It's been a while... for more than 5 months I haven't written a single thing on One Handed Bounce Pass. And it's not like there has been nothing to write about, with all those trades and free agents signings in the off-season, the genuinely intriguing draft class and the start of a new, potentially historic, season. In fact, the past few weeks have been filled with podcasts-listening, previews-reading and solid arguments with my friends (two of my best friends are mad NBA fans as well, one is a Lakers fanatic and the other loves LeBron and the Heat) about this upcoming season.
This year I've decided to buy NBA League Pass Broadband. Why? First : so I wouldn't have to browse around for a decent streaming link on some illegal website for games I wanted to watch. Second : to "force" myself to actually watch more basketball (since I cancelled my cable subscription, I haven't been tempted to watch as much basketball as I used to) and stop being lazy playing videogames (for more on that, see gerudofortress.blogspot.com).
Anyway, I'll try and write each week, if not more often, about what's happening around the league, which games I watch (Tonight I'll focus on Denver-Philly) and my predictions (always fun to do, always useless in the end... ^_^).
Next post will be about season predictions!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
How I stopped hating the San Antonio Spurs
Back when I was in high school (1999-2004), I hated the Spurs. I hated Tim Duncan. I hated Manu Ginobili, even if some people compared my recklessness on the court to his. I called them boring every other sentence. I thought they were overrated. I thought they were lucky to have won in 1999 (lockout), 2003 (Lakers started imploding), 2005 (Big Shot Bob going crazy and being outscored by Detroit in the Finals) and even 2007 (Amar'e and Diaw getting suspended). They were easily my most hated team in the league. Even two years ago, when I made a most-loved and most-hated teams "rankings" (not on this blog though), they were still third in the most-hated list after Dallas at #1 and Miami at #2. It was - somewhat - an improvement, but it tells you how little I appreciated what the franchise has accomplished in the past 15 years.
(Truth be told, I still think about that 2007 title when Phoenix really could have (and likely should have) advanced to the Finals... Though that's not especially against the Spurs, but against the way the league handled the whole thing. Let's just stop talking about that.)
Being older and having a better understanding of how things work (at least on the surface) inside a NBA team, I started to appreciate, in the past year, how astonishing San Antonio's run in the NBA elite has been. The numbers (Yes I usually dislike numbers, but here we're talking the only number that matters in sports : Wins) speak for themselves. In the past 15 years - or since Tim Duncan has joined the team - the Spurs have maintained a winning percentage higher than any other professional team in North America over the same stretch: over .700. Unlike many, many organizations, the Spurs haven't been attracted by major trades or free agents signing (unless you count Richard Jefferson as "major"). They obviously never had the chance to get a lottery pick in 15 years, so they drafted role players who complemented Duncan's Hall of Fame abilities perfectly.
In other words they went a direction with Tim Duncan and Popovich and never wavered from it. That's both incredible and admirable.
Sure, they might not have as many titles as the Lakers over that same stretch or their high-profile players. And they certainly haven't got the rock-band-on-tour feel that the Heat has. And they might not have all the drama the Knicks have year after year or their star-studded crowd.
But they win. And keep on winning. No GQ cover. No national headlines. No SportsCenter segment. No controversies (except in 2007, if that's a controversy). They just win.
And for that, I stopped hating the Spurs and started to have an enormous amount of respect for what they achieved since 1997.
(Truth be told, I still think about that 2007 title when Phoenix really could have (and likely should have) advanced to the Finals... Though that's not especially against the Spurs, but against the way the league handled the whole thing. Let's just stop talking about that.)
Being older and having a better understanding of how things work (at least on the surface) inside a NBA team, I started to appreciate, in the past year, how astonishing San Antonio's run in the NBA elite has been. The numbers (Yes I usually dislike numbers, but here we're talking the only number that matters in sports : Wins) speak for themselves. In the past 15 years - or since Tim Duncan has joined the team - the Spurs have maintained a winning percentage higher than any other professional team in North America over the same stretch: over .700. Unlike many, many organizations, the Spurs haven't been attracted by major trades or free agents signing (unless you count Richard Jefferson as "major"). They obviously never had the chance to get a lottery pick in 15 years, so they drafted role players who complemented Duncan's Hall of Fame abilities perfectly.
