The Hunt Is On

The chase for King James is on...

One of the most sought after free agents on the market this year. Where will he end up??
Feel free to leave a comment and let us know where you think he may end up.


Crackman

NBA Playoff Preview

I had to enlist the services of Clipper Brian again to compose a preview/prediction for the 2010 playoffs because his MLB one is looking real nice so far (granted it's still early).

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (8) Oklahoma City Thunder

A few things I feel are going to happen are the emergence of Russell Westbrook as a premier PG, the end of Derek Fisher, and the continued development of Kevin Durant into a new class of player that doesn’t just elevate his game in the regular season but the playoffs also (I’m calling a 40 point game in LA.) Other key to mention is the Lakers might be forced to step on the gas just a little earlier than usual, which is usually the end of the semis or somewhere in the conference finals. The Thunder, while a great young team defensively, are not in the Laker’s class. PICK- LAKERS (6)

(2) Dallas Mavericks vs. (7) San Antonio Spurs

I want to call an upset special here but the only real thing I can see happening for the Spurs is Manu Ginobili playing really well. Richard Jefferson is terry cloth...that means he’s very soft [/Cam]. Timmy is old and Tony Parker is coming off of an injury. They are clicking, but not on all cylinders. If they were, I’d give them the nod in a 6 or 7 game series. However, Dirk and the boys have been flying under the radar all year and the acquisition of Brendan Haywood and Caron Butler ARE CRUCIAL! Dallas is significantly improved offensively and defensively and are too deep for this spurs team. PICK- MAVERICKS (5)

(3) Phoenix Suns vs. (6) Portland TrailBlazers

Nothing to see here. I mean you commend the Blazers for traveling as far as they have with all the injuries but the most recent injury to B-Roy makes this impossible. I’m interested to see how Martel Webster performs in this series, though. PICK- SUNS (5)

(4) Denver Nuggets vs. (5) Utah Jazz

This sucks because after the Clippers I pull for the Jazz tough because D-Double is my favorite player but with the trade of Ronnie Brewer, Andrei Kirilenko out and Boozer battling injury, they can't win this series, especially without the home court advantage. However, the Nuggets are really lost and are not as consistent on the defensive end as they were last year. How do you like this? PICK- Nuggets (7)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Chicago Bulls

I wonder if Cleveland is going to burn up the playoffs to get to the conference finals like last year or if their approach is going to be more laid back and focused on the big fish. Either way 23 is coming out of Cleveland’s locker room and not the other. Just not seeing how the trades of Tyrus and John Salmons are going to help the Bulls in this series. PICK- CAVALIERS (4)

(2) Orlando Magic vs. (7) Charlotte Bobcats

Nothing to see here. People love the Bobcats and Skip Bayless kept saying they’d take out Cleveland in round one. Well, the Magic are the hottest team since the all star break and VC has found his rhythm in their offense. Too deep, too many shooters and too much defense for Gerald and Co. PICK- MAGIC (5)

(3) Atlanta Hawks vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks

Seriously disappointed Andrew Bogut hurt his damn arm because the acquisition of Salmons has been crack rock. While I don’t think they could have won, they could have really annoyed the Hawks into a 6 or 7 game series. PICK- HAWKS (5)

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Miami Heat

7 games series, that simple. Not because Miami is good but because Boston is old, tired and garbage. I really feel bad for D. Wade because to me, he is a Caron Butler (another scorer) away from toppling a team like Boston who has had its struggles defensively. If you know anything about Boston, their championship run in '08 centered around defense. For Boston to win Rondo has to play spectacular basketball. Ray Allen will continue to be Ray Allen, but Paul Pierce pulling 2008 heroics is out of the question. I still think the fire power coming off the bench is too much for a Miami team that only features Dwayne Wade and inconsistent play from Beasley and J.O. PICK- CELTICS (7)

