When the NBA regular season came to an end and I saw the placing... all I could think was wow' there is going to be some great battles in both west and east. So with that said, please take a look at my humble first round predictions.
East Division
#1 Celtics vs. #8 Hawks
well, this may get ugly for the hawks but keep in mind it will be Bibby and Johnson against Young Rondo and Old Allen. I defiantly dont think the Hawks will win the series but I think the gaurd matchup may win them at least one game. Probable the most important think to look for is if the Celts start turning up a notch.
Celts win 4-1
#2 Pistons vs #7 Sixers
Though they split the season series the Piston are 8-2 in there last 10 were as the Sixers are 3-7. Its safe to assume the Sixers are stumbling into the playoffs. But do to the Pistons wealth of playoff exp. and the Sixers lake thereof got say this will be quick.
Pistons win 4-0
#3 Magic vs #6 Raptors
Probable the most intriguing matchup in the Eastern conference, but I think if Dwight Howard turns it on this may be a quick series because I dont think any of the Raptors can man up Howard w/o doubling him in which case they leave open Hedo and Rashard. Witht hat said I give it to the Magic mainly because of matchup difference and some questionable loss for the Raptors in the end of the season.
4-2 Magic Win
#4 Cav's vs. #5 Wizards
Im just going to lay it there, the Wizards are going win this series dont ask me how or why but I have a gut feeling about this... I feel Arenas may become the x-factor that the Wizards need that combine that Lebron is a one man show and cav success is directly related to Lebron have a monster game.
4-3 Wizards pull off the upset and win
2 round East matchups
Celtics vs. Wizards
Pistons vs. Magic
#1 Lakers vs. #8 Nuggets
Its hard to believe that the Nuggets won all 3 of the Regular Season... If the Nuggets get Kobe lock into a shoot off/ no defense series it could get ugly but, the Lakers have the big men to play a smart slow down game which will win them the series. Regardless I believe that the Lakers will win it just a matter of how many games will be played.
4-1(2) Lakers win the series
#2 Hornets vs. #7 Mav's
This may not be a good matchup for the Mavs as some would think... because the Hornets will more than likely dominate the offensive glass because the Mav's lack a real bruiser on the glass. If it comes down to shooting the Hornets will win because Peja will neutralize Dirk's offensive output and I feel that Chris Paul is the best playmaker (yes I do know j-kidd is on the Mav's now) in the playoffs let alone this series. Mav's have got to play a slower game to neutralize the speed and 3pt shooting of the Hornets.
4-2 Hornets win
#3 Spurs vs. #6 Suns
this will be a real grudge match, and to qoute John Donne "for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee" and that ringing is for the Spurs who will get upset in this series because Shaq can neutralize Duncan in the post (yes I said it).
so dig your heels in because this will be a defensive slug fest.
4-3 Suns win
#4 Jazz vs. #5 Rockets
another gut feeling, Im going to give it to the Rockets for no other reason that I feel they will win. probable wrong again but then again I dont care.
4-3 Rockets win
2nd round matchups
Lakers vs Suns
Hornets vs. Rockets
With the Gaints win over the patriots is amazing fashion where do they stack up amongst the greatest upsets of all time?
10.) Appalachian State beats Michigan 34-32
who would have ever thought a D-II school could beat a national championship contender? This has to be one of the most improbable victories in College football history. The game got no hype because this was just a tune up game for the great Michigan team which seemed to have everything (a great QB,RB,WR,OT... they were loaded). The game had plenty suspense all the way down until the final FG which was blocked.
We will probable will never hear about Armanti Edwards again but, for one day he was probable one of the best college qb's to ever play.
9.) Rulon Gardner(US) beats Alexander Karelin (Russia)
Not as popular as many other upsets but impressive none the less. It is probable the most incredible match of Greco-Roman wrestling ever and if you had to watch just one match this would be the one. Karelin "the bear" had not lost since he was 19 years old in 1987... he had been undefeated for 13 straight years! He had won 3 gold medals in 3 appearance in the Olympics. And so along comes Gardner a relatively unknown farmer-type who some how pulled off one of the hugest upset in indvidual sports ever.
8.) N.C State over Houston's Phi Slamma Jamma
Hows it possible a team with the young pair of Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler future NBA champions,Hall Famers, and members of the top 50, loose to a team of well unknowns? good coaching and magic. The good coaching coming from Jim Valvano who will all remember running around frantic with excitement after the game. And the magic coming from a amazing put back by whittenburg to pull off huge upset.
