Random Thoughts and Observations: Free For All Edition

NBA DRAFT LOTTERY

THE NBA WON IT'S OWN LOTTERY

Let me start off by saying I am actually a fan of the NBA Draft Lottery. I think it is a good system that doesn't reward teams for throwing their season, because it doesn't guarantee them the top pick like the NFL draft does. It's not a perfect system, it surely has flaws, but I think it is best for the NBA.

Having said that....


Let the conspiracy theories begin! 

We'll never know if the 2012 NBA Draft was actually rigged, but it didn't look good when the Hornets (who had a 13% chance, and are also NBA owned at the moment but are completing a deal to be sold to Tom Benson, current owner of the New Orleans Saints) ended up with the #1 pick.

Before the season started, David Stern vetoed a trade that would have sent Chris Paul from the NBA owned Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers citing basketball reasons for his decision. Later, Paul was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The basketball reasons for the vetoed trade were that the Hornets would be stuck with big contracts that clogged up cap space which would result in driving away buyers to purchase the franchise. Valid point...but still a little fishy.

When a buyer was found (Benson) was the #1 pick guaranteed to him as part of the incentive to buy the struggling franchise?...possibly. When the pick was announced he didn't seem too excited that he just defied the odds and secured Anthony Davis from Kentucky. Probably because he already knew the pick was his.


Conspiracy theories aside, and in the NBA's defense, the team that finished with the worst record hasn't won the Lottery since the Magic drafted Dwight Howard first overall in 2004. The Bobcats not getting the top pick was just, unfortunately, bad luck.

....or basketball reasons 




NBA PLAYOFFS

REFEREES


I will never say that a referee lost a game for a team...ever. However, they can definitely make an NBA game unwatchable.

The Miami Heat are a better team than the Boston Celtics. They will win the series and move on to the NBA Finals regardless of what the referee calls. Having said that, Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals was a disgrace that I had a hard time watching. 

With the game tied and about 1:30 left, Rajon Rondo drives to the basket and gets clubbed over the head by Udonis Haslem...no call. A GIGANTIC missed call that would have put the momentum on Boston's side. Instead, Miami gets the rebound, and Dwyane Wade finishes a 3-point play on the other end.


of course there is no accountability from the referees, all they have to say is that they missed it. REALLY?! Three NBA officials missed a guy getting wacked across the face as he goes up for a lay up? Three officials, six eyes, and no one saw it....

My biggest complaints with NBA officiating:


1. Fouls are called differently in the 1st quarter than they are in the 4th quarter.


2. Calls are made based on what officials "think" is going to happen, instead of what actually happens. (i.e. LeBron on a fast break is going to be a foul every single time, even if he gets the ball stripped.)

3. Delayed fouls are called when the official waits to see if the shot is made or not.

4. "Superstar treatment" LeBron shot 24 free throws in game 2...enough said. I can't stand watching when one player plays by a different set of rules than everybody else. (this goes for everyone: Rose, Durrant, Bryant, etc. not just LeBron.)

TONY PARKER AND THE SPURS

People were complaining that this guy made the All-Star team back in February...they look pretty stupid now. 

As Parker goes, so do the Spurs and this guy is playing out of his freaking mind right now. He did hit a little bump with Thabo Sefalosha guarding him in Game 3, but expect Parker to adjust and bounce back.

My only knock on Tony Parker......How do you cheat on Eva Longoria!?!?

The Spurs are the definition of team basketball, and Gregg Popovich deserves every recognition he has ever received. He gets players to play as a team within his proven system, that has taken his team to a record of 10-1 so far in the postseason.




ERIC SPOELSTRA

I can't figure out how this guy is an NBA coach. I don't think any of his players can either.


If in fact the Miami Heat go on to win the NBA Finals Spoelstra should receive the most minimal credit possible. Anyone can coach this team, and I mean that 100% literally.


If you need proof, listen in when TNT and ESPN to their "wired" segments when you can listen in on the timeout huddle or half time speeches. You will hear relevant basketball strategy from Doc Rivers, Gregg Popovich, and sometimes Scott Brooks. Then you get Spoelstra who says "we gotta play better" or "we have to start making shots" or even one time he said verbatim "let's get it poppin'" no wonder his players don't take him seriously. He is a spectator with a front row seat.




RAJON RONDO

The most underrated point guard in the league hands down.


It's hard to believe that Rondo was in the middle of trade rumors during the season. He is the reason the Boston Celtics are where they are right now making it to the Eastern Conference Finals.