WESTERN SEMIS

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (4) Denver Nuggets

Sucks because everybody wanted this to be a conference finals rematch. I don’t see Denver putting out defensively like they did last year, but they still match up well defensively with the Lakers. Let’s talk eyeball test here – not stats. Aaron Afflalo gets into Kobe’s ass when he guards him and forces him into some funky situations. Two keys to this series and why the Lakers will win it...one, they either will have found a way to supplement Derek Fisher by last series or they will in this series and two, Andrew Bynum will be in the lineup at some point. What this does is give Lamar minutes with the bench which make the Lakers bench more deadly because it has been less than stellar in Andrew’s absence. There is no answer for Pau on the block and I think this series will force the Lakers to click defensively and execute. PICK- LAKERS (6)

(2) Dallas Mavericks vs. (3) Phoenix Suns

Phoenix doesn’t have the fire power, and before someone says they do, running an uptempo offense does not mean you have fire power. Just ask Nelly out in Golden State. What I appreciate is that they are more versatile than in years past and will attempt to defend you. However, I think Dallas just has too much on the offensive end for Phoenix to handle and they are going to present problems for them in the paint. I’m not really expecting big things from Amare. Strike me down lord please if he does anything really spectacular stats wise. It boils down to the fact that the Suns don’t really matchup well with Dallas as there are mismatches all over the floor. Can't forget Shawn Marion who has an axe to grind…yea…not good for Phoenix. MAVERICKS (5)

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (4) Boston Celtics

If there is one thing these teams showed me the last time they played it was that Cleveland can turn it up on Boston whenever they feel like it. The season series was split, but remember Boston beat them in the 1st game of the year when Cleveland hadn’t gelled yet and just 2 weeks ago without Shaq and with the game being more important to Boston (AND IN BOSTON!). What might go unsaid is how the Cavs dominated them in the middle two games and in the 4th of their last loss. They don’t stand an ice cube’s chance in hell against Cleveland. Not one favorable matchup on the floor. CAVALIERS (5)

(2) Orlando Magic vs. (3) Atlanta Hawks

Easily a 7 game series. All this Magic talk about how they made it to the finals etc. etc. Let me explain something fundamentally to you F-words. The Magic beat a Boston team last year in 7 games that didn’t have Kevin Garnett and when they got to the conference finals, they weren’t the 2nd best team in the league, not the best in their conference, not elite…they simply matched up perfectly with Cleveland. Do you get it?...It means if you have two 6’10” guys being guarded by 6’3” and 6’6” guys and a beast in the MIDDLE…you really just matchup well. The addition of Vince Carter takes that away a little bit but adds another element…unadulterated scoring. The Hawks are athletic and solid defensively at the wing position so while I see Carter going off, I don’t see Matt Barnes or Mikael Pietrus having a field day, especially with no real creator like Turkoglu. PICK- MAGIC (7)

Western Conference Finals

(1) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (2) Dallas Mavericks

I don’t think you can talk about these two teams, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and believe you are going to come to a concrete decision about who is going to win this series. So here is something I see going in the Lakers' favor this series: the fact that they have Ron Artest and Lamar Odom. If Phil is smart he takes a page out of Nelly’s book and gives the Mavs a different defensive look every so often – Ron is a bully and Lamar has the length. I think the effort we are going to see defensively from the Lakers is going to be exciting and I’m really excited to see if Shannon and Farmar can agitate Jason Kidd. Lastly, well its a funny thing the other key to this series, and its funny because I didn’t mention it in the 1st two series because I didn’t think I had to and personally because I don’t think it’ll dominate those two series. But the Lakers they got this dude…ummm…forgot his name…yea…used to be number 8…now its 24…he’s on a mission…and I think he’s really enjoying the LeBron and Durant talk...just when you think he’s not there. PICK- LAKERS (6/7)

Eastern Conference Finals

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (2) Orlando Magic

I’ve said it from the beginning and I’ll say it again…HEDO TURKOGLU…he was the pg, the heart and the glue and he would have taken the last shot for that Magic team last year if Stan didn’t have a million plays. My point is Hedo Turkoglu brings the matchup problems for Cleveland and helps set the Magic up. The offense last year was simple - drive and kick. Carter brings an unstoppable scorer to the lineup but what you were hoping for as the Magic was that Jameer Nelson could recognize the tools he has, settle down, read the floor better and get everybody going – Barnes, Pietrus, Reddick. This plays into Cleveland’s hands. The Magic have a bench and outside shooters but they don’t have the type of team that will make Cleveland have to respect the drive and have Barnes, Pietrus and Reddick killing them. On top of that, Dwight was a terror on the inside last year without a single offensive move. The addition of Candace’s brother is instrumental. Parker is a pro’s pro, a knock down shooter who defends well. Let’s not forget LeBron is coming for blood. PICK- CAVALIERS (6)

NBA FINALS!

