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The Unexpected Kevin Durant and The Villainous Warriors

July 5, 2016 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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No news broken here, Kevin Durant, the hottest commodity on the free agent market, has spurned his former teammates, administration and fanbase to join the NBA’s team least in need of assistance, the Golden State Warriors. Yes the current occupiers of the NBA’s throne reside in Cleveland, but this recent turn of events has us all wondering how short lived of a reign it shall be. Were sports a cosmic wonderland, the happenings of this past weekend wholly eclipsed the jubilance emitting star, currently burning bright over the state of Ohio.

The league already seems as if on borrowed time. The Warriors have willingly gutted their bench, casting aside their previously steadfast belief in depth and player flexibility. Golden State will soon take the court with a literal super team. This wasn’t supposed to happen. There were two wrinkles in time, shifting the quantum balance of basketball logic that enabled this endeavor to the darkest timeline. This corner of the multiverse formed on the backs of two unexpected and pivotal events. The Thunder were the superior team in the Western Conference Finals and should have won the series after leading 3-1, and subsequently, had Draymond Green not been suspended for game five of the Finals, the Warriors would be back to back NBA champions. With Cleveland winning it’s first title in more than fifty years, open swung the door, the gate to the unlikely was left open and unattended. Had the Thunder won, KD would have likely remained with his home team, becoming a lifelong fixture in a market devoid of professional sports rivals. Had Golden State won, their 73 win season, capped off with their second championship in a row, would have cemented them as the greatest team in NBA history, rendering them unalterable. There would have been no getting better. Yet, these are not the events of our present day situation, the Thunder choked, Draymond acted like a child and cost his team a title and Lebron pounced with the tenacity and fervor only he is capable of.

Of Golden State’s fellow suitors, their positions and directions vary with as great difference as their monikers. The Thunder now silent, the storm has passed and a new dawn beats down upon a startled, vulnerable flock. There is the former counterpart, Russell Westbrook, but now solitary, his powers seem less capable, what is thunder without lightning? The Spurs now the lone gunslinger, outnumbered and out outmaneuvered, they prepare for the coming skirmish. One hand firmly grasps the most potent weapon of it’s arsenal, a powerful, versatile piece, but lacking full ammunition, the other hand, rapidly losing it’s decreasing grip upon an aging, legendary revolver. The Clippers now rehoist their sails and readjust destinations, correctly predicting the turning tide, the captain of the mighty ship departed before the coming tempest. The Heat now burn with diminished, near extinguished flame, the much needed fuel not added to the fire, it remains only a matter of time before the blaze turns to timid, simmering coals. The Celtics now the unlucky castaway, at first brimming with hope and belief of familiar greatness to be, begin again unassisted.

Now stand the Warriors, the corporate bail out, the silver spoon to the undeserving, the mighty, victorious gladiator only to be given additional artillery. For the majority of the past season the Warriors were a national favorite, it was as if the nation was rooting for them to unseat Jordan’s 95-96 Bulls, win a title and reign with impunity. Them days are gone. With target now firmly affixed, the Warriors will now be the recipients of unrivaled disgust, as will their new small forward Kevin Durant. What makes the scenario so intriguing is that the two were revered as separate entities, yet together prove unpalatable. The Warriors were a team of undersized, skillful savants, playing with lyrical chemistry and ball movement, while shepherded by a new age round ball guru. KD was the basketball genius, egoless, loyal and formed as if by a lab tasked with creating the perfect offensive weapon. Lebron the non malleable, smashing broadsword, Durant was the swift, beautifully efficient rapier, mesmerizing with it’s effectiveness and aesthetic magnificence.

Together they’re the cheap boss battle. You know the one, you’ve played the game whatever it may be. When you’ve leveled up your character to the max, learned all the ins and outs and set out to complete your journey, only to be presented with new chicanes and tricks leaving you incapable of achieving your video game goals. The extreme gut reaction is that Golden State and Kevin Durant have ruined the league, ripped apart competitive balance and left franchises reeling in the process. Sadly, this is all true to some degree. The Warriors now stand apart, the league is comprised of 29 normal teams and one All Star team. It hardly seems fair or beneficial. Had Durant gone East, Lebron could finally have some competition in his conference, instead he will sleepwalk his way once again into the Finals. The Thunder are now decimated and face the real question of whether they must now trade Russell Westbrook, as he will undoubtedly leave next year.

For the Warriors the acquisition seems logical, the gains should be greater than the losses. For Durant the whole thing just seems empty. When you get punched in the face, you don’t get back up and ask the bully to accept you into his circle of friends. Curry and Durant are in the conversation to be considered all time greats, Curry has won one already, however, Durant’s future success will be viewed under the cast shadow of his alliances. In the game of basketball, where legendary status is long sought after, hiccups such as these serve as the flutter of a butterfly’s wings as they ripple through time, forever altering one’s perceived value and place within hallowed halls. Durant, now a Warrior, departs on his mission with a new army beside him. The battle no longer virtuous, the trophy no longer of equivalent merit. If KD’s tenure and potential championships with the Warriors are a breathtaking vista, it remains impressive nonetheless. But it is the method of achievement that commonly selects the sweetness of fruit. While competitors toil under impossible odds, bond over surprising strength of will, passion and grit to blaze the unbeaten trail, to embark on an improbable trek only to end at a landscape a select few are eligible to observe, the reward is limitless.

Kevin Durant and the Warriors are the travelers who parked half way up, paid someone to carry their luggage and took a cable car. The end is the same, but when the paths are not, the integrity of experience is lost and the goal, while obtained, possesses vastly inferior satisfaction.

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The Lakers Could Be Screwed Ya Know?

May 12, 2016 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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It is a murky gaze to look back in time, the glorious smoke of today’s Playoff fireworks effortlessly obscures the NBA’s events from just one month ago. Yet that was the highlight of the Lakers season. We saw a turn back the clock performance from an all time great, reaching to the depths of his stamina reserves and flooring the gas pedal until the car could go no further. Kobe Bryant scored 60 points in his final game, still impressive, but encapsulated in time, that moment seems far further past than it is. The league has moved forward, there’s a championship on the line and their will be little lamenting of regular season casualties. Yet one more upcoming date remains, anxiously awaited by Los Angeles’s premiere franchise and their fans. On Tuesday, May 17th the NBA will conduct it’s draft lottery to see where the league’s less competitive teams will be selecting. For the Lakers, this is more important than ever.

Let’s get one thing out of the way now. The endeavor that was “Kobe’s Final Season,” was a ruse. The farewell to one of the Lakers’ greatest players was little more than a masquerade, disguising the full strength tanking effort the team was implementing. The Lakers were clearly at a turning point, the ominous, domineering figure that was Kobe Bryant, prevented true youth development and his salary, roadblocked major personnel movement. For years the idea of pairing with Kobe was a pinnacle selling point to free agent suitors, more recently it became the asterisked clause, the muttered fact that would hopefully be misheard. But now he’s gone and with him all the pageantry and unending media focus. Now the next step in the franchise’s evolution can commence. Or can it?

The Lakers’ coveted first round pick, acquired by way of the second worst record in the league, should net a young valuable player… for someone. In a complicated series of moves stemming back from the 2012 acquisition of Steve Nash, the rights to LA’s first round pick has bounced around the league for a few years and now settles into place. Should their draft allotment fall within the top three, the Lakers will retain their pick, should it fall out of that range, which it has a 45% chance of doing, it will belong to none other than the Philadelphia 76ers. A fruitless season, mired in humiliating defeats and infinite scrutiny could potentially yield no benefit. “Get bad to get good,” so often the technique employed by numerous teams, but a painful season is simpler to stomach when there’s a pot of Laker-yellow gold at the end of the rainbow. To start over again would be asking a lot of the impatient fanbase.

