NOH

Sorry, I know it's been a while, but its been one crazy summer! Unfortanetly, the same goes for the basketball scene.

I'll seen be coming out with a big post, but really quick, what is up with New Orleans? They are making zero moves and going after no one. C'mon now Hornets, you're in the West, please as a fan, step up your game!!!

USA's Down With Durant

Yes, that's right count Kevin Durant as a USA Team Member in 201o. Hmmmm? You said Kevin Durant? As in the Kevin Durant that was drafted behind Greg Oden? The Kevin Durant who is stuck in a terrible market of Oklahoma City, and missed out on an All Star selection? Yup, that Kevin Durant. Pencil him in, here's what Coach K said after their first day of a three day training camp for players attempting to make the senior national team.

"Everyone who was watching from our group said you could tell that Durant was a little bit on a mission -- and that's good for them to see that; it picks everybody up," Krzyzewski said. "He's that versatility guy, and the other thing is he's a shooter, and with the way we were playing defense for most of the Olympics, with his length, he could be a heck of a defender. So he's really at the head of the list for me."

Wow, high praise right? Apparently Durant's had this ability the whole time, I mean, I did say he's in a crappy market right? Well, let's hope Coach K and the other assistants are right because we could use as much help as possible in retaining our crown as Hoops Nation.

Mr. Eccentric

Now, you've all probably heard that Ron Artest has been traded to the Lakers via Houston, for Trevor Ariza, and you're all probably puzzled as to why. I mean, did the Lakers not just handle the Orlando Magic in the Finals? Answer- The Magic got better with acquisition of Vince Carter. The Cavaliers got better with the acquisition of Big Diesel. The Spurs got better with the acquisition of Richard Jefferson, and the Celtics got better with the acquisition of Sheed. The Lakers had to improve, and they did well of it. Here's why....

First off, Ron Artest is a slightly better player, than Trevor Ariza. Secondly, they acquired him cheaper. Last, after any type of Championship, when the fame comes about, it's hard to pick yourself up, and re-bring that energy you had last year, for another go. Ron Artest brings that energy. A one time eccentric crazy guy (remember him on the Pacers?), Ron Artest has become not only a more mellow person, but a better player, who brings energy like Ronny Turiaf. He didn't sign with the Lakers for money, no, he signed with the Lakers for a championship, and he's determined to get it. You know Kobe will be to, so the others, they'll just fall in suit.

New Home? (Top Free Agents This Year)

Test the Waters. That's what Free Agents do. Let's see the top five testers this year. Will they resign, or find a new home with a struggling franchise?

1. Ron Artest- Age:29 Stats: 17.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.3 APG

Ron Artest brings a added toughness and ability, that all teams need. The questions with his attitude still linger, although he has clearly taken steps to improve it.

2. Carlos Boozer- Age: 27 Stats: 16.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.1 APG

Anytime you can pick up Olympian, teams will jump at the opportunity. Boozer will definitely have offers, they might lower than expected though, due to his injury ordeals. In truth, since signing with the Jazz in 04', he has only played in 276 of 410 regular season games.

3. Hedo Turkoglu- Age: 30 Stats: 16.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 4.9 APG

After the Magic acquired Vince Carter, Turkoglu immediately made it clear he won't consider being a 3rd or 4th option. He's going to take advantage of his great postseason and get a big time contract.

4. Lamar Odom- Age: 29 Stats: 11.3 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.6 APG

Lamar Odom is a slightly worse Hedo Turkoglu, ha, a very good player! Any time would die to have one of these two, 6' 10'' guys that can handle and stretch the defense. Odom sacrificed his stats for a world championship, teams like that unselfish play.

5. Ben Gordon- Age: 26 Stats: 20.7 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.4 APG

Ben Gordon, the youngest and best scorer of these five, would be a great pickup for any team. There's just the question of his size and shot selection.

The Next Five-

6. Trevor

Ariza

7. Shawn

Marion

8. Rasheed

Wallace

9. Allen

Iverson

10. Jason

Kidd

Tha Carter III

No, I'm not talking about Lil Wayne's multi-platinum album, I'm talking about Vince Carter, now on his third team in his NBA career, the Orlando Magic.

When Vince first entered the NBA, he was at times compared to MJ. The freakish athleticism was different, one hang time, one up, up, and away, but the ability was visible. Now, those comparisons have definitely faltered, but the 8 time NBA all star is still one of the most visibly iconic players around.