Rondo has cemented his name in the elite point guard conversations with her performance in Game 2 putting up freakish numbers: 44 points on 16/24 shooting, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 steals.


That isn't a player you look to trade.




MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL


FIRST PLACE TEAMS


Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, Washington Nationals.


With the exception of the Texas Rangers, if you had predicted any of these teams at first place in their respective divisions then you are awesome. Of course it's still very early in a long season, but these teams are definitely exceeding expectations thus far.




BIG SPENDERS


There hasn't been any team more disappointing than the Los Angeles Angels and the Detroit Tigers.


After their big free agent signing of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, both teams have come out of the gate struggling mightily. 


Fortunately for the Angels they have righted the ship and got back .500, but they are pretty much fighting for a Wild Card spot barring a big turnaround and the Texas Rangers coming back to earth.


The Tigers have a bit more pressure on them seeing that they play in a weak division that they should dominate.




UNDER THE RADAR

Of course I am an Angels fan, but I promise I'm not being a homer. Check out these numbers from these Angel relievers/closers by committee. 


Scott Downs: 18 IP, 0 RUNS, 0.00 ERA


0 runs allowed. What more needs to be said? Downs was the only reliable reliever that the Angels had until they made a trade with the San Diego Padres for Ernesto Frieri.


Ernesto Frieri: 23.2 IP, 1.14 ERA, 43 K'S


SINCE JOINING ANGELS: 12 IP, 0 RUNS, 0.00 ERA, 0 HITS


0 runs...not even a single hit. These numbers are ridiculous and are not being talked about at all. 


No reliever has better numbers than Downs or Frieri, and it's a shame that they probably won't make the All-Star team despite having better numbers than anyone who does.


Gotta love that East Coast bias.

MLB Season Predictions

AL East

1. New York Yankees


As much as it pains me to say this, because of my pure hatred for anything in pinstripes, the Yankees are going to be tough to beat.


New York is stacked from top to bottom, with an all-star lineup and a great bullpen featuring David Robertson, Rafael Soriano, and of course the untouchable Mariano Rivera. It's tough to beat a team when the game is over after the 7th inning.


The Yankees only weakness was it's starting rotation...key word "WAS"...


The Yanks beefed up the rotation by adding Michael Pineda from Seattle and Hiroki Kuroda from Los Angeles to go along with CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova. The Yankees really don't have a weakness (and no age isn't a weakness. I would take Jeter at the plate in October over just about anyone) and this is why we hate them.




AL Central

Detroit Tigers


Mark it down. With a sharpie. There is no way anyone wins this division besides the Tigers. 


Justin Verlander is dominant, and has a chance to throw a no-hitter each and every time he steps on the mound. A lot of people argued that he shouldn't have won the MVP because he's a pitcher, but I dare you to name another player that was more valuable to his team.


It will be interesting to see the effect newly aquired Prince Fielder will have on Detroit's lineup. He will bat 4th behind Cabrerra, so pick your poison.


One big question to be answered is how Miguel Cabrerra will handle the transition to 3rd base. He isn't exactly the same player that played 3rd for the Florida Marlins.


AL West

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim


Welcome to the best pennant race in the league...the AL West. Both the Angels and Rangers will battle for the crown all season long, but I give a slight edge to the Halos.


There is no better starting rotation in all of baseball. Most would argue the Phillies, but they only have 3 great starters...The Angels have 4. 


Don't underestimate the addition of C.J. Wilson, the so called "bust" that went 4-0 in spring training with a 1.33 ERA. It's just spring training, but that doesn't happen by accident.


The Halos weakness is their bullpen. Jordan Walden can throw 100MPH, but doesn't have great control which results in a lot of walks. He led the league in blown saves in 2011, but his potential is through the roof. Scott Downs is a reliable lefty out of the pen, and they added some veteran help in LeTroy Hawkins. If the bullpen can get on track, be consistant, and help the big horses in the starting rotation the Angels will be extremely tough.


Obviously the addition of Albert Pujols was a huge boost to an Angel offense that struggled to score runs last season. His sure presance will help the Angel lineup in many ways. One is Howie Kendrick, who will hit in front oh Pujols. Kendrick had a break out season in 2011 with a career high 18 HR and 63 RBI, and his numbers will only increase as he will get a ton of good pitches to hit batting in front of Albert.


The two players that will play a big role in how far the Angels will go in 2012 are Mark Trumbo and Kendrys Morales. 