The Lakers did make an interesting coaching move when they fired Byron Scott, a man whose hiring many saw as the appointing of the captain to sink the ship. The team subsequently hired Golden State Warrior’s assistant coach and former Laker, Luke Walton. In regards to quality of coaching, Walton is a tough read to say the least. Sure, he shepherded the Warriors in Kerr’s absence for the first half of this season, pretty well I might add. Didn’t we all just think he was following Kerr’s explicit instructions when took to the bench though? Not that that’s a bad thing necessarily, but we know little of his abilities when not under the umbrella of a previously instituted, successful framework. Walton could bring that framework with him and try to crowbar the current Lakers into it, maybe it could work. However, as we’ve seen with other teams emulating Golden State, when you don’t have their players and their coaching, you can put a jersey on a pig, but its still a pig.

There’s alway free agency right? The Lakers have a ton of cap space and are a desirable destination, but almost every team in the league has cap space and the lure of Hollywood ain’t what it used to be. With numerous emerging media possibilities and increased revenue streams, the smaller markets are finding themselves in a competitive position. The calls of LA and New York have lured no responders the past few years. Lets also just note that D’Angelo Russell isn’t helping the Lakers cause here.

The Lakers could retain their pick, they could even move up to number one and get Ben Simmons who could turn out to be a marvelous player, Walton could be the mastermind coach of the next generation and marquis talent could once again flock to LA. But the opposite could also be true. The Lakers are indeed a team in flux, they’re headed in a direction, which way that will be should be a little clearer on Tuesday.

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The Lebronfather Calls In The Hit

January 25, 2016 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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Poor David Blatt, he never really had a chance. Hard to believe that a sophomore coach, with the best record in his conference and a likely Finals participant, coming off of a Finals appearance in his rookie season, just got fired before the All Star break. Yet, such is the case. If we are to take Lebron at his word, he was not consulted on the decision and he has never actually vocalized his perceived displeasure with his former head coach. However, the writing was on the wall and it read, “I hate David Blatt!” signed Lebron James, 2016. Body language alone was more than enough of an indicator as to the King of Cleveland’s obvious indignation.

Blatt was the right man for the wrong job. He was originally brought in to shepherd a team of young up=and-comers as they blossomed into an eventual team, chock full of delightful exuberance. Once they learned to understand and love their changing bodies and abilities, they would set out to sow their wild oats. Didn’t happen. In 2014 Lebron realized his then Miami Heat teammates, were not up to the task of taking on powerhouse teams like the Spurs at their advanced ages and declining talents. His return to the Cavaliers as Cleveland’s prodigal son was a convenient facade. The story made sense as it was spun. Lebron had studied overseas and learned what it took to be a champion, having received his education, he was fit to return home and bestow the benefits upon his fellow Ohioans. Force a trade here, a max contract there and Lebron was given his team. But all while this was transpiring, there was another course of events taking place in another conference, on another team. The Warriors were forged in the crucible that is the Western Conference, emerging their greatest combatant. Sadly for Lebron, Cleveland’s championship was not to be. A season later, that hasn’t changed.

Yes the Cavaliers are an almost lock to escape the Eastern Conference relatively unscathed. Likely attempting, yet again, to best their Western foe. Predictions in play, they will also probably lose again. The Spurs and the Warriors are that good and they recently showed it by besting the Cavs, the latter in humiliating fashion. Lebron is unquestionably in win-now mode, he is in his thirteenth season and reaching the point of his career when the downslope is within sight. He is indeed past his prime, but remains the second best player in the league, behind Mr. Curry. That is not to say that he is no longer a devastating basketball weapon, anything but, yet the clock continues to tick, as it has done for so many before him. Unwilling to wait and see if his head coach could put it all together and lead them to the promised land, Lebron assuredly made his feelings known in private. He may not have been consulted, but his gigantic fingerprints are all over this.

All time great though he may be, Lebron James has never been a bastion of loyalty and rarely leaves gracefully. Regret is cast aside as are the decimated corpses of the franchises he has left in the lurch, when he and his talents depart for brighter horizons. Cap space and personnel decisions be damned, Lebron rightfully believes his current team is of championship caliber and this, not an opportunity to waste. David Blatt was but a vilified roadblock in the superstar’s eyes and he paid with his employment. On the court Lebron is a coach’s dream come true, on the sideline and in the locker room, not so much. Undermined and undercut, Blatt was a marked man from day one. Cavlier’s owner Dan GIlbert, both financially and emotionally, is fully invested in his current team. He has shown that he will support Lebron and his demands. One wonders though, there simply must be that evil little spark lurking in the shadows of the billionaire’s brain, he’s done it to me before, would he do it again?

Over the cap, overpaid players with difficult salaries to move via trade, leaves the Cavs with little room for upward change. The team is what it is and it doesn’t appear to be better than the top two, maybe three teams in the west. When Lebron signed his new deal, he opted for a shorter term contract. He did so to allow himself the ability to sign a larger, longer deal when the salary cap rises next year. What that boils down to is, he has a player option for next year and could theoretically leave after this season. What if he did it? Admittedly its difficult to imagine, but when Lebron leaves there is little regard for those left behind. He scorches the earth and salts the land, hopefully for Gilbert and the Cavs, Blatt wasn’t the first of many victims.

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Brooklyn Nets – The Darkest Timeline

November 25, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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Most basketball fans already know the story, in 2013 the Brooklyn Nets traded five players and three first round draft picks, plus the right to swap first round picks in 2017, for Celtics veterans Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Jason Terry. Mikhail Prokhorov, owner of the Brooklyn Nets and relative newcomer to the NBA scene, was looking to make a splash and push deeper into the Playoffs, maybe even enter into the realm of contention. It was never to be. The Nets roster on paper had all the appearance of a legit squad, but sporting fiends age and injury soon lurched into play. Brooklyn was beleaguered back to reality as the second and subsequent first round of the Playoffs were all to be experienced during Pierce and Garnett’s tenure in Kings County. The trade was a bitter pill for Celtics fans as well, losing two legendary players, who had at long last brought a banner back to Boston, at the time of the trade could not be recognized as anything other than a dismal announcement.

But that’s the past. Looking back with the eagle like vision of hindsight, there is zero debate as to which franchise got the better of the deal, The Nets are now a clear lottery team and the Celtics are a young team on the rise with an excellent coach. These are the details, we all know them. The question is, has there even been a sports franchise with more of a bleak horizon than the current Brooklyn Nets?

I’m unsure the optical device required to properly perceive the Nets plight. Is there a microscope or some futuristic night vision goggle that can locate and observe futility? For clarity purposes, lets bullet point some of the line items of particular importance in regards to the near Shakespearian tragedy that is the Nets.

1. The Nets are a really bad team: Sure, Brooklyn just came off a home win against the villainous Celtics, but a change in trajectory that does not make. The Nets are a bottom three team in the NBA with the Lakers and the scattered shards of basketball souls making up the 76ers. The silver lining of the woeful season Brooklyn is about to undergo, is typically the high quality draft pick at the end of the season. As we’ve discussed, that’s not coming… Not for a long time.

2. The Nets wont have their first round draft pick until 2019: Boston, a likely Playoff team, will undoubtedly exercise the right to swap picks next year, meaning the Nets will be selecting later in the first round than their record reflects. It will be four years before the Nets will be capable of drafting a player indicative of their quality of play, which with no young, incoming talent, should be quite poor.

3. The Nets are currently over the salary limit: At least this debacle is costing them quite a bit of money! With the rising cap coming, Brooklyn should have some money to spend. Bad news, so does everyone else and a team with no hope of winning doesn’t usually draw free agency interest.

4. The Cetlcis are a division rival with the luxury of making the Playoffs while someone else does the tanking for them: <– That.

Analogies, I love analogies, there is no better way to assess and relate to a scenario than to equate it to another. With this appreciation in hand, I quested to find the perfect comparison for the Nets dire fate. When the Nets hand over their likely lottery draft pick to Boston this year, its as if you’re building a house (A Mansion if it ends up being Ben Simmons), then after all your hard work, questioning of self and acceptance of defeat, some guy you hate is gonna move in and live there. There will be no gratitude, no graciousness, any semblance of a thank you will be in jest, at your expense. When its finally over and you gear up to start building again, you get to build an equally large extension on the house for that same guy. Then you do it again.

