Brandon Roy is Clutch.

 

After senselessly covering the Sixers vs. Magic game on TNT instead of match-up, Brandon Roy and the Blazers defeated the Houston Rockets in overtime. This match-up was already set to be one to remember when Roy hit a turn around jumper late in overtime with 1.9 left to put the Blazers up by 2. With 0.8 left in the clock, it seemed assuring that Portland was going home with a win until Yao Ming snatched the inbound pass for a turn around 11-foot shot to tie the game. To make matters worse for the newly shocked Portland, it turns out Ming was fouled while shooting. Yao knocked down his free throw, giving Houston a 99-98 lead. “00.8″ was read on the shot clock before Blake inbounded the ball to Brandon Roy. With the game on the line, Brandon sprinted to catch the ball and heaved a 31-foot buzzer beat to send Houston home with a loss. 

The game overall was one of the finest in the early season. With two defensive juggernauts in Ron Artest and Brandon Roy, the game was settled through rough one on one match-ups with the game on the line. Roy turned out with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. His teammate, LaMarcus Aldridge was also a menace for Portland’s attack with 27 points and 9 rebounds. McGrady’s efforts were marked with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.

 

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.

Freshmen Headlines

Thursday night was a night filled with immense headlines and changes for the League. After soaking in all of the decisions by each team for several hours, I felt I couldn’t pick a better time to write this up ’til after the following blockbuster trade which took place a little pass 1 a.m.

T’Wolves receive Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins from the Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner.

After all the lights were turned off at MSG, Wolves GM Kevin McHale rolled up his sleeves and made the moves necessary to bring more skill to the front court, along with a stronger perimeter shooter in Mike Miller. The Grizzlies finally bring home the desired O.J. Mayo to create a congested backcourt with guards, Kyle Lowry, Javaris Crittenton and Mike Conley. The deal turns out to work for both teams equally.

The Grizzlies back court will face tension in the minutes that are to be spread from the guards. The loss of Juan Carlos Navarro, with his decision to leave the team and play overseas and Mike Miller’s departure due to the trade help out the cause. The production from the back court is not the factor to worry about for Memphis now,

the back court does become the question though. With the loss of Pau Gasol in their infamous trade, Memphis is left with Darko Milicic (7ppg., 6rpg.), Hakim Warrick (11ppg., 4rpg.), Kwame Brown. The execution to get Mayo define GM, Chris Wallace’s obsession to have Mayo on the roster. It is now up to Wallace to put forth one or two moves to add help to the front court.

The Timberwolves, on the other hand are a developing team with a healthy line-up. O.J. Mayo would’ve done nothing but give this teams a solid 10 to 15 more wins then last season. But the acquirement of Kevin Love helps stretch the length of this young team. Alongside, Al Jefferson (21ppg., 11rpg., 1.5bpg.) and Ryan Gomes (12.6ppg., 5.8rpg.), and Craig Smith (9.4ppg., 4.6rpg.), Kevin Love is surrounded by plenty of young big-men that have been in his position not too long ago, to help relate. Love fell into a comfortable spot to express his game for this team that’s exploding with potential. The guard position wasn’t hurt either Thursday night, even after losing Mayo. With Foye and Telfair coming back, along with the selection of Mario Chalmers, McHale is upgrading smoothly after the loss of KG.

With the #1 Draft pick, the Chicago Bulls select guard, Derrick Rose from the University of Memphis.

Not a soul was a surprised with this pick. The only reason this pick drew questions was due to Chicago’s mass amount of effective guards. The list includes, Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Larry Hughes, Chris Duhon, Thabo Sefolosha, JamesOn Curry, and Shannon Brown. There is no mystery as to why the Bulls chose Rose, the best guard in the draft. But, passing on Michael Beasley, the best player in the draft causes talk. Derrick Rose’s playmaking ability will be Chicago’s reasoning throughout the season as many will compare the two. Rose has a tremendous amount of pressure in his rookie season, anything less than stellar will be held against him and the organization’s decision-making. Derrick Rose’s talents are unexplainable for his position, his career will be put to the test right off the bat in his hometown. Many will think the Bulls are senseless in drafting another guard, but they see elements in Rose that most don’t understand. It is still extremely early in the off-season to assume this will be the final roster for Chicago. With their amusing stack of guards, expect their chase after a big time player down low. Rose’s presence will help turn this franchise around in a matter of 1-3 years, if you’re a Bulls fan, prepare for a set of grateful years ahead.