In other words they went a direction with Tim Duncan and Popovich and never wavered from it. That's both incredible and admirable.
Sure, they might not have as many titles as the Lakers over that same stretch or their high-profile players. And they certainly haven't got the rock-band-on-tour feel that the Heat has. And they might not have all the drama the Knicks have year after year or their star-studded crowd.
But they win. And keep on winning. No GQ cover. No national headlines. No SportsCenter segment. No controversies (except in 2007, if that's a controversy). They just win.
And for that, I stopped hating the Spurs and started to have an enormous amount of respect for what they achieved since 1997.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
NBA Finals predictions
This is not a Finals predictions like most of what you and I read weekly, if not daily, over the Internet. I'm not going to predict WHO will make the Finals, but simply how each potential match-up would end. To do that, I'll take each of the 4 remaining Western Conference teams and match them up against each of the 4 remaining Eastern Conference teams. Simple, no?
*Note : I consider, for these match-ups, that all teams are perfectly healthy when the Finals comes.
I think Miami's perimeter defense will erase the Spurs advantage beyond the 3-point line, and that there just aren't enough good defensive players on the Spurs to effectively guard LeBron, Wade AND Bosh.
This could very well break the record for the oldest teams to meet in a NBA Finals, and we would get to see an epic duel between very old foes, most notably Duncan vs. Garnett (it's 2003 all over again!). The Spurs depth and shooting ability will give them the edge.
I do think the 76ers would match up fairly well to the Spurs but, inevitably, experience and execution will outlast youth and athleticism. Also, no one would watch this.
Almost the exact same thing as the 76ers'. And no one would watch either.
OKC's dynamic duo would basically cancel Wade/LeBron and Bosh won't stand the physicality and depth of the Perkins/Ibaka/Mohamed/Collison monster frontline. That, AND James Harden.
Boston will give OKC a rough test, expect hard fouls in the lane and many, many flagrants by both frontlines. However, OKC's sheer athleticism will get the best of the old Celtics.
Philly won't die easily, but there's no way it can match against that multi-talented Thunder squad. It could very well be a sweep, but I love Philly so I'll give them one game.
Indiana would give OKC a test, but nothing more. Enough said.
This is it. The one I really can't decide. Will L.A.'s frontline show up and destroy Anthony, Turiaf and whoever comes at them? Or will the über combo Wade/LeBron disrupt the Lakers offense and punish the old team by running he fast-break like hell? And there's the never-ending Kobe vs. LeBron debate... Really, I can't decide. I'm sorry. But it will go 7 and will break TV ratings record.
This one could also set a TV ratings record, and will make every NBA history fanatic delighted, me included. The Lakers's frontline will not be stopped by anyone on the Celtics roster.
The 76ers lack in size, that's no secret. And even if they defend really, really well on the perimeter, they won't stop the size of L.A.
Size. That is all.
In all seriousness, Hibbert is a big guy, but he's not as dominant as Bynum (when he's not a knucklehead) or a talented as Pau.
The Clips aren't good enough on defense to even slow LeBron/Wade and their offense is lacking in every department if not for the brilliance of Chris Paul, who will win a game by himself.
Boston has 2 enormous advantages over the Clips : coaching and experience. Streaky shooters like Young, Foye or Mo will help make this a more competitive series than it really should be.
This is a tighter match-up than anyone would think, since Philly defends better and is better coached, but in the end, 4th quarter execution will kill the 76ers, who don't have Chris Paul.
This was a harder call than I ever thought it would be. But in the end, hustle and coaching will get the Pacers the tiniest of advantages in the long series. And no one would watch or care.
