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 (!).

Division Previews: Northwest

Northwest Division

The Overview

Great division that is stuffed with explosive young talent. Utah and Denver managed to earn a playoff spot last season, leaving Portland out of the post season once again. With Minnesota and Oklahoma City rebuilding, Utah, Denver and Portland are doing all they can to absorb this opportunity to make the playoffs and go deep. Once the other divisions get older, the Northwest will continue to blossom into a much stronger division to avoid. 

The Ranks

1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Minnesota Timberwolves
4. Denver Nuggets
5. Oklahoma City Thunder

 

The Previews

1. Utah Jazz (54-28)

Last season was a strong one for the Jazz. Having the highest winning percentage at .659 since the 2000 season. Both Boozer and Williams have clicked together perfectly and continue to impress the NBA. Williams showed up to all 82 games last season as Boozer played 81 games, so the reliability in these two guys bringing it all season is definitely there. The Jazz endorse their unavoidable rep as one of the most dangerous teams when it comes to shooting the three, players, 9 out of the 15 players on the roster had a decent 3-point shooting percentage. Utah’s playoff run ended dramatically last season, they were one three point shot away from pushing Game 6 into overtime versus the Lakers. The Utah didn’t really make any transactions in the off season, for they didn’t have to. Unless you want to get into their shooting guard dilemma, Deron has made it clear he never wants to play the two-guard, so the Jazz must flex their time with Korver, Brewer and Almond. Utah is arguably the toughest place to play for any NBA team, expect that to continue with the Jazz become a stronger team each year.

Finals Odds: 86%

Player Spotlight: Ronnie Brewer

Ronnie’s an interesting figure. His awkward shot comes from a childhood waterslide injury, but that shot and leaping ability has taken him to where he’s at now. Brewer had a great college career, averaging 18.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. After being drafted by Utah, Brewer crept his way in the team’s rotation as their shooting guard while having a solid rookie season. Last season, Brewer saw success as the Utah’s shooting guard. Brewer started in all 76 games he participated in, averaging 12 points per game for the season while making the Rookie versus Sophomore game, where he put up 13 points. Brewer’s nose for steals (1.7 spg. last season) and aspiring leaping ability ushers him a comfortable spot aside Deron Williams as the Jazz continue to develop together.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Jazz live and die by the three point shot. Last season it took them far and even though both Williams and Okur missed two consecutive three’s in the final seconds before getting eliminated, the Jazz are ready to push forward. The Jazz have most of the important elements for success- great coaching, shooting and chemistry. 

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

While the perimeter shot has its positives, it can easily turn ugly when shots aren’t going their way. The Jazz need more toughness for the grittier games, Boozer and Harpring don’t cut it. 

 

2. Portland Trail Blazers (41-41)

When it comes to talking about this team’s progression, Portland’s final season record perfectly describe it all. At 41-41, the Trail Blazers have finally hit ground level. The “Jailblazers” era is officially over. This team’s potential is sky high, with bright-minded players. Most importantly, the unselfish scorer himself, Brandon Roy. Greg Oden is here, ready to become one of the best-prepared NBA rookies ever. True rookie, Jerryd Bayless will be a handful for defenses. The talent seems to be everywhere for the Blazers for this upcoming season. The Blazers also have the two Spaniards, Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez, two extremely talented players. Aldridge has become one of the most impressive players that have elevated their game since slipping on an NBA jersey. The Blazers are a great team in every aspect, all players just need to bring what is individually expected from them and the reward will come.

Finals Odds: 82%

Player Spotlight: LaMarcus Aldridge

The 2nd overall pick from the 2006 NBA Draft has passed has lived up and passed his expectations. Aldridge did great in Texas University, but quickly made himself for the Draft after his second year. When playing for the Blazers in his rookie season, he was given his chance as the team’s starting center when Joel Przybilla went down with an injury. LaMarcus averaged 9 points, 5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game as a rookie, while making the All-Rookie First team in 2007. His sophomore year saw tremendous improvement. Aldridge’s game exploded into 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, placing him third in voting for the Most Improved Player award. It’s going to be interesting watching LaMarcus next to Oden this season.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Trail Blazers pack everything needed for a ring. They just need a couple years to let all the talent sink into the team. But the mindset within the core of the team, being Roy, Aldridge and Oden, remains to be one of the best. Roy can easily lead a team to success, with all the talent in Portland, this team can realistically push for a Finals spot.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

The Trail Blazers are ridiculously haunted by injuries. It will take a couple of games before Oden fits smoothly into the Blazers system for success. Those “couple of games” turn out to be ball breakers when the playoff race comes to a close in their tough conference.

