Pondering About The NBA Lottery

I have a real love/hate relationship with the NBA Draft Lottery.  I like that they do not use the traditional worst team picks first, but I hate how people make such a big deal out of it.  Especially since there is a good shot, the NBA will be heading to a lockout (love that word, pysch.).  Add also to the fact, this could be one of the least memorable draft classes in a long time.  The Milwaukee Bucks only have a 1.1 percent chance so it would be their luck that they get a high draft pick in what appears to be an irrelevant draft. But these are all assumptions, so until we watch these guys play, how are we certain they are all destined to be Stromile and Robert Swift?  Not related, I know shocking.  

Now, I am not NBA historian, but I decided to look at past drafts starting in 1997 to see if this really has the potential to be uglier than The Terminator's divorce.  Sometimes I think draft insiders look too much into things, and freak out when in reality, some of these guys are winners and it translates into good things at the next level.  I decide to look at guys who have all made key contributions to playoff teams, or been solid starters for teams. I end in 2009 because last year remains unclear.  


1997: Tim Duncan, Chauncey Billups, and Tracey McGrady
1998: Antwan Jamison, Vince Carter, Dirk Nowitzki, and Paul Pierce
1999: Elton Brand, Steve Francis, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Richard Hamilton, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion and Jason Terry

2000: Kenyon Martin and Jamal Crawford (reaching a bit there) 
2001:  Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol, Jason Richardson, Joe Johnson, and Richard Jefferson
2002:  Nene, Amar'e Stoudamire and Caron Butler
2003: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Kirk Heinrich, and Nick Collison
2004: Dwight Howard, Devin Harris, Luol Deng, and Andre Iguodala
2005: Andrew Bogut, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Raymond Felton, and Andrew Bynum
2006: LaMarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, and Rudy Gay
2007: Kevin Durant, Al Hortford, Mike Conley, and Joakim Noah
2008: Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, and Eric Gordon
2009: Blake Griffin, James Harden (we think), and Brandon Jennings

If i peer into my crystal ball, I think the 2010 class has a chance to be similar with John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins for sure, and plenty of guys I wouldn't sleep on like Gordon Hayward or Paul George.  Basically, people believe this will be as worst as 2000 or 2002. I think 02' is more realistic because a lot of the busts in that draft were college-experienced players rather than high schoolers and foreign-born players. The likes of DaJuan Wagner and Chris Wilcox to name a few. 

For whatever it's worth, I love the way Derrick Williams plays and said in March, he would be an awesome piece to have for any team in the lottery.  I also think Kemba Walker and Brandon Knight could be pretty solid point guards in the league plus Jimmer Fredette will be great off the bench for a team who is on the cusp of making the playoffs. So if your team gets the first pick tonight carry a glass-half full approach and tell yourself it adds to your team plus he can contribute in the future.

-Charlie.

The Southwest Showdown

I have to tell you I am conflicted on who to pick for the Western Conference Finals.  The reason? Well there are so many tasty story lines for each team, we could serve them as a huge plate on an episode of Man v. Food.   There is so many things that interest me about this individual series, and then the series after it if either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Dallas Mavericks advance.  I don't care if I am the 2414th blogger to say this, but I am so happy to not see the same teams in the Conference Finals. It's a great change of pace, and either team in the NBA Finals will be a breath of fresh air. Hopefully I can figure out the pick by the end of this post.





NBA Playoffs 2011: Where
everyone including me jumped
back on the Dirk bandwagon



Dirk v. KD-  I trust Marc Stein of ESPN.com when he talks about Dallas, and he discussed at great length how Dirk isn't as bad of a defender that people make him out to be.  He says that he is a good team defender. I know he will not guard Kevin Durant, nor will Dirk guard KD, but he is one of the only players who can look Durant in the eye each time down the court. The funny thing is both of these players should guard each other, but worry about getting tired on the defensive end. I predict both guys have huge series unless they start matching up with each other. Also both of these players need to hammer the lane, and try to find the other so rack up the fouls early.