*Note : I consider, for these match-ups, that all teams are perfectly healthy when the Finals comes.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Miami Heat
Result : Miami in 6I think Miami's perimeter defense will erase the Spurs advantage beyond the 3-point line, and that there just aren't enough good defensive players on the Spurs to effectively guard LeBron, Wade AND Bosh.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Boston Celtics
Result : Spurs in 7This could very well break the record for the oldest teams to meet in a NBA Finals, and we would get to see an epic duel between very old foes, most notably Duncan vs. Garnett (it's 2003 all over again!). The Spurs depth and shooting ability will give them the edge.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Result : Spurs in 6I do think the 76ers would match up fairly well to the Spurs but, inevitably, experience and execution will outlast youth and athleticism. Also, no one would watch this.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers
Result : Spurs in 6Almost the exact same thing as the 76ers'. And no one would watch either.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Miami Heat
Result : OKC in 6OKC's dynamic duo would basically cancel Wade/LeBron and Bosh won't stand the physicality and depth of the Perkins/Ibaka/Mohamed/Collison monster frontline. That, AND James Harden.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics
Result : OKC in 6 Boston will give OKC a rough test, expect hard fouls in the lane and many, many flagrants by both frontlines. However, OKC's sheer athleticism will get the best of the old Celtics.
Oklahoma City vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Result : OKC in 5Philly won't die easily, but there's no way it can match against that multi-talented Thunder squad. It could very well be a sweep, but I love Philly so I'll give them one game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers
Result : OKC in 5 Indiana would give OKC a test, but nothing more. Enough said.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat
Result : ???? in 7This is it. The one I really can't decide. Will L.A.'s frontline show up and destroy Anthony, Turiaf and whoever comes at them? Or will the über combo Wade/LeBron disrupt the Lakers offense and punish the old team by running he fast-break like hell? And there's the never-ending Kobe vs. LeBron debate... Really, I can't decide. I'm sorry. But it will go 7 and will break TV ratings record.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
Result : LAL in 6This one could also set a TV ratings record, and will make every NBA history fanatic delighted, me included. The Lakers's frontline will not be stopped by anyone on the Celtics roster.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Result : LAL in 5The 76ers lack in size, that's no secret. And even if they defend really, really well on the perimeter, they won't stop the size of L.A.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers
Result : LAL in 5Size. That is all.
In all seriousness, Hibbert is a big guy, but he's not as dominant as Bynum (when he's not a knucklehead) or a talented as Pau.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Miami Heat
Result : Miami in 5The Clips aren't good enough on defense to even slow LeBron/Wade and their offense is lacking in every department if not for the brilliance of Chris Paul, who will win a game by himself.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Boston Celtics
Result : Boston in 6 Boston has 2 enormous advantages over the Clips : coaching and experience. Streaky shooters like Young, Foye or Mo will help make this a more competitive series than it really should be.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Result : LAC in 6 This is a tighter match-up than anyone would think, since Philly defends better and is better coached, but in the end, 4th quarter execution will kill the 76ers, who don't have Chris Paul.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Indiana Pacers
Result : Indy in 7This was a harder call than I ever thought it would be. But in the end, hustle and coaching will get the Pacers the tiniest of advantages in the long series. And no one would watch or care.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Bara_Chat's 2011-2012 NBA awards
Well this didn't take long. Not long at all in fact. It seems to me like the NBA season started only yesterday, but it's already over. It was a very interesting season, with very little difference (at least in terms of wins) between the top teams in the league. That'll make for pretty exciting playoffs, one would think...
But that's not for today!
First we have to distribute (imaginary) awards to the deserving players and coaches of the season. Let's start off with...
Rookie of the Year
Winner : Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)
This will likely be the less disputed award of the year, especially since Rubio went down with injury at the halfway point of the season. Irving had the lowly Cavs in the playoffs hunt for a good chunk of the season before Varejao and himself got hurt. A great scorer and an impressive clutch player, he will be an All-Start before long in this league.
Before we move on, let's me just take a second to point out how ridiculous and clueless were most NBA "experts/journalists/analysts" at the beginning of the season when talking about this rookie class. It was said to be very weak, with few notable players, blah blah blah.