With an itchy trigger finger and a lust for winning, the Brooklyn Nets did what so many talk radio fans of any sport have warned against for decades; they mortgaged their future for a shortened window at success. The Nets didn’t strike out when they swung for the fences, they came to the plate with no bat and a took a 90 mph fastball to the nuts. But we can’t just kick ’em while there down… For four years. We need to offer a solution. Sadly, there is no positive result from this basketball ice age in New York City’s largest borough, the only option, barring a superstar free agent’s questionable interest in the franchsie, is to get even worse. The Nets must go the Hinkie route, a horrible, sloppily paved roadway littered with the corpses of a forgotten fanbase, saddled upon a barren, desolate landscape. Brooklyn must shed off any player capable of returning a first round pick, they can not go four years asking their fans to play the waiting game in a new market and arena. Brooke Lopez could do it, Thad Young might, but there is a further downside (This is when the creepy fortune teller alerts you to the perils of your newfound powers), to do so only makes the Celtics stronger. Boston wants nothing more than for the Nets to be bad, but the reality is Brooklyn is already going to have to suck it up for the next four years, they might as well suck a little more.

NBA Opinions Pop Culture

Tales from AAU

November 5, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 3

Perspiration pools on the hardwood, a scattered seascape generated from every effort of the court inhabitants. Miles of wind sprints, fingertips worn bare from countless free throws, a near ambidextrousness acquired from on and off hand dribbling drills, and a razor sharpened will to to win ingrained into the spirit of the athlete himself. The work required to take your skills to the next level is not to be taken lightly, this is not a game for the casual participant. A nigh insurmountable workload must be approached with enthusiasm and fortitude, to do otherwise is to shortchange the game. So often we perceive the peak athletic displays of the NBA and neglect to acknowledge or imagine, that the very basketball greatness we lay witness to, once started as raw young men looking to excel at the sport they loved.

The paths leading to basketball’s summit are entirely unique, as are the hurdles to be dispatched along the way, however, there is no bypassing struggle, adversity and unending training as you proceed. The NBA is a league that is becoming increasingly populated with the finest overseas talent, basketball has no bias, if you can ball, you can ball. In the United States the road to the league, though still nebulous, can appear slightly less murky. For decades the tradition has been clearly defined, succeed in high school, then college, then enter the league as a drafted player. Now more than ever there is a side route that, if to be considered a serious prospect, must be undertaken. Enter the world of AAU athletics. To the uninformed, AAU basketball is a tryout league that coexists with high school athletics. Long story short, the best high school players are placed together on a team to travel and play other teams made up of the best of the best in that region. Recently, former and current NBA players have voiced their dislike and also come to the defense of the AAU system. As with most situations, the greatest perspective is often provided by an individual within the confines of the organization itself.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Christopher Noah Weaver, a fourteen year old, 6’4 center who plays varsity at Woodbridge Senior High School in Northern Virginia. Chris is keen on utilizing his hook shot while always maintaining a focus on defensive responsibilities and rebounding, earning him the nickname the “Janitor,” for his penchant for cleaning up the boards. With these attributes, coupled with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard and carry himself with the maturity of someone far beyond his actual years, its no wonder, after a long suiting by his current team, Chris was invited to play AAU without trying out. Take a look below as Chris steals the ball and finishes in transition.

Chris tells me that this year he is expected to play a primarily interior role and that as the years progress he will move away from the basket and truly find his range, a similar trend to the one we are seeing at the pro level. There is also a great talent increase when Chris transitions to his AAU team, he is now playing with the best players in his age group and at times some of the top prospects in the country, unsurprisingly their skill level is inspiring. As Chris says, “The way they play is just amazing, its like the game seems so easy for them.”

Christopher Noah Weaver dunks with his left hand for his AAU team. — Chris Weaver finishing with his left hand.

The “Janitor” does say that initially there was some difficulty in finding a balance between his high school and AAU careers, but quality of coaching in both systems has aided him in steadying the ship. Since the seasons do not overlap, Chris is able to entirely divide his attention and properly train for both leagues and receive coaching from multiple sources, a new experience for him, which he assures me is now a benefit. Chris’ all around game should flourish as he develops, he tells me there is a tendency to fill up the stat sheet as young players try to get noticed and potentially earn further playing time. Chris also states that he owes much of his athletic evolution and high value of defense to his high school coach, Coach Porcha. In his own words, “Coach Porcha has taught me so much about basketball and he will get me to be a successful young man on the court and off the court.”

Its not challenging to fathom that one of the hardships placed upon young athletes is the necessity of travel to engage their rivals. Chris gathers great joy from these experiences, he capitalizes on this downtime and uses it as an opportunity to gel as a unit and to create the chemistry that every successful team so desperately requires. As he says, “With the team having each others back we will be unstoppable.” Despite all this, these are young men playing their sport at their highest level, the beckoning of the NBA can be heard at any level. As Chris says, “There is always talk about making it to the big league, but most of it is just talk, people think/want it to just happen overnight but are not willing to put the work in.” This is where Chris stays grounded. His best critic, he tells me, “I need to be a versatile player, slow the game down to my pace.” Keeping his nose to the grindstone, Chris hits the weights daily, and tirelessly works on his game, ignoring the noise and placing a scholarship as his highest current goal. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have lofty aspirations, and so he should, with a solid game and a solid head on his shoulders remember his words, “My goal is to make it to the NBA and just make people smile, and the biggest thing is to give back to my family, my community,and the people that got me where i need to be.”

Good luck Janitor. Off Court Issues will be sure to keep you updated on Chris Weaver’s progress.

NBA Opinions Pop Culture

NBA Players as Movie Monsters

October 30, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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A chill in the air, pumpkins on steps and candy sales at CVS, it’s Halloween time. Whether a youthful embarkment through neighborhood streets on foot, in search of sugar laden reward, a costumed night of pre true-adulthood debauchery, or an evening at home doling out desired treats, it’s hard not to get into the spirit. NBA players have been known to take part in the pageantry that is all hallow’s eve, donning a wide variety of assumed personas. This year, let’s do them a favor and assign them well known horror movie roles, perhaps ones that an outside observer perceives most accurate.

Chris Paul as Chucky from “Child’s Play”
CP3’s toughness and accomplishments belie his size, just like his horror comparison Chucky. For Chucky’s size and strength he has no business doing as much damage as he does and controlling so many of those around him. Chucky and CP3 both inject themselves into the most disastrous situations and continuously emerge as the dominant force, directing the mayhem around them. This nightmarish vision may strike a little too close to home for Deandre.

Kawhi Leonard as Freddy Krueger from “A Nightmare on Elm Street”
This one seems fitting just on hand focus alone. Kawhi Leonard has absolutely massive hands, the ball seems like a tennis ball when in his grasp. Freddy has a glove with long sharp blades, thus extending his reach and evil radius. Mr. Krueger is known to first make his presence known by way of nocturnal visitation, meaning he enters your dreams and kills you there. The very fact that Kawhi Leonard has not reached his peak yet, is still only 24 and missed time due to injury, means he’s only going to get better. Clearly a nightmare proposition for opponents. Also, think back to the first Nightmare on Elm St. movie, remember that really creepy scene where Freddy had the cartoonishly long arms in the alley way? Let’s not forget about the inhuman wingspan possessed by the San Antonio small forward. Regardless of position, handle the rock in his vicinity at your peril.

I’m sure if there were a poll of perimeter players and ball handlers in the NBA, the above image wouldn’t be regarded as that far from the truth.

Tim Duncan as Michael Myers from “Halloween”
Can’t you just hear the Halloween theme song in your head? That must be the soundtrack to the game for whomever sets foot on the court with arguably the best power forward to play the game. Surely it is a frightening experience to be they prey of a relentless, obsessed, lethal force as it drives to a goal (your defeat) with no remorse or hesitation. The surgical silence with which your end is carried out could offer the notion that there is no emotion behind the stoic visage, instead there is but one emotion. The need to win. Age can’t stop him, injury can’t stop him, superstar opponent can’t stop him. Tim Duncan and Michael Myers keep coming no matter what.