Old Fellas v. Young Gunnas- This is like watching a YMCA adult league where you see the older men maybe some former college stars taking the young, upbeat college kids for the championship. The Mavericks have a great number of players from my time growing up an NBA fan like Jason Kidd, Peja Stojakovic, Shawn Marion, Jason Terry, and even Dirk. All of these guys are ring-less, and everyone of them minus Dirk knows this is their last shot at an NBA title.

In the other corner, Durant ready to put himself on the next level of superstars in the NBA, Russell Westbrook making the argument for either being the best second banana in the NBA, or the next Stephon Marbury, and Serge Ibaka on the cusp of being an All-Star player on both ends of the court. I can almost guarantee you there will be some chippy play in the first two games as a way for each side to establish themselves, just like in Y ball. The old men want to show these 'kids' who owns the court.

J-Kidd v. Russ- I heard Kidd's quote yesterday saying Westbrook is the second-fastest point guard he faces in the league right now, other than NBA MVP Derrick Rose.  Kidd is a crafty veteran, but I find it hard to believe he will be able to keep up with Westbrook for the entire series. Although Kidd is drinking from the fountain of youth that Mark Cuban bought his team before the playoffs so who knows maybe he can do it.  I do believe unlike the Memphis series, this could be a Westbrook-first series.  I think my biggest beef with Westbrook's shooting has been his lack of finishing near the paint therefore it looks like a shittier shot than it actually was.  Also it's not his fault Scott Brooks coaches with a children book instead of a playbook.

Mark Cuban- Notice how Cubes (people who are cool with him can call him that) is barely doing any interviews during the playoffs?  Just giving emphatic gestures from his seat like a proud father at his son's high school game.  He isn't giving any quotables to the opposing team or bitching about the officials.  I figured out  the reason why... Cuban has been burned before by David Stern, and he will be damned if it happens again to him.  Cuban knows like the players do, they have a great opportunity to win the whole thing, and Cubes opening his mouth will cause more trouble than anything else.

Every and I mean every NBA conspiracy theorist knows that's true, and would also feel it is poetic justice if Stern hands Cuban, the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the Miami Screwjob.  In case you are wondering, this would rank 2nd in Awkward Sports Moments, only thing higher will be when Tiger Woods is set to win a major championship with his porn star girlfriend looking on.

Fear the Beard:  If I didn't mention James Harden, then I should not be discussing the NBA. Harden has finally stepped up to the plate and been the player we all expected him to be out of college. I have been very impressed with the way he has become a great role player for a playoff team. Also, if you are a regular reader here, you know I enjoy tremendous facial hair because I cannot grow a good beard to save my soul. The power of beard in sports has worked in mysterious ways this year with Brian Wilson's beard beginning the momentum then Brett Keisel's beard getting to the Super Bowl losing to one of the only things that can stop an epic beard.... the Green Bay Packers.  Also my buddy Microwave would probably pour a drink on me if I didn't add, he grew a Harden-like beard where I concluded he will be only non-Amish white guy to pull off this look.

Prediction: Originally in the latest Snotap pissing match also known as the NBA Bracket Challenge, I took the Thunder to the NBA Finals. So I would have to take them to win this series right?  Nope, I also took Dallas to lose in round 1 too, I think the Mavericks win because they have better coaching, not because they are more experienced, or Dirk is better than KD.  The Thunder will lose Game 5 or Game 6 because Scott Brooks gets outcoached by Rick Carlisle. After watching the three overtime game and other instances in the past month, I cannot trust Brooks any longer in this NBA Playoffs.


Dallas Mavericks in Six.

-Charlie.

DOY: Taj Gibson!

I really think I need to go to the gym when I watch sports because something cool happens all the time. This happened in the gym, and the Big Cat working out next to me, I went absolutely bananas.  Big Cat looked at me like I was a Leper.  Seriously, just an awesome dunk. I love Dwyane Wade's attitude about the whole thing saying "I have done that 90 times to people, and it happened to me once."  "I will take the 90 to 1 ratio."

-Charlie.

NBA Bracket Challenge Second Round Update

NBA Bracket Challenge: My table isn't going into Blogger right now, but basically as you can see the first number is the first round numbers, then the next number is the second round. The final number is the total amount of points. Mike Fant doing it big with Eric falling from 1st to 5th.
Mike Sant 32 34 66
Patrick 25 34 59
Charlie 26 30 56
Mitzy 27 22 49
Rocky 26 20 46
Easy E 32 12 44
Jordan T 25 12 37


If you forgot the rules here they are.  If someone feels I messed up the math, let me know.