 

3. Minnesota Timberwolves (22-60)

The rebuilding season went as rough as expected for the Wolves. But there were great signs for the future that Minnesota captured. First off, Al Jefferson can bring it every night for this team. Starting all 82 games, Jefferson averaged 21 points along with 11.1 rebounds per game. Young guards, Randy Foye and Rashad McCants were also solid in their own right. Ryan Gomes is a great unsung hero for the Wolves too. The lenthy rookie, Corey Brewer had a decent first season, averaging 5.8 points, 3.7 rebounds and a steal per game. Newcomers, Kevin Love, Mike Miller will be huge difference makers for this team. This season could be a scary one for Mike Miller, you heard it here first.

Finals Odds: 49%

Player Spotlight: Randy Foye

Out of Villanova’s ‘06 gang, Randy Foye was easily the most NBA-ready player, at 6′4”, 213 pounds. During Foye’s rookie season, he faced extreme competition for playing time with a Minnesota team that had six guards on the roster. Still, Randy Foye went on to earn more time through his efficient play and averaged 10.1 points per game. With a starting spot set for Foye in the 2008 season, Foye fell into injury problems with his knee. One of the most interesting medical stories about Randy Foye was his berth with “situs inversus,” a rare condition that means all of Foye’s organs are arranged exactly the opposite of a typical human being. Such as his heart being on the right side of his chest instead of his left. Getting back to basketball, Foye missed 43 games last season due to his injury. When he came back for the second half of the season, he started 31 games and averaged 13.1 points and 4.2 assists per game. His role will continue to grow with Minnesota each season.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

Minnesota is loaded with young, lengthy and unique low post players. Along with their impressive front court, their back court consisting of Miller, Foye, McCants, Telfair and Carney will be a great group. Mike Miller will burn the net nightly. If he remains as hot as predicted, the Wolves could find a rare playoff spot behind Jefferson and Miller.

Why they will not be NBA Champions.

The Wolves are still rebuilding, meaning everything isn’t there obviously. There are still holes in this team that will take a beating throughout the season.

 

4. Denver Nuggets (50-32)

Blessed with one of the best offenses in the league, the Nuggets disappointed many when they got swept in the first round against the Lakers. 33-year-old Iverson, played started all 82 games last season and led the team with 26.4 points and 7.1 assists per game. His sidekick, Carmelo stood tall right behind him at 25.7 points per game. Their season boiled over horribly when they couldn’t put anything together in the post season. With A.I.’s near future a question and Carmelo somehow making trade talks over the summer, Denver’s future becomes a mystery. Despite the loss of Marcus Camby, there’s still plenty of low post bangers like Nene and the newly acquired, Juwan Howard.

Finals Odds: 54%

Player Spotlight: Anthony Carter

33-year-old, Anthony Carter brings wonders to coach Karl’s gameplan when Carter is starting every game for Denver nightly. Carter, who’s packed with experience and an uncanny style to find open looks while having an unlimited amount of unselfishness, only plays 28 minutes a game for the Nuggets. He will start every game, then spectate the rest. Carter has played 8 seasons in the NBA, including overseas, last season he broke every statistic category while averaging 7.8 points and 5.5 assists per game. Denver resigned Carter this off season, in hopes his smart play will help keep this offensively crazy team together for portions of the game.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Nuggets offense would have continue to unload on each team in the NBA while bringing a defensive aspect to their game. Denver can score triple digits each night behind their explosive bunch. Carmelo, Iverson, Smith, Martin and Nene would need to develop a positive and consistent flow to get them deeper into the playoffs.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

No defense, losing Camby only worsens everything. Nene is now isolated down low with an aging Juwan Howard. Leadership could also be a question, with enough losses, this club can very easily lose their composure leading to more problems.

 

5. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-62)

It wasn’t easy for Seattle to swallow the Sonics final season. Everything was just a mess. Their talented Rookie of the Year, Kevin Durant averaged 20.3 points per game at just 19 years of age. There isn’t much to say about such an unfortunate season for this team. This franchise can only hope things are going to get better with their decent off season moves and new location.