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers

This is what I see happening here and just to be honest this happened in the regular season. The Lakers are going to get 08 Celtic'd. The Cavs will dominate the paint on the defensive end and the offensive rebounds that Lamar and Pau love to eat on will be non- existent. Trust me, with big daddy dirt pile (Shaq) down there and Hickson banging like the Gs that they are this will happen. The game is going to really slow down in the finals and will probably be more boring than we think. Kobe’s scoring can’t compensate for how well Cleveland matches up with them defensively. This avenue of defense, low scoring, grinding out games built the Cavs. I see Mo Williams and Delonte having a big finals, I see a paint too congested for the Lakers with no outside shooting, I see a tired Kobe needing stellar play from Pau that he wont get. We'll see Lamar, Kobe, Ron, Luke and the whole 9 thrown at LeBron but I don't see him being stopped. PICK- Cavaliers (6)/FINALS MVP- LeBron

JaffeJu/Clipper Brian

Triple Double Whore aka Ricky Davis Vol. 2

I guess when you're on a team as bad and with as many issues as the Wizards you're left caring about nothing other than your stats. But what part of the game is begging an opposing player to LET you get a rebound? SMH

JaffeJu

Andre Miller is Juicin'

How the hell else do you explain this? Not to mention that 52-point outburst earlier this season.

JaffeJu

NBDL>>>NBA...

...at least when it comes to this year's dunk contest

JaffeJu

Today's NBA is Softer Than Silk

Watching this video just reminded me of how soft the NBA currently is. Rule changes have erased a lot of the physical play that produced some of the best basketball in the 80s and early to mid 90s, and with that it seems that real rivalries are on the decline. Teams back then used to HATE each other and it was evident on the court, where as nowadays it seems like all the players are good friends. I'm not saying the league needs more fights but I'd like to see a return to the gritty basketball of years past where it was OK if you hated your opponents...all the more reason to settle it on the court.

Just an observation but enjoy the video, especially Jerry Stackhouse giving Jeff Hornacek a few shots to the face (pause).

JaffeJu

Smooth Customer/NBA Preview

It's embarrassing enough when you go to give someone a pound and they put out their hand, or vice versa, but not too many people can play it off as smoothly as Phil. Kobe didn't even notice Phil's attempt but Phil quickly saved face with the ol' knuckles to the cheek move (@ 0:16).

Here's my quick NBA preview as far as where I see the teams finishing at the end of the regular season by conference:

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers- No surprise here, the Championship is theirs to lose this year

2. San Antonio Spurs- This of course is assuming Duncan, Parker and Ginobili can stay healthy, but if they do they have a great bench to be a threat deep in the playoffs

3. Denver Nuggets- Great playoff run last year, it'll be interesting to see if George Karl can keep the team focused and on the same page to make a similar run again this year.

4. Portland Trailblazers- I still can't figure out the Andre Miller signing or giving LaMarcus Aldridge such a huge contract extension, but the Blazers have all the talent to be an elite team in the West this year.

5. Dallas Mavericks- Adding Shawn Marion adds some athleticism to the Mavs and an additional alley-oop target for Jason Kidd.

6. Utah Jazz- Pretty much the same team as last year but they'll start the season without Kyle Korver, but look for Deron Williams to have an MVP-worthy year.

7. Houston Rockets- To quote Cam'Ron, "No Yao Ming....no T-Mac" and while I don't see the trio of Ariza/Battier/Scola leading them to a top spot they're still good enough to make the playoffs while possibly getting McGrady back in time to add another offensive threat.