Heat-Bulls Preview

If you were to rank the NBA Playoffs right now from the best teams to the worst remaining, BCS style, would the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat get the top spots?  I mean it might be crazy to think but if a team like Memphis or Oklahoma City gets into the NBA Finals, I will believe whoever loses this series got robbed at an opportunity to play for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.  People have jumped back on the 'Heat are unstoppable bandwagon,' and some are even calling for a quick series. I don't see that, and nor do I think the Heat are winning this series as I am taking the Chicago Bulls in seven games.

The first reason is obvious, Derrick Rose. The Heat has no point guard that can keep up with D-Rose in an enduring playoff series such as this one. Dywane Wade will do his best, but I do think a la Paul Pierce, his offensive numbers will fall off by exerting so much on the defense. Even though Wade is a top notch defender, Rose is so much quicker than anyone else on the court and find his way to the basket efficiently.  I think he learned a lot after losing game four by shooting over 30 times that he needs to do his best to get everyone involved in the offense.

While I was wavering on who to pick for this expected great series, Michael Wilbon of ESPN and noted Chicago fan made a great point about Luol Deng and Keith Bogans.  He said 'They are defensive-minded guys first, Deng and Bogans would rather being doing that then scoring on offense.'  That earned a complete co-sign from me and think Chicago's man to man defense is going to cause the role players of the Heat to step up in ways we haven't seen all year.  If the Heat's much criticized bench lives up to this challenge, they deserve to win because as I have said before, I will doubt something until you make me a believer.

The point about Deng and Bogans also means Chris Bosh needs to play at another level in this series for the Heat to win. We haven't seen it out of Bosh all playoffs, but with the Bulls' only defensive liability in Carlos Boozer, Bosh might get his opportunity to put his stamp on this team. Also trust that the Bulls will give him his shots, just like no one forgets the kid who peed his pants in the 6th grade, no one forgets Bosh's woeful 1 for 18 performance against the Bulls earlier this season. I assume the Bulls attempt to shut down LeBron and DWade, and make the other players beat them. Call it the Anti-Dwight Howard if you will. 

The Heat are playing at the highest level, so are the Bulls, this usually equates to a great series. I think you are going to see LeBron get his chance to close out a pivotal game (Game 5 did speak volumes to me personally).  You also will see a bunch of great defense, and I will be shocked if either team gets over 100 points in regulation. There is a lot of things to like in this series and I for one cannot wait for tip off in the Windy City tonight.

-Charlie.

Only Acceptable Heat Rant

I don't like the Miami Heat whatsoever. If you read my work on the NBA, you know that. But this is epic. Dan LeBatard did something along these lines for the New York Jets, but this is even better. He just comes at with line after line.  One word to say to you on this Friday... BAM!

-Charlie.

Robert "Tractor" Traylor Found Dead

Backboards around the world took a collective sigh of relief today when Robert "Tractor" Traylor was found dead in his Puerto Rican apartment.  The former Michigan grad and Milwaukee Buck was playing professionally for the Bayamon Vaqueros in Puerto Rico.  Team officials say that Traylor most likely died of a heart attack (he suffered from heart problems most of his career, even having heart surgery in 2005)

The Tractor was acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in an infamous 1998 draft day trade with the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Dirk Nowitzki.  Traylor, known more for his waist line than basketball skill, struggled with his size and conditioning throughout his short NBA career and never developed into the player some thought he could be.

In his 7 year career Tractor played for four teams (Milwaukee, Cleveland, Charlotte, and New Orleans).  He averaged 4.8 points and 3.7 rebounds.

What If Dirk Played For The Milwaukee Bucks?

