Is it just me, or is Mike Brown incredibly awkward in this video?
Grant Hill is no longer T-Mac
Whenever there is a superstar wing player in need of a sidekick, people always go searching for the guy's Pippen. This method usually ends up disastrously (see Hughes, Larry). Since the mighty Bulls, I can't think of a team built around two wing player that had legit championship aspirations. The one time I thought a team really had a chance was the Orlando Magic when they signed Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady. People tend to forget now, but Hill was supposed to be the best non-Shaq player in the post Jordan era. He was a better Scottie Pippen or a more human Lebron James. And back in the early 2000's, you could make a case that T-Mac was the best player in the NBA. Unfortunately, Hill's ankle would not cooperate with destiny. The two only got to play together for about 50 games over 4 seasons, and the Magic never made it out of the first round.
Well, now Hill gets to drop a tag that has haunted both players for their whole careers. He has now won a playoff series. While T-Mac was technically on the Rocket's playoff roster last year, I only care about series in which you play at least one minute. Good job getting that monkey off your back Grant.
Well, now Hill gets to drop a tag that has haunted both players for their whole careers. He has now won a playoff series. While T-Mac was technically on the Rocket's playoff roster last year, I only care about series in which you play at least one minute. Good job getting that monkey off your back Grant.
Who is the rookie of the future?
Today the Sacramento Kings are set to hold a press conference in which Tyreke Evans will be announced as this years rookie of the year. It has been pretty obvious that this day would come for most of the season. Tyreke started of well, and kept up his 20-5-5 numbers for the entire season. His two biggest competitors for the awards either started hot, and cooled off (Brandon Jennings), or had slow starts (Steph Curry). But which one of the three would you want on your roster going forward?
Personally, I think Tyreke is the worst of the options going forward. He will be an amazing scorer, but I don't see any skills that scream point guard. This year he showed no ability to make the non-assist pass. And his assist ratio of 20.7 was also terrible for a point guard. It puts him in similar territory to another Memphis point guard, Derrick Rose.
Steph Curry on the other hand has the passing gene. While his assist ratio was also fairly low (24.2, compared to 39.3 for Nash or 36.6 for Paul), you could see the ability to find teammates. He still tries for the flash one hander when a simple pass will do, but I assume that will improve with age, and a coach other than Don Nelson. His shooting/passing numbers and ball handling abilities compare favourably to a young Steve Nash. And Curry's defensive deficiencies are overblown. He gave up .89 points per possession to his man in general, and .69 in isolation situations. Those are not terrible numbers for a point guard. Especially considering he had Anthony Tolliver protecting the rim for him a lot of the time.
Finally, Jennings. The shooting numbers are not great. His inability to finish at the rim and from midrange are the main drivers behind those numbers, and I think they will certainly improve over time. He has already exhibited the ability to make the long ball, which was supposed to be his weakness. His first step is absolutely electric. And most importantly, he has a great fondation. I think the one year in Europe really helped him. There coaches work on player development, and he was able to fill in all the gaps in his game that playing in the AAU system had caused. And this year he is getting big time minutes on a good team. He is developing good habits. And now he is proving he can play in the post-season. While he still has not passed enough for a point guard, he has only 7 turnovers in 5 games, and has shot well. And he has looked for the ball in the clutch. That is a great foundation to be working with going forward.
So from a skills perspective I would rather have Curry than Evans. And based on the reps they have gotten I would rather have Jennings. Those two will be franchise point guards, where Evans is just another high scoring wing.
Personally, I think Tyreke is the worst of the options going forward. He will be an amazing scorer, but I don't see any skills that scream point guard. This year he showed no ability to make the non-assist pass. And his assist ratio of 20.7 was also terrible for a point guard. It puts him in similar territory to another Memphis point guard, Derrick Rose.
