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Introduction

I'll give you a moment to recover from the brilliance of my title...

Ok, moving on, Kobe Bryant wants out of LA. Early this summer he was screaming about being traded on national radio. Then he'd go on local LA radio and say he wanted to be a Laker for life. Apparently, Kobe hasn't upgraded to the digital age when pretty much anybody can get news from a wold away instantaneously.

Of course, the LA faithful bought everything he was saying. Growing up in Philly as a life long Laker fan? That sounds a little fishy to me but I digress. Kobe Bryant is only concerned with winning the championship and advancing his own career. Therefore, Bryant would love to go anywhere that he feels would give him a better chance to win the title and advance his own career.

So, using the technology of the ESPN trade machine I will try to put together some trades that would benefit everybody. Now, the likelihood of Kobe getting traded are about as good as an environmental activists' of winning the Nobel Peace Prize but it's always fun to speculate. 

Kobe to New York

Obviously, the Knicks have to top the list. For no other reason than that only New York is bigger than LA. New York could absorb Kobe Bryant and welcome him as a new star. My comrade Dudski talked about this in his blog and I concur.

The Knicks certainly have the pieces to make a big trade and I think going to the Knicks would satisfy Kobe's ego. Being able to resurrect Spike Lee's team would provide Kobe with some motivation and the opportunity to play for Isiah Thomas would make Kobe drool.

Los Angeles Lakers trade Kobe Bryant to New York Knicks for Malik Rose, Quentin Richardson, Jamal Crawford and 2008 First Round Pick

Lakers: Get a tough power forward in Malike Rose, a great shooter in Richardson, and an upgrade at point with Crawford. The three of them could help in Phil's Triangle and are certainly upgrades over the current cast (excluding Kobe, of course). Crawford, Richardson, Rose, Odom, and Walton could make for a high-flying offense but they still have a huge hole in the middle. They would need to go get a center but this lineup is still better than what they'll have (again excluding Kobe) and two picks in '08 would give them a head start.

Knicks: Having Marbury and Bryant on the same team could be problematic. However, it wouldn't take long for Bryant to assert himself and I truly believe Starbury would defer some of his shooting to Bryant (this isn't Steve Francis we're talking about here). The Knicks would also be off to a good start at rebuilding here and could make a serious play in the East.

Kobe to Chicago

This is one of the most popular scenarios. But the specifics are hard to hammer out. Who would the Bulls be willing to part with? That largely depends on what direction the Bulls as an organization want to go. They have a five year deal with Kirk Hinrich and seem to have committed to him as  their point guard. But the rest of the team is really up for grabs so it's the Bulls choice to make.

Los Angeles Lakers trade Kobe Bryant to the Chicago Bulls for Chris Duhon, Ben Gordon, Ben Wallace, and 2008 First Round Pick

Lakers: Get a decent point guard who still has promise in Duhon, a developing superstar in Ben Gordon, and the show stopper in Ben Wallace. The first round pick is again, a necessity, and this trade would give the Lakers some options.

Wallace would finally provide a presence at the Center spot and both Duhon and Gordon will be free agents after next season. That would give the Lakers to opportunity to resign them or gain some salary cap space. Their youth is also a big plus and they could be paired with who ever the Lakers pick up to rebuild.

Bulls: Obviously getting Kobe would dramatically improve this team. Hinrich is a creative passer and Kobe is excellent moving without the ball. Those two could mesh beautifully and be a dynamic duo for the Bulls. Again, the middle is exposed without Wallace but this team would be a serious threat in the East.

Kobe to Dallas

The Dallas Mavericks are a very opportunistic team. Mark Cuban is obviously not afraid to spend but he would never execute this trade. Regardless, it's a trade that's possible and makes a degree of sense. But neither the Lakers nor Mavs would willingly make the other better.

This trade I think would also require a little more from the Lakers end to compensate the Mavericks and make the salaries work. Again, the first round pick is a given but if I was the Lakers I would also demand the rising star Josh Howard before I would even consider a trade with Dallas.

