all and never seems to disappoint. Averaging 29.4 ppg, 6.2 apg and 5.1 rpg, you can surely see why that is. Compare that to Allen’s line of 16.8, 3.0 and 3.6 and there isn’t much comparison. I’m not trying to take anything away from Ray, but facts are facts and it is obvious who has the advantage between these two great players.
EDGE: Bryant
Small Forward: Ron Artest vs. Paul Pierce
Ron Artest has been up and down in these playoffs, much like his first season with the Lakers. Paul Pierce is an enforcer who has done more than enough to guide his team to the NBA Finals. Now, do you see any correlation between these two players just by what I have said so far? Artest is averaging a pedestrian 11.5 ppg to go along with 3.7 rpg. He is also shooting a dismal 41% from the floor. He has, however, been very good defensively and has averaged just over a steal-and-a-half a game. Pierce has been extremely solid for his team, averaging 19.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 3.6 apg. Nobody on the Magic seemed to know how to guard this guy (of course, a lot of players don’t seem to know how to guard this guy). When the Celtics need a big shot, there is no other person they would rather give the ball to than Pierce. I, for one, see him having a nice series against L.A. He gets the nod over Artest.
EDGE: Pierce
Power Forward: Pau Gasol vs. Kevin Garnett
By far the toughest match-up to rate, both Gasol and Garnett are extremely vital to their respective teams. Gasol, the number two scoring option behind Bryant, has been nearly un-guardable these entire playoffs and looks to continue that trend against the C’s. Garnett’s numbers have been down, but it’s the way that he controls the floor defensively that makes him so valuable. It is because of this reason that I have to give the nod to KG, albeit just barely. I know a lot of people might grill me for this selection, especially if you go by just the numbers (Gasol: 20.0 ppg, 10.9 rpg; Garnett: 14.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg), but the fact remains that when Garnett is on the floor, the Celtics are not just a better team, they are a much better team. Defensively, he is still a ‘shutdown’ guy. He manages the floor, in that regard, about as good as anybody and is the vocal leader of the team. You just can’t coach something like that. He has also become such an unselfish player, at times almost too unselfish, and seems to want to do everything he can to get his team a victory. KG slightly over Gasol on this one.
EDGE: Garnett
Center: Andrew Bynum vs. Kendrick Perkins
Bynum has been pretty disappointing up to this point in the playoffs. He has averaged 9.1 ppg and 7.7 rpg going into the Finals. Perkins hasn’t exactly lit it up either. His numbers, 5.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, are pretty much on par with the type of player he is. He is much more defensive-oriented than Bynum is, but is still the inferior player. Bynum, only 22, needs to have a big series. L.A. is going to need every ‘key cog’ to be working in this series against Boston and I think Bynum could be the X-factor. If he can average in the 13-15 ppg range and up his rpg to about 8-9, then I think L.A. wins this series. Perkins is not a scorer, nor is he asked to be. His game is disrupting the flow of the game defensively by teaming up with KG down low. And, in his defense, he is really, really good at doing this. If he can keep his temper in-check and play his game, he could be extremely valuable this series. In the end, however, I have to give Bynum the edge because he is just a better all-around player than Kendrick Perkins is.
EDGE: Bynum
Bench: L.A. vs. Boston
So, the starters have played out their position battles. What about both team’s respective benches? Well, with L.A. you have guys like Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic. All of these guys are important to how this series is going to play out, especially Odom. He is so tough to guard because he can play all 5 positions thanks to his size. If he has a monster series, than Boston is in some serious trouble. With Boston, you have Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, Tony Allen and Nate Robinson. I like what Boston has. They have a combination of guys with size (insert Nate Robinson size joke here), scoring ability and rebounding. At any time, one of these guys can get hot. Watching Nate-Rob in Game 6 against Orlando was flat-out awesome. He single-handedly willed his team in the 2nd quarter and you just knew Boston had no chance of losing that game. So with that being said, and after looking at both teams benches, I give a slight edge to Boston. I just think they are a tad-bit deeper than L.A. is. It could end up being the difference in who wins this series
EDGE: Boston’s bench
That ends the position battle breakdown with both teams having 3 position edge’s a piece. Perhaps it is a foreshadowing of things to come in the series? Only time will tell, but I can almost assure you that this is going to be an epic series.