Eventually those kids went out and proved everyone of those so-called "experts" wrong. In fact, with more than a dozen noteworthy players and a few future All-Stars, this could become one of the best classes in years. As I said when the season started, those guys (very often) don't know what they're talking about, since most of them never even played basketball, let alone on a high level. I'm glad their ignorance was exposed.
Runner-ups
2. Isaiah Thomas (Sacramento Kings)
3. Ricky Rubio (Minnesota Timberwolves)
4. Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets)
5. Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)
Winner : James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Another relatively easy choice for this season, James Harden became an All-Star caliber (and very nearly an actual All-Star) player coming of the bench. As it has been said countless times already, Harden could start on 29 of the league's teams. He's just that good. And from the few Thunder games I've watched this season, it often looks as if he is the team's best player, while playing with two All-NBA players! That's amazing in itself.
I want to give a shout-out to Lou Williams, of my 76ers, for giving Harden a run for this title at the beginning of the season, eventually finishing second (in my book) while leading his team in scoring (that's also pretty damn incredible). Thaddeus Young, author of a great season, could also get a few votes for 6th man.
Runner-ups :
2. Lou Williams (Philadelphia 76ers)
3. Al Harrington (Denver Nuggets)
4. Jason Terry (Dallas Mavericks)
5. Taj Gibson (Chicago Bulls)
Winner : Tom Thibodeau
First off, I want to say that I think that Gregg Popovich will win CoY this season, mainly because Thibodeau won it last season. And I think him and "Thibs" are in a very tight battle for that distinction, for similar yet different reasons. "Thibs" missed his best player for almost half the season, yet managed to lead his Bulls to the top of the East, beating a few contenders along the way, achieving all that with a bunch of role players. On the other hand, "Pops" lead his Spurs to the top of the West while carefully managing his old vets' minutes and wisely adapting his team's playing style to his new personnel. Really, you can't go wrong either way.
I have to say that, considering the wild season we've just lived, a lot of NBA coaches deserve recognition for their excellent work. Apart from the eventual runner-ups, I want to congratulate Ty Corbin (Utah Jazz), Alvin Gentry (Phoenix Suns), Doc Rivers (Boston Celtics) and even Mike Woodson (New York Knicks) for their great work.
Runner-ups :
1b. Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
3. Lionel Hollins (Memphis Grizzlies)
4. Frank Vogel (Indiana Pacers)
5. Doug Collins (Philadelphia 76ers)
Winner : Jeremy Lin (New York Knicks)
This award is highly controversial, certainly due to its vague meaning. Many players seem to get better every year, but is it because they simply get more minutes? Is it simply because they were rookies last season and now they're getting used to the league? Is it because they were injured and now they're not? You get the point, it's hard to judge.
For example, one of the front-runners, Nikola Pekovic, went from 5.5 ppg and 3.0 rpg to 13.9-7.4. Quite the accomplishment, isn't it? But if you take his per-36 numbers, he went from 14.6 to 18.5 points per 36 minutes. That's still an improvement, but it's certainly less impressive. So did he get better because he got more minutes or he got more minutes because he got better? The same logic could be applied to many candidates.
That being said, it's very hard to get a better story than Jeremy Lin's. Sure he missed half the season, but that doesn't make him any less "Most Improved".
Runner-ups :
2. Nikola Pekovic (Minnesota Timberwolves)
3. Ersan Ilyasova (Milwaukee Bucks)
4. Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers)
5. Ryan Anderson (Orlando Magic)
Winner : Tony Allen (Memphis Grizzlies)
It's pretty damn hard for a perimeter player to get even mentioned in the DPoY debate, except if said player is already a star (LeBron James would be the best example). Truth be told, a good perimeter defender doesn't affect a game as much as a dominant inside presence, and I accept that way of thinking. Nevertheless, there's no defensive player that has impressed me more this year than Tony Allen. Maybe I'm biased towards elite perimeter defenders, but he's my choice for this year.