Los Angeles Lakers trade Kober Bryant and Vladimir Radmanovic to the Dallas Mavericks for Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, and 2008 First Round Pick

Lakers: The Lakers would obviously get two great pieces for their offense. Dirk Nowitski creates serious match up problems and paired with Obom could cause fits for opposing big men on the offensive side. Also, Josh Howard is getting nothing but better and adds a threat on both sides of the court. He's a guard-forward and a solid player. Again, two first round picks would give them some flexibility to build around their Nowitzki-Odom-Howard core.

Mavericks: The Mavs would lose two big pieces of their team but would gain arguably the best player in the league. Bryant would add some offense and some defense and Radmanovic can be counted on as the outside scoring big man. However, he is no Nowitzki and would definitely be a bench player. If Bryant could play like we know he can then this could be a serious upgrade over their current roster.

Now to get a little less conventional.

Kobe to Phoenix

I was thinking about Kobe Bryan in a Suns uniform and I think I like it. He would be a great fit for that offense and would add a dynamic option for them on both sides of the court. If the Suns could get somebody who could slow down opposing offenses then Kobe would easily put them over the top.

Shawn Marion is obviously the key part of any trade between Phoenix and LA but the Suns would have to do quite a bit to sweeten the deal.

Los Angeles Lakers trade Kobe Bryant to the Phoenix Suns for Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, a 2008 First Round Pick and a 2009 Second Round Pick

Lakers: Marion for Bryant is not a good trade. However, Bell would add some toughness to the Lakers and could add some potency to their defense. They're not going to score more points with this trade unless they sign a decent point guard. However, getting two picks would give them some serious flexibility and Marion's athleticism would add a new dimension to the Lakers offense. Plus, Bell and Marion would work very well with the players already on the team and the Lakers could actually be a decent team.

Suns: Championship. Hands down. Nash+Stoudemire+Bryant+Diaw=Unstoppable. Plus, Hill off the bench will do great things. I didn't include the fifth man because he would be irrelevant. This trade would land the Suns the championship now and give them an easy chance to repeat next season. The Suns would give up some very big picks over the next couple years but their window is closing and they need to do something to win now.

Kobe to Washington

The Wizards are a team that are on the cusp of glory in the East. If they made a move for Bryant they would significantly increase their chances and get far better on the defensive side of the ball. Meanwhile, the Lakers would get two great components for the Triangle.

Los Angeles Lakers trade Kobe Bryant and Vladimir Radmanovic to the Washington Wizards for Antwane Jamison, Gilbert Arenas, and a 2008 First Round Pick

Lakers: The Lakers would get two great scoring options and two great pieces for the Triangle. Gilbert Arenas is classified as a point guard and would be a huge upgrade over what the Lakers have. Pairing him with Fisher (similar to how the Mavs pair Terry and Harris) could be great. Meanwhile, Jamison has a good inside-outside game and this team could run the floor with the best of them. While they wouldn't improve on defense they would be dynamic on offense and could use that pick to get a true Center. Plus Arenas and Jamison both have short contracts and that would free up a ton of cap room for the Lakers if they chose not to resign them.

Wizards: This would significantly improve the Wizards, especially on the defensive side of the ball. It would give them the best scorer in the league and an extra option in Radmanovic. The Wizards still have Stevenson and Haywood and this would be a good foundation on which to build. In a couple seasons the Wizards could be real contenders.

Kobe to Houston

Here's another team that I could really see Kobe going to. Again, this trade is  far less likely than the already very unlikely trades mentioned above. However, I think a trade between the two could benefit both sides. I said a long time ago the Lakers should've traded Kobe to Orlando for McGrady and I'm thinking maybe they can still do it. McGrady is still a great shooting guard and with the right team can do some great things.

Los Angeles Lakers trade Kobe Bryant and Vladimir Radmanovic to the Houston Rockets for Tracy McGrady, Bonzi Wells, Mike James, and 2008 First Round Pick

Lakers: Mike James provides and instant upgrade at point guard. Again, he could be paired with Derek Fisher and provide a good option at the two spot. McGrady is one of the best guard-forwards in the league and is behind maybe only Kobe in skill. Things haven't panned out with Yao so maybe a change of scenery will revive him. Bonzi Wells only has a season left on his contract and could free up some cap space. In the meantime, he has flashes of brilliance on both sides of the ball and would add some toughness to the Lakers.