7.) Golden State Warriors pull a upset over the impressive Mavericks
I dont care if you dont even follow basketball this was probable one of the biggest upset. A Golden State team that narrowly made it into to the playoffs beat a team with the home court advantage , the 1st seed, the MVP, and a talented deep team. How could none of that resulted in a Mav's win? easy the brilliant play of Baron Davis who played his heart out and the leadership of Don Nelson.
6.) 69' New York Mets over the Baltimore Orioles
It probable be crazy to keep a team nicknamed the "Miracle(mets)" off the list. A team which had only existed 8 years some how mustered the talent to challenge the great Orioles team. Probable some of the best defense and pitching ever showcased in the world series helped the Mets claim a place in baseball history.
5.) Buster Douglas kosTyson
anyone who is a 42 to1 underdog I would say does not have a snowball chance in hell. But some how Douglas defeated the unstoppable force that Tyson was in boxing at that time he was literally the best pound for pound fighter. And some how none of this mattered on that day because Buster proved that it was he who was "the baddest man on the planet".
4.) Villanova defeats Georgetown
It is hard to recollect known but during the riegn of Patrick Ewing at Georgetown they were probable the most feared psyhical team to ever play college hoops. Villanova however was the lowest seed ever to make it to the title game they where playing the reigning champs, sound pretty daunting ? Well not to the wildcats who shoot over 78% the entire game and 90% in the 2nd half. No fear thier, just clutch play.
3.) Jets stun the Colts in Superbowl III
"the times are a changing" ... Unitas probable never heard that song as he was the model ver the old school views clean cut, hard working, and the picture of excellance. On the otherside was Joe Namath a brash young upstart who Guaranteed that the young Jets would be the perfect veteran Colts. So, trashtalk never hurt and Namath made that guarante of his whole with the Jets impressive win over the Colts winning 16-7 and holding the Colts offense to 3 scoreless quarters.
2.) Gaints beat the Patriots
Within every perfect thing lies the seed of its own destruction. This ultimately was the case this Sunday.
It hard to imagine the most prolific offense in NFL History was held to just 14 points. But, that was the case as the Gaints defense swarmed and pounding the real greatest show on turf into the most 3 and outs the Pat's experienced the entire season. Eli Manning who was never thought of as a clutch player willed his team to the greatest upset in Super bowl history destroying not only the Pat's perfect (19-0) season but the credibility of many of foxs Nfl "experts".
1.) The Miracle on the Ice, the USA defeats the Soviet Union
This will always be the hugest upset to ever be played. A group of college kids beating a team far better them who got destroyed by them in exhibition (10-3), a team that hadn't lost in nearly 20 years. It still is a miracle and the greatest one of all time.
"There is not a doubt that the Bulls have the pure talent to be in eastern championship game so, what is the deal. Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich are not producing consistently like they did last year, which raise another question, which is when, will the Bull’s front office make a deal for Kobe Byrant. How many more games can the Bulls afford to loose in a rising eastern division? I think if they loose 5 of there next 8 games they have to pull the trigger and sadly regardless of the cost."
The Bulls have lost more than 5 games and there in trouble at 2-10. A trade is a must at this point so we will exam possible options for the Bulls to salvage thier season.
My solution from best to worst,
1.) trade 1st round pick for Paul Millsap of the Jazz
Why?
a.) The Bulls wouldnt have to trade any there big 3
b.) They would pick up that low post defender and possible scorer they desire
c.) Paul current salary $687,456 w/ 1 year left meaning... no big dent if it works out or not.
d.) He is young and if he continues to progress you get a Carlos Boozer type PF
2.) Joakim Noah and Aaron Gray for Alonzo Mourning
a.) Even though the potenial to have two stars is there, the truth is the Bulls have no time to wait and see what happens. This is selling 2 rooks in a buy low sell high scenerio.
b.) Alonzo is still pretty solid for his age and is still a prescence (defensively) on the low post.