Kendrick Perkins as Jason Voorhees from “Friday the 13th”
Jason strikes with a machete, Kendrick strikes with an elbow and forearm, both yield the same result. Destruction. There is no elegance to the way the two undertake there tasks, however, there is a consistency. Brutality. Both Kendrick and Jason are workhorses in their own respective fields, be it teenage murders or flagrant fouls, there’s no arguing with their volumes of work. It ain’t pretty, but they do their job, and when you see them, you know exactly what to expect.

Brook Lopez as Frankenstein’s Monster from “Frankenstein“
Neither one has really ever done anything to you, and they seem kind and misunderstood in general. That is until they’re killing you. Be it inhuman strength in the form of life ending strangulation or deadly post play, both reach their accomplishments the old fashioned way. They’re both large and lumbering, a little bit clumsy, but also have a gregarious twinkle in their melancholic eyes. There’s also a distinct similarity in the way move on their feet, hopefully that wont be a continuing trait of Brook’s.

Happy Halloween.

NBA Opinions

Not So Bold Predictions and Power Rankings

October 27, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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What’s that sound? The melodic drumbeat of bouncing basketballs upon glistening hardwood. Sneakers squeak, trash is talked, and buzzer beaters are made and missed. These tones serve as trumpets to the ears of the awaiting. Basketball is back.

There are a pair of games airing tonight and three being played in total. Both participants of the Finals will be in action, though not facing each other. Likely, rings will be distributed to the champions, and the Warriors and Cavs Finals series will seem as old as Greg Oden looks. What time like the present to disregard prior conquests and undertake the process of prognostication! Behold… Power rankings and further predictions.

Cleveland Cavaliers:
This is Cleveland’s year. Questions still linger from last season’s ultimate defeat, had the team been healthy, would the series have played out differently? Hopefully we find out the answer to that question this season. The Cavs are more or less running it back, the key players have been resigned, one of whom will begin the season on perhaps the worst contract in the NBA… ahem… Tristan. However, overpay or not, there does exist a constant with the Cavs. If healthy, they should be the best team in the NBA, especially in a lesser Eastern Conference. Don’t be surprised if the Cavs go wire to wire, finishing with the best record in the league. You can also expect Lebron to once again be on a mission to win it all.
Golden State Warriors:
Another team that returns largely unchanged, hey if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Steph Curry disagrees when it comes to ankles. The Warriors know how to play as a team and they know how to adjust on the fly, there will be few teams that will be able to react to their reactions. A relatively young team, they should start off strong out of the gates, and carry that into the Playoffs, although I do not see the team returning to the Finals. Much has been made of their easy-ish road to a title, forget that, they beat who got on the court with them, but this year the competition has only risen.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
An enemy deserves no mercy! If at any time you’re unable to locate Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, just look on the warpath, that’s where they’ll be. The Thunder will set out to remind their contemporaries just who they missed last year. Coming off a year of postseason irrelevance, the Thunder will have us all wondering how we forgot about them. Possessing two potential top five players, when firing on all cylinders, there will be few who can do anything to stop them.
San Antonio Spurs:
In familiar Spurs fashion, the regular season will be disregarded more than Lance Stephenson behind the three point line. They’ll likely finish with a lesser record than teams ranked below them here, but for the Spurs, it continues to be all about the Playoffs. Gregg Popovich has stated that it may take time for the roster to meld and to truly develop a playing style and deploy effective schemes. All true, but they will get it together, and when they do, they’ll be ring hunting. The continued development of Kawhi Leonard is more a point of inquiry than the addition of Lamarcus Aldridge. With Tony Parker fading, Leonard will need to create his own shot and the magnificent space his point guard once doled out in truckloads for his teammates. This will be the lynchpin in maximizing Aldridge’s stellar perimeter shooting. Rest assured Spurs fans, Lamarcus will flourish with the Spurs.
Los Angeles Clippers:
Its now or never. LA’s better team returns intact and reloaded. Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Deandre Jordan, JJ Redick, Paul Pierce, Jamal Crawford, Josh Smith, Lance Stephenson. If they can’t make it to at least the Western Conference Finals, which I don’t think they will, cue Boyz II Men, cause we’re at the end of the road. The talent is present in spades, but is the heart? We all know Chris Paul’s drive is there, his big men… let’s just wait and see.
Houston Rockets:
James Harden more or less carried the load for the Rockets last year and ultimately lead them to the Western Conference Finals. Imagine the possibilities with a healthy Dwight Howard and rehabilitated Ty Lawson. They will surely be better than last year, but so will those around them. If this is the case, we can all expect a mid season Daryl Morey trade, which will leave us all perplexed at his trade partners life choices.
Miami Heat:
As with any other team that has ever showcased Dwyane Wade, health is a concern. Nevertheless, Rolling out Goran Dragic, Luol Deng, Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside should be enough to bolster the team as Wade misses his standard 20-40 games. Couple that with a depleted East and I predict Miami to be the second best team this side of Texas.
Atlanta Hawks:
Did you believe in the Hawks last year? I didn’t. But somehow there they were, playing in the Eastern Conference Finals. Oh well, I guess they’re contenders? Nah, I still don’t believe in them, they’ll be good but take a small step back. Losing Demarre Carroll will hurt them, especially on the defensive end, adding Splitter was cool I guess but… I can’t do it, I still don’t understand them. Good teams have to have superstars, right?
Memphis Grizzlies:
Back to the grind house. I guess that’s still a thing. Basketball fans have come to love and respect Memphis’ gameplay and tenacity, they simply try to wear you down. Which they can do. Outside shooting, not so much. Marc Gasol is one of the top if not the top center in the league, and Zach Randolph is a formidable player to partner him with, but they seem a little stuck in the mud. Mike Conley is a very good point guard, but right now a very good point guard is almost a weakness compared to the absolute monsters playing the position elsewhere. This could be the beginning of the slow dismantling of the grind house, before it is stripped down and rebuilt into unaffordable condos, welcome to the Gasolberg.
Chicago Bulls:
“Hey, close that window. Oh, it’s already shut, ok.” Get it? Thats their title contention window that closed. The Bulls will still be good, and their record will be padded by their Eastern Conference foes, but oh those question marks. Rose’s health, Noah’s health (and potential bench role), Gasol’s age, Hoiberg’s first year as a head coach, that’s a lot of things that have to go right to compete for a Finals appearance. Jimmy Butler is pretty good though.
New Orleans Pelicans:
This is the year that the league gets put on notice. Anthony Davis is coming and there’s nothing you can do to stop him. As a team, the Pelicans are lottery fodder, as an Anthony Davis dragging his teammates to wins and eventual Playoffs, they’re on the rise.
Washington Wizards:
The Wizards go as far as Wall and Beal can carry them. John Wall is trending upwards, Bradley Beal needs a solid season to prove the same. The hometown of a certain NBA superstar (KD) and with offseason money to spend, there will be no shortage of rumors circling Washington, it’ll be interesting to see how the players handle the noise.
Boston Celtics:
Depth for days and excellent coaching, Boston makes a bit of a jump this season. Boston has no true star, an issue they will attempt to rectify via trade all season, but they have almost everything else, plus a plethora of draft picks. Amir Johnson and David Lee will prove to be huge additions.
Toronto Raptors:
Kyle Lowry lost weight, Demar Derozan is in a contract year and the team added Demarre Carroll, yet it still remains difficult to see the Raptors making any true Playoff push, if things aren’t going well, look for Derozan to be on the move.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Potential. So much of it. I love the Bucks, I want them to succeed, but it happens next year. Milwaukee will continue to develop and the individuals will improve, but with so much young talent at every position, much of it rawer than how ODB likes it, they’re likely a season away from true Playoff damage. Though they should manage to sneak in. Jason Kidd is the wild card, if his coaching continues to progress exponentially, as it has his first two seasons, there’s no telling what’s in store for the great lakes area.
Sacramento Kings:
It actually works out. No the Kings won’t be making late Playoff appearances, but they will enter as debutantes. The Kings are clearly an on paper team, one that should work, but you also know it wont. Rondo will have a return year, not back to Celtics Rajon, but enough to be respectable. Side prediction: DMC ain’t going anywhere.
Utah Jazz:
They’re a fun young team, but they play in the West and they don’t have a point guard. Good luck. Well coached though they are, and despite a great end of season run last year, the Jazz don’t set foot in the Playoffs.
Orlando Magic:
Something’s brewing down South and it won’t be long before there’s a new best team down in the sunshine state. With potential at every starting position and proven production at center, the Magic are on the rise. There’s potential for a Playoff appearance in the Magic Kingdom.
Phoenix Suns:
That West, it’ll get ya. Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe will be a formidable back court, but from there it gets a little thin. Recently added Tyson Chandler is a serviceable big man, when healthy, and Markieff Morris can be effective, but both are inconsistent. Phoenix misses the Playoffs again.
Charlotte Hornets:
Al Jefferson is a basketball purist’s dream, the last bastion of low post dominance. Use him until you can’t use him anymore Charlotte. Kemba Walker’s return should energize the offense and there’s no telling what the Hornets will get out of rookie Frank Kaminsky. Batum is a good addition, but the Hornets also lost Michael Kidd-Gilchrist for the season. A fun team to watch, but too many hurdles to make the Playoffs.
Dallas Mavericks:
This could get ugly. If Dirk has a solid year, and Wesley Matthews and Chandler Parsons return from injury to their prior form, the Mavericks will miss the Playoffs with dignity. If two of those things don’t happen… Cuban might be focusing a little more on his other investments.
Indiana Pacers:
Hopefully Paul George is completely recovered from the significant injury he sustained while playing with team USA. Hopefully, the Pacers also wise up and drop the George at power forward experiment. Let the man play his natural position and stop trying to shoe horn in the small ball trend. Monte Ellis is a nice scoring addition, but they’re still not making the Playoffs.
Denver Nuggets:
Expect Emmanuel Mudiay to fit like a glove. The Nuggets have found their point guard of the future, but the team around him is in a state of flux. The franchise will likely be looking more to make trades than win games.
Detroit Pistons:
The Pistons are going to have a tough time scoring enough to climb the standings. Drummond is a wonderful young player and Reggie Jackson looks like he could be a solid option, but there’s simply not enough here to make the Playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
Not making the Playoffs and not caring. With Wiggins and Anthony-Townes, the Wolves are set for the future, take a few years to marinate and then fill in the roster around them.
Brooklyn Nets:
At least they have a really high payroll. Joe Johnson is fading, Bargnani has never met expectations and Brook Lopez is oft injured. Not a recipe for success. With the Celtics owning their first round pick, expect the Nets to do anything and everything to make trades, there’s no point in tanking if its for someone else. Not sure they have a choice though.
New York Knicks:
Derek Fisher has done nothing to make fans believe in him as a coach, Phil Jackson is questionable at best as GM, oh and the teams not that good either. The Knicks have to trade Carmelo this season, New York is so far from contention that there’s no feasible way his timeline matches up with the teams future success. Beware of calls from Houston, you’ve been warned.
Los Angeles Lakers:
You can forget about Kobe leaving on a high note. Expect the Black Mamba to average in double figures in scoring, on a boatload of field goal attempts. Hopefully D’Angelo Russell will excel (he will) and Julius Randle will turn into a great player, but there’s not enough here to do anything other than be unjustly televised in humiliating national games.
Portland Trailblazers:
Offseason, you have been so cruel to the citizens of the city of roses. Eighty percent of the starting lineup gone, the Blazers are left with a rag tag squad featuring the team’s only saving grace, point guard Damian Lillard. Lillard’s scoring average is about to blow up, he is about to shift into whats known as “get buckets” mode. With little to play for, and even fewer teammates to rely upon, look for vide-game-Dame to go off. Position aside, Paul Pierce of the mid 2000s Celtics is an accurate comparison.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Just when 76ers fans (both of them) thought it couldn’t get any worse, the knife twisted. It will get better, but no time soon. If ownership is fully committed to gm Sam Hinkie and his approach, the tank rolls on. Okafor is a solid player and Nerlens Noel would be a welcomed member of any NBA team, but that’s where it all ends. The nightmare that is the Philadelphia 76ers, continues on.