Jason McIntyre who is a fantastic writer for The Big Lead posted a question on Twitter yesterday afternoon about if people remembered that Dirk Nowitzki got traded on draft day. As a Milwaukee Bucks fan, I sure as hell do, the Bucks traded Nowitzki away for Robert 'Tractor' Traylor, that's like dealing Kate Upton for Kristie Alley. My buddy Bails pointed out that the Mavs were the only team who went overseas to scout Dirk so this trade was pretty much inevitable, but here is my question… why the hell didn't the Bucks scout Dirk? If you think about Dirk is perfect for Milwaukee. He is German and Milwaukee is a German-based city. The man would have had a beer named after him by the third year plus so many more endorsements from the Brew City.




Whenever we talk about these what-if situations, people always wonder if a player would be the same if he played elsewhere. My answer would be yes for Nowitzki because I truly believe he is a top 20 player of all time right now, and will climb up that ladder if the Mavs win the NBA Finals. I think a majority of the NBA teams could have drafted Dirk, and he would have been a great player. I believe 1998 was the last year that the Bucks picked in the lottery for a long time because Ray Allen hit his stride, Sam Cassell was brought in, and Glenn 'Big Dog' Robinson had already been in his prime at the time of drafting him. Nowitzki would not have any pressure in Milwaukee, and been allowed to grow in the first couple years. Let's also remember the Bucks missed out on Paul Pierce who was drafted a spot below Dirk, got to love the Bucks in the NBA Draft! 


If the Bucks kept Dirk, they would have easily been in the NBA Finals. The 2001 team that should have been in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first place if it wasn't for David Stern playing the role of Vince McMahon guaranteeing the Philadelphia 76ers and Allen Iverson would be playing the Lake Show. It was a screw job, and everyone who watches basketball knows that. Sorry my rant is over about that, but Dirk would have played the four with a monster lineup that would have been the best team in the Eastern Conference. 


That team would have had Cassell-Allen-Big Dog-Nowitzki-Tragic Johnson with Tim Thomas coming off the bench as a vital sixth man. The other question I have, would Ray-Ray have played in Milwaukee for another 10 years? The naïve side of me that has purple jersey hanging in my childhood bedroom would like to think that could have been a possibility. To me, Dirk would have been the first basketball superstar the city of Milwaukee has seen in over 30 years. They had some great players in the 80s and in the 90s but no one at the level of Dirk. I do hope that Brandon Jennings or Andrew Bogut becomes that guy for a franchise that seems to be stuck in neutral.


The other side of this would be what if Dallas never got Dirk? I still think they find their superstar somewhere down the road because with Mark Cuban's money, they really were able to afford anyone. They might have kept Steve Nash and paired him up with another player. It's fun to play these sorts of games and wonder what if sometimes. Because these dreams will never be realities, rather just a wish that something better would have happened for your team. 

 
-Charlie.

Closing Time: Andrei Kirilenko Channels His Inner-Birdman

(Props to Ball Dont Lie) Seriously, this might be the scariest thing I have seen since the Betty White Sex Tape (kidding, thank God). Like what the hell is that? Gotta love Russians though, just pour AK47 some vodka and give him this tat in full. I bet he didn't even move a muscle for this enormous tattoo. Another thought... he has to have mirrors on his ceiling because that's the only way, this makes sense. He can watch his tattoo give his 'I don't care if you sleep with other women' smokebomb wife the business. Obviously, I await the Chris 'Birdman' Anderson counter. Your move Mr. Birdman.

-Charlie.

Tell Tale Signs From Triple Overtime

Last night I thought it would be just a normal sports night with nothing going on and allow for my hiatus to continue from writing some lengthy posts.  Oh, how wrong I was as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies in three overtimes last night 133-123. It was one of those games where there ended up being so many interesting story lines that came out of this game, and could define the rest of the NBA Playoffs.



The first thing the Tuesday Morning Point Guards have jumped on has been the lack of coaching that went on in this game, which made for a sloppy overtime period.  Now, I agree there were some horrific moments in this game, but when two teams play 63 minutes, it is obvious there are going to be a lot of flaws for us to nitpick.  Additionally, Lionel Hollins versus Scott Brooks is not like Phil Jackson versus Chuck Daly. Hollins made an obvious error by putting O.J. Mayo out there to foul when he had five, and don't even get me started with Mr. Brooks.