c.) Has a one year deal and wants to win the NBA title again
d.) Again they dont have to trade there big 3 and they gain a savy vet who has been there before
3.) Kirk Hinrich and Adrian Griffin for Pau Gasol
a.) Pau answers all of there pressing needs
b.) Sefolosha has demonstrated he is very capable at running the point plus, bulls have great depth at the point
c.) Kirk Hinrich is only averaging 10 ppg, 5 asst, and is under 35% from the field
d.) Pau size in the paint will open things up for Gordan's and Deng's shooting
4.) Loul Deng & Joe Smith for Marcus Camby & V.Wafer
a.) They get a solid veteran low post player and a young gun
b.) Nocioni can play SF
c.) more solid rebounding means more shots for Gordan and Hinrich
d.) Camby salary progressively drops after this year
5.) Ben Gordan, Tryus Thomas, Ben Wallace, and 1 st round draft pick* (and possible future draft pick consideration) for Kobe Bryant, Jordan Farmar, and Ronny Turiaf
a.) They get the most electrifying player in the game
b.) They get 2 solid young players
c.) generate extreme amount of profit from ticket and jersey sale (business side of it)
d.) might inspire kobe to run the courts of a legend.
Just ideas they may not be the best but they are defiantly intrest enough
Sometimes when your watching ESPN question pop into your head and I find it interesting what other think besides myself. So fire away! just like as if you were in Pakistan
Are the Celtic legit and worth the Hype ?
Believe it or not I think they are. So far I think they have lived up to the hype and the “big 3” are playing very well. But, I do have genuine concern over there lack of rotation of bench players as at most they are using 3 a game. And to be honest I don’t know how well any of their bodies will hold up as they defiantly all cant play 82 games with no relief.
The Eastern question- To pull the trigger or not…
There is not a doubt that the Bulls have the pure talent to be in eastern championship game so, what is the deal. Gordon, Deng, and Hinrich are not producing consistently like they did last year, which raise another question, which is when, will the Bull’s front office make a deal for Kobe Byrant. How many more games can the Bulls afford to loose in a rising eastern division? I think if they loose 5 of there next 8 games they have to pull the trigger and sadly regardless of the cost.
Adrian Peterson MVP ?
After watching a replay of his game against the Chargers on NFL network a couple of time I’m convinced. This is defiantly not to slight Brady or Moss whom I have seen more of, living on the east coast. But what AP is doing is truly remarkable he is on pace for an 1800+ season if he averages 70 yards (!?) from this point to the end of the season.
Now I’m not saying that he is the second coming of Walter Payton or Emmitt Smith but he is doing something I have never seen a running back do before and that is be great everything. But, more than likely because of the seniority Brady will win but, there something specially happening in Minnesota.
Should LSU be #1 or should it be a very deserving Kansas or Oregon team ?
I like LSU I really do there probable one of my favorite college for both football and basketball but, I think Kansas should be number 1 on the polls maybe for the sheer fact they haven’t lost a game and they are the only ones in the top 10 to do so. Oregon should probable be the other candidate sitting at 3.
Georgetown ranked to high in the College basketball polls ?
I understand that they are a mainly defensive team but they should not have struggled against a sub-par team W&M, which raise another question, How long will they survive in a very competitive Big east conference playing the way they are.
With all the scandals going around lately I think it best we stay positive. I have compiled what I think are the 10 ten most heroic moments in sports history. Feel free to contribute your own lists,as this is just my personal opinion.
1.) Jackie Robinson breaks the color barrier, wins rookie of the year, and wins the world series- 1945
To go through so much adversity and so much hostility and still achieve is something it really shows the courage of the man.
2.) Lou Gehrig farewell- 1939
Though it is not for sports achievement it was probable the most heartfelt moment in sports history.
3.) "Miracle on the Ice" America slays the Gaint which was the Soviet Union hockey team- 1980
Probable one of the best sports story ever, to beat a team that had been undefeated for more than a decade in international play. Whom had also beaten them 10-1 a couple monts earlier. To then go out there and defeat them was a hell of a accomplishment.
4.) Jesse Owens earns 4 gold medals proving that all that matters is heart and the will to win-1936
so much for a perfect race... I dont believe it possible for someone to have been in a more hostile environment.
5.) Willis Reed plays through torn thigh muscle to elevate the Knicks to a game 7 victory over the Lakers - 1970
probable the very defination of heart to go out and play with a torn thigh muscle and perform knowing you team needed you to win a championship.
6.) Doug Flutie throws a hail mary pass to Gerard Phelan to put BC over Miami in the Orange Bowl with 48 second left -1984
It could have easily gone either way, but its proof even the smallest among us can do great things.
