Who's the best NBA center ever?  Good question.  Most people argue for Kareem, Wilt, Russell, Shaq, and Moses.  Who do I think?  I think Kareem Abdul-Jabaar is the greatest center in the history of basketball.  Kareem won 6 titles, is the all time leading scorer in the history of the league, had probably the most effective shot ever (the skyhook), was a good solid defender, and extremely iconic. 

Now sure, Russell won 11, but his prime was pretty much in a time when there was like 8 teams in the league, and the overall talent pool was less.  Same with Wilt.  Russell didn't have a ton of offensive skill, and Wilt was known to be selfish.  Wilt rarely played on great teams, especially early in his career, and that held him back from winning a lot of titles.  Shaq is no doubt one of the best, but he regularly came to training camp out of shape, and I think that may have led to injuries and ultimately less titles.  Plus, he couldn't get along with Kobe.  So, to me, Kareem wins.  He played in a pretty difficult era with stiff competition.  I think Kareem is the best center ever, by a smidge.  

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Ok, sure LeBron and Kobe are the 2 best players on the planet, but why this rivalry all of a sudden?  Yes, it's good promotion for the league, however, the 2 have never played really meaningful games against each other.  They won a gold medal together, but they've never met in the Finals, and who knows if it will ever happen.  They may never play a playoff series vs each other (depending on if LeBron bolts for another team/conference).  They're both great players, but neither dislikes each other, and last time I checked, there has to be some sort of significant games played against 2 opponents for there to be a rivalry.  Maybe they'll meet in the 2010 Finals, but for now, there is zero rivalry between LBJ and KB. 

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Here's my 2010 Finals prediction:  Cavs vs Blazers.

Here's why:  Obviously, LeBron can carry almost any 4 other people on the planet to the Finals with him (seriously, look at that 2007 Finals roster after LBJ, it's atrocious) but the Cavs are going to have a lot of cap room this summer, with Wally's bloated contract coming off the books, and Ben Wallace's money maybe coming off too.  So, they're probably going to get LeBron a little more help.  Factor in LBJ's improvement as a player (scary) and a couple free agents added, they should be able to get back to the Finals.  Now, Portland is absolutely loaded with young talent.  Who doesn't like this team?  Roy is one of 15 best players in the world, and super clutch.  LaMarcus Aldridge is only getting better, and he can definitely be the 2nd best player on a championship team.  Point Guard play is going to be huge, and if they can get anything at all out of Oden, they're going to be challenging LA.  Travis Outlaw should be starting.  This past season, they were a little young, but they could win 60 games this season and contend.  

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My god, do I wish the TNT crew was working the Finals, and not Magic Johnson and Stuart Scott gushing over Kobe...........that is all

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I HATE the Lakers.  Here's why:

1.  They've won the most games in NBA history

2.  They've beaten the teams I've liked a lot in recent years.  (The Kings, Mavericks, Spurs, Nets)

3.  Their fans aren't loud at games

4.  Their fans are comprised of dumb celebrities, who wouldn't even be Laker fans if they didn't live in LA for their movie careers

5.  They have a lot of bandwagon fans

6.  Kobe is a jerk, for about 15 reasons (cheated on his wife, demanded Shaq be traded, ratted out Shaq, screams at teammates, etc.)

7.  They have a really dumb nickname, "Lakers".  Hello, you're not in Minneapolis anymore.  Change your're nickname.  As bad as Utah "Jazz" 

8.  Their bright, obnoxious jerseys

Continue reading "Why I HATE the Lakers"

Sure, people have compared Ricky Rubio to Pistol Pete Maravich, because they both are spectacular playmakers and have floppy hair.  However, I think an even better comparison for Rubio is Jason Kidd.  Rubio can't shoot like the Pistol could.  Here's why Rubio and Kidd are so alike:  Both unbelievable playmakers, both can't shoot well, both good at getting to the rim and creating, both run the fastbreak like magicians, both proficient at stealing the ball, and both some of the best teammates around.  Pistol was a shooting guard, Rubio's a point.  Rubio=Jason Kidd. 