Miami overcomes all the rumors and selects Michael Beasley with their second pick.

Everyone was fed with abundant talks of Riley desperately trying to nab an explosive guard from the draft or a big time player like Elton Brand. It is still questionable whether Pat Riley and the Heat will stick through with this decision of Beasley and not push for a trade. It is still obvious the Heat want to make another significant push for a guard this off-season. Miami fans can only hope it doesn’t involve Beasley. Drafting Michael Beasley masked Miami as one of the smartest teams in the Draft by not letting Beasley drop on Minnesota or Seattle’s lap.

It’s been said many times on this page and it’ll be repeated, Michael Beasley is the best player in this Draft. Michael Beasley brings forth size, strength, jumping ability, quickness and scoring. His left-handed stroke is the essence of his shooting ability. He can pretty much get by defenders at will with his strong triple-step jab moves. Accompany that with an unbelievably soft touch around the basket with both hands and you have yourself a prime time scorer. It is only a matter of time before his name is mentioned in the same category as Carmelo, McGrady and Pierce.

New York Knicks draft Danilo Gallinari with their 6th overall pick in the Draft.

This decision has D’Antoni written all over it from top to bottom. The 6′9”, 212 pound Italian will be sporting a Knicks jersey to being his career in the US, with a great deal of pressure behind him. Gallinari is only 19 years of age but is said to contain all the maturity. Though his body is steps away from being on the NBA level, Gallanari is a consistent shooter with plenty of range. Danilo can become a scoring threat for the Knicks a few years from now with his numerous intangibles. Scouts also say the Italian is a crafty shooter with a knack for scoring the basketball, while also being able to sell a foul call like Ginobili. Danilo Gallinari may not be the perfect for the Knicks just yet, but as the years go through he’ll become a fan favorite once his weapons expand along with his age.

Sacramento makes the bold move in selecting Jason Thompson with their 12th pick.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you, hence the words on the last entry,

“…and please don’t sleep on Jason Thompson. Just don’t.”

I wasn’t at all surprised with Sacramento’s decision to grab what they feel is the right player for the team. Jason Thompson, a 6′11”, 21-year old power forward from Rider University was the best kept secret in the draft. The late bloomer has great fluidity in his footwork and a nice set of low post moves. He’s also a quality defender, something necessary for Sacramento to help Artest.

After drafting Arizona’s Jerryd Bayless, Indiana trades away Bayless and Diogu for Portland’s Brandon Rush, Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts.

This column has extreme love for Jerryd Bayless. So when the news struck that Bayless was traded to Portland, this immediately turned into a headline. It would’ve certainly been nice to see Bayless turn into a quick NBA start and plump his stats in the traditional basketball place of Indiana, but teaming up with Brandon Roy isn’t bad for an NBA career. Bayless has one of the best pull up jumpers in the game, along with amazing body control, it will be a treat for Portland fans to see this team blossum with Oden coming back next season. The following trade for Indiana made it evident that their primary guard, Jamaal Tinsley is going to be shipped out of Indiana.

New Jersey Nets draft Brook Lopez, eying LeBron, Wade or Bosh in their Brooklyn future?

After trading away a fundamentally skilled Richard Jefferson, the New Jersey Nets received Bobby Simmons, Yi Jianlian and the Bucks draft pick which turned out to be an obvious steal with the acquisition of Brook Lopez. The key theory of this trade for the Nets isn’t focused towards Yi Jianlian’s potential, but the amount of salary cap relief he’ll bring to the Nets in 2010, which is when DWade, ‘Bron and Bosh might be available. The main attraction for the Nets organization would be bringing LeBron to Brooklyn. Such a move would explode the Nets fan base for several years.

Philadelphia drafts Marreese Speights from the University of Florida.

Philadelphia’s choice of Speights was no surprise. I’m incredibly proud of Philadelphia’s decision this year with this one. It looks like Stefanski is a GM with a head on his shoulders, who’s trying to work this team out to be completely successful in every area. The 6′10”, 250 pound forward has a wingspan that could potentially allow him to be a situational center for the Sixers. Speights has a good offensive attack, can work beautifully off pick-and-rolls and brings the adrenaline of Joakim Noah or Reggie Evans, whom the Sixers already posses. Adding another player like this only upgrades the bangers down low for Philly to get dirty.