Finals Odds: 9%

Player Spotlight: Earl Watson

Watson kicked off his professional career with the Sonics and after playing for two different teams, he continues to improve his game with the Sonics (er, Thunder) once again. Watson has amazing perimeter shooting and great passing skills and has fit perfectly for the Thunder since his arrival. Fighting off Ridnour will result in more playing time for the 29-year-old. Last season, Watson averaged a career high, 6.8 assists per game. His spot is now solidified with Luke Ridnour gone, watch Watson this season for the Thunder.

Why they will be NBA Champions.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will not be NBA Champions. Unless Durant becomes Jordan-esqe and rips 40+ points a night and Jeff Green studies 2,000 videos of Scottie Pippen to become his sidekick, it’s not happening.

Why they won’t be NBA Champions.

Not enough talent and a support for their young leader. The Thunder have great size and a good set of young players to develop for the future. It’s a new city, new logo, but basically the same players, leading into the same result.

Uniform Watch: Oklahoma City Thunder

 

 

I’m extremely late on slapping these on the site but here it is, the new looks for what was the SuperSonics. The Oklahoma City Thunder finally got an image with these, while avoiding the disturbing possibilities. The uniform’s color scheme have a powerful caribbean feel to them, with the tangy orange surrounding the light blue. The jerseys look organized and fresh in many levels. Some may not like, but these threads aren’t bad for a start.

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

The Dime Drop

The Dime Drop. Ten smooth facts, comments, and personal notes written in bullet form. Feel free to enjoy or hate everything is spilled in the Dime Drop. While they’re isn’t much harder assist machines John Stockton and Mark Jackson, the Dime Drop’s consistency of being written this season is humbly kept under the influence of both of these two seam droppers.

• After another promising 07-08 season, (18.8 ppg., 10.5 apg), and a lone playoff run that left fans gasping, Deron Williams finally gets paid, after agreeing to a contract extention with his Jazz.

• While it’s still Summer League ball, it’s definitely fulfilling for me to see Jerryd Bayless completely take over games with his clutch play, resulting in him being T-Mobile’s NBA Summer League Top Rookie.
• The loss of Baron Davis resulted in the signings of Corey Maggette and Ronny Turiaf. None of these players replenish the gaping hole of a primary, dangerous point guard to fit Don Nelson’s offense. The Warriors’ current roster is filled with Ellis, Belinelli and a bunch of oversized guards. So, the swarming news regarding the Warriors’ new desperate chase towards Louis Williams isn’t surprising.
• While being the 28th pick in the Draft, Donte Greene most likely earned himself some future playing time with the Rockets with his Summer League performance. Greene averaged 22.6 points, including a 40-point debut during the Summer League.
• Darius Miles comeback to the NBA is near. His suspension from the NBA stemmed from Miles taking a weight-loss drug, and his potential career-ending knee injury led him to be waived by the Blazers. While that’s besides the story, Darius is still only 26 years young and will attract interest from some teams such as the Mavericks and the Celtics.
• Through the loss of Elton Brand, the Clippers possess one of the most interesting rosters heading into the 2008-2009 season. The likes of the Baron Davis, Al Thornton, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon make this team something worth watching if you’re either blessed with living the LA area or plan to order NBA League Pass.
• Three weeks into Free Agency, Josh Smith is still waiting for a fat contact offer from a team (most likely the Hawks) looking to spend big bucks for his play. The problem remains, all of the teams in the league either don’t have the money or don’t need a player like Smith on their roster.
• High School ballaholic, Brandon Jennings carved his own path to the NBA by grabbing money early and skipping college with his 3-year deal with a team in Italy. While Jennings is the first kid to ever make this move since the NBA’s age restriction was implied, this route by Jennings could become a common path for other money hungry high school ballers across the world.
• The newly relocated, OKC Franchise will be named the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 2008-2009 season. The newly polished franchise will set up a fresh career for last year’s Rookie of the Year, Kevin Durant, who averaged 20.3 ppg. and 4.4 rpg.
• Devean George’s days as a Maverick are numbered, but it’s not like he cares much, considering the money thats coming his way. It appears as though teams such as the Celtics, Spurs, Suns, T’Wolves, Cavaliers and the Hornets are interested in 6′8” small forward.