I tweeted yesterday that Brooks is the Ned Yost of the NBA.  The guy is absolutely clueless. There is no offense, and he has no idea how to manage his big guys. I understand Serge Ibaka's ankle is weak and had five fouls, but why did Ibaka only get in the game after Kendrick Perkins fouled out in the third OT?  It makes zero sense to me.  At least rotate him for defensive help, but BrooksYost babied his ankle way too much.  The other problem with Brooks' style is he forgot to tell Russell Westbrook to pass the ball.

Westbrook had 40 points, but it was a forced effort. He did not let the points come to him, instead Westbrook decided that he would have the ball at all times attempting to score each time down. He ignored the fact that he had Kevin Durant on his team who by the way, only shot 20 times compared to Westbrook's insanely high 33. Not to mention, Westbrook played six minutes less than KD making that number even more ridiculous.

The only fair defense of what happened last night would be Durant facing guys like Shane Battier and Tony Allen, two guys who are lock down defenders. Even so, I think KD can make things happen against those individuals. Durant not touching the ball for nine minutes is inexcusable. Westbrook's style of play reminded me of Allen Iverson or Stephon Marbury.  It was finally clear last night that Westbrook wants no part of being the second banana of this team.

I would like to see Westbrook dish it off to James Harden or Durant, and start to move around the court to create a better shot.  Westbrook has this theory about himself that he can do similar things to Derrick Rose, which he sure as hell cannot.  Oklahoma City isn't going to win a ton of games with Westbrook throwing up garbage at the rim. The worst thing about this all is that Brooks cannot handle these personalities so if this napalms on the Thunder, they will be split up like the Minnesota Timberwolves did back in the day when Marbury didn't realize his role of number 2.

-Charlie.

NBA Hypocrisy

Someone please tell me the difference between these two plays...

vs.

Wade gets a technical and succeeds in getting Pierce ejected.  Odom gets handed a flagrant 2, gets tossed, and probably will be suspended for the first game or two of next season.  Both players clearly put a shoulder into the chest of a guy setting a screen.  The only difference is that the Lakers were clearly out of that game.  The NBA continues to be plagued by terrible officiating. 

Are the NBA Playoffs Still Happening?

The NBA playoffs need a major face lift.  I remember two weeks ago when the entire sporting community was pumped up for the amazing ride ahead.  Fast forward to the present and the first round dragged on so long that the playoffs have seemed to take a backseat to the NFL draft/labor dispute and (I hate to say it) the NHL.  Commissioner Stern needs to give his playoffs a shot of 5 hour energy.  Before I lay out what I think needs to change about the NBA playoffs I'll be very clear; none of these changes will ever be implemented for the simple fact that they would most likely reduce television revenues.

In my opinion there are two big changes the NBA needs to adopt to keep the league in the forefront of the sporting community's collective minds.

1) Bring the first round back to 5 games.

Moving back to best of 5 series in the first round will keep the playoffs from becoming stagnant.  In the first round this year none of the outcomes would have been different if the series were played in just 5 games.  What is the value in playing a best of 7 series outside of increased TV revenue? 

When the playoffs first started no one was talking about Miami vs Philly or the Lakers vs the Hornets.  Outside of Boston - NY the entire basketball community was already looking forward to the potential drama filled conference semi finals.  Why drag out the first round and risk losing the excitement of your fan base?

2) Cut out the off days

The biggest issue I have the with NBA playoffs is that they take soooo damn long.  Basketball was in the air two weeks ago and the league fails to capitalize on that excitement.  These teams play back to back games consistently throughout the season, why can't they do that in the playoffs?  The NBA needs to move back to the time where the only off days were travel days.  There's no reason that these teams need a day off between every single game in the playoffs. 

I want to see the NBA regain its glory and popularity.  These changes need to be made to keep fans excited and into the playoffs.

NBA Semifinals Predictions

The NBA Playoffs have been terrific so far.  Every series had one or two nail biters, we have a Cinderella team, and a couple great series to look forward to in the upcoming weeks. I myself misfired on the Portland-Dallas series, Orlando-Atlanta series, and of course, Memphis-San Antonio. I thought the Grizzles would give them a series, but I didn't expect them to win the series.  