Thoughts of championships were definitely coursing thorough the heads of Orlando Magic fans against Los Angeles, but now with the acquisition of Carter, these thoughts, may just turn into reality. With another very strong 3 or 4 player, the Magic have established themselves as one of the top two teams in the East, for sure. There is no doubt, Boston will have no chance, and Cleveland may not either, except for the fact they got that new guy, um... i think.... I'm pretty sure his name is Shaquille.

Well, whether Carter brings Orlando a world championship, a dunk contest trophy, or a just an all star invitation, Vince Carter will for sure bring excitement, and success to the Magic.

The Big Slip

Dejuan Blair is the biggest steal of this year's NBA Draft, Donald Brown is the 2nd biggest, and Patrick Mills is the 3rd. But Dejuan, probably an end lottery caliber player, fell all the way to the mid 2nd round! Rebounds are so high valued in the NBA, I would've thought the whole ACL deal from high school, wouldn't have scared teams from picking him... Jamie Dixon, the University of Pittsburgh coach even went as far to call every team in the league, and explain to them that yes, although Dejuan has had two ACL surgeries, he didn't miss one, not a single practice, or game in his tenure at Pittsburgh. So what scared them? We may never know, but what I do know is that the San Antonio Spurs are shocked he fell so far to them, and will definitely be happy with someone who is a specialist, someone who will go get them the ball! Dejuan Blair is going to go get a paycheck, and he's going to go get the ball for the once again championship contending San Antonio Spurs.

Dirty Gael

Diamon Simpson. Have you heard of him? I thought not, well he, on is #1 on a certain ESPN analysts most underrated players in the country list, is ranked as the 50th best senior in the country by Draft Express, is 2-time defending WCC Defensive Player of the Year, averaged a double double this year with 14 PPG and 11 RPG, including 2 BPG. He was in one of only two double double tandems in the country, and is a three-time all WCC player, not to mention, he is a beast, and a dark horse to enter the NBA.As his career pushed on, so did Diamon Simpson. His work ethic pushed him to become a nightmare on the boards, and a decent scoring threat. His constant i've got to be perfect 100% of the time attitude, got him to the point of being looked at by NBA scouts, and now he may be drafted very late, or signed on over the summer. Simpson, is someone you could truly call a workhorse. His questions heading toward the pro's were could he shoot well enough as a 3, and could he ball handle well enough? Heading into the summer, no, he wasn't even close, maybe not even at a college level, but I just recently saw him at an open gym, and he's got some handles, and has DEFINETELY fixed that shot! Now he's trying out for the big leagues. It may not just be a single Gael in the Pro's next season. Not if this dirty Gael keeps on working.

A New King

Lebron- The King?

I hear everyone talking while Cleveland is going into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, that not only is Lebron the best player in the NBA, but he may even be more than that. I disagree... I do not think Lebron is better than Kobe, Wade, or MJ. Now, as of how well their seasons went, I think Wade had the best individual season, then Lebron, then Kobe.

That's not what I want to talk about though. It's the fact that I hear that Lebron is such a great role model... This week's $25,000 fine against him, says otherwise. I mean I'm sure Lebron is great guy and all, but let me tell you what he did, and then, what he said in response to it.

Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Lebron and the Cavaliers are getting blown out. They lose 103-90. Lebron is not happy. Understandable. Then, he pulls something stupid. He storms off the court, doesn't congratulate anyone from Orlando, not even his olympic teammate Howard, doesn't go in the handshake line, and then proceeds to shower and leave, ignoring a mandantory media session.

Now here's his response... "It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them, I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them. That doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a competitor. That’s what I do. It doesn’t make sense for me to go over and shake somebody’s hand."

Can you say ignorant? I hope he understands why everyone is saying that he might not be the best role model for their kids. I hope he learns from this because could get CRAZY good. Better than Kobe or Lebron though? I doubt it.

100%?

Really. There's a chance I could get all my NBA Playoff predictions correct? So far so good... One round left to go. The NBA Finals. The Big Kahuna. Orlando v.s. Los Angeles. Kobe v.s. Dwight. The Black Mamba v.s. Superman. I hope I'm right in picking the Lakers. I'd be down with being 100%. Maybe it'll get my blog a little more recognized hahaha. No I'm just playing, but I have a feeling this series will be epic... or a bust. No in between. We can only wait and see though. I definitely wan to see Dwight get one and shut up Shaq. Yet, I definitely want to see Kobe get a 4th to put away Lebron, make him one of the five ever, and shut up shaq and the media. Again I'm going to be picking in LA in six. And i believe the NBA will owe Lamar Odom co MVP honors, and an all star reserve seat.

It's Amazing!