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Kevin Durant gets no attention.  He had a monster year.  People barely noticed.  He was a sophomore, and averaged 25.3 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.3 stl, 47.6 fg%, 42.2 3fg%, and 86.3 ft%.  Those percentages are impressive.  The scoring is very impressive.  He had a number of games where he approached 40 points and 10 rebounds.  He scored 46 in the rookie sophomore game, 46!  Sure, nobody plays much defense in that game, but he made everyone look silly.  Personally, I think Oklahoma City might make the playoffs next year, and Durant will be an MVP candidate.  He's so underrated, its insane.  He's only 21 years old. 

Continue reading "Why does nobody talk about Kevin Durant?"

Yes, Dwight Howard doesn't have a ton of post moves, but he's only 23 years old.  HE'S GOING TO GET BETTER.  He's already the best rebounder and shot blocker on the planet, and he can still get 20 points a night along with that, so just because he doesnt have moves like Hakeem or Kareem (rhymes, funny) doesnt mean he's not going to be an all time great.  He'll add a move or 2 each year.  He'll become more polished on the block.  Give him a little time please.  If he went to college for 4 years, he would've just completed his rookie year.   Dwight's the only anchor on Orlando's defense, and he has to make up for everyone else' mistakes.  He's already led his team to where they probably shouldn't be right now, the Finals.  They've overachieve

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If you could pick one player to start a franchise around post-Jordan, who would it be?  I'd take Tim Duncan.  The Spurs have had the best winning % in professional sports since drafting Timmy.  Yep, in all of pro sports.  4 championships too.  Almost a couple more.  Duncan's only lost in the 1st round of the playoffs twice, once when he was hurt.  One of the best teammates in history.  Gets along with EVERYONE.  Plus, he's never really had a truly great sidekick for an extended period of time.  Robinson was starting to breakdown just as Timmy was entering his prime. Parker and Ginobili have only been all star caliber for a few years.  The Spurs filled in the gaps with journeymen and role players, and still somehow Duncan won 4 titles.&

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Well, the rumors are heating up again.  Shaq might be traded to the Cavs.  I'm pretty sure LBJ would love this.  He's never played with a good big man.  You know Shaq wants a 5th ring, and hopping on the LeBron bandwagon is his perfect opportunity.  It's $20 million on Shaq's deal, but it's only 1 year, so if the experiment wouldn't work, there's no further commitment for Cleveland.  I'f I'm Danny Ferry, I'd roll the dice and pull the trade.  It's going to show King James that you really want a title, and help to keep LeBron in Cleveland for good. 

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Duncan, Shaq, and Kobe all have 4 NBA titles.  Dont' think all 3 of em dont know that.  They all want a 5th very badly.  Who's going to get it first?  Well, it depends on a couple things.  I think if the Shaq to Cleveland deal goes down, then Shaq will get #5 before the other 2.  If it doesn't, then Kobe has to be the favorite to get his 5th.  I dont think San Antonio has the firepower on their current roster to get back to the Finals.  If they swing a deal or 2, they might have a chance.  The quest for #5 starts soon. 

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Here are my top 2010 Title Contenders: 

1.  Lakers:  Defending champs.  Might lose Ariza or Odom to free agency, but the core will be there, and as long as they're healthy, they'll be in the mix.  

2.  Cavaliers:  LeBron's back.  And he might have a little more help, if they add Shaq or a couple more free agents and draft picks.  

3.  Celtics:  Pierce and Allen can still play at a high level.  You know Allen's gunnin' to pass Reggie for the all time 3 point title.  As long as KG is about 90% of what he was, they'll be strong again.  Rondo's now an all star.  Perkins is also much improved.

4.  Orlando:  Gained a ton of experience this postseason.  The key will be resigning Hedo.  Dwight will no doubt be a better player.  They will be tough again.