To be honest, I think Tyson Chandler will win it, or perhaps Dwight. Although D12 has infuriated many fans and journalists with his off-court drama this season, and that will likely come to bite him in the a** when it comes to their vote.
Runner-ups :
2. Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks)
3a. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)
3b. Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder)
4. Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics)
5. LeBron James (Miami Heat)
Winner : LeBron James (Miami Heat)
Yes, him. It's been his award to lose all-season long. He's been dominating, dictating games' outcomes seemingly at will for most of the season, except for that down period a month or so ago. Sure, you could point to his PER or any numbers you want, but he's just the best player on the court almost every game. Bear in mind also that Wade has missed 14 games this year and has been very average for some stretches. In other words, LeBron has driven this ship by himself for most of the season. What has impressed me the most is his decision making, especially regarding what shots he takes in a game. He takes fewer 3s (just over 2 per game ; while making a better percentage) and his FG% flirted with 55% all season before dropping to 53% at the end of the season. And he's an all-world defensive player. That kinda seals it. Now we wait for the playoffs to see if he can cement his legacy...
(I can't believe I've written praises of LeBron James, a player I don't really like. But hey, you have to give credit where it's due, he's been the best player in the league this year.)
Runner-ups :
2. Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
3. Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)
4. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
5. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Now why is Chris Paul higher than those other guys with better records this season? Simply because he's doubled as one of the best on-court coaches of the league. He also controls a game like very few can in this league. Paul has led this team to a very decent record despite having a mediocre coach and a wildly overrated supporting cast of role players and Blake Griffin (also wildly overrated). Sure, I hate his flopping (Flop City, anyone?), but he commands respect like very few players in this league.
A great season from Tony Parker was overshadowed by Pops' work with the Spurs. Kobe is still playing like a madman after nearly 1400 games (playoffs included). Durant grabbed the scoring title yet again in a fairly unexciting race, but he still won it, so congrats to him.
Agree? Disagree? Feel free to leave a comment!
But that's not for today!
First we have to distribute (imaginary) awards to the deserving players and coaches of the season. Let's start off with...
Rookie of the Year
Winner : Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers)
This will likely be the less disputed award of the year, especially since Rubio went down with injury at the halfway point of the season. Irving had the lowly Cavs in the playoffs hunt for a good chunk of the season before Varejao and himself got hurt. A great scorer and an impressive clutch player, he will be an All-Start before long in this league.
Before we move on, let's me just take a second to point out how ridiculous and clueless were most NBA "experts/journalists/analysts" at the beginning of the season when talking about this rookie class. It was said to be very weak, with few notable players, blah blah blah.
Eventually those kids went out and proved everyone of those so-called "experts" wrong. In fact, with more than a dozen noteworthy players and a few future All-Stars, this could become one of the best classes in years. As I said when the season started, those guys (very often) don't know what they're talking about, since most of them never even played basketball, let alone on a high level. I'm glad their ignorance was exposed.
Runner-ups
2. Isaiah Thomas (Sacramento Kings)
3. Ricky Rubio (Minnesota Timberwolves)
4. Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets)
5. Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio Spurs)
Sixth man of the Year
Winner : James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Another relatively easy choice for this season, James Harden became an All-Star caliber (and very nearly an actual All-Star) player coming of the bench. As it has been said countless times already, Harden could start on 29 of the league's teams. He's just that good. And from the few Thunder games I've watched this season, it often looks as if he is the team's best player, while playing with two All-NBA players! That's amazing in itself.
I want to give a shout-out to Lou Williams, of my 76ers, for giving Harden a run for this title at the beginning of the season, eventually finishing second (in my book) while leading his team in scoring (that's also pretty damn incredible). Thaddeus Young, author of a great season, could also get a few votes for 6th man.