Steph Curry on the other hand has the passing gene. While his assist ratio was also fairly low (24.2, compared to 39.3 for Nash or 36.6 for Paul), you could see the ability to find teammates. He still tries for the flash one hander when a simple pass will do, but I assume that will improve with age, and a coach other than Don Nelson. His shooting/passing numbers and ball handling abilities compare favourably to a young Steve Nash. And Curry's defensive deficiencies are overblown. He gave up .89 points per possession to his man in general, and .69 in isolation situations. Those are not terrible numbers for a point guard. Especially considering he had Anthony Tolliver protecting the rim for him a lot of the time.
Finally, Jennings. The shooting numbers are not great. His inability to finish at the rim and from midrange are the main drivers behind those numbers, and I think they will certainly improve over time. He has already exhibited the ability to make the long ball, which was supposed to be his weakness. His first step is absolutely electric. And most importantly, he has a great fondation. I think the one year in Europe really helped him. There coaches work on player development, and he was able to fill in all the gaps in his game that playing in the AAU system had caused. And this year he is getting big time minutes on a good team. He is developing good habits. And now he is proving he can play in the post-season. While he still has not passed enough for a point guard, he has only 7 turnovers in 5 games, and has shot well. And he has looked for the ball in the clutch. That is a great foundation to be working with going forward.
So from a skills perspective I would rather have Curry than Evans. And based on the reps they have gotten I would rather have Jennings. Those two will be franchise point guards, where Evans is just another high scoring wing.
Nuggets vs Jazz predictions
JG
Jazz in 6
MVP: Deron Williams
Tough one. This should be a good battle: D-Will vs Chauncey, etc. I like Denver but I think the "solidity" of Utah will get them through on this one. Tough team, well coached, playing great recently. They will be showing up in round 2.
WitnessProtection
Utah over Denver 4-3: I think the discipline of the Jazz will win out here, but I'm having trouble with this one. Whoever wins, I expect a close series.
KneeJerkNba
The Jazz play the entire regular season holding, grabbing, diving on the floor for loose balls. In other words, they’re in playoff mode all year. Problem is, once the playoffs actually start, everyone does that. That’s why they always get bounced and Sloan never wins a ring. Carmelo shoots a gazillion FTs and Denver sends the Jazz packing in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Nugs in 7
MVP: Melo
It is a little silly picking this matchup without knowing the condition of Boozer, Martin or AK47. Still I think the Jazz foul too much to beat Melo and Chauncey. Giving those two a chance to go a combined 17/20 from the line every game is not the way to beat the Nuggets. If Boozer is healthy, then the Nugs will have trouble guarding him without Kenyon Martin. If it does go to 7, Denver is praying that the bad JR doesn't show up for that game.
AG
Have you seen the Jazz play. They pass the defen--, well they pass really well. And Jerry Sloan just rotates in a pretty deep lineup, certainly one that can match up Carmelo. Melo will put up huge numbers, but I don't think that correlates to winning. I expect shootouts, and I expect the Jazz to advance with relative ease.
Jazz in 6
MVP: Deron Williams
Tough one. This should be a good battle: D-Will vs Chauncey, etc. I like Denver but I think the "solidity" of Utah will get them through on this one. Tough team, well coached, playing great recently. They will be showing up in round 2.
WitnessProtection
Utah over Denver 4-3: I think the discipline of the Jazz will win out here, but I'm having trouble with this one. Whoever wins, I expect a close series.
KneeJerkNba
The Jazz play the entire regular season holding, grabbing, diving on the floor for loose balls. In other words, they’re in playoff mode all year. Problem is, once the playoffs actually start, everyone does that. That’s why they always get bounced and Sloan never wins a ring. Carmelo shoots a gazillion FTs and Denver sends the Jazz packing in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Nugs in 7
MVP: Melo
It is a little silly picking this matchup without knowing the condition of Boozer, Martin or AK47. Still I think the Jazz foul too much to beat Melo and Chauncey. Giving those two a chance to go a combined 17/20 from the line every game is not the way to beat the Nuggets. If Boozer is healthy, then the Nugs will have trouble guarding him without Kenyon Martin. If it does go to 7, Denver is praying that the bad JR doesn't show up for that game.
