Sunday Morning Dimes

• LeBron James has helped the Cavs win 9 of their last 10 games, propelling their record to 10-3. The Cavaliers hold the second best record in the East, behind Boston’s 12-2 record. ‘Bron leads the league in scoring with 29.5 points a game.
• OKC Thunder have lost 11 in a row and their recent firing of coach Carlesimo only expresses the unavoidable frustration in this rebuilding stage. On the bright side, Durant continues doing his thing (21 ppg.) and Russell Westbrook is having a great rookie season, averaging 12 points and 3 assists per game while playing just under 25 minutes a night.
• Shaquille O’Neal lead an impressive night for the Suns tonight in their win. 19 points and 17 boards is great production coming from the big man. But is it really necessary watching this dude Try and dive into the fans for a loose ball with a 11 point lead and less than three mins left in the game? How in God’s name is 325 pounds of force viciously slamming into a bunch sitting, clueless set of people any more dangerous than Artest fleeing into the stands to snuff one particular Detroit fan? That’s kind of an extreme comparison, but wait ’til Shaq KO’s that two thousand dollar suit-wearing season ticket holder, or some flimsy girl, an 8 year old, a celebrity. I’m going too far, but it’d be fitting for the Suns to have a sturdy, bulky, ring of temperate glass surrounding the court to help prevent any lawsuits or numerous replays on ESPN every two months of a +300 pound, seven-footer failing to realize, “Yo, I’m not fit for this one.” I think GM, Steve Kerr, Terry Porter and the rest of the Suns already get the point that he’s hustling or that he can at least still hustle for the most part. And that whole talk about never ruling out Shaq reuniting with the Lakers is absurd. As much as I love that ‘99-’03 Lakers era, Shaq has 16 years under his belt, bro. Lakers have overcome the bullshit after O’Neal’s departure and are right where they want to be. Two wins away from a Championship last season, Kobe in his prime, Bynum evolving as the team’s center. No more distractions are needed or expected coming from the Lakers in the near future.
• Despite the cringing lack of consistency, the Pistons are officially one of the sexiest teams in the NBA.
• Hornets aren’t flossing as high as I expected them to this season, running with a 7-5 record. CP3 and West are having stellar seasons regardless. In their recent dismantling of the OKC Thunder, West had a game high with 33 points while Paul stuck 29 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds.
• There was no excuse for missing Vince Carter’s latest homecoming game against the Raptors.
• QRich was just two three-pointers shy of the franchise record tonight. Nevertheless, Richardson nailed 7 three’s in his 34 point night. The Knicks recent garbage dump of Crawford and Randolph has set off all the nerves of speculation for 2010. While both Crawford and Randolph are talented players, they were never fit for the Knicks success, their absence won’t be felt, nah. 
• Speaking of absence felt, the Wiz dropped to 1-10 recently. Come on Gil, I know it hurts, but Christ Almighty. 
• The Lakers are 10-1, the Clippers are 2-11.
• Dallas is starting to get back on track, their four-game-winning streak has them at 6-7. 
• The Spurs sit at a steady 6-6, but humbly expect their star, Manu Ginobili to return sometime next week. 

 

Dated November 23rd, 2008

No Surprises

The first strokes of the ‘09 NBA season have taken place and the true colors of each team is beginning to unveil. The disappointments and surprises have been soaked by the sports press. The injuries have surfaced throughout the league to leave holes in numerous rosters. The stars have shined harder than ever and the praised rookies are living up to the standards. This young season can easily be cut down into sections to help defy what this season has brought forth. Here’s the first set of what was expected this season.

The Lakers (7-0) and Celtics (8-1) both hold the finest records in the league.

It’s no surprise to see last season’s NBA finalists back to where they left off. The Lakers have all collectively played their part to help put together an undefeated record to this day. Players like Ariza and Farmar are the pride of the Lakers bench. Bryant is quietly averaging around 25 points and 5 boards a game and no one is complaining because the team is clearly unstoppable. The Lakers have taken down Houston, Dallas and most importantly, New Orleans tonight. Boston hasn’t seen the roughest schedule yet, and their 16 point loss to Indiana wasn’t pretty. Paul Pierce, who’s been playing with a sprained hand the past week, sunk the game winner against a 6-0 Atlanta team tonight to silence any doubters. 

