Dallas Mavericks… A 2006 Remix?
Just after the Dallas Mavericks stole all but one of the Washington Wizards' good players via trade, I commented that they were a massive chance to go to the Western Conference Finals this year. Let's take a look at their record since "the trade" and see if my statement holds any weight at all...
Feb 16th saw Caron Butler welcome himself to his new team with a commanding but poultry 4-16 shooting night, Erick Dampier still garnered over 30 minutes of playing time and the Mavs shot just over 32% on the road against the red hot Thunder. Result? A thirteen point loss and the excuse of "new-look Mavs" the only thing left to keep spirits up heading into their next game.
From then, the past seven games to finish off February have been a blue and white blur of pure awesome as the Mavericks have accepted the challenge and built an undefeated run with the following scalps, (in order);
- Phoenix
- @ Orlando
- Miami
- Indiana
- Los Angeles Lakers
- @ Atlanta (OT)
- New Orleans
The Mavericks face another tough test tonight against the always home strong Bobcats, but if they get past Charlotte the run could quite feasibly stretch beyond 14 the way they are playing.
Let's take a look at their upcoming schedule:
- @ Charlotte
- Minnesota
- Sacramento
- @ Chicago
- @Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New York
- Chicago
- Boston
- @New Orleans
That's eight out of the next 10 games being extremely winnable for Dallas the way I see it. Even Boston aren't looking too great at the moment. Imagine if they were to win all ten? ESPN will be going crazy and I will be nodding my head and pointing to my other blog entry. They seem to be in a great groove since the acquisitions and playing some really exciting Basketball. I think Brendan Haywood, DeShawn Stevenson and Jason Kidd have looked the most improved.
Is Jason Kidd finally marching toward a Championship ring?
I ask again, could this finally be the "right stuff" for the Mavericks?
The Dallas crowd booed Dwyane Wade during the All-Star Game last month and for good reason. He was once again laying down the Basketball smack in the Big D. These fans should be respected not ridiculed for not letting that kind of thing slide, and yes even in an All Star Game! It seems like forever ago now but it's only 4 and a half years since either Wade took over or Dallas choked in the 2006 NBA Finals... Whichever way you look at it.
Although I've never been a big fan of the Mavericks, I must say that trade definitely pricked my ears up. I was quite comfortable in stating what I believe to be the obvious...
The Lakers' supposed "free run" to the 2010 NBA Finals has just been erased. They're definitely going to have to earn it now.
I'm excited.
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?
Might, Magic and Electronic Myth?
With the 2010 additions of our favorite NBA video games about to be released, I have been as excited as the next diehard fan. However, a terrible coincidence has come to my attention and I wish to share the horrible news. A quick scan of the historical NBA LIVE video game covers brings me to the conclusion that Orlando's season could be in even more danger than I had previously thought. Let's take a look at the results of my research...
NBA Live 2009: Tony Parker (injured for most of last season)
NBA Live 2008: Gilbert Arenas (injured for two years)
NBA Live 2007: Tracy McGrady (injured ever since his cover)
NBA Live 2006: Dwyane Wade (significantly injured for 2007 & 2008)
NBA Live 2004: Vince Carter (severely cramped in his first game post cover)
NBA Live 2002: Steve Francis (missed 25 games that season for Houston)
NBA Live 99: Antoine Walker (missed 40 games that season for the Celtics)
NBA Live 98: Tim Hardaway (missed 34 games the following season for the Heat)
NBA Live 97: Mitch Richmond (missed 30% of his games over his final 5yrs of his career)
NBA Live 96: Shaquille O'Neal (missed 28 games in '96 & 31 in '97)
NBA Live 95: Houston Rockets/New York Knicks (we all know what has happened to the Knicks)
With all of this coincidence in mind... Orlando better hope that Dwight Howard doesn't succumb to the NBA Live cover curse.
Will the NBA Live curse strike Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic?
Orlando fans, don't say you weren't warned.