AG
Have you seen the Jazz play. They pass the defen--, well they pass really well. And Jerry Sloan just rotates in a pretty deep lineup, certainly one that can match up Carmelo. Melo will put up huge numbers, but I don't think that correlates to winning. I expect shootouts, and I expect the Jazz to advance with relative ease.
Celtics vs Heat predictions
JG
Celtics in 7
MVP: Rajon Rondo
I'd like to pick the Heat. The Celtics are clearly headed in the wrong direction: no bench, too old, etc. But, I think they have enough to past Round 1 (that's it, though). Wade just doesn't have enough help. This is Miami's chance to convince Wade they can get it done, but I don't see it happening. Bye bye Miami, bye bye Wade....
WitnessProtection
Boston over Miami 4-2: I'm curious how the Celtics will show up in the playoffs. At the beginning of the season, I had very high expectations after they acquired Sheed and Marquis Daniels, but things have fizzled out. I still half-expect them to regain top form in the playoffs, coming out of nowhere. It pains me to pick against Wade in the playoffs, but his team has just been looking too uninspired this year.
KneeJerkNba
Before the season started, the general consensus was that Boston had made the right moves by adding Marquis and Rasheed. The team won 50 games and had one of the better road records in the league. But now that they’re tired and beat up, everyone’s jumping off the bandwagon. I’ve got a hunch that more rest and less travel help them get past Wade’s Heat. Paul Pierce puts up big numbers…and talks shit endlessly. Cs in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Boston in 6
MVP: Rondo
Yes, Boston looks old. Yes, the Heat have Wade. Haslem is a beast. But the Heat also have Arroyo and Richardson starting. And they have to guard Rondo and Pierce. With the extra days off between games, the Celts will run out their starters for 35+ minutes a game, and that starting 5 is still amongst the best in the game.
AG
It feels like I'm the only one who believes the Celtics can compete for the title. Ray Allen is back in form, Paul Pierce is a trooper but a little gimpy. But it is Rajon Rondo who makes me a believer. The Heat have Wade and no one else. This may be the last stand for the big three, I expect them to go all in.
Celtics in 7
MVP: Rajon Rondo
I'd like to pick the Heat. The Celtics are clearly headed in the wrong direction: no bench, too old, etc. But, I think they have enough to past Round 1 (that's it, though). Wade just doesn't have enough help. This is Miami's chance to convince Wade they can get it done, but I don't see it happening. Bye bye Miami, bye bye Wade....
WitnessProtection
Boston over Miami 4-2: I'm curious how the Celtics will show up in the playoffs. At the beginning of the season, I had very high expectations after they acquired Sheed and Marquis Daniels, but things have fizzled out. I still half-expect them to regain top form in the playoffs, coming out of nowhere. It pains me to pick against Wade in the playoffs, but his team has just been looking too uninspired this year.
KneeJerkNba
Before the season started, the general consensus was that Boston had made the right moves by adding Marquis and Rasheed. The team won 50 games and had one of the better road records in the league. But now that they’re tired and beat up, everyone’s jumping off the bandwagon. I’ve got a hunch that more rest and less travel help them get past Wade’s Heat. Paul Pierce puts up big numbers…and talks shit endlessly. Cs in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Boston in 6
MVP: Rondo
Yes, Boston looks old. Yes, the Heat have Wade. Haslem is a beast. But the Heat also have Arroyo and Richardson starting. And they have to guard Rondo and Pierce. With the extra days off between games, the Celts will run out their starters for 35+ minutes a game, and that starting 5 is still amongst the best in the game.
AG
It feels like I'm the only one who believes the Celtics can compete for the title. Ray Allen is back in form, Paul Pierce is a trooper but a little gimpy. But it is Rajon Rondo who makes me a believer. The Heat have Wade and no one else. This may be the last stand for the big three, I expect them to go all in.
