Wednesday Dimes

Bullets for Wednesday, Oct. 30th, 2008

• Kevin Love’s NBA debut: 18 min., 12 points (5/8), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. Efficiency? check.
• Dalembert lead the league in boards tonight with 17. Chris Bosh scored 27 points behind 4 assists and 11 rebounds, while helping his Raptors win 95-84. Philly’s leading scorer tonight? Lou Williams with 16. So much for Brand’s debut.
• Udonis Haslem, Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion and rookie, Mario Chalmers all had respectful performances for Miami tonight. Second round pick, Michael Beasley struggled, shooting 4/14 for 9 points. 
• The Knicks swung their uppercut tonight against Miami though, the reckless jacker, Jamal Crawford was on tonight and we all know when he’s on, he’s on. Jamal had 29 points, shooting 9/19. Players such as David Lee, Wilson Chandler, NateRob and Zach Randolph put forth an amazing effort to make D’Antoni a winner in his New York debut.
• Danny Granger is blossoming. 33 points, 5 rebounds. The team isn’t quite there yet, Indy lost 94-100 to Detroit.
• As expected, Phoenix and San Antonio shared a close game tonight. Duncan looked flawless. Parker started off slow, scoring his first points in the second quarter, but both players had 32 points tonight. 
• Shaquille O’Neal went 5-8 from the free-throw line tonight, that hack-a-shaq strategy will never fade. 15 points, 13 boards and 2 blocks for the Big Cactus though. Nashy also proved he hasn’t slipped a step, 13 points and assists.
• Hornets slipped past the Warriors tonight. Without Monta Ellis, both Maggette and Jackson shared most of the scoring, while Biedrins put up 12 points and 14 rebounds.
• CP3’s line- 21 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals. Oh, and a block. 
• Main concern for Mayo? Shot selection. O.J. shot 5/20 tonight, ouch. Marc Gasol put work tonight though, 12 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks.
• Lakers out-rebounded the Clippers 51 to 32. Baron Davis was electric in the first quarter in front of his Grandmama, but the Lakers easily slowed all the Clipper hype down immediately after the first quarter, 117-79.

Division Previews: Pacific

Pacific Division

The Overview

Heading into the post season, both the Lakers and Suns made blockbuster trades to have the upper hand in the playoffs. The Lakers turned out to have the more sensible trade with Pau Gasol filling in their front court for that strong run into the Finals. The Suns on the other hand, went all in by nabbing Shaquille O’Neal for their post season run. The Suns miserably failed with a first round exit against the Spurs. Remaining teams, Golden State, Sacramento and the L.A. Clippers didn’t make the playoffs, but underwent serious reconstruction over the summer. It should be an excellent season for the the Atlantic division. The Lakers will have a chance to come out in full force with Bynum back in their line-up, after missing the young center with a late injury in the season. The Suns are looking to push for a successful season behind Shaquille O’Neal, who ended the regular season with a 18-11 record as a Sun.

The Ranks

1. Phoenix Suns
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings

 

The Previews

1. Phoenix Suns (55-27)

The Suns brought their high-octane offense once again last season but shifted it all into a different gear when they traded away Shawn Marion for Shaquille O’Neal. The Diesel’s impact to the team became immediate, from hustle plays to powerful finishes. It was said the motive of bringing O’Neal to Phoenix was to help slow down Tim Duncan if there to meet up in the post season. As expected, the Suns met the Spurs but Shaq’s presence made no difference, Duncan tallied 40 points in Game 1. The Suns lost the series 1-4. This season, behind team captains Grant Hill, Steve Nash and Shaq, the Suns are aiming to strain a stronger defense behind new coach, Terry Porter. The Suns also happily welcome young talents, Goran Dragic, Sean Singletary and Robin Lopez to the team, all are young players that carry intense potential behind them. The 34-year-old, Nash returns for his fifth season in Phoenix to try and ignite this team’s ranging possibilities. It should be a big year for Phoenix, players like O’Neal and Nash carry endless experience behind themselves and want to end their careers in the near future with a championship in Phoenix.

Finals Odds: 87%

Player Spotlight: Boris Diaw

Everyone remembers Diaw from the his 2006 season with the Suns. With Stoudemire gone for 59 games that season, Diaw stepped in to be the team’s low post menace. At 6′8”, the small forward played power forward and center that season, averaging 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game on his way to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award. His nickname “3D” couldn’t of fit him any better, as he did end up supplying drives, dishes and defense. In the playoffs that season, Diaw turned in 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He’s made it clear to Phoenix that he can easily step in to provide plenty of numbers for the team. With Shaq and Amare set to go this season, Diaw should expect to be the leader of the team’s offensive surge off the bench.  

Why they will be NBA Champions.

One of the leagues best offenses. The Suns are combining a unique mix of all kinds with the lengthy, athletic players they have. Phoenix has a variety of weapons all across the roster, players that could easily player bigger roles on other teams are sitting pretty on the bench for this team. Everyone raves about Chris Paul and Deron Williams, but Nash remains as one of the most complete point guards in the league today. 