No way Wade leaves
My esteemed colleague commented on the possibility that Dwyane Wade may leave the Miami Heat for greener pastures in the coming summer of free agency. I'm here to add a touch of reality to the discussion. There is NO WAY Wade plays anywhere other than South Beach for the next six years. He will sign a long term deal and he will have friends along for the ride.
Miami is in an amazing position. To stick with the Mike Myers film theme, they stink like The Love Guru NOW, but after this season they can retool and come back as Austin Powers one, two AND three. Miami are sitting almost entirely on long expiring contracts and one year deals, which gives them the flexibility to offer a max. extension to Wade, another maximum contract to a Bosh or Amare type, and still fit in a decent chunk of change to pull a top-tier close to max. player such as Rajon Rondo.
The roster would then be rounded out with vets. looking to latch on, with the warm weather and no income tax and the high chance of a piece of jewelery doing the rest of the selling.
I think Wade sticks around if he can add players of that ilk to Michael Beasley, no matter how messed up in the head the poor kid might be right now.
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) |
Mind-numbing…
I love the word sensational... it's usually used with great elation and joy towards someone or something being extraordinary. So I'll take that as a compliment. As for the Pistons, well we can all dance around the campfire singing about their concept and unique team structure but why? I'm happy to give them a pat on the back for "doing it a little differently" and not "needing a Superstar" but let's face facts.. they are to be congratulated on their ONE CHAMPIONSHIP... nothing more. I suppose we should be congratulating Orlando too for getting through with two white guys playing significant roles??? Hey! The 2009 Orlando Magic are like the Boston Celtics of the 80's!!!
Give me a beer... and some asprin.
Success is always defined differently until the team or individual has retired or been dissolved. Look at Carmello Anthony... Right now he is an "up and comer", but if he doesn't win anything after another 14 years, he will be an "under achiever". Dwyane Wade is the same... right now he is a "relentless competitor and a proven winner" but if he never goes back to the NBA Finals, he'll be considered a "fluke". Even Kobe Bryant is the same... the guy had won 3 Championships before last season and the question was STILL being asked as to what Kobe was? Was he a winner? Or just a lucky man to have Shaq around. People are STILL asking now...
Talk about making a story out of nothing...
2010 – A Prediction Odyssey
Now this is always fun. We get to throw our hats in the ring and put forward our ideas of what will pan out this season in the NBA. Enjoy my predictions, there's rarely any I get right.
2010
NBA Champion: Los Angeles Lakers
Finals MVP: LeBron James
Eastern Conference Champion: Cleveland Cavaliers
Western Conference Champion: Los Angeles Lakers
MVP: LeBron James
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard
Rookie of the Year: James Harden
All Star MVP: Dirk Nowitzki
Scoring Champion: Dwyane Wade
Most Improved Player: Lou Williams
Comeback Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett
So there it is... these are my predictions.
Game on.
On the Move…
Well, moving sucks...
Whether it's my move into a new apartment, or a few NBA players' respective moves this off season. Some things work great, while others are just plain gut wrenching.
I'm going to list some good and bad experiences from my recent move, and we'll equate them to some NBA movement.
1) The Truck: Any time you move, you need reliable truck. One that doesn't slip gears, an automatic if possible and well, ropes and padding for support are key. When you're well prepared and you execute properly, it's a fun ride. If you don't secure your load and drive like a maniac, things are horrible and expensive. My move was very smooth and nothing got broken. Not everyone can say that...
Which brings me to Cleveland and Shaquille O'Neal.
The exact same metaphor can be used for this signing. If Shaq's looked after, uninjured and the supporting cast work well with him, the Cavaliers could move to a White House visit next June. Failing this, I see a lot of smashed glass and expensive insurance claims.
2) The Real Estate Agents: We all love to hate them but they do, in most cases iron out the details and ensure a smooth and easy transition to life in a new home. With a good Agent, you can make sure all maintenance is taken care of quickly and with minimal delay. A bad agent offers little feedback, leaves your tap leaking and your window locks non-existent. One of our garage remotes doesn't work, our oven is useless and the condition report was full of more lies than a Florida ballot box.