New Jersey, OKC and Washington share a combined record of 4-17.

What can be said here, these team’s lack another trade or two before they see any differences for the year. The Wizards avoided an 0-6 record behind Butler’s 27 points tonight, but their need of Arenas is tremendous. It’s good to see the NJ Nets give out free tickets to their unemployed set of fans, maybe it will encourage a couple of individuals to give the NBA a shot after watching their team get smacked around the league nightly. The only ring of lighting coming from Oklahoma City is the numbers both Jeff Green and Kevin Durant.

 

LeBron James, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard are league leaders.

After somewhat of a slow start, James has emerged as the league’s leading scorer, averaging 29.8 points a night. He’s also bringing down 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game for the Cavs. Chris Paul’s unlimited trail of double-doubles will never see an end. Chris can score the ball and dishing out an assist is seems effortless when watching him orchestrate. Paul is averaging a career-high, 21.3 points, 11.7 assists, 3.3 steals and 5.2 rebounds per game. Dwight recorded a triple double tonight for the Magic, 30 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks, yeah, ten. Howard is averaging 23 points a night, along with 14.4 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game. 

Anticipated rookies living up to hype.

Number one pick, Derrick Rose leads his team in assists with 5.3, while putting up 18.8 points a night. Rose exploded for 26 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists in his last game against Atlanta. Beasley’s the team’s second leading scorer with 16.7 ppg., respectively behind DWade. Michael appears to be comfortable as Wade’s sidekick and reliability for when it comes to scoring the ball. He’s also averaging 6.3 boards per game. My personal favorite rookie, Rudy Fernandez is a 23-year-old menace for the Blazers on both sides of the ball. The Spaniard is logging healthy playing time coming off the bench and has held the best composure out of all the rookies. Tonight, Rudy scored 25 points along with 2 steals, 2 assists, 3 boards and a block. All under 29 minutes. O.J. Mayo can’t stop scoring the ball, he’s now averaging 21 points per game. His teammate and rookie, Marc Gasol is also another machine for Memphis, averaging 10.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. 

Saturday Dimes

Bullets for Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2008

• Behind Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, Atlanta’s rally over Philadelphia was just disrespectful. Johnson supplied the scoring, but Smith touched all bases with his numbers. Smith had 14 points, 11 boards, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks tonight. This team continues to show to the league that last year wasn’t a fluke, as they slide to 2-0.
• Dalembert and Brand are absorbing the glass for Philadelphia, tonight they combined for 27 total rebounds. But Philly’s recent loss is already bringing concern, especially on the defensive side. 
• Basketball is back in Indiana. A toothless Danny Granger lost his front two teeth tonight but not the game. The Pacers collectively showed up tonight against the Champion Celtics. The final score wasn’t even close at 79-95. 
• In points, Hedo had 21, Lewis hung 26, Howard slammed 29, Pietrus stuck 20 to the face of Sacramento. The Kings dropped to 0-3 in a 103-121 final. Dwight also nabbed 14 boards and 5 blocks.
• Gerald Wallace stat line: 34 points, 3 assists, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.
• As expected, the Hornets are coasting through their first week in the regular season. Chris Paul hung 24 points and dished 15 assists to drive the Hornets past the Cavaliers.
• LeBron dished out 13 dimes of his own against the Hornets.
• Jason Kidd hauled 9 boards tonight while also having 7 assists and 4 steals. Dirk scored 21 and the Mavs picked up their first win of the season, leaving them at 1-1.
• Derrick Rose appears to of gotten the gist of the NBA speed. Rose scored 26 points and had 6 rebounds to help Chicago get past Memphis tonight. Gooden cleaned the glass with 20 rebounds.
• Calderon scored a career-high 25 points for the Raptors tonight. He’ll be sure to set plenty of new career highs this season in Toronto. Bosh scored 20 points and had 10 rebounds. 
• Carmelo struggled in his season debut, shooting 5/15 for 13 points. He also debuted his ban of the braids. Kobe’s 33 points helped the Lakers get past the Nuggets though.
• A.I.’s numbers are dropping. 13 points and 7 dimes tonight.
• Without Baron Davis and Marcus Camby, the Clippers dropped to 0-3 after losing to Utah. 
• Amare Stoudemire exploded for 23 points and 13 boards and the Blazers weren’t able to hold off the Suns. 
• 3-0 teams: Toronto, LA Lakers, New Orleans and Houston
• Winless teams: Washington, Oklahoma City, LA Clippers, Sacramento and San Antonio (!).