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

The Mike D’Antoni era is over, all that run and gun offense isn’t over, but it could slow down at times. If Porter’s gameplan backfires and the winning flow gets disrupted, the Suns could find themselves seeing early playoff elimination like last year. 

 

2. Los Angeles Lakers (57-25)

League MVP, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers are set to destroy whoever steps in front of them. A bulkier, stronger Bynum is back into the roster and the team is now complete and ready for a definite championship push. Last year brought fourth many positives for the Lakers. Kobe’s now staying put in Los Angeles without any questions asked, mainly because their chance at helping him win another ring is there. The Lakers put up a really strong season, achieving 15 more wins than what they had the previous year. The addition of Gasol for their final 27 games of the regular season gave the Lakers a huge advantage over the other teams in their conference. Gasol averaged 18.8 points along with 7.8 rebounds per game while playing for the Lakers last season. Bryant had his best all-around season since 2003. The 29-year-old Kobe averaged 5.2 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game. With B.ynum gone, Lamar Odom averaged a career high in rebounding with 10.6 boards a night. All together, the Lakers balled themselves into the Finals behind Kobe. It was unfortunate to not have Bynum in the post season where the Lakers could’ve put up a closer series against the Celtics.

Finals Odds: 88%

Player Spotlight: Jordan Farmar

Farmar blossomed as one of the best 2nd-year players this season. After a solid rookie campaign for the Lakers, Farmar went on to fulfill his role as an energetic substitute for the veteran, Derek Fisher. The former UCLA Bruin, averaged 9.1 points and 2.7 assists while coming off the bench in his second year with the Lakers. Farmer brings a smart leadership and a shooter’s touch when coming off the bench, making sure the Lakers don’t give up a surging run while the starters are taking a breath. Once Fisher is gone, you best bet Jordan Farmar’s future with the Lakers is radiant.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Lakers made their way into the Finals behind Kobe, Odom and Gasol. This year they possess a jacked Bynum to help out their front court even more. Their starting line-up is scary. They possess the best player in the league in Kobe, while owning one of the most clutch players in Fisher. It’s going to be nearly impossible for teams to contain both Gasol and Bynum down low while Bryant continues to kill the perimeter.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

Injuries can slow this team down, just how it can slow any other team. But losing a player through injury can hurt the Lakers the most, especially since their time is now. Bryant and Gasol are in their prime and the players are all there for this team to earn a ring. 

 

3. Los Angeles Clippers (23-59)

A team with a .280 winning percentage isn’t pretty, neither is a team led by Corey Maggette and rookie, Al Thornton. The Clippers underwent a frustrating season without their true centerpiece, Elton Brand. With Brand out for 74 games last season, the Clippers could do nothing but watch Al Thornton blossom and Maggette raise his free agent stock. This summer a change was expected, but not as drastic as Elton Brand being gone. Baron Davis is the new head honcho now and the Clippers have brought in Camby, Ricky Davis, Eric Gordon, Brian Skinner and DeAndre Jordon to completely swipe the face of the franchise. The new mix only draws numerous predictions and wonders for this season.

Finals Odds: 63%

Player Spotlight: Al Thornton

Al Thornton flourished immediately after college. Coming out of Florida State University as one of the team’s best players, Thornton made himself comfortable in a Clippers jersey early. The 6′8” forward scored a total of 1,005 points in his pro rookie season in the NBA, something rare among rookies unless they’re destined to be noticeably great. The absence of a player of a caliber as Elton Brand has led to open spots for player such as Al Thornton to step up, and that he did last season. While starting 31 games last season, Thornton went on to average 12.7 points along with 4.5 rebounds per game, leaving him to become one of the best rookies the Clippers have drafted since Livingston. With all the player arrangements, Thornton remains at a dependable spot in the line-up due to his flexibility to play different postions. 

Why they will be NBA Champions.

Behind Baron Davis, the Clippers could erupt into a more fast paced team with a stronger and more athletic front court. Baron Davis, Marcus Camby and Al Thornton should be players to watch, but with great role players in Skinner, Tim Thomas and Ricky Davis, the Clips could try testing their luck into a fast-paced offense. 

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

Overshadowed by the other team in Los Angeles, the Clippers just needed one more big time player to help Baron Davis and the Clippers make some noise in the NBA. It will take more than a season for this team to get it together and figure out a winning formula, therefore this season won’t be the easiest.

 

4. Golden State Warriors (48-34)

Surprisingly, the Warriors had a much better season then they did the year before last season when they made it into the Semifinals. Last season the Warriors capped a 48-win season while not banking a playoff berth, it definitely hurt the locker room and organization. Baron Davis played and started a full 82 games for the Warriors, alongside Monta Ellis. Ellis grew into a 20 points per game threat for the team, while only being 22 years old. His play earned him  a beefy contract extension this summer. Monta averaged 20.2 points, 1.5 steals, 3.9 assists and 5 rebounds a game for the Warriors. Still, the Warriors were just two losses short from seeing the playoffs last season and the end result was changes to the core of the team. With Baron Davis gone, the Warriors have set the stage for young, Monta Ellis to help lead this scoring-hungry team into a playoff berth. That is, after his 30-game suspension.