Suns vs Blazers predictions
JG
Suns in 5
MVP: Steve Nash
Its a shame the Blazers will be without Roy, because they don't stand a chance in this loaded West without their star. Too much offense from Phoenix. Amare looks mighty fierce lately and Steve Nash can pass and shoot (who would have thought?). Sorry Portland....time to hire a witch doctor and exorcise your curses and demons.....
WitnessProtection
Phoenix over Portland 4-1: Ever since Phoenix was deprived of a title by Robert Horry's antics, I find myself rooting for them just to prove all the naysayers that run-and-gun basketball can win in the playoffs.
KneeJerkNba
The Blazers play at a snail’s pace, usually. That said, they actually have some uptempo players (Miller, Batum, Aldridge, Bayless, Rudy) who love playing against Phoenix. The difference here is the bench, where the Suns have more depth. Amar’e puts up big numbers as Phoenix advances in 7.
ChuckTheNoteboom
MVP: Amare
Nash doesn't get the MVP for the abuse he takes from Miller on post ups. The Suns are playing the best ball of anyone in the West right now, and coupled with Roy's injury, it is hard to see the Blazers being able to stop them. I am interested to see if Fernandez can do a decent impression of Roy, but am pretty sure he can't (Dirty little secret about Rudy: He might be the worst midrange shooter of any guard in the NBA).
AG
This was the only series in the West that was a no brainer for me. The Suns are rollying (well Amar'e Stoudamire is rolling). The Blazers just lost BRoy and are playing the entire depth of their roster. I don't see how this can end well for them. Steve Nash is better than Kobe.
Suns in 5
MVP: Steve Nash
Its a shame the Blazers will be without Roy, because they don't stand a chance in this loaded West without their star. Too much offense from Phoenix. Amare looks mighty fierce lately and Steve Nash can pass and shoot (who would have thought?). Sorry Portland....time to hire a witch doctor and exorcise your curses and demons.....
WitnessProtection
Phoenix over Portland 4-1: Ever since Phoenix was deprived of a title by Robert Horry's antics, I find myself rooting for them just to prove all the naysayers that run-and-gun basketball can win in the playoffs.
KneeJerkNba
The Blazers play at a snail’s pace, usually. That said, they actually have some uptempo players (Miller, Batum, Aldridge, Bayless, Rudy) who love playing against Phoenix. The difference here is the bench, where the Suns have more depth. Amar’e puts up big numbers as Phoenix advances in 7.
ChuckTheNoteboom
MVP: Amare
Nash doesn't get the MVP for the abuse he takes from Miller on post ups. The Suns are playing the best ball of anyone in the West right now, and coupled with Roy's injury, it is hard to see the Blazers being able to stop them. I am interested to see if Fernandez can do a decent impression of Roy, but am pretty sure he can't (Dirty little secret about Rudy: He might be the worst midrange shooter of any guard in the NBA).
AG
This was the only series in the West that was a no brainer for me. The Suns are rollying (well Amar'e Stoudamire is rolling). The Blazers just lost BRoy and are playing the entire depth of their roster. I don't see how this can end well for them. Steve Nash is better than Kobe.
Hawks vs Bucks predictions
JG
Hawks in 5
MVP: Joe Johnson
With the big Australian, this is a different story and would be a really exciting and competitive first-round matchup. But, with no Bogut, I think Milwaukee's dream run ends prematurely at the hands of Joe Johnson and the Hawks. To solid, too much firepower, too deep. Hawks in 5.
WitnessProtection
Atlanta over Milwaukee 4-2: Milwaukee has been coming on strong, but I don't think they have the experience to make a playoff run. Atlanta's a tough city to play in, and the Hawks have played in competitive playoff games in the recent past.