Trumbo is coming off a spectacular rookie season with 29 HR and 87 RBI and somehow getting screwed out of the AL Rookie of the Year. He is trying to make the transition over to play 3rd base full time, to be able to keep his big bat in the lineup (because some guy named Albert Pujols took his position). If he makes the transition smoothly, he will have another big year.


Because Morales has missed a season and a half due to a freak accident, where he fractured his ankle stepping on home plate after a walk off grand slam, many have forgotten how good this guy was. In 2009 he was up for MVP consideration when he hit 34 HR 108 RBI and finished the season with a .306 average. If he comes anywhere near those numbers in 2012 watch out for the Angels.




NL East

Philadelphia Phillies


You can't count out a rotation that features Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamles who won 50 games in 2012. The big question for the Phillies if they want to continue to win the NL East is the injury concerns with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Without them they could lose their crown to the Braves, who I'm sure can't wait to get this season starting after last years debacle.


Many are jumping on the Marlins bandwagon to win this division. My answer to that is look at their lineup. They have an injury prone Jose Reyes and Hanley Ramirez...that's it. The Phillies have better pitching and a more potent offense, even with injuries, than anyone in this division.


The Phillies signed...no thats not the word...VASTLY OVERPAID former Boston closer Jonathan Paplebon. No one is worth $50 million dollars that pitch one inning when their team is up by 3 or less, and don't even think about letting them pitch 3 days in a row because that would just be too much for their arm. Why can't closers pitch more? 3 days in a row equates to 3 innings...pansies. Verlander pitches 8 innings like its no big deal. The save statistic in itself is a stupid and overrated stat. Congratulations you pitched one inning with a 3 run lead and didn't lose...do you get where I'm coming from. Don't pay $50 million dollars to closers.


NL Central

St. Louis Cardinals


Albert Pujols is gone. Cardinal fans can justify it any way they want by saying they don't care and that he is old, but if we be real, it hurts. Losing your franchise player and Future Hall of Famer has to hurt. The Cards quickly signed Carlos Beltran to fill the void, but Pujols isn't a player that can be replaced and the Cards front office and fans will soon realize this.


That doesn't mean the Cardinals won't be a good team. I think they have enough pitching and offense to get by the Fielder-less Brewers and the Reds (because let's face it the Cubs, Pirates, and Astros will be done by June). David Freese is ready for a big season after his postseason heroics last year, and Adam Wainright coming back from injury will be a big boost to the rotation and leadership in the clubhouse. 


NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks


Don't be surprised if Justin Upton wins the NL MVP this year. He had a big year in 2011 with 31 HR and 88 RBI, and expect him to put up bigger numbers in 2012 with a now experienced Diamondback team.


All-Star Ian Kennedy finished 2011 with a 21-4 record and is the ace of the D-Backs' staff. Arizona will be in the race if he has a similar season, but he will need help from fellow starters Trevor Cahill, Joe Saunders, and Josh Collmenter, who have been pathetic in spring training with a combined 1-9 record with no one under an ERA of 4.86. Daniel Hudson finished spring 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA, so if the others can right the ship, expect to see Arizona in October.




AL Wild Cards

Boston Red Sox


As badly as I want to put the Rays here, I just can't. The Rays have better pitching, but let's face it...the Sox can rake.


Having said that, Boston has some issues.


Does anyone else find it weird that the 2004 Red Sox could drink shots of Jack Daniel's before playoff games and no one had a problem with it, but the 2011 Red Sox pitchers ate fried chicken and drank some beer during games they didn't pitch in and it caused a nationwide uproar?


That's Red Sox nation for ya. They are either the best team in the league, or the scum of the earth. Its euphoria or the apocalypse.


Just for perspective, the 2011 Braves endured the exact same pain the Red Sox did. They were up 9+ games in the wild card standings, imploded in September and missed the playoffs. The only difference is that they didn't freak out, blame everyone but themselves, and clean house.


Terry Francona was one of the best managers in baseball, he helped break the curse of the bambino bringing 2 world championships to Boston, and how is he repaid? His name is drug through mud and is run out of town. In no way was the Red Sox collapse Francona's fualt. I guess we'll see where passing the blame gets someone. Good luck with Valentine, Bean Town.

Texas Rangers


Questions are being asked if Mike Napoli will slow down. I watched Napoli ever since he got to the big leagues with the Angels and I can firmly tell you that he will not. He had a tremendous season and his batting average may drop a little bit, but he will be the same power hitter he has always been, it's just that no one noticed him before. 


