Last night was a scarry indicator to the rest of the league how it may be this year.  Miami crushed the Magic 96 to 70.  Wade was the only player who scored over 20 points.  And, to top it off, the Heat still aren't playing with Mike Miller. 

Continue reading "Miami Destroys Rival Magic"

Continue reading "Thunder Go Green on Pistons"

Russell Westbrook is on the fast track to becoming a premier player in this league.  He got to the free throw line 13 times, had 10 rebounds, 28 points, and only 3 turn overs.   Talk about production at the point, Eric Maynor came off the bench and added ten points with perfect shooting.  38 points from the pg and only 3 turnovers is incredibl.e

 Kevin Durant landed on his tailbone in the 3rd qtr but appeared to be ok when he returned.  He didn't shoot it great, but led all scorers with 30 points and added 7 rebounds.

Jeff Green, as usual, did a little bit of everything and was the Thunder's 3rd scorer over twenty with 21.  Serge Ibaka had 8 points and 9 rebounds. 

Continue reading "Oklahoma City Thunder run with the Bulls"

 This team definately has talent, but where can it take them.  For the first time in possibly ever, Detroit is a wild card.  An unkown.  Arguably the team's three best players all play the same spot, sg.  Hamilton, Gordan, and Tracy McGrady.  McGrady is big enough to play a lot of small forward, so they might make it work.   Here is a break down:

 PG Rodney Stuckey--has gotten better each season, but not a 82 game starter.  This really hurts.  Will Bynum may get up to half the minutes here.  Niether play is a great option, but it's what they have.

Continue reading "Detroit Pistons not your bad boys anymore"

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.

Continue reading "Bulls to return to glory days"

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.

Continue reading "Knicks retooling rebuilding will make playoffs"

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. 

Continue reading "Celtics can tame the Beat in the East"

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. 

Continue reading "Summer League Scare for Thunder"

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.

Continue reading "Stoudamire is the new Big Apple"

As for the Thunder, Cook will help spread the floor and give them more punch off the bench.  He is only $2.2 against the cap. So, he is a very inexpensive shooter that helps fill a need.  But more impressive in this deal is the 18th pick to go along with the 21st and 26th.  With 3 picks, the Thunder could trade up and try and take a good big man.  But, I don't know who will trade down.   Rumors have it that Indiana wants a point guard, but not at the ten.  Epke Udoh from Baylor may be available at the ten. 

Continue reading "The Thunder keep getting better"