Christmas in Chicago?
As Christmas Eve begins, let us all take a moment to wish Vinny Del Negro all the very best of luck with keeping his job. The Chicago Bulls have been just awful of late losing 9 of their past 13 games. Nothing seems to be right, especially their inability to sustain and hold on to a 38-19 quarter time lead against Sacramento earlier this week.
I guess one can always say that "four quarters is a long time in a Basketball game" but when you lead by 19 after three quarters and still manage to lose by 4, there's definitely some issues.
Seeing as the Bulls so unceremoniously dismissed both Scott Skiles and Tim Floyd on seperate Christmas Eve's, we here at 2soth just felt the need to spread the love. After all, it's Christmas!!!
Here's Vinny playing for Sacramento...
If a movie was made about the life of Vinny Del Negro, I would want Zac Efron to play the young, and Al Pacino to play the old Vinny.
And yes, I realise what a wonderfully ironic delivery of iconic 80's fashion this is. If only Tyreke Evans was currently wearing number 15 instead of 13... oh well. Bloggers have dreams too!
In summary, good luck to Vinny Del Negro and Happy Holidays to each and every reader of Two Sides of the Hoop.
Brick City stand up!!?
We touched on the seemingly hopeless plight of the New Jersey Nets recently. Well, since then it has gone from bad to worse. I honestly believed they would beat Sacramento but that certainly didn't happen. Now it's getting ridiculous with the Nets tonight proving once and for all that they are the worst team at starting a season in NBA History. The 117-101 loss tonight to the Mavericks looks bad enough, but they allowed the Mavs to score 49 points in the second quarter! If you want to start the season 0-18, that's a great way to go about it.
The Nets now face the following schedule:
- vs Charlotte
- @ New York
- @ Chicago
- vs Golden State
- @ Indiana
- @ Atlanta
- @ Cleveland
If the Nets don't win against Charlotte at home, I'm going to go ahead and suggest they'll be 0-25 next time I write about this subject. Considering the distinct lack of defense being displayed currently, I can see most of these teams dropping at least one 40+ point quarter on New Jersey. The Chicago Bulls would be the only exception.
The fans of the Nets are not taking this current streak too well, and have made their voices heard in East Rutherford tonight. Various signs and posters were being held up mocking the Nets as they produced the necessary loss to stand them alone in the NBA's historical shame file.
The New Jersey Nets probably can't wait to move to Brooklyn now.
Have fun Nets fans, and try not to disgrace yourselves any further. I hope you realize what you're doing is far more embarrassing than what the players are currently "showcasing".
Milwaukee’s Best Brew…
Forget his last two plays in last night's loss to Chicago. Brandon Jennings is the real deal. Finishing with 25 points, 4 assists and 2 steals, Jennings showed me and anyone watching the game that he is a star waiting to shine.
His offense is unpredictable but effective to say the least. None of the Chicago backcourt could stay with him, and when the Bulls frontcourt sagged, Jennings simply scored. End of story.
The rookie endured a standard but horrible "no call" late in the fourth as Joakim Noah grabbed more arm than a fat chick in a nightclub at 3am. Still, Jennings made the shot and kept the Bucks in the game.
Brandon Jennings was disappointed but played a gutsy game against Chicago last night.
Derrick Rose was served notice last night that there's a new star Point Guard emerging in the Central Division. It will be interesting to see how he responds. The Bulls travel to Cleveland on Thursday and they renew their rivalry with the Bucks on November 20th at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee.
I'll have my eye on that game for sure.
Tuesday Predictions…
There's 9 games on the books today in the NBA and I'm in the mood for some predictions. So here's my take on the games for November 3rd. Now you might raise your eyebrows at a couple of my suggestions, but I'll explain my reasons as we go.
Washington @ Cleveland: There's a big rivalry between these two teams and this game will be no exception. The Wiz are on their way upwards while the Cavs are finding their feet. Prediction: Cavs by 4. Result: Cavs by 12.
Denver @ Indiana: These two teams played each other in China during the pre-season. I think if Indiana get to within 10 points, they can consider it a win. Prediction: Nuggets by 14. Result: Nuggets by 18.
Boston @ Philadelphia: The Celtics aren't going to lose this... there is no way. Philly have some nice emerging talent but the Celtics are WAY too deep and will win easily. Prediction: Celtics by 18. (Side bet: Rondo to have a triple double by 3/4 time to celebrate his contract heist!) Result: Celtics by 31.
This is Rajon showing you how many millions he's going to be earning per year from now on. Also, how many points, rebounds and assists he's likely to get tonight.