Eastern Conference  

1.) Chicago versus 5.) Atlanta- I am personally surprised to see the Hawks playing in the second round, and hopefully, they will give a better effort this season compared to past years.  Not having Kirk Heinrich will definitely hurt them because the guy has been a catalyst on offense, but he is just another body to guard Derrick Rose on defense. I think the Hawks' big men could make a difference, but Rose will once again be too good to stop on a nightly basis.  Chicago in six. 

2.) Miami versus 3.) Boston- Some please explain to me how Boston can look completely dead in the last two months of the NBA season, and now look like an entirely different team?  I feel like Ashton Kutcher should come out of hiding and tell me I have been Punk'd.  So many interesting story lines in this series, whether it's LeBron vs. Boston, Chris Bosh v. Kevin Garnett, old crown vs. new royalty. Remember how Michael Jordan took down Detroit finally after two unsuccessful tries?  That's what LeBron needs to do with Boston to take that next step, or this season is a complete failure plus we have to reevaluate LeBron's ceiling in the NBA. I expect a knock down drag out fight in each game with LeBron finally coming up big in a clutch moment.  Miami in seven 

Western Conference 

4.) Oklahoma City versus 8.) Memphis - The Grizzlies and Thunder find themselves in a new position, the second round. Zach Randolph will have to find ways to score against the twin towers of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka.  I think this has to be Russell Westbrook series for the Thunder to win. In my opinion, Kevin Durant will not have much success against Tony Allen who is a top notch defender, and Westbrook will be forced to put this team on his back for at least a couple games.  This will be a very competitive, exciting series.  Oklahoma City in six 

2.) Los Angeles versus 3.) Dallas- The Lakers seemed to find their swagger in games five and six  against New Orleans, and Dallas did the same thing against Portland. It's unreal we haven't seen a Kobe Bryant vs. Dirk Nowitzki series, and I can guarantee we will have one game where both of the guys will just go absolutely bananas trading buckets with each other.  I will also tell you Pau Gasol is going to have a hell of a time with Tyson Chandler, same goes for Andrew Bynum.  Shawn Marion will need to find his old defensive self because the Mavs might be some trouble with who is guarding Kobe.  Even though Boston-Miami has a chance to be great, I think this will be the best series of them all. Los Angeles in seven. 

First game starts at noon tomorrow, should be special.

-Charlie.

NBA Bracket Challenge Update

NBA Bracket Challenge	Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Conference Finals	NBA Finals	Total Points
Easy E	32				32
Mike Sant	32				32
Mitzy	27				27
Charlie	26				26
Bertus Rocky	26				26
Jordan T	25				25
Patrick	25				25

Well folks here is an update on the NBA Bracket Challenge, if you forgot the rules here they are.  If someone feels I messed up the math, let me know. I will be making my predictions for the semifinals, which will be very good

-Charlie.

DOY: Kobe Bryant

I missed this dunk watching hockey last night. The Black Mamba just destroyed Emeka Okafor, I mean destroyed him. Kobe hasn't done this to a player in a long time.  Also the secret to last night's victory was Kobe not shooting as much, but shhh don't tell anybody.

-Charlie.

DOY: Darrell Arthur

A lot of things to like about this video:  1.) The great block by Darrell Arthur  2.) The hustle by Arthur allowing him to bang on Tiago Splitter  3.) Whoomp There It Is still being played in an NBA arena.  I am not ready to say this is the end of the San Antonio Spurs, but we are getting pretty damn close.

-Charlie.

Brandon Roy Responds

Wow. It's been a while. As you can see, the noose of the spring semester is tightening for most of us, including yours truly, but I'll take some time to talk about what happened last night in Portland.

After the Portland TrailBlazers dropped Game 3 to the Dallas Mavericks in Oregon, the frustration of star guard Brandon Roy was obvious and almost boiling over. The three-time all-star and former rookie of the year, played just eight minutes Wednesday night and was beginning to question where he fit in with Nate McMillan's squad.


What a difference Game 4 made for Mr. Roy.



The Blazers were down by as much as 23 points in the third quarter after missing their first 15 shots of the second half, and the game seemed all but over. Then, as fate would have it, Roy got going. After having just six points on 1-3 shooting in the first three quarters, he shot 8-10 in the fourth, racking up 18 points in the process. The Blazers as a team shot 75 percent from the field in the fourth, completing one of the greatest playoff comebacks of all-time. The 18 point deficit to start the fourth is good enough to be tied for second on the all-time playoff comeback list.

