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!
Hawks, Heat and Thunder…
Here's a quick look at some of the games played last night...
29 Problems But The Knicks Aint One...
The Heat took a nice first step in their 09/10 campaign by dominating the New York Knicks 115-93 last night in Miami. The game was the second attraction on the menu however as the Heat's former All-Star Point Guard Tim Hardaway had his number 10 jersey retired. A nice service that was obviously done now, rather than when Hardaway was in the news for less attractive reasons. A well deserved honor for a great servant of the club... even if it was only for 5 and a half seasons.
Tim Hardaway accepts the honor of having his number retired last night.
Miami got out to an early lead and never surrendered it, outscoring the Knicks 63-39 in the 2nd and 3rd quarters combined. The Heat were led as always by Dwyane Wade with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Jermaine O'Neal and Michael Beasley combined for an impressive two-headed box score of 43 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and a combined 19-26 from the field. If the Heat can get that on a consistent basis from their front court, it could be a great year for Miami.
Indiana Can't Keep Pace With High Flying Atlanta
Danny Granger played amazingly, Troy Murphy nearly got a triple-double, Earl Watson scored 20 points and the Pacers shot 53% from the field! So why didn't the Indiana Pacers record a road victory to open their 09/10 account? Defense and turnovers, that's why. Atlanta took care of business at the Philips Arena last night by a score of 120-109. The game saw 17 steals made with 16 being made by the Hawks. Ouch.
Danny Granger was great... Atlanta were better.
The Atlanta big three of Joe Johnson, (25p, 6a, 4stl) Al Horford (24p, 16rb, 4a, 2blk) and Josh Smith (18p, 8a, 5stl, 2blk) all had big games. It's safe to say there will be some happy Fantasy Managers out there from this game. Next up for the Pacers is a visit from the Miami Heat, while the Atlanta Hawks host the revitalized Washington Wizards on Friday night.
One Down, Only 81 To Go...
The Sacramento Kings season of slow, unrelenting torture is now one game old. With only 81 games to go until they can get better, they were made to look even worse tonight by the young and exciting Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder nailed 10 of their first 13 shots and didn't let the Kings back into the game, leading 39-22 at the first break.
Kevin Durant got his season off to a great start with a home win over Sac-Town.
Leading the way was Kevin Durant with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Russell Westbrook got his 09/10 campaign off to a fast start with 14 points, 13 assists and 7 rebounds. For the Kings it was the usual story, Kevin Martin vs the World. Martin hit 14-14 from the line on his way to 27 points. Next up for the Thunder is a road match up with the Detroit Pistons who easily took care of the "shoot-first" Memphis Grizzlies last night. The Kings take a trip to Bourbon Street to take on the 0-1 Hornets.
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!
Perfect 10?
The Miami Heat recently announced that they will be retiring Tim Hardaway's number 10 jersey before the 09/10 season opener in November. I know the Miami Heat are a relatively new NBA franchise being only 20 years old but one has to wonder what the criteria is to get your number raised to the rafters. When Alonzo Mourning's number 33 jersey was raised, it was a wonderful moment for a wonderful player/individual. Retiring Dan Marino's 13 and Michael Jordan's 23 when neither played for the franchise left me feeling a little perplexed. I'm sure I'm not alone.
(AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser)
With Hardaway only playing 6 seasons with the Heat, I'm again left with that perplexed feeling. I know he was there for some of the Heat's most successful times, but I still associate him more in the group with Marino and Jordan than on Alonzo Mourning's level.
Dwyane Wade will most probably have his number raised one day, (likely to be dependent on his free agent actions this summer). With all that he has achieved for Miami, I could see the justification there. He helped put Miami on the map with the Championship run in 2006.
The Miami Heat have unfortunately made a mockery of the number retiring game in recent years. I guess this is just an attempt to bring it back in line with normal protocol.
Who will be next to have their number retired? PJ Brown perhaps? Or even ESPN's Jamal Mashburn?
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!!!
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) |
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.