Think about a discussion that might of happened last year between LeBron and Cleveland as they try to persuade him to stay; it might go something like this. “LeBron, we know you’re frustrated that it was 1 vs. 5 out there, but we almost had them this year, if we can get you some help we’ll for sure win!” Now imagine how it could go since Cleveland lost to Boston and got knocked out. “LeBron, we had everything we needed but you weren’t healthy. Your elbow was detrimental to the team. If you come back we’ll win, guaranteed!” It may not seem like much, but LeBron’s elbow is a godsend to Cleveland. For once, he did something non-superhuman. They now have an excuse for being the #1 seed and getting knocked out again and a scapegoat: LeBron’s elbow.
For those who haven’t been watching, LeBron hurt his elbow round 1 against the Bulls and the media has blown it up worse than paparazzi did to Britney Spears. It was the talk of every media outlet and made headlines that he had to shoot one free throw left handed. ESPN seemed to be borderline stalking him on the issue.; they loved the story more than they did all the T.O. problems years ago. He’s since had countless MRI’s on it that have revealed nothing and he’s had to answer questions about his elbow at every media function/interview. It’s gotten so much attention that someone created a LeBron’s Elbow twitter account that has over 10,000 followers. The funny thing is the elbow isn’t the real issue. Cleveland looks like the same team they have in years past. They play well as a team in the regular season, then freak out in the playoffs and depend too much on LeBron once the pressure is on. In fact, they tend to depend solely on him and stand back and watch as if it’s LeBron against the Celtics. Funny thing is that the numbers have backed this up. King James’ assists in the playoffs are down 1.2 and several key players are shooting much worse than the regular season. Key players such as Mo Williams, Delonte West, Anderson Varejao, and Shaq all have much worse shooting FG % than they did during the regular season. Considering they account for roughly 40% of Cleveland’s shots, it’s not a good sign. They’ve done nothing differently this season and yet they expect better results than in the past. There’s nobody willing to step up and be the legitimate #2 option which is completely necessary. Kobe had Shaq, Duncan had Parker & Ginobili, and KG had Pierce & Allen. LeBron is all alone and that’s the real problem, not some ‘boo boo’ on his elbow.
You may be asking yourself, why does it matter if nothing is wrong with his elbow? Truth is the blame can now fall back on LeBron James (at least partially). He’s normally had to step his game up in the playoffs, but hasn’t been able to this year. It speaks volumes about how good he is that he’s expected to over-perform in the postseason, but that’s the point he’s gotten to. With the added media pressure that makes it seem as if LeBron is hurting his team, the Cavs can now make a stronger push to sign him long-term despite being a playoff disappointment several years in a row now. After being linked to teams like the Nets, Knicks, and countless others (Cuban’s crazy ass could always make a push), Cleveland needs a way to get ahead of the pack and this could be the answer. He’s going to be the biggest free agent in NBA history and any advantage is a plus at this point, especially after yet another disappointing playoff run.
Think about a discussion that might of happened last year between LeBron and Cleveland as they try to persuade him to stay; it might go something like this. “LeBron, we know you’re frustrated that it was 1 vs. 5 out there, but we almost had them this year, if we can get you some help we’ll for sure win!” Now imagine how it could go since Cleveland lost to Boston and got knocked out. “LeBron, we had everything we needed but you weren’t healthy. Your elbow was detrimental to the team. If you come back we’ll win, guaranteed!” It may not seem like much, but LeBron’s elbow is a godsend to Cleveland. For once, he did something non-superhuman. They now have an excuse for being the #1 seed and getting knocked out again and a scapegoat: LeBron’s elbow.