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: Southwest

Southwest Division

Easily the strongest division in the loaded West, with four out of the five teams in the division having a playoff spot. This stacked division held a combined record of 240-170, and that’s including the pathetic Grizzlies ‘08 campaign, where they pulled a 22-60 record. The division was headlined with such players as last year’s runner-up MVP, Chris Paul, Tim Duncan, Tracy McGrady, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming and Manu Ginobili. With more role players sliding into the division and Memphis improving, this division will continue to remain the strongest this season.

The Ranks

1. New Orleans Hornets
2. Houston Rockets
3. San Antonio Spurs
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Memphis Grizzlies

 

The Previews

1. New Orleans Hornets (56-26)

All fans of New Orleans should be overly proud. The Hornets have become one of the biggest success stories in the sports world. Behind young pioneer, Chris Paul, the Hornets ran away with the division with a 56-26 record before getting edged out by the Spurs in the Semifinals. The Hornets were just one role-player short from becoming a Finals team last year. After their strong season, the Hornets played even better in the post season, Chris Paul evolved to a 24 points and 11 assists per game monster, while David West backed him up, averaging 21.2 points a night. Getting eliminated was a tough thing to swallow after such a dominating season, but the future remained strong. They lost guards, Jannero Pargo and Bobby Jackson but will be set with Mike James playing as a back up. The Hornets settled their role player needs with swing men and ring-winners, James Posey and Devin Brown. With things looking up, the Hornets behind Paul should expect to go farther into the post season.

Finals Odds: 89%

Player Spotlight: David West

Believe it or not, David West has been in the league for five years. West has been a Hornet since being drafted back in 2003, he began to become a factor for the team in his third season, when he averaged 17.1 points per game. Chris Paul was one of the players that helped emerge West’s game into becoming an All Star player last season. West’s game brings forth a physical presence while being able to knock down the jumper from anywhere inside the perimeter. West lead the Hornets in blocks per game, averaging 1.3 a night, while scoring 20.6 points per game. West was respectively Chris Paul’s best look when it came to scoring the basketball and expect no change this season.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Hornets are blessed with one of the wittiest leaders of the game in Chris Paul. The young leader pushed this team all the way to the Semi’s last year and now with nearly a duplicate roster (minus Pargo, plus Posey) they are in perfect shape for a bigger run. Their offensive attack is marked with intense enthusiasm and colors, keeping them above most opponents in the West. Last year was Paul’s first post season and overall it was an impressive outing for his first time. With some playoff experience now intact, as long as Paul stays healthy, this team is realistically a Finals contender.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

The Hornets still remain in the Western Conference and are sometimes blind-sided by teams with just a bit more persistence. Their loss in game seven against the Spurs help back that fact. Any small slip ups and before they know it, they’re out of the contest. Their need for a definite shooting guard could also be another concern that could hurt them throughout the season.

 

2. Houston Rockets (55-27)

High expectations are in the air when it comes to the Rockets. They seemed unstoppable during their 22-game winning streak, even without Yao in the final 10 games. It was only fitting the streak was ended by Boston. Their season was tailored to become a championship level one until Yao Ming went down with a season-ending foot injury. Tracy McGrady’s career struggle to get out of the first round in the post season came back to haunt him once again. McGrady’s relentless effort in the playoffs couldn’t be argued against, but the absence of Yao was felt as they got the first round boot. The Rockets tuned their roster with a few young players and a veteran shooter in Barry and their expectations toward the ‘09 season remained positive. When the news broke on August 14, that had Ron Artest coming to Houston, the thoughts towards the upcoming season changed, drastically. After several years of being bashed because of their horrid defense, the Rockets are given a much stronger physical presence behind Artest’s defensive tactics and play. Alston and Scola were also two players for the Rockets that became difference-makers last season, with their return the Rockets seem to be well set for a more victorious season.