Kobe Bryant. Top three leading scorer in the NBA for five straight years. Kobe Bryant. MVP of the National Basketball Association. Kobe Bryant. Three time National Basketball Association Champion. Kobe Bryant USA Team Gold Medalist. Kobe Bryant. Six time National Basketball Association Finals player. Kobe Bryant. Unstoppable. Kobe Bryant. Amazing.

You know Kobe is feeling it when he does this...

You know Kobe is better than Lebron when...

You know Kobe is Amazing when...

Damn. It's so Amazing! I really wanted to hook up a song onto this post... Amazing by Kanye West FT. Young Jeezy, but I couldn't figure out how, so just listen to it next time you read this.

If you watch Kobe play, no there aren't any flaws in his game, you say that to yourself but deny it if you're a Lebron lover. Yes, Kobe can pass (10 assists and 35 pts. in a blowout game 6 series clinching win v.s. Nuggets... night after Lebron was knocked out of the playoffs). Yes, Kobe is the best Offensive Player ever, and will never be duplicated, I don't even think he can be imitated...
Kobe Bryant. It's Amazing.

The Clipps Franchise

What Does This Remind You Of???You Guessed It- The Clippers Franchise

(Looking finally for draft pick to lighten their dying franchise)

Here It Comes

Ya... Here it comes... The big kahuna. So far all my 2009 NBA Playoff predictions have gone correct. With a scare from Chicago and Houston, I've been utterly perfect. Here's where it get's dangerous. I'm staying neutral with the rest of the world in picking LA to beat Denver, but I'm going a little off the path here, I'm going to choose Orlando to defeat Cleveland. Don't ask why though, it's just a gut feeling. Now what does that mean for LA if they meet Orlando in the NBA Finals? Well they got swept in the season series against the Magic, so this little joke of an effort they've been putting out to get of the first two rounds, isn't going to work... Even if they did sweep the Nuggets season series.

A Beast

No question Dwight Howard is a beast... He is going to go down as one of the best rebounders ever!!! In the series deciding, pivotal Game 6 Howard pulled down a whopping 22 rebounds! And 10 Superman offensive boards... In a series where his rebounding and blocking has been a down turn Howard is still averaging 14 boards and 3 blocks! I don't understand why the announcers seem to think he's under-performing... I think he's over performing in those 23 point 22 rebound efforts.

Oh, just to let you know, Dwight is completely right (no pun intended). Wrong to call out Stan Van Gundy, but completely right about what he said... When you have a dominating player, GET HIM THE BALL! 25 touches isn't enough. Shaq in his hay day averaged 45... Howard's not even in his hay day and should get around there. Then, the space out with everyone worrying about him, and shooter J.J. Redick and scorers Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu who are all struggling can get there shot back. In the end, what Howard says makes complete sense... I'll see you in the Finals Dwight!

I Guess: It Couldn't Hurt

Since it's Mother's Day, I figure, there's nothing wrong with giving the ladies a little something to perk their ears up about... I'm going to give them my forecast, for the fast approaching WNBA season. I'll show you all the teams, their best player, and my champion pick...

Washington Mystics- Alana Beard- Last Year's Finish- No Postseason

Seattle Storm- Sue Bird- Last Year's Finish- Lost In First Round

San Antonio Silver Stars- Becky Hammon- Lost In Finals

Sacramento Monarchs- Ticha Penicheiro- Lost In First Round

Phoenix Mercury- Diana Taurasi- No Postseason

New York Liberty- Janel McCarville- Lost In Second Round

Minnesota Lynx- Seimone Augustus- No Postseason

Los Angeles Sparks- Candace Parker- Lost In Second Round

Indiana Fever- Tamika Catchings- Lost In First Round

Detroit Shock- Deanna Nolan- Champions

Connecticut Sun- Lindsay Whalen- Lost In First Round

Chicago Sky- Sylvia Fowles- No Postseason

Atlanta Dream- Betty Lennox- No Postseason

2009 WNBA Champions- Los Angeles Sparks (If Parker is healthy) If Not....

MVP Status

You know, I'm not going to deny that Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Lebron James, and Kobe Bryant had great seasons, but I was on the verge of being shocked that Dwayne Wade didn't win the MVP, and for that matter, came in third in voting... In my opinion, with Wade averaging the best stats, the MVP should be given to the Most Valuable Player, and with the least wins, and the least amount of blowouts of all these players teams, his team would've been the Kings w/out him. Here's how my MVP voting would've gone for the past four years.