Runner-ups :
2. Lou Williams (Philadelphia 76ers)
3. Al Harrington (Denver Nuggets)
4. Jason Terry (Dallas Mavericks)
5. Taj Gibson (Chicago Bulls)
Coach of the Year
Winner : Tom Thibodeau
First off, I want to say that I think that Gregg Popovich will win CoY this season, mainly because Thibodeau won it last season. And I think him and "Thibs" are in a very tight battle for that distinction, for similar yet different reasons. "Thibs" missed his best player for almost half the season, yet managed to lead his Bulls to the top of the East, beating a few contenders along the way, achieving all that with a bunch of role players. On the other hand, "Pops" lead his Spurs to the top of the West while carefully managing his old vets' minutes and wisely adapting his team's playing style to his new personnel. Really, you can't go wrong either way.
I have to say that, considering the wild season we've just lived, a lot of NBA coaches deserve recognition for their excellent work. Apart from the eventual runner-ups, I want to congratulate Ty Corbin (Utah Jazz), Alvin Gentry (Phoenix Suns), Doc Rivers (Boston Celtics) and even Mike Woodson (New York Knicks) for their great work.
Runner-ups :
1b. Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
3. Lionel Hollins (Memphis Grizzlies)
4. Frank Vogel (Indiana Pacers)
5. Doug Collins (Philadelphia 76ers)
Most Improved Player
Winner : Jeremy Lin (New York Knicks)
This award is highly controversial, certainly due to its vague meaning. Many players seem to get better every year, but is it because they simply get more minutes? Is it simply because they were rookies last season and now they're getting used to the league? Is it because they were injured and now they're not? You get the point, it's hard to judge.
For example, one of the front-runners, Nikola Pekovic, went from 5.5 ppg and 3.0 rpg to 13.9-7.4. Quite the accomplishment, isn't it? But if you take his per-36 numbers, he went from 14.6 to 18.5 points per 36 minutes. That's still an improvement, but it's certainly less impressive. So did he get better because he got more minutes or he got more minutes because he got better? The same logic could be applied to many candidates.
That being said, it's very hard to get a better story than Jeremy Lin's. Sure he missed half the season, but that doesn't make him any less "Most Improved".
Runner-ups :
2. Nikola Pekovic (Minnesota Timberwolves)
3. Ersan Ilyasova (Milwaukee Bucks)
4. Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers)
5. Ryan Anderson (Orlando Magic)
Defensive Player of the Year
Winner : Tony Allen (Memphis Grizzlies)
It's pretty damn hard for a perimeter player to get even mentioned in the DPoY debate, except if said player is already a star (LeBron James would be the best example). Truth be told, a good perimeter defender doesn't affect a game as much as a dominant inside presence, and I accept that way of thinking. Nevertheless, there's no defensive player that has impressed me more this year than Tony Allen. Maybe I'm biased towards elite perimeter defenders, but he's my choice for this year.
To be honest, I think Tyson Chandler will win it, or perhaps Dwight. Although D12 has infuriated many fans and journalists with his off-court drama this season, and that will likely come to bite him in the a** when it comes to their vote.
Runner-ups :
2. Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks)
3a. Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)
3b. Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder)
4. Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics)
5. LeBron James (Miami Heat)
Most Valuable Player
Winner : LeBron James (Miami Heat)
Yes, him. It's been his award to lose all-season long. He's been dominating, dictating games' outcomes seemingly at will for most of the season, except for that down period a month or so ago. Sure, you could point to his PER or any numbers you want, but he's just the best player on the court almost every game. Bear in mind also that Wade has missed 14 games this year and has been very average for some stretches. In other words, LeBron has driven this ship by himself for most of the season. What has impressed me the most is his decision making, especially regarding what shots he takes in a game. He takes fewer 3s (just over 2 per game ; while making a better percentage) and his FG% flirted with 55% all season before dropping to 53% at the end of the season. And he's an all-world defensive player. That kinda seals it. Now we wait for the playoffs to see if he can cement his legacy...
(I can't believe I've written praises of LeBron James, a player I don't really like. But hey, you have to give credit where it's due, he's been the best player in the league this year.)