NBA Champion: Cleveland Cavaliers
This is the year the Cleveland Cavaliers pull it off and Lebron James finally brings a championship to his home state. Lebron will be relentless in his quest to once again hold the Larry O’brien trophy, and if the team he currently has around him is healthy, there will be none that can keep that from happening.

League MVP: Lebron James
Hey, there’s that guy again. Lebron has sat back for the last two years and watched as others claimed the award. That stops this season. When we see something so often its common to disregard it’s grandeur. Lebron is the best player in the league and this year will also be it’s most valuable.

Rookie of the Year: Jahlil Okafor (But it should be Emmanuel Mudiay)
Okafor will win the award because he will be the highest scoring rookie, the statistic that seems to be the only measurable for this honor. Yet, it will be Mudiay that will be the better overall player, and clearer cornerstone of the future.

Start the season already.

NBA News NBA Opinions

Derrick Rose Injured… Again.

September 30, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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Flip the switch on the way back machine, coyly adjust your oversized sunglasses with but one finger and set quantum sail for 2011. Oh what a time to be alive, especially if your name happens to be Derrick Rose. The Chicago guard erupted into the league, a dynamically explosive inside-outside threat, dripping with excess athleticism the common, professional athlete secretly prays to Jobu for. Undeniably, Rose was rightfully crowned the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in 2009 and also, albeit under far more scrutiny, elected the league’s MVP in 2011. It was abundantly clear, the NBA had welcomed it’s newest superstar into the fold. It made too much sense, Chicago’s prodigal son had returned, an unrelenting talent, devoid of emotion, capable of striking, not with the potency of a serpent, rather the impact of a runaway locomotive. The league was on notice, the East had another contender and Chicago was back.

Fast forward to the 2012 Playoffs, when the most nefarious of athletic interlopers once again reared it’s grotesque head, when the villlanous ACL injury made it’s perpetually, unwanted presence felt. Derrick Rose fell victim in the first game of the first series against the 76ers and he and the Bulls have never recovered. Derrick Rose would understandably miss the remainder of the Playoffs and, amidst rumors of waning personal confidence, the subsequent season. Rose would return for the 2013-2014 season, unfortunately his court time was to be short lived, tearing a meniscus early in the schedule.

$Chicago Bull Derrick Rose can't seem to have any luck as he suffers another injury, now fracturing his orbital bone having suffered numerous injuries, including acl and meniscus tears.$

Last season Derrick Rose made his highly anticipated return to the United Center, after what seemed like three years, finally receiving a clean bill of health. Rose began the season looking like a player still trying to find his footing, occasionally flashes of greatness could be witnessed, serving as vivid reminders of potential once possessed. Much to the dismay of the windy city faithful, Rose reinjured his knee and would miss twenty games, returning just in time for the Playoffs where he would be solid but on the wrong side of second round exit. Now we find ourselves in a familiar position, a new season, a new life. An offseason that no doubt was capitalized upon to further the rehabilitation of Derrick Rose’s physical shortcomings, culminating in a successful season of healthy point guard play for the Bulls. Then, as it so longs to do, the shoe dropped. In this case a brand new Adidas Derrick Rose 6, as news emerged that he had suffered a broken orbital bone in practice.

Reportedly, the injury will require surgery and Rose will likely miss 6-8 weeks of the regular season. However, if track records are to be included in the speculative nature of team analysis (they should be), don’t be surprised if Rose’s absence swells to a greater number of missed games. For the sake of irony not being lost, it must be mentioned that Rose recently made note of his desire to procure a future lucrative contract after his current deal (which is overpaying him quite handsomely) expires. Furthermore, Chicago’s terrific shooting guard Jimmy Butler also alerted Bulls decision makers of his availability to expand his duties to include point guard responsibilities. A slightly less than subtle shot at Chicago’s oft injured former superstar.