For those who haven’t been watching, LeBron hurt his elbow round 1 against the Bulls and the media has blown it up worse than paparazzi did to Britney Spears. It was the talk of every media outlet and made headlines that he had to shoot one free throw left handed. ESPN seemed to be borderline stalking him on the issue.; they loved the story more than they did all the T.O. problems years ago. He’s since had countless MRI’s on it that have revealed nothing and he’s had to answer questions about his elbow at every media function/interview. It’s gotten so much attention that someone created a LeBron’s Elbow twitter account that has over 10,000 followers. The funny thing is the elbow isn’t the real issue. Cleveland looks like the same team they have in years past. They play well as a team in the regular season, then freak out in the playoffs and depend too much on LeBron once the pressure is on. In fact, they tend to depend solely on him and stand back and watch as if it’s LeBron against the Celtics. Funny thing is that the numbers have backed this up. King James’ assists in the playoffs are down 1.2 and several key players are shooting much worse than the regular season. Key players such as Mo Williams, Delonte West, Anderson Varejao, and Shaq all have much worse shooting FG % than they did during the regular season. Considering they account for roughly 40% of Cleveland’s shots, it’s not a good sign. They’ve done nothing differently this season and yet they expect better results than in the past. There’s nobody willing to step up and be the legitimate #2 option which is completely necessary. Kobe had Shaq, Duncan had Parker & Ginobili, and KG had Pierce & Allen. LeBron is all alone and that’s the real problem, not some ‘boo boo’ on his elbow.
You may be asking yourself, why does it matter if nothing is wrong with his elbow? Truth is the blame can now fall back on LeBron James (at least partially). He’s normally had to step his game up in the playoffs, but hasn’t been able to this year. It speaks volumes about how good he is that he’s expected to over-perform in the postseason, but that’s the point he’s gotten to. With the added media pressure that makes it seem as if LeBron is hurting his team, the Cavs can now make a stronger push to sign him long-term despite being a playoff disappointment several years in a row now. After being linked to teams like the Nets, Knicks, and countless others (Cuban’s crazy ass could always make a push), Cleveland needs a way to get ahead of the pack and this could be the answer. He’s going to be the biggest free agent in NBA history and any advantage is a plus at this point, especially after yet another disappointing playoff run.
As we all already know, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics had the game of his life last night. Rondo put up a crazy stat line of 29-pts, 18-rebs, 13-asts and 3-stls. He is only the third player in NBA Playoff History to put up 28-pts, 18-rbs and 13-asts. He joins the names of Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain. Now he is finally getting brought up in the conversations of best point guards in the NBA. What I want to know is, why now? Why so late?
If y’all don’t remember, in the 2009 Playoffs, Rondo put up some huge stat lines. He only put up two triple-doubles against the Chicago Bulls in the first series and put up another triple-double against the Orlando Magic, no big deal. Three triple-doubles in the playoffs is insane. He pretty much averaged a triple-double (16.9-pts, 9.7 -rebs and 9.8- asts) in the playoffs! I don’t understand how he hasn’t been given recognition as one of the top three point guards in the beginning of the season. I’ve had him in my top three point guards ever since that brilliant playoff performance. I’m really not that surprised that Rondo was able to put up such a monster state line because he has gotten close before. Am I saying he’s going to do it again? Maybe, maybe not, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him get into the 20-pts, 15-rebs, 15-asts stat line. We need to remember he’s still 24 years of age (4th year in the NBA) so he still has plenty of opportunities. But I do say he is the best point guard in the NBA right now.
Now, I would like to give a big STFU to Charles Barkley. Last week, he kept running his mouth on D Will, CP3 (dude’s been hurt most of the season) and Nash being his best point guards in the NBA. I wonder how Charles feels now? Rajon, go flash him your bling!
- Lebron James has decided to take the task of guarding Rajon Rondo in Game 5 tomorrow. Rondo has been dominating the point guard play thus far. This should be good; I would like to see how Rondo fairs up against the bigger and stronger Lebron. Either way, I expect Rondo to play well. It’s going to take more than one man to guard him. It’s going to take team defense.
- Jameer Nelson quietly continues his stellar play as the Orlando Magic swept the Atlanta Hawks. One of the most lopsided series wins in NBA Playoff History?