2008-2009 MVP

1. Dwayne Wade

2. Lebron James

3. Kobe Bryant

2007-2008 MVP

1. Chris Paul

2. Kobe Bryant

3. Dwight Howard

2006-2007 MVP

1. Dirk Nowitzki

2. Kobe Bryant

3. Steve Nash

2005-2006 MVP

1. Kobe Bryant

2. Steve Nash

3. Dwayne Wade

Point Guard Heavy

With the NBA Draft coming up, I want to take a look at the top guards in it, since there are so many... They are actually around 15 point guards in the draft, but I'm going to rank the Top 6.



1. Stephen Curry- I saw this kid play against Patty Mills and Saint Mary's... He will enter the NBA as one of the top 20 shooters.



2. Eric Maynor- Probably the least or second to least heard of in this group, the point guard out of VCU can flat out play, we saw that v.s. Duke, and UCLA... In my opinion, the best point guard of this group, Curry, is ahead of him through potential.



3. Ricky Rubio- This young guy from Spain can flat out play!!! One of two internationals on this list, his jump shot is decent, and he's pretty slow, but he's got otherworldly court vision.



4. Brandon Jennings- Well, he's pretty unheard of... he skipped college to play pro in Europe. He's beasting. Now, laugh at his high school stats... good luck figuring out which one is freak status. 32.7 PPG/ 7.5 APG/ 5.1 RPG/ and what the hell! is that... 13.7 steals every dang game!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you figure it out?



5. Patrick Mills- Speed! It kills and he's got it... Not to mention a great jump shot... What puts him ahead of Ty Lawson, he's got one inch on him, and probably .01 seconds on him on his 40 time.



6. Ty Lawson- Speed! It kills and he's got it... What puts him behind Mills, beside the fore-mentioned, he's a junior, Mills is a sophomore. A little more potential in Mills.

Notables- 7. Jonny Flynn 8. Jeff Teague 9. A.J. Price 10. Jrue Holiday 11. Curtis Jerrells 12. Darren Collison

2009 NBA Playoff Predictions

1. Los Angeles 2. Denver 3. San Antonio 4. Portland
8. Utah 7. New Orleans 6. Dallas 5. Houston

1. Cleveland 2. Boston 3. Orlando 4. Atlanta

8. Detroit 7. Chicago 6. Philadelphia 5. Miami

1. Los Angeles 2. Denver 1. Cleveland 2. Boston

5. Houston 6. Dallas 4. Atlanta 3. Orlando

1. Los Angeles 1. Cleveland

2. Denver 3. Orlando

1. Los Angeles

3. Orlando

Joe Johnson: The Most Underrated Player In The NBA?

Am I alone here in thinking Joe Johnson is the most underrated player in the NBA? I mean, no disrespect to Kevin Martin, J.R. Smith, and even Hawks teammate Josh Smith, I really don't think they are up to his level...

Let's Compare

Kevin Martin- Stats: 24.6 PPG/ 42% Field/ 42% Three/ 87% Free Throw/ 3 APG/ 4 RPG/ 3 TO... These here are Kevin Martin's stats, I would also like to point out that he is 7th in the NBA in PPG, and his player efficiency is 46th at 18.8, second among these four players.

Josh Smith- Stats: 15.0 PPG/ 49% Field/ 30% Three/ 59% Free Throw/ 2 APG/ 7.2 RPG/ 2 TO... These here are Josh Smith's stats, I would also like to point out that he is 69th in the NBA in PPG, and his player efficiency is 54th at 17.5, third among these four players.

Joe Johnson- Stats: 21.4 PPG/ 44% Field/ 36% Three/ 83% Free Throw/ 6.0 APG/ 4.4 RPG/ 2 TO... These here are Joe Johnson's stats, I would also like to point out that he is 16th in the NBA in PPG, and his player efficiency is 36th at 19.4, first among these four players.

J.R. Smith- Stats: 15.0 PPG/ 45% Field/ 40% Three/ 75% Free Throw/ 3.0 APG/ 4.0 RPG/ 2 TO... These here are J.R. Smith's stats, I would also like to point out that he is 74th in the NBA in PPG, and his player efficiency is 124th at 13.7, last among these four players. Lastly, he is the only player out of the four to come off the bench...

The Verdict

What it all comes down to here to be honest is the player efficiency rating, Joe Johnson is number 1 among them. You can argue that Kevin Martin leads them in scoring, but he is also on a low-life team and takes ALL the shots. You can argue Josh Smith boards it with the best of them, but man, he can't shoot. You can even argue that J.R. Smith stats would double if he played Joe Johnson minutes, but then again they could fall. And then just look at his efficiency rating, 124th... really? I think now there should be no argument that Joe Johnson is the most underrated player in the league.

All stats were received from : http://www.nba.com/