john howard's Oklahoma City Thunder Fan Profile

Bulls to return to glory days. posted on 07/10/2010

The face of the Chicago Bulls has drastically changed in recent years.  But, apparently for the better.  Here is a quick run down of who they have under contract and how they stack up in the East.

PG Derrick Rose is as good as they get.  He could emerge as the top point guard in the league this year.

SG Kyle Korver.  A sharpshooter that can spread the floor.

SF Luol Deng.  He can do a little bit of everything well.  A really good third option to have on the floor.

PF Carlos Boozer.  The Bulls may have the best pick and roll pair in the league. 

C Jakim Noah.   Heart, sole, passion, hustle.

Taj Gibson helps form a rotation in the post.  The Bulls have signed JJ Reddick to an offer sheet and Orlando can match it.  They still need help. As of now there are no other guards or bigs on the roster.  But, this is a solid starting 5.  They are a year or two away from acquiring the pieces to challenge to tops.  Orlando, Miami, and Boston should be the top 3.  Atlanta should also be 3rd or 4th.  But, Chicago may over take them.  A second round playoff appearance would be a very successful season.

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Knicks retooling, rebuilding, will make playoffs posted on 07/09/2010

The New York Knicks got duped by LeBron.  That may be for the best since the Cavs owner is sending the city of Cleveland's curse with him wherever he goes.  The Knicks were very smart in signing Armare Stoudamire and not waiting on LeBron.  They could have been left out in the cold like New Jersey.

The Knicks new that it would be very hard to keep David Lee, so they found a team that would do a sign and trade and pay very well for him.  The Golden State Warriors gave Lee a 6 year $80 million deal.  In return the Knicks get Anthony Randolph, Kaleena Azubuike, and Ronny Turiaf.

This is will be little talked about next year, but could be a really good move for New York.  Here is how the starting lineup currently looks:

PG  Tony Douglass--in his 2nd year and really needs to be coming off the bench and developing.

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Celtics can tame the Beat in the East posted on 07/09/2010

Miami has become a 3 headed hydra with Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, and LeBron James.  What are the Celtics to do?  Keep what they are doing.  They have resigned Doc Rivers, Ray Allen and Pual Pierce.  So, the big three (Garnett) and Rojan Rondo are all intact.  Kendrick Perkins is hurt and may miss a good part of next season.  And, Rasheed Wallace is contemplating retirement. 

Part of the solution is the signing of Jermaine O'Neal.  He can score inside and rebound.  He likely will fill Wallace's shoes and start until Perkins gets back.  They still need more depth.  Glen Davis provides a great lift off the bench, but can be over matched size wise.  Without Wallace or Perkins, they don't have a big bodied 7 footer in there. 

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Summer League Scare for Thunder. posted on 07/06/2010

New comer Cole Aldrich did not play in OKC's first summer league game of the year.  in fact, the Thunder did not start a single rookie. 

James Harden did not make a single 3pt shot, but attempted 18 free throws and had 19 points for the Thunder. 2nd year player Eric Maynor had 5 assists and 15 poinsts.   DJ White continues to show he can score with 13pts on 29 minutes and 6 rebounds.  He may be needed this year if Serge Ibaka's injury is significant.  He went down with a knee injury but walked off the floor.  There is no word yet on what his condition is. 

The star of the night was Byron Mullins who had 24 points and 7 rebounds with 2 blocks.  He played a lot in the developmental league and saw limited time with OKC last year.  He is a good pick and pop player that can allow Durant and Westbrook to exploit one on one matchups.  Should he continue to develop, he could allow the Thunder to let Krstic go and simply replace him with Mullins.  I think that is the plan for now. 

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Stoudamire is the new Big Apple posted on 07/06/2010

Amare Stoudamire becoming a Knick just makes sense (and dollars).  He is being reunited with coach Mike D'Antoni and his high octane offense.  That means even more stats for Stoudamire.  There are currently hopes of landing Lebron and or Wade with this signing.  But, should they not get either, New York has gotten better with Amare.

There is a chance of having two double-double players with Stoudamire and David Lee.  Those two would form a nice inside duo.  Eddie Curry is in a player option year that he will likely keep.  If Curry can stay healthy the Knicks would have a solid inside game with some depth.  But that is a big if.  Curry only played 7 games last year.

As of this moment, here is how the Knicks roster looks:

PG  Toney Douglas--a second year player that has no where to go but up.  But is no where near ready to lead a team.

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