Chicago has long been the “what if” team of the NBA, in particular the East. If only Rose had been healthy, the Bulls, under the tutelage of defensive mastermind and tireless over worker, Tom Thibodeu, would have assuredly felled the Lebrons du jour and made at least one Finals appearance. It was never to be. The minutes management and coaxing of Rose’s debilitated fortitude now falls squarely on the shoulders of Fred Hoiberg, a rookie coach handed a veteran team but. with the caveat of a transcendent talent aged and injured far beyond his years. Good luck Fred, I’m sure Bulls fans will take it easy on you.

$Chicago Bull Derrick Rose can't seem to have any luck as he suffers another injury, now fracturing his orbital bone having suffered numerous injuries, including acl and meniscus tears.$

The only certainty in the mess that is the Derrick Rose injury debacle, is that the league is better when he’s healthy and competing. Those first years of his career can’t be a lie, he had the tools to take the league by storm, this can’t be another case of so much talent stolen before it’s expiration date. It can’t be right?

NBA Opinions

Team On The Rise – Milwaukee Bucks

August 14, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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The buck stops here. Trends will be bucked. They’re coming to buck buck you down. In short there’s a team marinating in America’s Dairyland, poised to make a great midwestern leap into further fathoms of Playoff water, as if a youthful summertime at lake Winnebago. The Bucks dipped there toes this past offseason, but found the water too frigid, quickly retreating after losing in six games to their neighbors to the south, the Chicago Bulls. Chicago finished the Bucks season with an exclamation point when they soundly defeated them in the final game by a score of 120-66. The loss also featured Giannis Antetokounmpo’s finest falter, when he was ejected from the game after picking up a flagrant 2. The Greek Freak surgically hunted his prey, the wild Mike Dunleavy, finishing with an elbow two the Bull’s undefended midsection on a wide open three pointer in transition.

But let’s leave the past in the past.

The Bucks had an eventful offseason, resigning their potent wing scorer Khris Middleton and in a surprise move, adding sought after free agent big man, Greg Monroe. Monroe will likely evolve into a center and a successful one at that. Milwaukee has also chosen to covet height at every position, despite the NBA’s determined march to small-ball. However, they’ve done so by filling out the roster with players who possess versatility and agility, seemingly nullifying the demand for the vertically challenged. If a player is tall but embodies the skill set of a traditionally smaller player, he’s on Milwaukee’s radar. The Bucks may be leading the way to new basketball frontiers, one might even say they are indeed bucking a trend. Imagine a few years down the road when teams trot out a lineup of players 6 feet and under and the Bucks roll up with a combined 35 feet of functional height. Facetious? You bet, but the Bucks are investing in an idea. If they maintain a roster where they possess a height advantage at every position and their young uber prospects develop, they will be a devastating foe. The stretch four potential of Giannis alone, has NBA fans drooling.

Milwaukee is also a well coached team. Remember back when Jason Kidd was thought to have made the biggest blunder of his short coaching career? Kidd asked for too much power with the Brooklyn Nets, only to be cast off to Milwaukee, a place where basketball talent has typically gone to gather dust. Oh how the times have changed. Look at the Nets, the most bloated payroll in the NBA, no future draft picks to bother with a rebuild and an owner who publicly wants to sell the team. Now look at the Bucks, a smorgasbord of young talent, a willing owner, a successful rebrand and a new arena in the near future. Well everything’s just coming up Kidd!

The team’s Eastern Conference location, where competition is top heavy to say the least, is but the cherry atop the already imposing sundae. Make no mistake about it the Bucks will be a team to watch this season and expect them to win at least one Playoff series. However, years away is when the most delectable fruit is to be harvested. Once the best-in-show produce that is Giannis and Jabari truly vine ripen and emerge as Allstar level players, there is simply no telling what the Bucks ceiling is.

NBA Opinions Uncategorized

Jazz Sing The Blues As Dante Exum Tears ACL

August 6, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 4

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In the overcrowded Western conference there is little room for missteps or loss of personnel due to injury. The real world consequences of winning a paltry forty five games is the potential couch view of the Playoffs, from the comforts of your grotto, nestled within your basketball provided compound. Such is the case with the Utah Jazz, a team many believed was poised to make the leap and return to the Playoffs. The Jazz possess an intriguing roster to say the least, smattered with a slew of young talent at multiple positions, all on largely favorable contracts. Gordon Hayward (whose contract doesn’t look so crazy now that we’ve seen some of the deals of this offseason), defensive standout Rudy Gobert, Trey Burke, Derrick Favors and Alec Burks are all primed to evolve into their superior basketball iterations. Yet, there is one player still in their lineup with the unbridled, raw potential to surpass each one. Last year the Jazz selected a much hyped teenager from Australia with the fifth pick in the draft, they hoped that their guy, Dante Exum, much of whose playing career is shrouded in the mystery that is overseas basketball, would stand out as a transcendent player.

Unquestionably Dante had a shaky debut, his first season in the NBA left fans with more questions than answers. Still the size, athleticism, youth and promise of good-to-greatness, had Jazz fans salivating more than Mark Price in a free throw contest. Undoubtedly, the rookie jitters would be out of his system this season and the player we’d see on the court would be a far greater representation of who Exum truly is. Many rookies take the biggest leap of their careers in their second season, they’ve gathered an understanding of the NBA game and develop an adeptness for injecting themselves into it. That is of course unless you tear your ACL while in an Australian national team jersey in a game against Slovenia.

The 6’6 combo guard had just wrapped up a summer league tour that had many believing he was indeed a valuable asset and part of Utah’s future. His shooting touch had improved and that athleticism and quick leap were witnessed in spades. Now, with the ACL tear, Exum will likely miss the entire season, as is usually the case. Sure, some come back sooner, but in all likelihood, Dante won’t be crossing anybody up this year. Luckily an ACL tear, while a debilitating injury, with time, is easily healed from. The only question is what will it do to his basketball ability arc, will the injury serve as a hiccup or a hurdle? A stop sign or a roadblock? A dribble hand off or a Shaquille O’Neal high screen? Dante Exum is a very young man and his best years are surely ahead of him, but the onus is on him to commit to a diligent rehabilitation and return to the court with little to no beats skipped.

For the Jazz, realistically little changes. The team hoped to trend upward this season upon the shoulders of their more established, albeit young core. Exum was to be the cherry atop the Salt Lake Sundae. However, it can be suggested that had Exum had a breakout year, Trey Burke would have likely been on the Trey-de table. Now he has a chance to showcase his skills and the Jazz should have raised the interest of potential suitors.

Get well Dante, there simply aren’t enough Australians to go around in the NBA, we need all the ones we’ve got.

NBA Opinions

Catch Deandre If You Can

July 10, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

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Decisions, decisions, decisions. What’s a sought after free agent to do? Be held to your word? Nah.

Deandre did the unexpected, not the unthinkable or unprecedented, when he undecided his decision (No red velvet cakes were harmed in the process.). Jordan had previously opted for a four year $80 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks. A surprise move that left the Clippers completely devoid of any big man depth and losing their defensive anchor. The move would have made Dallas marginally superior to the previous year’s iteration that limped into the Playoffs, exiting with little more than a whimper. With Jordan, despite assumed promises of an interior offensive focus and advanced inclusion in set plays, the Mavericks would be an incrementally improved team, still with no realistic hope of title contention. The Clippers on the other hand, were to have gone from legitimate championship challengers, to a vastly inferior squad. Deandre simply fits the Clippers, he’s the relish to their ketchup and mustard. Yes, he is their third wheel, but what’s a tricycle with just two wheels? A completely unusable mode of transportation, no matter the alignment of the remaining two wheels, thus flawlessly sealing this analogy. Deandre is said to have reconsidered his free agency destination less than a week after selecting Texas’s largest city. Understandably so. The Mavs showed him the respect he so desperately desired and treated him the way he always longed for in LA. Unfortunately, eventually the season was going to begin and he would have to play for the team he was actually signing with. That is until he made an honest appeal to Clippers coach/gm Doc Rivers, and regaled the former champion coach of his self doubt and personal regret. Doc waisted little time in assembling a task force and made haste for H-town.