Roy put da team on his back.

The Mavericks have a pretty strong history of playoff nightmares, and this will haunt Dirk and the boys at the very least until Monday when Game 5 takes place in Dallas. ESPN's Chris Mullin said it best, they need to get a win to get this loss behind them. Unfortunately for the Mavs, the Blazers now have a guy that can close at the end of these of games in Brandon Roy.

You have to feel great for Roy. He's been hampered by possible career-ending knee problems for the last year after being rushed back for the playoffs last year after that emergency arthroscopic knee surgery. Roy did not play well in the 2010 post-season and that carried into this season. Roy missed some significant time this year and that was the reason why many questioned if such a bright star had burned out far too early.

Hopefully after last night, a guy with as much talent as Roy will start to get back on track. It'd be a shame to have a guy that is so unassuming and humble go to waste.

-Mitsy

Observations From An Average NBA Fan

Since we are moving to the lower seed locations, I thought I would give a bunch of quick hitters with some links about the different series. I have watched bits and pieces of every series therefore I am as much of an NBA expert as Lindsey Lohan is an expert with sobriety.

Dallas-Portland 

-I wanted to start with this series because it has made me feel like an idiot. I jumped on the bandwagon with everybody else about how the Trail Blazers would beat the Mavericks for a variety of reasons (Dirk postseason struggles, younger role players, Greg Oden's penis (still funny, no?) But it's clear to me this upset will not happen. Reasons...

1.) Brandon Roy is destroying team chemistry- All sorts of reports are out about Roy being unhappy and when chemistry is off, it takes a special team to win just one series. Also it takes a special coach to do manage an unhappy team, Nate McMillan isn't cutting it. 

2.) Jason Kidd is obviously drinking from the fountain of youth right now. He is playing like did in New Jersey in the first two games, best I have seen him in years. Random question but why does Jason Kidd's child never get shown anymore? Another one, does the kid still have a giant f-----' head?  

3.) If Dirk collapses another 2-0 lead, things need to be discussed about his career, but I doubt the German will allow to happen, I will be shocked if it goes more than five.  

Boston-New York 

-A very exciting series so far where the Knicks failed to close in game one worst than I do on a regular Friday night in Eau Claire and Melo became a pseudo-Cleveland LeBron in Game 2. 

-So far, it's good to see Boston mailed in the last two months of the NBA season. Totally night and day team, I can see why my dad hates the NBA. This reason alone would drive me away.    

-Carmelo Anthony had one of the worst performances by a superstar in recent memory for Game 1, and followed it up with one of the grittiest performances playing with scrubs like Bill Walker, Toney Douglas, and Jared Jeffries.

-Of course, I have to travel when Game 3 gets underway on Friday.  It will be an absolute mad house in Madison Square Garden, and I doubt the Celtics win this game.   

New Orleans-Los Angeles 

-Chris Paul reminded everyone including me that if his Brandon Roys excuse me his knees are feeling okay, he is the best point guard in the league. CP3 looked differently in round 2 with the multiple defenders on him, curious to see how he responds in the following game. 

-Pau Gasol isn't really helping the whole argument that 'Europeans turn to jelly when the postseason roles around'.  WE NEED MORE BLACK SWAN PAU!   

-In case you are wondering, I am still recovering from Aaron Gray's 12 point performance in Game 1. I still don't know how that's possible in the NBA.   

-Interesting article here about Lamar Odom if his reality show influences his pro career. I will say this when I may have channel flipped to the Kardashian Network also known as E!, Lamar does seem soft on these shows.  Also you know these players give him shit for that, no doubt about it.  

Indiana-Chicago 

-Derrick Rose is so far proving why he is the NBA MVP.  Rose has done some magical things on the basketball court in the first two games, and disappointed Game 3 is on NBATV instead of TNT because Rose is a primetime event whenever he is on television.  