Runner-ups :
2. Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
3. Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)
4. Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
5. Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Now why is Chris Paul higher than those other guys with better records this season? Simply because he's doubled as one of the best on-court coaches of the league. He also controls a game like very few can in this league. Paul has led this team to a very decent record despite having a mediocre coach and a wildly overrated supporting cast of role players and Blake Griffin (also wildly overrated). Sure, I hate his flopping (Flop City, anyone?), but he commands respect like very few players in this league.
A great season from Tony Parker was overshadowed by Pops' work with the Spurs. Kobe is still playing like a madman after nearly 1400 games (playoffs included). Durant grabbed the scoring title yet again in a fairly unexciting race, but he still won it, so congrats to him.
Agree? Disagree? Feel free to leave a comment!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
2012 All-NBA teams
2012 All-NBA First Team
G - Chris Paul, LAC
G - Kobe Bryant, LAL
F - LeBron James, MIA
F - Kevin Durant, OKC
C - Andrew Bynum, LAL
The controversial choice here is Andrew Bynum, whom I think has evolved into a complete basketball player this season for Los Angeles, over Dwight Howard. Sure, he's had a few brain farts and has shown some immaturity, but when he gets going, he's nearly unstoppable. Dwight will likely be most people's choice at this spot, but he's been a very crappy teammate and a coach-killer in '12, I can't accept that on my First Team.
All-NBA Second Team
G - Tony Parker, SAS
G - Russell Westbrook, OKC
F - Josh Smith, ATL
F - Kevin Love, MIN
C - Dwight Howard, ORL
All-NBA Third Team
G - Dwyane Wade, MIA
G - Derrick Rose, CHI
F - Carmelo Anthony, NYK
F - Al Jefferson, UTA
C - Marc Gasol, MEM
Honorable mentions : LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ty Lawson, Luol Deng, Tyson Chandler, Paul Millsap, Tim Duncan, Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, Steve Nash.
I had nearly no problems doing the first two teams, and most choices were pretty easy to make. However, when it came to the third team, believe me when I say that every single player on that list nearly came off it for someone else. Rondo and Nash could have taken the guards spots, there are too many good forwards in this league to start naming them, Boston's are the most notrious absentees, and Tyson Chandler very nearly took out Marc Gasol, eventually coming down to winning percentage and the fact that Carmelo already made the team for NYK with his late-season explosion.
For the fun of it, look how awesome a fourth team could have been :
All-NBA Fourth Team
G - Steve Nash, PHO
G - Rajon Rondo, BOS
F - Kevin Garnett, BOS
F - LaMarcus Aldridge, POR
C - Tyson Chandler, NYK
Tell me who would score on KG and Chandler roaming in the paint. No one. Absolutely no one. Speaking of which...
All-NBA Defensive First Team
G - Tony Allen
G - Chris Paul
F - Kevin Garnett
F - Serge Ibaka
C - Tyson Chandler
All-NBA Defensive Second Team
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Rajon Rondo
F - Andre Iguodala
F - Josh Smith
C - Dwight Howard
Honorable mentions : LeBron James, Shawn Marion, Marcus Camby, Iman Shumper, Marc Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Mike Conley.
It's crazy how few guards seem to excel on the defensive ends these past few years. Sure some guys will get more than a few steals, but that's certainly not the only way to determine someone's impact on the defensive end. Lockdown defense for 30 minutes each and every night is more important than 2 steals per game, in my opinion. Especially since you can simply jump passing lanes to get steals, and that's not necessarily good defense. It can be, but a lot of coaches will hate it if you don't time it right, because that's an almost guaranteed two points for the other team.
All-NBA Rookie First Team (remember, no positions on rookie teams)
1. Kyrie Irving
2. Ricky Rubio
3. Isaiah Thomas
4. Klay Thompson
5. Kenneth Faried
All-NBA Rookie Second Team
1. Kawhi Leonard
2. Iman Shumpert
3. Chandler Parsons
4. MarShon Brooks
5. Brandon Knight
JUST missed the team : Kemba Walker. I think Kemba will have a better career than most of the guys on those teams, but, even if it seems unfair for a rookie, he was penalized by playing on a team that just lost 21 games in a row. 21. I fell in love with his game last year in the Big East tournament and with that amazing NCAA Championship run. The losing must be killing him...