KneeJerkNba
Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford are the worst defensive PG tandem in playoff history. So it’ll be a big series for Brandon Jennings. But the Deer lose when they can’t stop Joe Johnson. Atlanta in 7.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Atl/Mil: Atlanta in 5
MVP: Josh Smith
The fact that the Hawks switch on everything will hurt the Bucks, since they they have no one who can post up the Hawks point guards. I think Josh Smith will be the best player this series, since JJ will proabbly spend his energy locking down Salmons.
AG
I wish the Bucks had Andrew Bogut, this would be an awesome 7-game series. Alas, Brandon Jennings will throw up 30-7 in a losing effort. The Hawks just have too much firepower and the Bucks have too many holes on defense. I'm looking for Joe Johnson and Josh Smith to light up the unathletic (with the exception of BJennings) Bucks.
Hawks in 5
MVP: Joe Johnson
With the big Australian, this is a different story and would be a really exciting and competitive first-round matchup. But, with no Bogut, I think Milwaukee's dream run ends prematurely at the hands of Joe Johnson and the Hawks. To solid, too much firepower, too deep. Hawks in 5.
WitnessProtection
Atlanta over Milwaukee 4-2: Milwaukee has been coming on strong, but I don't think they have the experience to make a playoff run. Atlanta's a tough city to play in, and the Hawks have played in competitive playoff games in the recent past.
KneeJerkNba
Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford are the worst defensive PG tandem in playoff history. So it’ll be a big series for Brandon Jennings. But the Deer lose when they can’t stop Joe Johnson. Atlanta in 7.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Atl/Mil: Atlanta in 5
MVP: Josh Smith
The fact that the Hawks switch on everything will hurt the Bucks, since they they have no one who can post up the Hawks point guards. I think Josh Smith will be the best player this series, since JJ will proabbly spend his energy locking down Salmons.
AG
I wish the Bucks had Andrew Bogut, this would be an awesome 7-game series. Alas, Brandon Jennings will throw up 30-7 in a losing effort. The Hawks just have too much firepower and the Bucks have too many holes on defense. I'm looking for Joe Johnson and Josh Smith to light up the unathletic (with the exception of BJennings) Bucks.
Magic vs Bobcats predictions
JG
Magic in 5
MVP: Dwight Howard
The Bobcats are an interesting squad and have turned themselves around very quickly this year with Capn Jack and great play from Gerald Wallace (among others). But who do they have to deal with Dwight? Their defense may hold the Magic down for a game or two, but the Magic are built to win, and the Bobcats just don't have enough to compete.
WitnessProtection
Orlando over Charlotte 4-1: The Cavs didn't want this matchup, as Charlotte's got some spunk for a 7-seed. But I think the playoffs are time for superstars to show up and dominate, and I fully expect Dwight to fulfill his duties.
KneeJerkNba
Orlando’s made a habit of crushing inferior competition lately. But Larry Brown teams don't go away quietly. The Cats will put a scare into the Magic before succumbing. Howard should own the paint against Theo Ratlif. Magic in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Orl/Cha: Magic in 5
MVP: Howard
Dwight will be the most valuable player. The Cats actually have a decent number of defenders to throw at him, but they are all rusty cause of doghouse time (Diop) or injury (Chandler). Stack-Jack is crazy like a fox, and Crash should have a couple of highlight reel dunks. Vince will suck.
AG
Magic in 5
MVP: Dwight Howard
The Bobcats are an interesting squad and have turned themselves around very quickly this year with Capn Jack and great play from Gerald Wallace (among others). But who do they have to deal with Dwight? Their defense may hold the Magic down for a game or two, but the Magic are built to win, and the Bobcats just don't have enough to compete.
WitnessProtection
Orlando over Charlotte 4-1: The Cavs didn't want this matchup, as Charlotte's got some spunk for a 7-seed. But I think the playoffs are time for superstars to show up and dominate, and I fully expect Dwight to fulfill his duties.