The big question for me that should be asked is about Yu Darvish. Can he pitch in the big leagues? There was no Pujols, Fielder, Cano, etc over there and it will be very interesting to see if his game translates to the Majors. If it does, that makes Texas' average rotation great, if not, that was a lot of money to spend on an average pitcher.


The Rangers lineup is one of, if not the most, dangerous in the league from top to bottom. Everyone that comes to the plate is a threat and that is their greatest strength.


Josh Hamilton is my player to watch. All eyes are on him with his much publicized alcohol problem, and rift with the front office over contract negotiations. Hamilton's future in Texas is hanging on this season. 


NL Wild Cards

Atlanta Braves


This is a team with something to prove after last season's epic meltdown. In Chipper Jones' final season, I'm sure there will be many "lets win this one or him" speeches. 


It's no secret that Atlanta has great pitching, and great pitching wins in October...it's getting there that's the problem.


I think the biggest factor in Atlanta's playoff push will be Jason Heyward. After last years sophomore slump  hitting just .227 with 14HR and 42 RBI, Heyward needs to bounce back and have a great season for the Braves. He is what they were missing last year, and with his normal numbers, I think the Braves make the playoff without a problem. If he comes back as his old self, you won't want to face the Braves in October.

San Francisco Giants


Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. When you have a rotation like the Giants you will always be in games. The Giants are known for the anemic offense, and it didn't get any better losing Carlos Beltran, however, they do have Buster Posey back from injury and the always entertaining Pablo Sandoval.


I hope the Giants make the postseason just because Brian Wilson has got to be the most entertaining person on the planet. From the skin tight tuxedos, to the Taco Bell commercials, the more Wilson we can get, the better.




AL MVP: Albert Pujols


NL MVP: Justin Upton


AL CY Young: Justin Verlander


NL CY Young: Roy Halladay






World Series:  Angels vs Phillies

  
Champion: Angels




It may be a biased choice, but it would make me physically sick to say the Rangers, Yankees, or Red Sox would win the World Series. So for my health's sake...Go Angels.  

BYU vs Iona : Random Thoughts and Observations

BYU could not play uptempo with Iona

Seth Davis said it best on the pre-game show when he said that Iona would press the Cougars, and the game would be dictated on how BYU point guard Matt Carlino would handle the pressure.

That was an understatement.

Iona's guards jumped all over Carlino in the first half, casuing turnovers, bad decisions, and fast break points. Iona had 29 fast break points in the first half...29!

Carlino refused to slow the game down and control the tempo, throwing full court passes to big men Davies and Hartsock, which played right into what Iona wanted. They had 2 players waiting for the pass to strip the ball away and push the ball back up the court.

After the turnovers, BYU could not keep up with the athletic backcourt of Iona as they were unable to get back on defense and contest open jumpers. Iona was 5-10 from behind the arc in the first half, all uncontested. BYU coudn't match speed in man defense, so BYU was forced to play zone most of the game. Playing zone wasn't a bad decision (as we saw in the 2nd half) but when the rotations to shooters were as slow as they were, you get exposed.

Iona couldn't play with BYU in a half court game

BYU fans should thank Craig Cusick. He was a huge reason the Cougars were able to come back and win, but sadly, he won't get the credit he deserves.  

He didn't score a single point in the game, but he didn't have to. He brought order back to the game in the second half, controlling the tempo by walking the ball up the floor, which virtually parylized Iona's offense. He had one turnover for the entire game, and he got the ball to BYU's biggest weapons in Hartsock and Davies.

Once the game turned into a half court game, BYU had the advantage inside with Hartsock and Davies. Iona's tallest player is listed at 6'7" and was no match for the Cougars inside.  

I'm still trying to figure out where Iona's pressure went in the second half. Instead of going for the kill, the Gaels dropped back into a half court zone defense with ZERO pressure of the point guard. Fatigue was obviously a factor for this decision, but they played that way for the entire half! The zone helped slow the tempo, and the lack of pressure let BYU off the hook big time and allowed them to make a comeback.


The Cougars never could get into their zone in the first half, because Iona had the ball across half court in no time. Their rotations were bad and it was very helter skelter. The second half was a whole other story. Because of the tempo change, BYU was able to get back on defense, set their zone, and their rotations were crisp and quick. Every Iona shooter had a hand in their face and shots were challenged with much more effort.

Dave Rose heard me screaming through the TV to put DeMarcus Harrison in the game

4-6 shooting from the field, 12 points. You're welcome.


President Obama didn't stick around to see the game


His possible future competition is a Mormon. You don't think that had anything to do with it!?