That's it! Later this week or early next week I'll have the 2012 awards up.
Oh, and the playoffs start this weekend. I'll try to have some predictions up if I have the time.
G - Chris Paul, LAC
G - Kobe Bryant, LAL
F - LeBron James, MIA
F - Kevin Durant, OKC
C - Andrew Bynum, LAL
The controversial choice here is Andrew Bynum, whom I think has evolved into a complete basketball player this season for Los Angeles, over Dwight Howard. Sure, he's had a few brain farts and has shown some immaturity, but when he gets going, he's nearly unstoppable. Dwight will likely be most people's choice at this spot, but he's been a very crappy teammate and a coach-killer in '12, I can't accept that on my First Team.
All-NBA Second Team
G - Tony Parker, SAS
G - Russell Westbrook, OKC
F - Josh Smith, ATL
F - Kevin Love, MIN
C - Dwight Howard, ORL
All-NBA Third Team
G - Dwyane Wade, MIA
G - Derrick Rose, CHI
F - Carmelo Anthony, NYK
F - Al Jefferson, UTA
C - Marc Gasol, MEM
Honorable mentions : LaMarcus Aldridge, Rudy Gay, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ty Lawson, Luol Deng, Tyson Chandler, Paul Millsap, Tim Duncan, Blake Griffin, DeMarcus Cousins, Steve Nash.
I had nearly no problems doing the first two teams, and most choices were pretty easy to make. However, when it came to the third team, believe me when I say that every single player on that list nearly came off it for someone else. Rondo and Nash could have taken the guards spots, there are too many good forwards in this league to start naming them, Boston's are the most notrious absentees, and Tyson Chandler very nearly took out Marc Gasol, eventually coming down to winning percentage and the fact that Carmelo already made the team for NYK with his late-season explosion.
For the fun of it, look how awesome a fourth team could have been :
All-NBA Fourth Team
G - Steve Nash, PHO
G - Rajon Rondo, BOS
F - Kevin Garnett, BOS
F - LaMarcus Aldridge, POR
C - Tyson Chandler, NYK
Tell me who would score on KG and Chandler roaming in the paint. No one. Absolutely no one. Speaking of which...
All-NBA Defensive First Team
G - Tony Allen
G - Chris Paul
F - Kevin Garnett
F - Serge Ibaka
C - Tyson Chandler
All-NBA Defensive Second Team
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Rajon Rondo
F - Andre Iguodala
F - Josh Smith
C - Dwight Howard
Honorable mentions : LeBron James, Shawn Marion, Marcus Camby, Iman Shumper, Marc Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Mike Conley.
It's crazy how few guards seem to excel on the defensive ends these past few years. Sure some guys will get more than a few steals, but that's certainly not the only way to determine someone's impact on the defensive end. Lockdown defense for 30 minutes each and every night is more important than 2 steals per game, in my opinion. Especially since you can simply jump passing lanes to get steals, and that's not necessarily good defense. It can be, but a lot of coaches will hate it if you don't time it right, because that's an almost guaranteed two points for the other team.
All-NBA Rookie First Team (remember, no positions on rookie teams)
1. Kyrie Irving
2. Ricky Rubio
3. Isaiah Thomas
4. Klay Thompson
5. Kenneth Faried
All-NBA Rookie Second Team
1. Kawhi Leonard
2. Iman Shumpert
3. Chandler Parsons
4. MarShon Brooks
5. Brandon Knight
JUST missed the team : Kemba Walker. I think Kemba will have a better career than most of the guys on those teams, but, even if it seems unfair for a rookie, he was penalized by playing on a team that just lost 21 games in a row. 21. I fell in love with his game last year in the Big East tournament and with that amazing NCAA Championship run. The losing must be killing him...
That's it! Later this week or early next week I'll have the 2012 awards up.
Oh, and the playoffs start this weekend. I'll try to have some predictions up if I have the time.
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