-Tyler Hansbrough being meaningful in the NBA Playoffs means Tim Tebow will be starting an NFL Playoff game in the near future. Don't know why I feel that is a comparison, but eff it, my blog, my thoughts,  might have forgot to gargle mouthwash  

-You all know nobody puts baby in the corner, you also should know nobody leaves an open white guy (Kyle Korver) in the corner.  

Memphis-San Antonio

-I wish they showed more Grizzlies games on TV because they are likable team with guys like Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, and the Great Khali on their team. Definitely got a good vibe from the Grizz. 

-It's clear that this Manu's team, not Tim Duncan's. The Spurs would be up 2-0 heading to Memphis if Manu plays in game one. 

-Please for the love of Ari Gold stop calling Matt Bonner 'the Red Rocket'. I don't think he would like to share a nickname with a slang term for a dog's penis.   

Oklahoma City-Denver 

-Surprised to see my supposed favorite series down this low?  I am too. It's like going to a party expecting a ton of hot girls and just seeing dudes hanging around, talking about all the bangable girls who might come over but never do. Don't get me wrong, Game 1 was very fun and exciting to watch plus the Nugs got screwed so that's always good fodder, but last night's game did nothing for me.  

-This is probably the coolest article you will read all week.  Big ups to Kendrick Perkins respecting the bloggers out there. Does this also mean there is hope to be drinking buddies with Tony Plush this summer in Milwaukee?   

Philadelphia-Miami 

-The Heatles looked back on track after a horrible first quarter in Game 1.  Ever since then, the Heat have imposed their will on the young Sixers. 

-My one dream is Mike Bibby will miss 10 consecutive threes so resident Heat fan Brett will throw the remote through our large TV. It's dream that we all can hope for!  

-I don't think the Villain has been crossed this bad since Mr. Rainmaker did it in countless times in Ohio State practices.  

Atlanta-Orlando 

-...............................................uh.......   

-Shit. Sorry that's me flat lining as I could care less about these two teams

Hopefully, the next two games provide me with enough material to keep attempting witty jokes.  Also big thanks to Quickish for some of the articles I linked, it's cool site worth keeping in your favorites.  

-Charlie. 

College Basketball At Its Finest

I enjoy good basketball, whether it's at the pro or college level.  Recently, the college basketball experience has felt watered down because of the consistent one and dones by the best players.  People always create what if's scenarios with guys like Kevin Love, Kevin Durant, Greg Oden, John Wall, Derrick Rose, just to name a few.  With the impending NBA lockout, those 'what if' dreams are becoming a reality.



Jared Sullinger of Ohio State said the day of his Sweet 16 defeat to Kentucky that he would be back, which is horrible news for the Big 10.  Despite being suspended for the first five games, Perry Jones, a projected top five pick decided to come back to Baylor. Jones is a classic example of guy who needed to come back, so I am excited to see him progress next year.  Harrison Barnes from North Carolina is the latest player to stay another year of college. Barnes is joined by his mates John Henson and Tyler Zeller likely translating to the preseason number one spot. The chance for college basketball to see one of its best years in a long time is very good.  There will be so many good teams already without even putting any of the talented freshman in the discussion.

This is a positive sign for college basketball even if all three of these heavy hitters wouldn't be back if an NBA lockout wasn't on the horizon. Although I still believe the NBA should do something similar to Major League Baseball where they allow kids from high school to enter the draft, but if they do not hire an agent, they can go to college. The best example of this is the Brewers drafted Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Giambi, both out of high school, but they decided to go to college. Additionally once a player is locked in to college, they should have to stay two years. I can only hope that people will reconsider the one and done decision.

On the other side of the token, NBA Draft might be the worst thing on television since Outsourced. The only thing to be excited for is where Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker get drafted, but that's about it. The scary thing for NBA teams is guys like Tristan Thompson of Texas, and the two Kentucky players-Brandon Knight and Terrance Jones have yet to commit to the NBA Draft. We have a diluted draft right now, but it could get a lot worse if these guys decide to stay.  Most college basketball fans can only hope.  

-Charlie.

DOY: Nene Times Three!

Casualties for Nene's dunks last night: Nick Collison, Serge Ibaka, and Kendrick Perkins. It's too bad the Nuggets couldn't get the win last night, but Nene definitely put on a DOY show.  The man is a beast.  

-Charlie.