Finals Odds: 72%

Player Spotlight: Carl Landry

Landry began his collegiate basketball career at Vincennes University, he averaged 19.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks a game in his sophomore year. He then transferred to Purdue University to continue his push for a pro career. The stats didn’t change, he averaged 18.2 ppg. and 7.1 rpg. He finished his career at Purdue as a fifth year senior, leading the team in scoring and rebounds. After being drafted by the Sonics, he was then traded to Houston for a draft pick. Landry didn’t get much playing time for Houston at first, sitting out the first 33 of the first 36 games of the season. Thanks to Yao’s injury, Landry finally saw some playing time and made the most of it. Landry averaged 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while playing only 16.9 minutes a night. Landry quickly became a fan favorite for Houston through his efficient low post play. After his strong rookie season, Landry nearly became a Bobcat this summer when he signed an offer sheet worth $9 million, but Houston immediately matched the offer..

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Rockets were heading into another season packed with wonder. After an amazing run and early exit, Houston couldn’t afford to lose any of their star players through injury. Right before everyone thought the big names were done shifting, Houston made the big trade for Ron Artest. The Rockets now hone a nearly perfect team, assorted with role players, swingmen, leaders and hustlers. With all these tools, Houston can make their case for a Finals spot this season.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

In the Rockets last six playoff appearances, they’ve been eliminated in the first round. McGrady’s isolated difficulty when it comes to getting out of the first round didn’t help in 2005 when he arrived in Houston. The Rockets are currently better than they have been in previous years, but the players on the roster have their own separate exclamation points. Some are injury prone and most importantly Artest must keep it together to give this team a chance. The Indiana Pacers dominated the league in 2004, with a league best 61-21. The following season brought forth the largest Finals potential ever, until Artest laid his knuckles on a fan that was in the stands. That massacre resulted in the loss of players, chemistry and hope for a championship. The Rockets can only hope Artest holds his composure throughout the season and not bust out into one of his moments.

3. San Antonio Spurs (56-26)

The Spurs failed to capture the championship last season. With their falter and the spur of unfamiliar teams rising up due to young talents, doubts are approaching the cast that have won three championships in the last six seasons. The argument of age is beginning to set in, that same nucleus that brought home limitless dominance is drawing doubts. Or is it? The surge of western firecrackers that fuse with confidence help overshadow the humble wisdom behind San Antonio’s essence. Looking deeper into the picture, the only player from the core offense is 36-year-old, Bruce Bowen. With Duncan at 32, Ginobili recently turning 31 and Parker at 26, the Spurs still have a reliable set of years before they can throw the towel into rearranging things around Parker. Three wins away from hitting the Finals, the Spurs added pieces of talent to pad their roster. To help fix the aging athletes that are loaded in their roster, the Spurs signed their set of young, talented players that don’t make recognizable noise. Players such as Darryl Watkins, an undrafted, tall, shot-blocker from Syracuse. 23-year-old, Anthony Tolliver, a ball player that spent time with the Cavaliers, NBDL, and in Germany, where he averaged 14.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Devin Green, who basically had the same journey, having a short stint with the Lakers before playing both NBDL and German ball. The Spurs are well known for having deep scouting towards humble, no-name’s that turn out to become an efficient part of San Antonio’s quest for another ring. After averaging career-highs in points (19.5), assists (4.5), and rebounds (4.8), all from the bench, Manu Ginobili’s dependability towards becoming the prime scorer of this team will be San Antonio’s main attack, behind Parker’s orchestration of course.

Finals Odds: 76%

Player Spotlight: Roger Mason Jr.

Some may have seen Roger a couple times last season while he was with the Wizards. Mason Jr. is an athlete that’s been across the world and has worked hard to get to where he now. Roger began his basketball career in high school, where he helped his school have their best season. He attended the University of Virginia and had a great three years playing collegiate basketball before declaring for the Draft in 2002. Roger was then drafted as the 31st overall pick by the Chicago Bulls. He was on the Bulls roster for two seasons, but only played a petty three games. The Bulls traded Mason Jr. to the Raptors before Toronto went on to waive him a few days later. After a disappointing professional career, Mason took his game overseas. He played for the powerhouse greek team known as the Olympiacos for a season, then played in Isreal for another year. Mason was ready to continue his basketball career in Japan but was signed by the Wizards a few days before. In his second year Washington, Roger made the best out of Arenas’ and Butler’s absence due to injury. Mason Jr. went on to average career highs in all parts of his game and was given a respectable 21 minutes a night. His 9.1 ppg and 1.7 apg. through limited minutes last season was rewarded with a 2-year contract worth $7.3 million. Playing in San Antonio will further tender his game and make him a smarter guard than what he already his. 