8. Phoenix Suns- Without Shaq to slow the offense down look for the Suns to return to their old ways of high-scoring, fast-paced basketball with a healthy Amare Stoudemire, though how long that will last remains a question.

9. New Orleans Hornets- They have a great PG in Chris Paul and a defensive stopper in the middle in Emeka Okafor, but I'm just not sold on this team making the playoffs.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder- They still might be one more year away from being a legitimately respected team but I like them to make major improvements this year on the back of potential scoring champion (and MVP candidate) Kevin Durant.

11. Los Angeles Clippers- Would've liked to put them higher but with Blake out I expect them to play like the same Clippers that just missed 20 wins last year.

12. Golden State Warriors- They'll be fun to watch with Anthony Randolph and Stephen Curry but will end up as a lottery team.

13. Memphis Grizzlies- On paper the potential lineup of OJ Mayo, AI, Rudy Gay, Z-Bo and Marc Gasol with Hasheem Thabeet coming off the bench looks good, but then again this is the same team who gave away Pau Gasol for practically nothing only to trade for Zach Randolph and pay him the same money.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves- I like Kevin Love and Al Jefferson at the 4 and 5 but I'm not sold on anybody else although rookie Jonny Flynn should have a big first year.

15. Sacramento Kings- They were bad last year and they'll be bad again this year, but they have some young, talented players to build around.

Eastern Conference

1. Orlando Magic- Adding Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass and Vince Carter make losing Hedo Turkoglu a non-issue, not to mention Dwight Howard got his first taste of the finals and is hungry for more.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers- Is LeBron staying or leaving? Either way look for him to continue to dominate the league and lead the Cavs to a deep playoff run.

3. Boston Celtics- Rasheed Wallace is 35, Ray Allen is 34, KG is 33 and Paul Pierce is 32. Yes they're still talented enough to beat up on most of the league but how much will they have left in the tank when they go up against the other elite teams? Plus they'll be without Glen "Big Gay Baby" Davis for at least 8 weeks to start the season.

4. Atlanta Hawks- They added another scored in Jamal Crawford and a big man in Joe Smith but there's still a large gap between the Hawks and the top 3 teams in the conference.

5. Chicago Bulls- After a tough loss to the Celtics in a series they very well could've won, look for the Bulls and Derrick Rose to build on that experience and get revenge should they meet the Celtics again in the playoffs.

6. Miami Heat- In what could be his last season in Miami, Dwyane Wade is going to need another solid season from Jermaine O'Neal (unlikely I know) and Mike Beasley to step it up, assuming he's first figured out his personal issues.

7. Philadelphia 76ers- After 2 horrendous seasons in Philly Elton Brand is due to break that trend and put up solid numbers for a team that is still young but extremely talented and fast.

8. Washington Wizards- IF...IF their core of Arenas, Butler and Jamison can have one healthy season together they can make some major noise come playoffs time.

9. Toronto Raptors- Bosh may be gone by midseason if they start slow and Turkoglu could get exposed defensively without Dwight Howard behind him, but rookie DeMar DeRozan should be able to help them fight for the 8 spot, that is if Bosh is still around by then.

10. Detroit Pistons- When your centers are Kwame Brown, Chris Wilcox and Ben Wallace it's hard to have high expectations, not to mention your biggest free agent signing, Ben Gordon, plays the same position as Ronald Hamilton who had issues last season with his minutes.

11. Indiana Pacers- They missed the playoffs by only 3 games last year and kept the team pretty much intact. Expect another monster season from Danny Granger.

12. New Jersey Nets- It's kind of depressing when the biggest story regarding your team on the eve of the season opener is a Russian billionaire.

13. Charlotte Bobcats- The team that should've signed AI (in need of a scorer and Larry Brown coached Iverson in Philly) didn't and can look forward to another lottery pick.

14. Milwaukee Bucks- Even with Michael Redd returning the Bucks are still going to be bad, although the development of rookie Brandon Jennings offers something for fans to look forward to.

15. New York Knicks- It seems like a lot of Knicks fans are already dismissing the season and looking forward to next summer's free agency....at least they have the Yanks to root for.

JaffeJu