You live and die by the 3-Pointer


Iona was on fire in the first half going 5-10 from the 3 point line, however, they shot only 1-15 from distance in the second half, which proved fatal for the Gaels.


BYU shot 12 more free throws than Iona, once they started to play from the inside-out. Iona only shot 8 free throws in the game, mostly because they settled for jump shots and didn't attack the basket. Hot shooting won't last forever, and when Iona went cold they should have attacked to get easier shots, or at least get to the free throw line. That is on the coach.


Noah Hartsock is the heart and soul of BYU

At the beginning of the year everyone was talking about Brandon Davies coming back and leading this Cougar team.


They were wrong.


Davies is an important piece to the Cougars, but it's the "bald eagle" Noah Hartsock that is the most important player on the team. Without Hartsock, there is no way BYU is in the tournament. Noah has been great all season and has carried this team to where they are right now. Hartsock MUST have a big game if the Cougars want to get past Marquette tomorrow.






All the bracketologists and experts on ESPN, CBS, etc. have "chalk" all through their brackets. Here are some teams to watch that could make some noise in the Tournament.

Under the radar teams to watch in the Tournament


Florida State


This is my sleeper Final Four team. They are the #3 seed in the East region, but Florida State isn't being talked about by anybody. This team beat North Carolina (twice, and once handily by 33 and the other for the ACC Tournament Title), Duke (twice), Virginia (twice), and NC State. The Seminoles' strength is their defense, especially from their big man Bernard James who averages 2.3 BPG. They are not a great shooting team, so they are vulnerable to a zone defense, but barring any epic cold shooting nights, the Noles can get deep into the second weekend, if not further.


Baylor


A lot of people are down on Baylor because of their losses down the stretch of the season. Let me put their losses into perspective...Kansas, Missouri, Iowa State, and Kansas State (all Tournament teams, two are #2 Seeds in the Tournament.) None of those are bad losses, not to mention they beat Kansas and Kansas State to get to the Big 12 Title Game where they eventually lost to Missouri. With one of the biggest and best frontcourts in the country, led by Perry Jones III and Quincy Acy, they can match up with anybody inside. If Pierre Jackson and Brady Heslip get hot from the outside, opening up the middle for the bigs, Baylor will be an extremely tough out in the South region.


Long Beach State


An experienced team with a starting line up made up of four seniors, led by guard Casper Ware who averages 17.4 PPG, and one junior, the 49ers have what it takes to make a run in the tournament. Long Beach had a brutal schedule playing North Carolina, Kansas, Kansas St, Pittsburgh, Louisville, San Diego St, Xavier, and Creighton, so they are no stranger to the big stage or a power opponent. They open the tournament against Mountain West Tournament Champ New Mexico, if they get past them I think they can get to the sweet 16.


Murray State


It wouldn't be a surprise if  Murray State made a deep run this March. The only weakness on this team is rebounding. They rank 237th in defensive rebounding and could prove fatal if they don't focus on crashing the boards in the tournament. The Racers finished the regular season with a 30-1 record and won the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. Their star, Isaiah Canaan (This year's Jimmer Fredette, if you have seen him play at all, then you know what I mean) should be a first team All-American averaging 19.2 PPG and is shooting 47% from distance. When Canaan crosses half court, he is in shooting range and he is the heart and soul of this Racers team. Expect Murray State to go as far as Canaan will take them.

Top 5 Frontcourts In The NBA

For part 1: The top 5 Backcourts in the NBA CLICK HERE


For more info on what PER is CLICK HERE


TIE 5. Los Angeles Clippers
           Oklahoma City Thunder

Caron Butler                                 13.9 PPG 4.0  RPG  1.5 APG   13.35 PER          
Blake Griffin                                 21.7 PPG 11.2 RPG  3.0 APG   23.63 PER
DeAndre Jordan                              8.2 PPG  9.2  RPG  2.6 BPG   17.65 PER





Kevin Durant                                27.7 PPG 7.9 RPG 3.4 APG   27.49 PER 
Serge Ibaka                                  8.3  PPG 7.7 RPG 3.2 BPG   17.55 PER
Kendrick Perkins                            4.4  PPG 6.2 RPG 1.2 BPG   7.11   PER



Both of these teams have great frontcourts, and I couldn't put one in front of the other. 


The Clippers are "sexier" on paper with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, but I think the "blue collar" play of Perkins and Ibaka in Oklahoma City gets overlooked with most of the spotlight going to All-Stars Durant and Westbrook.


Kendrick Perkins brings Championship experience from the Boston Celtics, and  Serge Ibaka leads the NBA in blocks and has become one of the elite defenders in the league. There is no doubt that the Thunder wouldn't be where they are without their two big men in the middle.