7.) "The Drive" John Elway leads the Broncos 98 yards with 37 second left to tie the game and send it into overtime- 1987
In NFL history this has got to be one of the greatest possesions by a QB ever.
8.) Jordans Farewell, goes out with class and his 6th championship- 1998
Lets forget the wizards thing, he capt his playing days with a clutch shot to win the game and the championship.
9.) "The comeback" The Bills overcome a 32 point Deficit (led by backup Qb Frank Reich) to defeat the Houston Oilers- 1993
Most teams and players would have just given up at half time if they were down by double digits but this gutsy perfomance shows anything is possible.
10.) Gerry McNamara carries the Orangemen through injury past top seed UCONN,Pittsburgh,and Georgetown for the Big east title- 2006
Probable one of the more unknown events, he made a half court shot to defeat Cincinnati, makes another one to send the game in overtime against UCONN the #1 rank team in the nation. Then to hold off Georgetown in a teeth grinder and defeat a very good Pittsburgh team. He did this with a strained groined muscle amoung other other injuries.
AGAIN THIS IS JUST MINE LIST,Feel free to contribute your own lists if you wish.
1 YI’s Holdout
It’s bad enough this guy has bust written all over him (like flashing lights and police tap). It’s bad enough the bucks wasted there 6th overall with Brewer, Harford, Wright, Noah, and many more talented players still on the board.
It’s bad enough he has about as much muscle tone as Joss Stone if not less…
What makes it worse… so very very worse is he is holding out because the Bucks have “two many tall players”. Hmmmm… They got Bogut at center and is he would be the only other 7 footer on the team. Perhaps I imagining things and the Bucks are chalk full of bigs.
On the otherhand what blows my mind completely is China doesn’t want to put him somewhere were he can learn, develop, and start…. No, no that would make too much sense, lets try to put him in the western conference were he will be dominate by vastly superior big men until he crys and goes home strapped with ice packs… and after he returns home and is nursing his broken arms the China’s Government will tell him he needs to think about “National Pride” and to quite nursing his broken arms or as the Chinese government would put it “personal life”.
2 Vick manages to play the tinman, the scarcrow, and the cowardly lion all at the same time.
First he doesn’t have the heart to be a role model or a quarterback
Second he does have the brain to realize “dog fighting is bad!?”
And third he doesn’t have the courage to come out profoundly deny this accusation and then completely disprove them.
Of course I will grant a reprieve for Mr. Vick and say they really haven’t proven anything and these charges may be completely and utterly false. I just have one question how can you have a PETA rally without Pam-ela Anderson, I mean come on !? Is it really that unsafe to walk the streets with Sacha Baron Cohen out on the prowl .
3 Food for thought
Refs cheating in Basketball, Mr. Stern?
see no evil , hear no evil speak no evil, Mr.. Stern replied
Do you think Mark Cuban will jump on this, and claim not only was he swindle by Don Nelson but he was robbed of a title by good old Robber Baron Stern and his lackeys
It shaping’ up to be a good episode of Scooby doo mysterious for Cuban…. Maybe he will just play baseball and compete in the only sport we have ever know to have ever had a fixed championship
I’m out… to learn why I keep only losing bets to Tim Donaghy
5 reasons you can’t blame The Dallas Mavericks loosing to the Golden State Warriors
5.) Dirk Now-slightly above average-itzki
Averaging a mere 20 pts and 11.5 Dirk defiantly lost a step or two; a Perennial all-star and MVP candidate wasn’t what he was during this series. Great moments are born from great opportunity and when your star player does not take advantage of that opportunity and dominate, than your team is doomed for let down. When the light shine brightest the star is supposed to transcend there norms not play a disappearing act. He did have one moment of excellence in game five with 30 points and 12 Rebounds but, then he played a similar disappearing act in Game 6 with only 8 points and 10 Rebounds.
4.) Truffle shuffle of centers
Game 1-Nowitzki, Game 2-Dampier, Game 3-Dampier, Game-4/6 Diop,
With Nowitzki being a complete waste of talent at the center position and the fact that the Mav’s would be better off playing with only four players seeing how pitiful Diop and Dampier have been. In the Games Dampier started he had 5 fouls then 3, and had a cumulative 5 pts to show for nearly 31 minutes of play; and Diop slightly more productive with 16 fouls, 8 pts, and 88 cumulative minutes (not including Games 5&6)
3.) “You are still but a padawan, Avery!”-Don Nelson
True, Don Nelson was the architect of this Maverick team his nurturing turned Dirk Nowitzki into the star he is today; one can claim that because of this he best knew how to shut Dirk down and that thusly resulted in the Mav’s loosing. However, I believe because of Avery inability to motivate his team when he should of and because his mishandling and shuffle of Centers, Avery’s inexperience as a head coach really started to show. He allowed his team to play the Warrior’s game and let them control the tempo which resulted in there losses.