According to all reports, the current Clippers performed their very own #occupydeandre, setting up shop in the center’s home and refusing to leave until a contract was signed by the 6’11 big man. Somehow Deandre was OK with all of this. Seemingly accepting that his current/past teammates didn’t think enough of him to leave him unattended. Apparently Jordan is so impressionable that whomever retained the final word in free agency, would be the recipient of his services. We all know they were playing cards and video games and having a generally good old time, however, it says something that a team feels so strongly that it must remain in physical proximity to their subject of courtship, in order to remain their preferred suitor. Either way the Clippers got their man and are a much better team for it. Had this whirlwind of less-than-final decisions ended otherwise, the same cannot be said. Yet, before basketball fans begin their standing ovation (Let’s be honest this is better for the NBA.), one question remains. What of the Dallas Mavericks?

Deep in the heart of Texas, one star shines a little less bright. Mark Cuban believed he got his man, the dominant center to pair with the aging-like-a-fine-wine-about-to-spoil-at-any-second, all time legend, Dirk Nowitzki. Add in valuable swingman, Chandler Parsons and the recently invested in, (Now four years and $70 million.) former Blazer Wes Matthews, who by the way is returning from an Achilles tear. That last part ain’t too pretty. The Mavs have traded for veteran ZaZa Pachulia to join the front court, but truth be told this is by no means their preferred roster. The Mavericks will struggle to make the Playoffs and continue to lose out on the latter years of Nowitzki’s career.

It was always a surprise that Jordan was headed to Dallas, the Clippers system fits him like a glove. Perhaps he came to the same realization as Doc Rivers years ago when he accepted that his offense is best off relegated to put backs and roaring dunks in traffic. Or perhaps he believes that this whole scenario will convey his offensive aspirations, that the Clippers will promote from within, developing new sets and schemes with the inclusion of their nearly spurned center. Either way this move makes basketball sense, Deandre never should have left LA, whether that’s fair to Mark Cuban, Wes Matthews and the Dallas Mavericks and their fans, is an entirely different story.

NBA Opinions

Winners and Losers From The 2015 NBA Draft

July 1, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

The 2015 NBA draft has come and gone, now GMs, owners, coaches and fans everywhere all have shiny new players to salivate over, speculate on, denigrate and in some cases, already envision trading. The pressure cooker environment of the war rooms is not for the faint of heart. It’s difficult to imagine a five minute decision shaping your team’s future success and, thus, your job security. That’s why it’s easy for us to sit back today and declare the winners and losers! (Note: Not every team is featured below, only the major teams of note.)

Minnesota Timberwolves – Winners: The wolves left little to debate, declaring early on their intentions of drafting Karl-Anthony Towns. They wanted him, they got him and he will fit in perfectly with their organization. Paired with Andrew Wiggins, the Wolves should be very interesting in the coming years.

Los Angeles Lakers – Broke Even: The Lakers threw many for a curve when they selected D’Angelo Russell with the second pick. Russell is sure to be a terrific player, but this is the Lakers, a team with a storied tradition of skilled big men. From Mikan to Chamberlain to Kareem to Shaq, even Dwight Howard for a cup of coffee, Okafor seemed like a sure fit. Russell’s selection is a clear signal of the changing value of today’s centers, seven feet just ain’t what it used to be.

Philadelphia 76ers – Broke Even: This is no slight against Jahlil Okafor, who unquestionably will be a great player in the NBA. Simply put, the last thing the 76ers wanted to do was draft another center. They now have three legitimate prospects at the now marginalized position. The fact that Okafor is so good is what keeps Philadelphia from losing here. Would it have killed Hinkie to draft for need rather than best player available for once.

Jahlil Okafor – Loser: See above (and below).

New York Knicks – Broke Even: Stop me if you’ve heard this before, there’s this kid over in Europe that’s seven feet tall, has a shot like Larry Bird, the vision of Magic Johnson and draws comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki. Only time will tell if this was a wise selection, though for the current headline seeking Knicks, this is not a win now move.

New York Knicks Fans – Huge Losers: Booing their draft picks has become something of a tradition with Knicks fans. It isn’t one to be proud of. The top three players were off the board, Phil Jackson did the right thing in selecting the player with the greatest upside. It’s a risk, but a worthwhile one. Should Porzingis be a complete bust or develop into an Allstar, Knicks fans will never have another chance to make a first impression with the foreign born player. They did nothing to ingratiate themselves to the newest member of their team. Besides, there may be larger decisions looming for them to redirect their ire.

Orlando Magic – Winners: With even more players off the board, the Magic made the right move in drafting Mario Hezonja. The Magic will likely look to bring the Croatian to the Magic Kingdom as soon as possible. They’re a rebuilding team and he might as well be there for the whole shebang.

Sacramento Kings – Broke Even: Willy Cauley-Stein was a reach for the Kings at number six, they took him early, no doubt about it. However, WCS will without question succeed in the NBA. He is tailor made for the current basketball trend of defensive centers that rely primarily on dunks and putbacks. There is some concern about his rebounding ability, but at 7’1, expect that to be of little concern moving forward. The Kings have stated that they intend to pair him with Boogie Cousins in the front court. The potential success rate for that duo yields far less confidence.

Denver Nuggets – Winners: Emmanuel Mudiay at number seven is a solid pick. With lawson likely heading out, knock-knock Sacramento, Mudiay should be a good piece to rebuild with.

Charlotte Hornets – Losers: Frank Kaminsky has all the feel of a college superstar and an NBA role player. Frank could prove doubters wrong, however, his lack of speed and athleticism will likely be exposed in the pros. The strongest reason for Charlotte’s poor grade is what they didn’t do. Reportedly, the Boston Celtics offered a package of six draft picks (Coveted Nets picks included.) to swap places. Supposedly Michael Jordan desperately wanted Frank the Tank, but It is highly probable that Kaminsky would have been available much later in the draft. This means they could have had the player they wanted and the picks on top.

Miami Heat –Winners: Perhaps the biggest winners of the night when Justise Winslow fell into the lap of Pat Riley. It’s not hard to picture Riley sitting back, smirking, fighting back the urge cackle at the feebleness of his contemporaries. Winslow has the look of an NBA scorer, always a valuable attribute. This will be one of those picks discussed years from now, wondering how Justise Winslow fell so far.

Boston Celtics – Losers: An ill advised trip to the Playoffs, where they were soundly dispatched by the Cavaliers in just four games, left a rebuilding Boston outside of the Lottery. Terry Rozier will hopefully be a star one day, for now he looks like a mammoth reach at #16. It’s Boston’s failed attempts at moving up in the draft that are the most disconcerting. Armed with a horde of picks, the Celtics were unable to entice anyone in the lottery, to let them in.

Now we play the waiting game, who will bust and who will surprise, some will take longer than others. One thing is for sure though, the NBA is the hardest league to get better in. It’s a cutthroat industry and sometimes a little good fortune can make or break you. Good luck to all selected and to those selecting, may the odds be ever in your favor.

NBA Opinions

Is It Time For The Knicks To Ship Out Carmelo Anthony?

June 30, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 1

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The New York Knicks have not been legitimate title contenders since the mid 90’s when Patrick Ewing patrolled the paint, punishing all who dared defend him. They did make the Finals in 1999, but that was a miraculous appearance. The Knicks had virtually no chance of defeating the Spurs as they won their first of five championships in fifteen years. They have managed to put together respectable seasons, even winning 54 games and the Atlantic Division as recently as the 2012-2013 season. Another team that, contrary to their fan base’s beliefs, had no real chance of advancing past the Lebron-lead Miami Heat, despite their head-to-head success in the regular season. It wouldn’t matter, the emerging Playoff threat Pacers removed the Knicks in the second round. That was the peak of the Carmelo years in New York. Anthony is a devastatingly powerful, offensive force and effective rebounder for his position, but his defensive shortcomings, paired with his woeful lack of leadership always leave fans clamoring for more. As a second option or a piece of a structured cohesive squad, Carmelo could be very, very useful. As the centerpiece of a franchise looking to regain relevance, his weakness become glaring. The Knicks have not undergone a total rebuild, even when it’s appeared time.