The Clippers are one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the league, living up to their "lob city" nickname. However, I think they will need to be more "fundamental city" if they want to be serious contenders in the West. Griffin and Jordan can jump out of the gym, but one day reality will set in and they will need to replace alley-oops and highlight dunks with lock down defense and execution.





4. New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony                         21.5 PPG 5.8 RPG 4.1 APG     19.37 PER                 
Amare Stoudemire                       17.4 PPG 7.9 RPG 1.3 APG     16.12 PER
Tyson Chandler                           11.7 PPG 9.7 RPG 1.4 BPG     19.77 PER


Best way to describe the Knicks' frontcourt would be - underachievers. A group of great players that don't live up to their potential because of lack of effort on defense (with exception to Chandler who has anchored the D all season). On paper this trio should be top 2, or even the best in the league, however, on the court when the ball is tipped is a different story. 


Carmelo Anthony is the most overrated player in the league. That's a bold statement, but I stand by it. How can Melo be considered an elite player along with Kobe, LeBron, Howard, Paul, etc. when he doesn't put in any effort on the defensive end? Sure he can score in bunches, but it doesn't do his team any good when he gives up just as many due to his lack of effort. To be considered a "superstar" you must play hard on both ends of the floor. Image how good he could be if he didn't have the Randy Moss attitude.


Just like Stockton made Malone, Nash made Amare. He hasn't put up the same numbers since he left Phoenix, but he's still the same great player, just not as good of a point guard feeding him the ball. There was talk about the Knicks trying to acquire Nash, but then that "Linsanity" thing happened. Amare says the right things to the public, but is secretly screaming obscenities inside his head.


Alot of people were critical of Mark Cuban for not re-signing Tyson Chandler, a critical piece to the Mavs Championship run, during the off-season. I'm sure that will stop when he signs Deron Williams and/or Dwight Howard this coming off-season because of the cap space Chandler freed up. Good news for the Knicks, a defensive minded center fell right into their laps. He is limited on the offensive end, but he is the heart and soul of the New York defense and does so many things that don't show up in the box score.




3. Chicago Bulls

Luol Deng                                     15.6 PPG 7.1 RPG 3.2 APG   15.50 PER
Carlos Boozer                                15.5 PPG 8.2 RPG 1.7 APG   20.08 PER
Joakim Noah                                  9.7 PPG 10.2 RPG 1.3 BPG  19.19 PER


I had to witness Carlos Boozer play basketball for years in Utah. I have nothing good to say about him...he yells "and 1" a lot...lets move on.


Luol Deng made his first All-Star appearance this year, and has become a great complement to Derrick Rose. Deng is a great defender, he can score on the offensive end, and he has range to go along with it.


Who wouldn't want Joakim Noah on their team? Not only that, but who wouldn't want to hang out with Noah for a day? If there was a enter-to-win-a-day-with-Joakim-Noah contest I would enter. I guarantee it would be the craziest, weirdest day of your life. And that pony tail/bun...what a thing of beauty. Noah does the dirty work for Chicago. He plays great D in the low post, rebounds, blocks shots, sets screens to free up his teammates, and brings energy to the team. 

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Metta World Peace                         5.0  PPG  2.8 RPG  2.0 APG   7.49  PER          
Pau Gasol                                     16.9 PPG 10.5 RPG 1.3 BPG  21.18 PER
Andrew Bynum                              16.2 PPG 12.8 RPG 2.1 BPG   21.98 PER


Isn't it ironic that Ron Artest, the guy that is famous for going into the stands and laying a beat down on some fans is now called Metta World Peace. With the crappy season he is having that is all we will say about him.


Gasol and Bynum are the best power forward-center combo in the West...when they are healthy. Together they give the Lakers some unbelievable length and size that other teams struggle to match up against. 


Bynum has struggled his whole career with injuries, but he seems to be on the upswing as he is having a great season and was named a starter on the All-Star team this season in Orlando.


Pau Gasol looks like he was raised by a pack of Alpacas and like he hasn't showered in weeks. Having said that, he is one of the most skilled big men in the league. His name has been involved in trade rumors all season, first in the Chris Paul deal that was shot down by David Stern, and now in a rumored deal for Orlando's Dwight Howard. I believe Pau will be with the Lakers through the end of the season now that the Nets' Brook Lopez is healthy, who was the original trade target for Orlando.