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Why did Darko fail?  I blame Larry Brown.  For 2 and a half season with the Pistons, Larry Brown never played Darko meaningful minutes.  Darko got about 5 minutes of burn per game, all coming in garbage time.  Someone in the media even nicknamed him "The human victory cigar", because he only got on the court after the game was decided, a Pistons win or loss.  How the hell can you expect a young talent to improve if he's playing once or twice a week for 5 minutes?  You have to throw rookies and young guys into the mix and let them make mistakes and learn.  Darko never got that chance, and was completely mentally destroyed from the hellish years in Detroit.  Now, some say with Rasheed and Ben Wallace on the team, there was no room for Darko in the rotation.  Mehmet Okur was getting some of the backup time, but really?  Darko couldn't sniff the court, at all?  He couldn't have gotten in at the end of a quarter or two and worked up a sweat?  Learned a few things?  He was the #2 pick!  He had to have

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So now there's news that the Cavs are going after Shaq, Rasheed Wallace, and Antawn Jamison.  The Cavs are desperate to make LeBron happy by getting him some serious help.  I agree with this strategy.  You have to bring in a new center and power forward, LeBron would love this.  Z shouldn't be a starter anymore, and Varejao is too limited offensively.  No superstar can win a title by themselves, and James needs support. 

Personally, I don't think there's any chance LeBron leaves next summer.  I would be shocked, in utter disbelief.  Why would he?  It's his home, and the Cavs are trying their best to improve the squad.  The Knicks are awful, so it's not like he'd be improving his chances to win a title there.  Wade aint' comin.  He'll resign with Miami.  You can count on that.  Sure, the NY market would help LeBron, but seriously, he already has more $ than he knows what to do with.  Plus, it's always classly when a great star stays with 1 team his whole career, and I think deep down, LeBron knows that.  LeBron isn't leaving, he'll be a Cavalier for life.  

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1.  LeBron James:  Analysts and writers seem to be 50/50 on the LeBron/Kobe debate.  I pick LeBron.

2.  Kobe Bryant:  Probably one of the 10 greatest players ever.  And counting.

3.  Chris Paul:  Best point guard on the planet.  Does EVERYTHING for his team. Led league in asts/steals 2 years in a row.

4.  Dwyane Wade: Wade circa 2006 & 2009 makes you put him in LBJ and Kobe's class.  Gets to the rim at will.  

5.  Dwight Howard:  Best center in the world.  5th player ever to lead league in rebs/blocks.  Only improving offensively.

6.  Tim Duncan:  Still the best power forward in the league.  Still gets 20 & 10 in his sleep.

7.  Brandon Roy:  3rd best shooting guard in the league, and one of the top closers.  Deadly mid-range game.  

Continue reading "The 35 Best Basketball Players in the World, Right Now"

The Pistons could be in some serious trouble.  I dont' even see them making the playoffs in 2010.  I think they'll probably be in the lottery.  They're not re-signing Iverson.  The only reason they traded for him is so all that money on his contract comes off the cap.  They're not re-signing Rasheed, he's gone.  The Cavs and Spurs seem to have some interest in Sheed, so he'll definitely sign with a contender.  That's only going to leave an aging Richard Hamilton and a still steady Tayshaun Prince on the roster.  Stuckey has shown flashes of being good, but this roster next season could be ugly.  They'll probably go after Boozer or try to trade for Bosh, but odds are, this roster is going to be pathetic next season.  Of course, Cleveland, Bo

Continue reading "Doomsday in Detroit?"

You heard it here first.  The Charlotte Bobcats will be in the playoffs next year.  Are they going to actually do anything there?  No.  But I really think they'll grab a 7 or 8 seed.  They came close this past year to cracking the top 8.  They need to resign Raymond Felton, who's a restricted free agent.  If they can keep Felton, have a nice draft, and add a free agent or 2, they should be able to grab a playoff spot next year.  Emeka Okafor has been a very productive player at times, actually underrated overall.  When Gerald Wallace isn't suffering from freak injuries like puncturing his spleen or lung, he can be very good.  I like the core of this team, and they should be better than they were last year.  Chin up, Charlotte fans!&nbs