Orlando @ Detroit: The Pistons have had an indifferent start and the Orlando Magic are trying to look as deep as Boston. They're not doing a bad job thanks to Ryan Anderson and JJ Redick. I think Ben Gordon will be the only thing that keeps this close for three quarters. Prediction: Orlando by 14. Result: Pistons by 5.
Phoenix @ Miami: A hard one to pick in my opinion. Both teams have a perfect 3-0 record and I really wouldn't have said either of them would be 4-0 to start the season. One of these teams has to be however and I'll have to go for the Heat but only because they are at home. Prediction: Miami by 3. Result: Suns by 8.
Milwaukee @ Chicago: United Center. Where Derrick Rose will happen. Prediction: Bulls by 10. Result: Bulls by 2.
The Bulls need a BIG night from Derrick Rose tonight...
LA Lakers @ Oklahoma City: The Thunder do look exciting and there's a few reasons to predict an OKC victory here but I'm sticking with the Lakers in a close one. Russell Westbrook has the opportunity to score 25 on Fisher and Farmar. I'm most interested to see if Artest guards Durant, and if so... the results. Prediction: Lakers by 8. Result: Lakers by 3.
Utah @ Dallas: I couldn't care less about this game but in the spirit of equality and objective journalism, I will predict a 15 point win to the Mavericks. Mainly because of Okur's gimpy foot. Result: Mavericks by 11.
Atlanta @ Portland: In my opinion the most exciting game of the night. I definitely predict a shoot out. If Oden and Aldridge can have a large impact, I see the Blazers doing it fairly comfortably. However, that is not a certainty. This one is ultimately a flip of the coin for me and I think it'll go overtime. Prediction: Portland by 4 in OT. Result: Atlanta by 6.
Here's to another entertaining day in the NBA!
Paul Pierce kills Bulls on Halloween
The Celtics rolled to a 28 point victory over the Bulls at home today as their hot start to season 09/10 continues. In scenes reminiscent of the C's strong start last season, the Celtics dominated throughout the game, with Paul Pierce scoring 20 points in the third quarter to completely ensure victory.
Paul Pierce, 3rd quarter killer
The Lakers are also looking strong with Bynum especially active on both ends, which adds significantly to their defensive ability over last year. Orlando too look to have taken a leap with the additions of Brandon Bass, Vince Carter and Jason Williams. Let's hope Cleveland and San Antonio sort themselves out after their rocky offensive starts to the season so we have some real depth to that upper crust, because at the moment it's looking thinner than the paper skeleton hanging on my wall.
News just in: Derrick Rose is good
Okay, perhaps it's not a fantastic newsflash, but he has definitely improved over the off season. He looked more poised and ready to lead a team (admittedly based on a small sample size) in Chicago's first game of the season, a 92-85 win over San Antonio.
The other news out of Chicago is the development of Joakim Noah. His jumper still looks uglier than Amy Winehouse's new plastic shoulder puppies but he has significantly beefed up over summer and can hold his own defensively rather than just being an athletic pest.
Joakim Noahs jumpshot is uglier than this
Tim Duncan still had a fantastic game with 28 and 16, but Noah wasn't bullied around like he was last year, and he's still super-quick for a big man, making him a difficult surprisingly effective. Time will tell if he continues to improve, but I think he could be a difference maker for them this year.
Would the Bulls keep Rose?
In the incredibly boring lead-up to this season (sorry I just can't pretend pre-season is fun. It's just not. Hurrah for NBA 2k10!) I'm thinking ahead to next year. Not the played out "Where will LeBron go?", but what the ramifications to other players will be from that free agent class. Specifically Chicago.
I don't think Wade will leave Miami as they have the opportunity to add some serious talent around him in tax-free land, BUT in hypothetical world, if Wade did go home to Chicago, what would the Bulls do with Rose?
Could they play them together? Absolutely not. They both require the ball to be effective, and Rose is too good to play a lesser role. Who is he good enough to trade for?
Rose and Thomas for Jonny Flynn, Ryan Gomes and Kevin Love. Seriously, who flinches first on that trade?
Fantasia…
Who will make an improved sized splash in 2009/10?
Here's five players I feel will have break-out seasons..
1) Kevin Durant: With a growing body and a growing supporting cast, I see KD having a very big season. With averages of 25 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last year the sky is the limit here. My crystal ball sees a line of 27ppg, 7rpg and an improved 1.5bpg this year for Durant. Maybe even an All-Star debut in Dallas.
2) Derrick Rose: This kid is only getting better. He led the charge and fast forwarded his development in the Playoffs last year against the Celtics. Rose will also be stronger this year and far more prepared physically for the long NBA season. I see his production lifting and my crystal ball predicts a line of 18ppg, 7apg and a much improved 5 rpg as he learns to swipe those cheap defensive boards at or around the foul line area, Jason Kidd style.