1. Miami Heat

LeBron James                               27.4 PPG 8.1 RPG 6.8 APG     32.41 PER
Chris Bosh                                   18.4 PPG 8.3 RPG 2.0 APG     19.74 PER
Joel Anthony                                3.0   PPG 4.3 RPG 1.2 BPG     8.97  PER


The Heat take the top spot because of LeBron James. It doesn't matter if you love him or hate him, LeBron is the most complete player in the NBA. He can score at will, he is an excellent facilitator when he needs to be, and he consistently rebounds the ball. He is a triple double threat every time he steps onto the floor.


Against Portland on March 1st, LeBron did something that hasn't been done in the history of the NBA. He played 41 minutes, had 38 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, 1 block, and 0...yes ZERO turnovers. That is downright ridiculous. No one else has done that...not even Michael. (In no way am I saying LeBron is better than Jordan...I'm just saying)


The third Heetle, Chris Bosh, takes a lot of unwarranted criticism in my opinion. He is a "star" on a team with two "superstars" so naturally he has to take a backseat to LeBron and Wade, but I will take Bosh as my 3rd best player any day of the week. It was a sad day when he left the Raptors, because he could be a player and the mascot at the same time. oh well.


The Miami players don't pass to Joel Anthony. As a matter of fact, if they did pass to him I don't think he would know what to do with the ball when he got it. Anthony is the living definition of "blue collar" player. He doesn't get any credit or any of the spotlight, but he works his butt off every night on defense, getting the All-Stars open, which unfortunately for him doesn't show up in a box score. He is a very underrated player in my mind that deserves a lot more credit than he is getting.

Top 5 Backcourts In The NBA

Stats are listed as: Points/Assists/Rebounds/Steals


For more information on PER click here


5. INJURY TIE
San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, and Chicago Bulls

       

Each of these teams would easily have a top 5 backcourt in the NBA if they were at full strength. 

The Spurs, when healthy, have the best duo in Parker and Ginobili, but Manu went down with yet another injury. Parker has been playing out of his mind lately, and somehow the Spurs keep winning even with an old Tim Duncan and a bunch of no-name role players (Besides Richard Jefferson, but let's face it he isn't the same player he once was).

Chris Paul is one of, if not the best, point guard in the league. With Paul and Billups, the Clippers had a great backcourt duo until Billups was lost for the season to an achilles injury. Mo Williams and Randy Foye are filling in nicely, but aren't near the player Billups is.


Chicago's biggest concern in the off season was to sign a shooting guard to complement MVP Derrick Rose. They found that in Richard Hamilton, but it was short lived as Hamilton has struggled all season with injuries. Ronnie Brewer has done well in Hamilton's absence, but if Chicago wants to get past Miami, they will need Rip to be healthy.

          

4. Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo                                      14.8/9.5/4.9/1.6    18.92  PER
Ray Allen                                           14.5/2.8/3.1/0.8    15.30 PER
  

Rondo is one of the best passers in the league, ranking 2nd in assists per game. He has a great basketball IQ, but the only thing holding him back from becoming an elite point guard is his perimeter shooting. When teams flat out don't guard you from the free throw line and out, you know you have a problem.


Ray Allen is one of the all-around good guys in the league. No matter how old he gets he continues to be consistent from the 3-point line, leading all guards in 3P% at 49%. He is also lights out from the free throw line where he is shooting 92%. 

3. Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis                                         22.4/5.8/3.4/1.5    19.43  PER                  
Stephen Curry                                    16.5/6.2/3.7/1.8    21.70  PER

Ellis and Curry are two of the most underrated players in the league, trying to keep a struggling team that lacks size competitive. The Golden State Warriors are a big man away from contending, but are hindered by starting center Andris Biedrins who averages 2 points and 5 rebounds per game while making $9 million (yikes!).

Ellis averages the most points per game of any player that was not named an All-Star, and Curry is in scoring range once he crosses the half court line. If management and new coach Mark Jackson can put some talent around these two they will be tough to beat.

2. Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade                                      22.4/4.8/4.4/1.7    28.14 PER
Mario Chalmers                                    11.1/3.6/2.5/1.3    16.07  PER

Dwyane Wade is a spectacular player that has an all-around game, and as he goes, so do the Heat. He is the leader, he is batman, the Heat is still his team, and will be until LeBron learns how to play in the 4th quarter and finish games.