New York City is commonly regarded as the capitol of the world, America’s grandest metropolis and therefore, shouldn’t need to pump the brakes, let the car run to empty, before refueling and burning through quarter miles. A lot of things should happen. Isaiah Thomas shouldn’t have signed every offensive guard in the world, along with problem big men, but he did and it set the franchise back. New York now enters this free agency with a a plethora of cap space, something it hasn’t had in quite some time. This is a terrific free agent class and the popularity of the city gives them access to players that their front office and ownership assuredly, do not deserve.

Should the Knicks strike out in free agency and fail to partner Carmelo Anthony with premiere players ex: Aldridge, Love etc., it may be time to reevaluate the roster. The Knicks are reportedly the favorites to sign Greg Monroe and Aaron Afflalo. Very good players, but as long as Lebron looms, not good enough, even in the depleted Easter Conference. Also, of note, the Knicks are coming off of a very poor season, in which Carmelo sat out most of the year. What happens when you have a bad season? You’re team is in the lottery, where they will be selecting players that should be of great influence on the NBA for years to come.

Reportedly, Phil Jackson went out of his way to reassure his star player that the Knicks would be looking to draft someone capable of contributing immediately. That doesn’t sound like Kristaps Porzingis, the 19 year old Latvian big man who looks like his body needs a few more years to fully develop.

Typically big men take longer to mature in the NBA, which means we are looking at likely 3-4 years before Porzingis starts paying dividends for the Knicks. Carmelo can’t wait that long. The potentially volatile 31 year old, if not paired with equivalent talent, could net large returns on the trade market. Should the Knicks commit to a proper rebuild, perhaps another team that whiffs in free agency may look to acquire talent by other means. Typically trading within your division is frowned upon, but the 76ers and Celics both have a plethora of future picks and could both use an upgrade at the small forward.

Carmelo feels like a Knick, he should be there and it should work, but it isn’t. He’s one of the most unique players in the NBA, whom if not a part of the perfect formula, actually holds you back. As currently constituted, marketing aside and focusing purely on basketball balance, the Knicks are very, very far from a good fit.

NBA Opinions

The 76ers – Master Plan or Massive Failure

June 30, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 0

If you’re not competitive enough to vie for an NBA title, you should be tanking. This is a team building system that gains prevalence day by day throughout front offices and fan bases alike. There are of course geographical anomalies, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, free agent destinations so sought after that little is required of their general manager other than maintaining cap space. But, for the common townsfolk of the NBA, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Denver, a true systematic strategy must be employed and be aware your fan’s loyalty is at stake. For this discussion we find ourselves eating cheesesteaks, running up stairs, boxing, dressing up like Ben Franklin and generally acting out any other cliche associated with the city of Philadelphia, the Panzer of the NBA.

Sam Hinkie, 76ers general manager, took over in 2013, since that time he has never outright said it, but his actions clearly depict a man who has no interest in seeing his team win games. Should you prove to be a serviceable player over the age of 22, you might as well pack your bags now, Sam will deal you for future draft picks faster then a Tim Hardaway killer crossover. Many teams in the league tinker with this notion, but only Philadelphia goes all in, casting aside fan interest, disregarding league wide humiliation and risking any legitimacy in free agency, all for what Hinkie believes is the greater good. When cap space is required, the 76ers are all too happy to absorb bad contracts and receive second round picks, they have become the leagues scrapyard. Sam Hinkie might as well don a cheap suit, pop in a grill and run ads on local public access cable offering to “Buy your junk!” But is it working? The 76ers have drafted in enviable positions for the last three years, however, they do find themselves in a bit of an oversized quandary.

With the NBA shifting more and more to positionless lineups with a propensity for small ball, the 76ers will have a tough time fitting 21 feet of center into their regular rotation. Hinkie leaves no room for debate, he believes in drafting the player he sees as the best available. Clearly he thinks it has been a center… For the last three years. At some point, at least one of the three will likely be on the move once the roster shapes up. There’s at least one of the three that it appears would like to make his way out sooner rather than later. There are also some other issues that may have influence on that decision process.

Any injury is bad, but when a seven footer misses seasons because of broken feet, the clock is ticking. Hopefully Embiid will not suffer the same fate as previous big men with similar issues.

The 76ers other recent lottery pick, Dario Saric has indicated that he will not play for them this season, as he continues to fulfill his contract with Turkish team Anadolu Efes. Saric is in the second year of a three year commitment, there is a buyout option on his contract, but it has proven to be high enough that Philadelphia will unlikely meet it. What does all this mean? In short, Philadelphia would love to stash Saric away in Europe and bring him over next year, thus beginning his rookie pay scale contract. Saric and his representatives are aware of this, which is why he will see out his contract, come to the NBA at it’s end, where he will be eligible to negotiate a new deal under the escalated salary cap in 2017. Bad news for Sam Hinkie’s pennywise 76ers.

In the meantime, the 76ers have played to greatly diminished crowds, exampling the distinct fading of their once loyal fans. Philadelphia runs the risk of sustained irrelevance resulting in permanent disdain. Should the 76ers 21 feet of center take the league by storm or a windfall of up-and-comers imported via trade, eventually get them on the winning path, the fans should eventually return. But what if they don’t? Is this a risk worth taking, is it even necessary, do you have to be this bad to get good? Philadelphia is typically not a premiere free agent destination, now it’s name is never uttered with any consideration. Seemingly just the way Sam Hinkie likes it. Some think Hinkie is creating job security for himself, with such lowered expectations, the spotlight is rarely cast upon his decision making, rather the hope for a transcendent player. Should that player never come, there will be few questions as to who is to blame for this period of prolonged anguish. For the sake of Sam’s career, there better be something brighter for the city of brotherly love. Forgot to add that cliche earlier.

NBA Opinions

The Rightful Finals MVP

June 29, 2015 — by Erich Schubert — 1

The 2015 NBA FInals have come and gone, the Golden State Warriors now perched atop basketball’s highest summit. The Warriors and the Cavaliers playing styles were in stark contrast to one another, albeit Cleveland’s hand was slightly forced due to injuries. The Warriors executed team basketball flawlessly, relying on their tried and true stars as heavily as their bench contributors. So much so that it was Andre Iguodala, a player who began the series as a reserve, that ultimately raised the Bill Russell Trophy. Iguodala was stellar, providing key three pointers at important junctures and providing steadfast defense on Lebron James, the series’ most dangerous player. Where it any regular series, Iguodala would have been a valid recipient of the award, a key piece in the championship his team had attained.

But…

Silly. That’s the word that best describes what Lebron just did. Lebron average 35.8 points, 13.3 rebounds, 8.8 assists and just 3.5 turnovers per game in the Finals against the best defensive team in the NBA. Oh yeah and with a rotation so depleted they were relegated to seven players and sorely missed Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love. Lebron almost averaged a triple double in a series where Matthew “Australian Mario Chalmers” Dellavedova was considered a legitimate scoring option.

We all knew he was the rightful MVP, but, “You can’t give the award to a player on the losing team.” That’s the unwritten rule at least. Buck that trend. This isn’t to say that the league should go about awarding the trophy willy nilly to a member of a team who gets routed in the Finals, but in a situation as glaringly obvious as this, trends are made to be broken. That’s really all the situation boils down to, a trend. Jerry West did receive the award while a member of the Lakers when they lost to the Celtics in the 1969 Finals, so it has happened. Uncommon, yes. Unprecedented, no. After the performance we all just “witnessed” it’s a crime to give the award to anyone other than Lebron James.