3) Roy Hibbert: In his second year now, I see big things for this 22 year old "plus 7 footer" from Indiana. He only played 14 mins per game last season and with the Pacers' lineup yet to feature anyone else at 7'0", I see Hibbert getting an opportunity at the very least. Pre-season games in China only count for so much of course, but his averages have been great so if you're a Pacers fan, hopes will be high.
4) Mario Chalmers: This young, energetic point guard from Miami had an up and down Rookie campaign but will be a focal point for the Heat this year. His averages last year of 10ppg and 5apg should see a significant increase as the Heat push to become something more in the East. The need to please Dwyane Wade and his agent is of the highest priority. My crystal ball sees Mario averaging closer to 16ppg and lifting his assist average to 8.
5) Shawn Marion: The Matrix has had a couple of lean years to say the least. His stats have suffered a serious decline since his Phoenix and more importantly, Steve Nash days. With Jason Kidd and the Mavericks however, we should really see an increase in Marion's output. Something more along the lines of his career numbers of 18ppg, 10rpg, close to 2spg and just over 1bpg. If the Mavericks are going to mean anything this season, they'll need this sort of an output from The Matrix.
Bring on Fantasy Basketball!
2010
As far as predictions go, I realize this is practically impossible to get 100% correct. A full scale prediction of every team's win-loss record for the upcoming season. And worse yet, it's only September! However, I thought this would be interesting to look back on in June 2010.
Eastern Conference W L
Western Conference W L
Cleveland 60 22
Boston 56 26
Orlando 54 28
Atlanta 50 32
Toronto 45 37
Chicago 43 39
Miami 42 40
Charlotte 39 43
Indiana 38 44
Washington 37 45
Detroit 34 48
Philadelphia 32 50
Milwaukee 28 54
New York 27 55
New Jersey 24 58
LA Lakers 62 20
San Antonio 56 26
Dallas 54 28
Denver 50 32
Portland 50 32
Utah 48 34
New Orleans 42 40
Oklahoma City 41 41
Houston 38 44
Phoenix 37 45
LA Clippers 36 46
Golden State 35 47
Memphis 31 51
Minnesota 28 54
Sacramento 15 67
In making these predictions, I've taken into account all roster changes up to and including the 13th of September 2009. As soon as a blockbuster deal goes down, I may have to edit these figures.
I'm excited to see what Blake Griffin can do for the Clippers, what Allen Iverson can bring to the Grizzlies and how Amare Stoudemire will handle being stuck on a 37-win team. But most importantly, it will be interesting to see who can secure home court advantage throughout the entire Playoffs. This one fact alone may determine the Champion this year.
As always, time will tell and bring on the upcoming season!!!
Dwyane’s World… Party Time?
Dwyane Wade is clearly a superstar in the NBA, there's no doubting that. And now that he's returned to his career-best form we can hopefully expect another amazing season from the one they call "Flash". But there appears to be some ever-so-slight civil unrest in Miami these days.
When issued the opportunity to sign a $60m, 3 year extension, Wade declined. Instead, choosing to deal with "all that other business" at the end of the 09/10 season. It has been well documented that he has the chance to join the likes of LeBron, Amare, Bosh, etc. in the Free Agent bonanza that is 2010. What we don't know is how Miami will survive this period. Dwyane Wade is the heart and soul of the Miami Heat, even more so now that Alonzo Mourning has retired. How will this all turn out?
There is a lot of talk surrounding the possibility of Wade returning to his hometown to play for the Chicago Bulls. We've even touched on this before. With the current NBA rules, Miami are in a position to pay Wade the most dollars. However, is it always all about money? When we're talking $60m and 40-win seasons vs $50m and the chance to win it all... I think I know where someone as competitive as D-Wade would be leaning towards. Could Chicago be the new site of "Dwyane's World" in 2011?
With Dwyane's real-life "Garth" currently serving some voluntary time in rehab, and his "Mr BIG" Pat Riley non-committal on his future with the Heat... Things may look a little shaky at best? A 50-win season and a 2nd round Playoff berth would surely help, although who really sees that happening??
The most intriguing part will be the ending. Seeing who gets the "Rob Lowe, rubber glove cavity search" ending and of course, who gets the happier, "D-Wade is playing in my city" alternative.
Miami may have to rely on a Scooby Doo ending however, as without a successful season, both in the "W" column and in the front office, the Rob Lowe version may be what they're in for.
Party on Dwyane!
 Dwyane Wade (2006 NBA Finals) |
 Garth (2009 Out of Action) |