Chalmers is a great player, but gets lost in the mix because his teammates are James, Wade, and Bosh. He is a great point guard with range (46% from 3) that benefits from open shots because of the focus other teams put on his teammates. His assist numbers could be higher because of who he gets to pass to, but LeBron and Wade dominate the ball when they should let Chalmers run the offense.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

James Harden                                     16.8/3.6/4.1/1.0     21.03  PER
Russell Westbrook                               23.5/5.5/4.8/1.9     23.30  PER

James Harden should be a starter. I realize that Scott Brooks doesn't start him because he makes Oklahoma City's bench significantly better, but is there a player more deserving of a starting spot than James Harden? The man is lethal from distance, and is a perfect complement to Durant and Westbrook. Expect to see him make the All-Star roster in the near future.


Westbrook is a freak athlete that can score the basketball...the only problem is that is all he wants to do. With Kevin Durant on the team, Westbrook will eventually have to learn to take a back seat to him. If he does, and becomes a true point guard, Oklahoma City will be that much scarier for a very long time.

NBA All-Star Snubs

Every year there are All-Star snubs and this year in Orlando it's no different. Here are the snubs that should have made it, and their counterpart that they should replace.

PER= Player Efficiency Rating     For more info on PER click here

Paul Millsap – 16.5 PPG  9.7 RPG  24.28 PER (Highest PER of all snubs)

Over

Marc Gasol – 15.0 PPG  10.2 RPG  19.38 PER

Paul Millsap is a flat out hard worker, he brings his best every single night, regardless of who the opponent is.  He is the heart and soul of an overachieving Jazz team that is in the position they are, because of Millsap.

Millsap came into the NBA under the radar as a 2^nd round pick, and continues to be a significantly undervalued and underrated player. Looking at the numbers alone, especially a significantly better PER, Millsap should have gotten the nod over an overrated Marc Gasol.

Greg Monroe – 16.4 PPG   10.0 RPG   23.79 PER

Josh Smith –     15.6 PPG   8.9 RPG     19.65 PER

Over

Roy Hibbert –   13.6 PPG  9.9  RPG  19.53 PER

How can Roy Hibbert be an All-Star when he’s not even the best player on his own team? (Danny Granger)  Hibbert has been a big part of Indiana’s success thus far, but there are other players more deserving of his spot such as Detroit’s Greg Monroe or Atlanta’s Josh Smith.

Monroe’s numbers are better across the board, averaging more points and rebounds than Hibbert, as well as having a higher PER. Indiana’s record is better, but Hibbert has a much more help than Monroe has in Detroit.

Josh Smith has been a beast for Atlanta, and has carried even more of the load when center Al Horford was lost due to injury. He averages more points and has a better PER than Hibbert, and has the Hawks positioned at 5^th in the east – much higher than they should be.

Danny Granger – 18.3 PPG   4.8 RPG   2.1 APG  17.75 PER

Over

Luol Deng –          16.0 PPG  7.3 RPG    2.5 APG  16.29 PER

I’m not trying to hate. Luol Deng is a great player on a great team, but I think most of his success comes from playing with Derrick Rose. Rose demands so much attention on defense, which frees up Deng for a lot of open shots and scoring opportunities.

If we are looking for All-Stars, we are looking to go-to guys and dynamic players. Danny Granger has to be the choice over Deng. Granger got off to a slow start this year, but has come on strong since, leading the Pacers to 4^th place and contenders in the east, something that Indiana hasn’t been for years.

Players being criticized, but are deserving All-Stars

Dirk Nowitzki – 17.6 PPG  6.2 RPG  19.28

He himself said he doesn’t deserve to be an All-Star, and I don’t think he does either, however the Mavs are the defending champions so I can understand why he is on the roster.

Tony Parker – 18.9 PPG  7.7 APG  2.9 RPG  21.94 PER

I have no idea why people are saying Parker shouldn’t be an All-Star. He has led the Spurs to the 2^nd seed in the west with an old Tim Duncan and no Manu Ginobili. If anyone is deserving its Parker.

Steve Nash – 15.0  PPG  10.1 APG  2.5 RPG  24.12 PER

He is old and his team is terrible, but Nash is still playing like Nash averaging 10 assists per game. There is talk that he doesn’t deserve an All-Star nod, but I think that comes from him being stuck in Phoenix. After all Nash has done for the organization, the Suns should stop holding him hostage and trade him to a contender for one last go at a championship.

Miscellaneous

James Harden – 16.8 PPG  3.5 APG  4.1 RPG  21.71 PER

Harden is still probably a year away from being an All-Star, but the man is a baller! Virtually a lock for 6^th man of the year, Harden is lethal from the three point line, and no doubt that he is a huge reason that the Thunder have the best record in the west.