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19-63.  That was Washington's record this past season.  Dead last in the East. Ouch.  But it seemed like just yesterday they were battling with the Cavs in the playoffs year after year.  Gilbert Arenas' knee injury killed them this season.  If he was healthy, they probably would've squeaked into the playoffs.  I think the Wiz are going to come back strong.  Assuming Arenas is still the Arenas we've come to know as one of the best players in the league, the Wizards should be much improved.  Throw in whoever they get with the #5 pick in the draft, and we will definitely see this team back in the playoffs.  Caron Butler is extremely underrated, and Antawn Jamison is still playing at a fairly high level (assuming Cleveland doesn't get him).  A

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Who's going to be the #1 pick in next year's draft?  John Wall, who just recently commited to Kentucky.  He's a 6-3 Point Guard who reminds me a lot of Derrick Rose.  Wall is extremely quick and athletic.  He's gets to the rim at will, and finishes very impressively.  Odds are he'll play at Kentucky one year, and then leave.  He's that good.  Scouts said he would've even been a very high pick in this year's draft, straight out of high school.  John Wall looks scary good. 

Continue reading "#1 pick in the 2010 NBA Draft"

One thing I love to do is compare current players with former players.  Yeah, I know "its not fair", but I dont care.  Its' fun.  I think Pau Gasol is like Kevin Mchale in so many ways, it's crazy.  First of all, the physical similarities are there.  They're both tall, thin, white power forwards with long arms and a wide variety of post moves, left or right handed.  Gasol can play center, but he prefers playing power forward. They're career stats mirror each other too.  Here are Kevin McHale's per game career stats:  17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 55 fg%, 79.8 ft%, 7.0 fg made.  Now look how similar Pau Gasol's per game career stats are to McHales:  18.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 52 fg%, 73.8 ft%, 7.0 fg made.  Yep, they both average the

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From about 2000-2005, Steve Francis was one of the most electrifying players in the NBA.  Awesome in the dunk contest.  He was Yao Ming's sidekick and good friend. Today?  Who knows.  On the brink of retirement?  I'm not sure.  I dont think anybody is.  We dont even know if he'll ever get another contract.  So what happened?  In 2005 he was traded to Orlando for Tracy McGrady.  That season, he averaged a still solid 16.2 points per game with Orlando, and was traded the next year again to New York.  Right around this time, the wheels started to come off for Francis.  His point totals dropped to 10.8 per game. He seemed very unhappy with where he was at in his career, and then injuries struck.  His injuries have been kind of se

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1.  Julius Erving:  Dr. J

2.  Dominique Wilkins:  The Human Highlight Reel

3.  George Gervin:  The Iceman

4.  Ervin Johnson:  Magic

5.  Michael Jordan:  Air Jordan

6.  Pete Maravich:  Pistol Pete

7.  Larry Bird:  Larry Legend

8.  Karl Malone:  The Mailman

9.  Vinny Johnson:  The Microwave

10.  Earl Monroe:  The Pearl 

11.  Stacey Augmon:  Plastic Man

12.  Oscar Robertson:  The Big O

13.  Lloyd Bernard Free:  World B. Free

14.  Hakeem Olajuwon:  The Dream

15.  Charles Barkley:  The Round Mound of Rebound/Sir Charles

16.  Darryl Dawkins:  Chocolate Thunder

Continue reading "The 50 Best NBA Nicknames Ever"

All these are guys getting paid too much for their current value.  Obviously, some are getting paid on the back end of contracts from their younger days. 

08-09 money

Ray Allen 18 mil

Larry Hughes 13 mil

Edddy Curry 10 mil

Sam Dalembert 11 mil

Shawn Marion 17 mil

Brad Miller 11 mil

Ben Wallace 14.5 mil

Wally Szczerbiak 13 mil

Zydrunas Ilgauskus 11 mil

Allen Iverson 22 mil

Rasheed Wallace 13.5 mil

Michael Redd 16 mil

Jermaine O'Neal 21 mil

Rashard Lewis 17 mil

Jason Kidd 21 mil

Erick Dampier 9.5 mil

Tracy McGrady 21 mil

Darko Milicic 7 mil

Peja Stojakovic 13 mil

Kenyon Martin 14 mil

Raef Lafrentz 13 mil

Andrei Kirilenko 15 mil

Zach Randolph 14.5 mil

Continue reading "Bad 08-09 NBA contracts"

1.  Magic Johnson:  Won 5 titles, is 4th all time in assists with over 10,000, and was the best ever at running the fast break.  