Which brings me to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Ricky Rubio.
It's safe to assume that Wolves fans are still feeling a little confused when it comes to their franchise's basic mission statement. Drafting two stellar Point Guard prospects doesn't really fill your general fan with much confidence going forward. David Kahn seems to have a plan, but that plan seems to have too any "back up" options at this stage and no clear goal. To keep answering questions with more questions or just trying to shift the focus to anyone else in the equation is average. Every time Kahn is asked about anything to do with Rubio he just states that everything hinges on the movements of the Agents, the Rubio family, DKV Joventut or Dan Fegan. If I was a Wolves fan, I'd be screaming!
3) The Rent: No one wants to pay rent. But in some cases we have to. You want to negotiate a good price and no one ever wants to feel like they're overpaying. For where we're situated regarding work, freeways, shops etc... We're satisfied.
Which brings me to Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd.
Some people just have too much money. For Dallas to sign these two to the contracts chosen is just a shining example to me that Mark Cuban needs a holiday or a shrink... Or both. Kidd, (3yrs at more than $25m) has been decaying quicker than Derek Fisher over the past 2 years and Marion, (5yrs at close to $40m) hasn't looked like anything since he lived in Arizona. The pair might work great in the open floor and I might have egg on my face, but I think Cuban backed the rental truck into his new house on this one.
And finally...
4) The Friends: With any move, you need good helpers to get the job done. Some good help can be hard to find, but not in my case. My good friend Ryz and my flatmate John were a great help and while their manual labour was appreciated, it was the commeraderie and beer drinking that sealed the deal. Good friends stick together and knowing you can always count on them is the best part.
Which brings me to Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat.
Wade wants to win, and I could end the paragraph there really. Miami wants to secure him long term. The trouble is, how can Wade commit himself to a team for 6 years and 3 Playoff appearances? That's all they might get if they ink Allen Iverson to a stupid deal or perhaps lose a couple of players to the free agent market. I'm with Dwyane on this one. You need to know that your franchise has your back. Make the moves that will boost Miami to the place the Lakers were three years ago. Make a splash and send a definitive message to the League, the fans and most importantly the best player ever to wear your colours that you're committed to challenging for the trophy. If not, then the Chicago native may take "Wade's World" to the Windy City to start a new revolution at the United Center. It's been just long enough in my opinion, Chicago is ready for a new Heir Apparent.
All in all a successful move for me. Time will tell as to which NBA teams can say the same.
The NBA – It’s borrrrrrring
What has happened to the NBA? The sport and league I love has become so boring. Huge trades for washed up 'superstars' such as Shaq and Vince Carter follow what was one of the most boring NBA finals in living memory. Sure, a few games were close, but well all knew the outcome of the series before it started. Orlando were very much outgunned.
So, onto the draft. How many players from this draft will be in the league after their rookie contracts? 6? 8? It's shameful.
Here is hoping for some good trading to make things interesting. We know the rich can get richer, and this will likely happen with Boston, LA and Cleveland all likely to pick up nice pieces as older players look for their moment in the sun.
I'm more interested in the interesting trades that either make both teams better (rare) or just let one team take significant strides (less rare). Some examples off the top of my head would be:
Amare Stoudemire to Miami for Blounts expiring deal and Beasley. We know Robert Sarver likes to save money, and this does it in spades. And Amare and Wade throwing down would likely convince both 2010 free agents to stay put in tax free Miami.
Or a real blockbuster (which I can't check for exact correctness due to ESPN's damn Trade Machine still being incorrect) but:
Clippers get:
Ricky Rubio
Jason Collins 6m expiring deal
Wally Szczerbiaks 13.7m expiring deal
Minny gets:
Mo Williams
Chris Kaman
Cleveland gets:
Baron Davis
Ryan Gomes
The Clippers get to go kick start their youth project, Minny gets the centre it wants next to Al Jefferson, and the Lebrons get a floor leader who deserves to be an all star.