Finals Odds: 64%

Player Spotlight: Corey Maggette

Newly acquired, Corey Maggette is set to make a difference into this Golden State team. Most may not remember, but Corey began is pro career in Orlando, averaging 8.4 points per game. After being traded, Maggette went on to play eight seasons with the Clippers, his physical play earned him many opportunities into the free throw line. Maggette grew into a reliable 20 point-per-game scorer for the Cippers and averaged 22.1 points per game last season with Brand gone. He can also rebound the ball too, averaging nearly six boards per game last season. Corey’s only 28 years old and 9 years deep into the league, his presence into the Warriors line-up will be tremendous.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Warriors slid their way into recognition two seasons ago through their unstoppable, relentless and loose offense. Their offense basically looked like what you would see at a outdoor pick-up game, expect these players could drain their shots respectively. Belinelli, Ellis, Jackson, Biedrins and Maggette can all do it for the Warriors if they can find that same rhythm from two seasons ago. Give them a couple of teams that take their playoff seeds for granted and there could be pending upsets this season.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

While exciting the Warriors gameplan does have its downside in sloppy play. Nelson isn’t your best defensive coach in the league and if teams can lock down the Warriors’ offense, this team isn’t going to see any success.

 

5. Sacramento Kings (38-44)

Reggie Theus’ first outing as a professional basketball coach wasn’t such a bad one, the losses came of course, but the future seems brighter for this team. A team led by the young Kevin Martin, who averaged 23.7 points per game last season was everything this organization needed. Martin is just simply a scorer for this team and plans to be for the next few years. Ron Artest and Mike Bibby are gone, but Donte Green and Jason Thompson could spark intense progression for this team. Now if only they could find Brad Miller’s true successor and a point guard. The Kings aren’t in anybody’s radar really when it comes to championship talk. Everyone knows it, fans can only hope for the best. Unless they build a new stadium in Sacramento, the Kings are one of the few franchises that could relocate. The Las Vegas Kings sounds fitting, but that doesn’t relate to anything that’s current. The Kings can only hope this rebuilding stage goes smoothly.

Finals Odds: 33%

Player Spotlight: Beno Udrih

The lefty, Beno Udrih came from Slovenia to succeed his game into the NBA. Udrih began his NBA career with the untouchable Spurs of 2005, who went on to win the Finals in his rookie season. Udrih already has two championship rings on his hand and carries a unique talent at the guard spot. At a young 26-years of age, Udrih took full advantage of his oppurtunity to step up for Sacramento last season in the absence of Mike Bibby. His 12.8 points and 4.3 assists per game aren’t gasping, but it was sufficient enough for a 5-year contract extension. Beno brings a great basketball IQ and shooting touch to his game. Udrih is the young point guard of Sac-Town’s near future, alongside the scoring machine, Kevin Martin, Udrih’s low assists per game should improve significantly this season.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

Realistically, it’s just not there yet. There is some talent in this team, especially in Martin, Moore, Garcia and their new rookie, Donte Greene. The Kings would have heavily rely on three things. One, Bobby Jackson and Brad Miller’s playoff experience. Two, Moore’s flexibility to move the ball around at a quick pace in their half court offense to create open looks. Three, their great perimeter shooting.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

Like many other unfortunate squads, not enough talent to match up with the rest. Like it was said before, the league is all about match ups and from what it looks like, the King’s roster doesn’t match up against the skill level other teams will bring to the court.

Davis Opts Out

After three seasons with Golden State, Baron Davis has exercised his opt-out clause Monday, making him a free agent. Expect, guard-hungry teams to chase this horse. Though his stock doesn’t pack a huge punch for the future at 29, Baron Davis brings scoring, dimes and attitude to a starting five. For the first time since the 2001-2002 season, Davis played all 82 season games for his Warriors, without missing a beat. This proves his knee is no longer a factor, at least when it comes to showing up. Davis averaged 21.8 ppg. last season, along with 7.6 apg. The 6′3” guard from UCLA, could be leaving his home of Cali to find a team who’s willing to prove a substantial deal along with a promising future. After the draft, there are plenty of teams that will take their shot at bringing Baron into the roster. Baron is one of the few big names of this off-season that will be tossed around in free agency conversations until a team gives him the right dollar. The Golden State Warriors didn’t see this one coming, making it big news for the NBA. Still, the Warriors will remain deadset on working a deal with Monta Ellis, after the 22-year-old’s strong season. Baron, along with other possible free agents such as Corey Maggette, Arenas and Jamison were the first ones to stike the first feed of free agency news on Monday.

Davis was traded to the Warriors on February 24, 2005 for Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis. The Hornets gave up on Davis and set their eye on a different face to lead their franchise after Davis’ nagging injuries. Baron Davis’ performance in the 2007 post-season gained him extreme notoriety and regained respect after becoming a ghost 2 years prior to that season. His high-octane play fit perfectly under Don Nelson’s system when playing for the Warriors. While finishing with a winning record of 48-34, Baron Davis and the Warriors missed the playoffs in 2008. To add to the sour ending, Davis was pulled by Nelson late in critical games due to his poor shooting. This could’ve been one of the factors leading to Davis’ decision to opt out of his contract this summer.