2.) Under Pressure
Shooting under .500 from the field and having a non existent arc game making only .381 may have a little to do with the pressure of the level of hype that surrounds the Mav’s. In that they were the most dominate team in the NBA during the regular season even making a run at Chicago Bull Legend status but falling short of a 72-10 season, they were supposed to dominate Golden State from the very beginning of the game to the very end with ease. Perhaps they took them too lightly or perhaps they were shellshock by the loss in Game 1 and could never regain the same composure they had during the regular season.
1.) Baron Davis is god!
He really is... I have proof… average of 25 pts, 4.75 AST, 2.25 STL, exactly .500 from the field, the Arc, and .740 from the charity stripe. Dare I say this is a very Jordon-esque performance? Davis is playing like an all-star, he has elevated his game and has elevated his team passed the best in the west.
* Most stats were calculated pre-game 5 so they may be a point or two off, however the serve as a generality to prove a point.
Prelude: back when basketball was hinderd by having to walk up a latter to get the ball of a basket . There was Chess and the best player was Bobby Fischer he was huge he was bigger than sliced bread (well not that awesome). But he was big and when he left the game he left as the greatest player to ever ... play And since then they have tried to fill the void with numerous players.
But now we THINK we have our man , D-Wayne "Flash" Wade . And Hence the movie analogy.
A comparison if you will,
What I'm I Trying to say !!!??
Even Though he has won a NBA title it does not mean he will be the next Michael Jordon. He has gotten him self off the bubble and established him self as a legendary part of NBA Playoff history, but at this point many discussions circle around potential. Wade has allot of it but He will need to work really hard to get it , I think the NBA community is a little fast to give people things without having them work for it . But, I think mostly all of us can agree to a "we Will see" if he shows progress than maybe and if he doesn't he will always be consider as a superb athlete.
Truth is there may never be another Mj, when you think basketball you think of him first (at Least I do). To me it silly to match them MJ has the intangible factors along with his 5 Rings, Gold Medals, NCAA Championship, MVP awards and many many more that are un-match by the greats.
Same thing goes for Lebron, it one thing to be young and talented and it’s another to be like MJ who basically changed the game. Let’s not fill the void of MJ so soon, give it time to develop. Lets appreciate the athlete we have now, and we will see in the future.
Just for fun who would you have on your all-star team if you could pick any past or present player ? Bench optional
C - Hakeem Olajuwon "The Dream"
Probably the best center ever to play the game , I don't think there anyone that could gaurd him one on one.
PF - Charles Barkley
Love him or hate him he could he was a awesome rebounder.
SF/PF Larry Bird
My most Favorite player to watch , a great natural shooter , a virtuostic team player.
SG - "Pistol" Pete Maravich
were thinking Mj be here ?! well before MJ and Before Magic and even before Dr.J the was pistol with dribbling behind his back , passing in between his legs, the sickest natural shooter to ever play the game. Had a 24.2 pt ave befor the 3pt line , scored 65 pts and wasn't 7'1 Ala Wilt the dreaded Stilt. NCAA All time leading scorer in every category.
See the simliarity ...
PG- Magic Johnson
Proble one of the best all around basketball players since Oscar Robertson. Was there really any need for a bench when one player can play all the positions.
Firstly , I would like to apologize in advance for offending anyone.
I'm very offensive its my gift ... and my curse.
I live in Upstate NY, which automatically makes me loyal to New York teams.
I'm a Huge Football fan live it , play it , breath it. But I watch basically every sport that is on tv or ESPN.
But I prefer any team that gels and plays with great team chemistry.
Most of what I say is either meant to be Ironic or a Contrapositiv e.
It's all in good fun.
Quote of the Year :
"Behind another weak offensive line, Brett Favre may literally die a Packer."
"There can only be one #1 ...
that's right because 2 would make twelve"
Legend of Ricky Bobby
). But he was big and when he left the game he left as the greatest player to ever ... play
And since then they have tried to fill the void with numerous players.