KneeJerkNba
Orlando’s made a habit of crushing inferior competition lately. But Larry Brown teams don't go away quietly. The Cats will put a scare into the Magic before succumbing. Howard should own the paint against Theo Ratlif. Magic in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Orl/Cha: Magic in 5
MVP: Howard
Dwight will be the most valuable player. The Cats actually have a decent number of defenders to throw at him, but they are all rusty cause of doghouse time (Diop) or injury (Chandler). Stack-Jack is crazy like a fox, and Crash should have a couple of highlight reel dunks. Vince will suck.
AG
Dwight Howard will destroy Theo Ratliff and anyone else who attempts to guard him. Fortunately for the Bobcats, Stephen Jackson was made for the playoffs. Unfortunately, no on else on his team is made for for them. I see more than a few competitive games, but the Magic take it down.
Mavs vs Spurs predictions
JG
Mavs in 7
MVP: Dirk Nowitzki
This will be a slugfest and should be pretty great to watch. With Man, Parker, and Duncan, you cannot overlook the Spurs, no matter what seed they are. But, Duncan is getting old. Manu has been unstoppable lately, but the Spurs lack size. Richard Jefferson is good but not the answer. Dallas has the best chance they've had in years, and if any year is their shot, its this one. Big additions with Butler and Haywood and Kidd is playing real well. And they have a tall German guy I hear is good. Mavs going to second round.
WitnessProtection
Dallas over SA 4-2: Yet another potentially great series in the making. Manu's been ballin', and I think the Spurs will play competitive games in the playoffs. But, I consider Dallas to be a serious sleeper for potential champions, and they've got a really deep squad this year.
KneeJerkNba
Upset special. The jump-shooting Mavs puss out and lose a very physical series to the wiley Spurs as Manu destroys Deshawn Stevenson and whoever else Carlisle tries to put on him. Spurs in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Spurs in 6
MVP: Manu
The Spurs will expose the Mavs for what they really are: a one-man show. Dirk is surrounded by a cast of jump shooters. Butler has gone from Tough Juice to vinegar, Terry is having a down year, and no one can guard Manu. Dirk will light up the scoreboard a few times, but will not advance.
AG
Everyone is high on the Spurs, I think the Mavs are not a contender, but have enough to beat the Spurs. Manu will be Manu, Dirk will be Dirk. Can Tim Duncan be Tim Duncan? If he can, this could be a long, hard fought series. The Mavs have a toughness they've never had. Bubois, Butler and Haywood bring another dimension.
Mavs in 7
MVP: Dirk Nowitzki
This will be a slugfest and should be pretty great to watch. With Man, Parker, and Duncan, you cannot overlook the Spurs, no matter what seed they are. But, Duncan is getting old. Manu has been unstoppable lately, but the Spurs lack size. Richard Jefferson is good but not the answer. Dallas has the best chance they've had in years, and if any year is their shot, its this one. Big additions with Butler and Haywood and Kidd is playing real well. And they have a tall German guy I hear is good. Mavs going to second round.
WitnessProtection
Dallas over SA 4-2: Yet another potentially great series in the making. Manu's been ballin', and I think the Spurs will play competitive games in the playoffs. But, I consider Dallas to be a serious sleeper for potential champions, and they've got a really deep squad this year.
KneeJerkNba
Upset special. The jump-shooting Mavs puss out and lose a very physical series to the wiley Spurs as Manu destroys Deshawn Stevenson and whoever else Carlisle tries to put on him. Spurs in 6.
ChuckTheNoteboom
Spurs in 6
MVP: Manu
The Spurs will expose the Mavs for what they really are: a one-man show. Dirk is surrounded by a cast of jump shooters. Butler has gone from Tough Juice to vinegar, Terry is having a down year, and no one can guard Manu. Dirk will light up the scoreboard a few times, but will not advance.
AG
Everyone is high on the Spurs, I think the Mavs are not a contender, but have enough to beat the Spurs. Manu will be Manu, Dirk will be Dirk. Can Tim Duncan be Tim Duncan? If he can, this could be a long, hard fought series. The Mavs have a toughness they've never had. Bubois, Butler and Haywood bring another dimension.
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