Why they will be NBA Champions.

It’s the Spurs. The veterans of the veterans. 28 playoff appearances. Season after season they’ll either be praised or counted out but still pull together the magic to work together to exceed expectations. This franchise hasn’t had a losing season since ‘97, after that Duncan came in and they’ve never missed out on the post season. Duncan has brought this team their first Finals appearance and San Antonio has never lost a Finals series in all four of their appearances. It’s only been a season since the Spurs seen the Finals, so climbing back into that scenario with a bunch of vets that keep getting smarter isn’t a question.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

Like it’s been said before, age is the only concern surrounding this club. Being the oldest team in the NBA, the Spurs have all the tools to become champions but they must keep their age behind them. All the players are past their 30’s besides a three our four of them. Their defense was busted last year when they faced the Lakers and lost 1-4 in the Conference Finals. The Lakers, like a set of other teams in the conference were a team much more athletic than the Spurs, giving San Antonio the exit. Though the Spurs made their efforts to get younger and athletic this summer, it might not be enough to get past New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix or the Lakers again this season.

4. Dallas Mavericks (51-31)

After seven straight winning seasons, the Mavericks showed some decay and desperation last season, before capping off their eighth. Dallas lost 16 more games than it did the previous season, before sliding into the playoffs with the seventh seed. They took an early exit in the first round for the second time in a row, this time to the superior Hornets, and so did their head coach, Avery Johnson. The dismissal fired off shocking reactions from all basketball followers, as Johnson possessed a 194-70 total record, along with a Coach of the Year Award while becoming the fastest head coach to achieve 150 wins. Heading into the deadline, the Mavericks gamble to trade away developing guard, Devin Harris for 35-year-old, Jason Kidd. Kidd created more ball movement and open shots but ultimately became ineffective for Dallas in the post season. This off season should be different with Jason Kidd being able spend some time with Dallas before and after the Olympics. They’ve brought back Diop for some size, James Singleton should also get some playing time for Dallas after being acquired. Josh Howard has played good enough to become the Maverick’s second best scorer next to Nowitzki. Still, Dallas hasn’t showed any signs of immense change to put themselves above others in their tough division.

Finals Odds: 69%

Player Spotlight: Jose Barea

The 24-year-old, 6-foot, point guard that went undrafted in the 2006 Draft is easily one of the most talented Puerto Rican guards that the League hasn’t heard of. With his stats reading 4.3 ppg., 1.3 apg., 10.5 mpg., it’ll be a while before Barea hits Arroyo’s status. With that aside, Jose moved to the U.S. for his senior year of high school ball, in high school he averaged 24.8 points per game and attended Northeastern University for four years. In college, Barea’s game improvised smoothly, as they looked better and better through time. 20.7 ppg., 5.8 apg. during his sophomore year, 22.2 ppg., 7.3 apg. in his junior year and 21 ppg., 8.4 apg. in his senior year. After going undrafted, he participated for the Warriors and Mavericks Summer League teams and played nicely. The Mavericks then went on to give him his chance and Barea has done everything he could to hold on to his spot in the league. He was sent to the NBDL in early 2007 and hung more than 40 points twice in four games. Earning the D-League’s Player of the Week, his averages for the games totaled, 31.5 points, 7.5 assists and 6 rebounds a game for his team. Barea’s small size doesn’t stop the guard from his rebounding, passing and shooting ability, his play has kept him close to the Maverick’s roster.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

Adding Jason Kidd was a smart move for a team that is desperately in search of a title now. Nowitzki, Stackhouse, Terry can’t stay young forever. Kidd is the smartest and most generous point guard in the league, surrounding him with these explosive players will hurt defenses. With eight months now into the Maverick’s system, Jason Kidd’s full impact will be felt this season.Yes he’s 35. But these aren’t the Nets, Jason just has to bring what’s left of his game to help connect this dangerous team together. This team is still hungry and Rick Carlisle is a great rebound after the senseless Avery Johnson firing. 