2.  John Stockton:  The NBA's all time leader in assists (almost 16,000) and steals (over 3,000).  Ultra durable & consistent.  Destroyed teams with the pick and roll.  

3.  Bob Cousy:  Won 6 titles with the NBA's best dynasty, and led the league in assists 8 straight years.  Revolutionized passing.

4.  Oscar Robertson:   Once averaged a triple-double in a single season, and over his first 5 years, averaged 30.3 ppg, 10.6 apg, and 10.4 rpg as well.  5th all time in assists with almost 10,000.  A great post up point guard, and won 1 title.

5.  Isiah Thomas:  Won back to back titles in 1989 and 1990, and could score from anywhere on the court.  Extremely tough and great defender.  6th all time in assists with over 9,000. 

Continue reading "The 10 Greatest Point Guards Ever"

1.  Michael Jordan:  6 titles.  3rd on the all time scoring list.  The greatest ever.  Easy choice.  

2.  Kobe Bryant:  4 titles, and counting.  Once scored 81 in a game.  Unlimited shooting range. 

3.  Jerry West:  "The Logo"  "Mr. Clutch" Outstanding shooter.  Won 1 title.

4.  Allen Iverson:  Scored in bunches.  Unbelievable what he did at his size.  Couldn't be stopped from getting to the rim.

5.  George Gervin:  His "Finger Roll" was deadly.  Once scored a record 33 points in a single quarter. 

6.  Clyde Drexler:  One of the best finishers on a fast break ever.  Won 1 title.  

7.  Reggie Miller:  Currently the 3 point king.  Amazing at running off screens and catching and shooting.  Clutch.  

Continue reading "The 10 Greatest Shooting Guards Ever"

1.  Larry Bird:  3 titles, 3 straight MVP awards, and countless clutch shooting moments.  

2.  Scottie Pippen:  6 titles.  The best sidekick ever.  One of the best perimeter defenders ever.  

3.  Elgin Baylor:  Averaged 27.4 pp and 13.5 rpg, and a truly dominant scorer, but could never beat the Celtics.  

4.  Julius Erving:  One of the best finishers and dunkers ever.  Extremely athletic.  His ABA career was dominant too.  1 title.

5.  John Havlicek:  8 titles.  Coming off the bench or starting, he could score from anywhere.  

6.  LeBron James (still rising):  Career averages of 27.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg, and 6.7 apg, youngest player to 10,000 points.  

Continue reading "The 10 Greatest Small Forwards Ever"

1.  Tim Duncan:  4 titles.  "The Big Fundamental".   Some of the best low post moves ever, and outstanding defender.

2.  Karl Malone:  2nd all time leading scorer in NBA history.  Lethal in the pick & roll.  Great scorer.

3.  Kevin McHale:  3 titles.  Unlimited diversity in his low post game.  

4.  Kevin Garnett:  1 title.  Very versatile and athletic.  Great defender and rebounder.  Brings it every night.

5.  Charles Barkley:  Unbelievable work ethic and will to rebound, especially at his height.  Fierce competitor.

6.  Bob Pettit:  The first power forward.  Won 1 title, actually beating Bill Rusell and Bob Cousy. 

Continue reading "The 10 Greatest Power Forwards Ever"

1.  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:  6 titles.  The NBA's all time leading scorer.

2.  Wilt Chamberlain:  2 titles.  Once scored 100 points in a game.  The league changed rules because he was so dominant.

3.  Bill Russell:  11 titles.  Best defensive center ever. 

4.  Shaquille O'Neal:  Most physically dominating basketball player ever.  4 titles.

5.  Hakeem Olajuwon:  Back to back titles.  Dozens of post moves.  Great defender.

6.  Moses Malone:  1 title.  The best offensive rebounder of all time.  Great scorer.

7.  David Robinson:  2 titles.  Great all around player.  Very athletic.  Won a scoring title.  

8.  Bill Walton:  The best passing big man ever.  2 titles.  Selfless.

Continue reading "The 10 Greatest Centers Ever"