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

Defense, athleticism and youth could be the three factors that could blitz their Finals hopes. Ever since losing to Miami two seasons ago, things just haven’t been the same. Believe it or not, Dallas isn’t one of the top three team in the Western Conference after previous seasons of holding their own as an elite squad. If Kidd continues to shoot, if Dirk never gives driving the ball into the lane a thought or even if Howard is given camera time during the national anthems, there could be problems.

 

5. Memphis Grizzlies (22-60)

The Grizzlies abandoned their main image last season when trading away Gasol to make room for the younger brother. The trade has helped the shape the future of this young team, with young, talented guard, Javaris Crittenton and two future first round draft picks. The first draft pick was Kevin Love, but with some clever management by the franchise, Love and three other players were traded for the freshmen sensation, O.J. Mayo. With players like Gasol, Miller and Navarro gone, the guard-stacked Grizzlies will have plenty of leadership options. It’s been said that Kyle Lowry wants to take a strong step towards being a leader, after a solid sophomore season. Either way, it’ll be a treat for Grizz fans to soak up the great set of young, productive guards. As expected, Rudy Gay’s breakout year was a success, statistically. Gay improved his stat line to 20 points and 6.4 rebounds per game compared to 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds he had in his previous season. The Grizzlies will remain to have a crafty set in their front court with Hakim Warrick and Darko Milicic returning. Featured players they’ve brought to Memphis includes 23-year-old, Marc Gasol, who’s a more grittier inside player than his older brother. And also, Hamed Haddadi, an Iranian center that stands tall at 7′2”. Haddadi was one of the top players for his Iranian national basketball team during the Olympics, the 23-year-old led the Olympics in blocks and rebounds per game. Grizzlies have made smooth steps toward making a statement in their tough division, their young stars will someday become nightly headliners.

Finals Odds: 34%

Player Spotlight: Darko Milicic 

Known as the player that was drafted before heads such as Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade. Darko came into the league as an 18-year-old, tall, skinny serbian with a ridiculous amount of suspicion towards his game. Darko saw little playing time in his first 2 1/2 seasons in Detroit, behind coaches Larry Brown and Flip Saunders. When Milicic was traded to Orlando in his third year, he was finally given the oppurtunity to showcase his play after watching all the players drafted after him bloom into comfort in the league. With Orlando, Milicic went on to average 8 points, 1.8 blocks and 5.5 rebounds per game in his fourth season. After that season, in his first time being a free agent, Darko was immediately signed on the first day by the Memphis Grizzlies for a three year contract worth $21 million. In Memphis, Darko took advantage of his extended playing time, starting 64 out of the 70 games he played. Milicic’s scoring and blocks decreased a bit, but has improved his game down low making him a tougher big man. Standing at a tall 7 feet and being only 23 years of age, Darko has plenty of basketball ahead of himself, his style shows promise and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a favorable player for Memphis. 

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Grizzlies did a great job in revamping their roster after ending the Pau Gasol era. Their roster has great, talented and young post players. Their guards can easily light it up on any given night. Rudy Gay has blossomed accordingly, averaging 20.1 pgg and 6.2 rpg. last season. In the Draft they managed to shift things around to bring O.J. Mayo to this developing squad. If the guards find hot streaks, front court meshes together beautifully and player like Mayo and Gay unload on teams, the Grizzlies could see them selves in the post season for strange surprises.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

The Grizzlies are in the toughest Division. It’s too difficult to overcome the caliber that’s shared in the Southwest Division. Inexperience will be the main reason why this team won’t be able to keep up with the rest of them. But that’s pretty much it, because the talent is there.

Uniform Watch: New Orleans Hornets

I’ve been waiting a while to get my eyes on these. New Orleans is finally an elite team in the NBA and to help solidify their change, the new threads for the upcoming season provide their deserved distinction. The new Hornets uniforms bring back the pinstripes that the franchise used to sport back when they played in Charlotte. Truthfully, ignoring the stripes, these uni’s don’t flare any difference to what the Hornets franchise has offered when talking apparel. The threads have their fresh feel of course, but everyone will soon forget the fact that New Orleans is wearing anything different than previous years. This isn’t a fashion contest, the franchise did their part to bring back their uniqueness while remaining current. 

Overall Rating: 7/10