Rockets: The Rockets would get a breath of fresh air. Kobe's worked with a high-caliber center before and maybe he can help Yao get back to what he was promised to be. He can certainly score and play defense and again, a change in scenery could help revive him. Radmanovic would again be a third scoring option and I think could be a bigger threat with defenses keying on Ming and Bryant.

Kobe to New Jersey

Bryant really wanted to play with Jason Kidd. What player wouldn't? Besides Nash he is the most creative point guard in the league and wants to get his scores the ball. Vince Carter is untradable (not because he's better than Kobe, because he has a Trade Restriction) so they'd have to give up Richard Jefferson. They'd also have to give up some promising players and again that first round pick. However, a team with Carter-Kidd-Bryant would be unstoppable in the East and maybe even unstoppable against the west.

Los Angeles Lakers trade Kobe Bryant to the New Jersey Nets for Richard  Jefferson, Sean Williams, Nenad Krstic, Bostjan Nachbar, and a 2008 First Round Pick

Lakers: The Lakers would get Richard Jefferson to keep their scoring up and a promising young point guard to help lead the team. Krstic has been a surprise and could be a real asset to the Triangle. Nachbar also shows some promise but would open up a couple million in cap space if the Lakers decided not to resign him after next season. 

New Jersey Nets: This would set up an epic match up between the Nets and Celtics in the playoffs. Which big three would succeed? I don't know. The Celtics would have a hard time stopping Kobe and Carter plus the Nets have something the Celts don't: a true point guard. I think the Nets would come out on top and challenge for the championship. Again, the Nets window is closing and they need to do something to win now.

Conclusion

None of these trades will happen. However, it's always fun to speculate. My favorite trade is with the Suns because I believe that would spell championship. However, I would also like the Nets trade simply because it would be fun to watch them obliterate the East. All in all, Kobe will simply walk away in 2009 and the Lakers will struggle to rebuild. Buss should try to get something for him now but they will never get equal value for him.

So these are some random scenarios. Let me know what you think but I'm really interested to see if there are any other interesting trades you would have in mind (be creative!). Peace.

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Introduction

There's been a lot of talk about NBA big men being on the move. The most popular names are Kevin Garnett, Jermaine O'Neal, Pau Gasol, Shaquille O'Neal, and Rasheed Wallace. Of those mentioned I think Rasheed has the best chance of actually being in a different uniform next season.

But there is one big man whose future certainly seems to include a new residence. His name is Shawn Marion. Marion is unhappy with his situation in Phoenix (I don't understand why but that's the rumor) and the Suns seem more than willing to shop him. The latest article about this proposal comes from Sam Smith at the Chicago Tribune. He suggests, of course, that the Bulls pick him up and pair him with Ben Wallace.

That's not a bad suggestion but it got me thinking where else Shawn Marion could go and what the benefits would be to the team he went to and the Suns.

Marion to New York (part 1)

I don't think any post focused on NBA trades can be without a nod to the New York Knicks and their swelling payroll. The Knickerbockers are desperate for a big man and every week it seems like they're preparing for a home run swing by acquiring Pau Gasol, Jermaine O'Neal, or Kevin Garnett. A trade for Shawn Marion is far more realistic and would provide the Knicks a solid bigman.

Shawn Marion has the athleticism, strength, shooting touch, and toughness to be dominate in the East. No, he's not going to knock around a lot with the other bigs down low but his abilities will provide major matchup problems for the slow-footed bigs of the East.

Meanwhile, the Suns will get "Q" back. He was a major player for the Suns only a few seasons ago and could be again. They would also get Eddy Curry who at times shows why he was once the cornerstone of the "post-Jordan" Bulls. If nothing else he provides some meat for the middle and maybe the run and gun style of the Suns will fire up his imagination. He'll have to get into shape to play for this team so maybe that too will compel him to return to form.

This trade could put the Suns over the hump by giving them solid depth while allowing them to maintain their core of Stoudemire, Nash, Diaw, and Barbossa. The Suns would be able to go beyond the seven man rotation they had last season and would keep the starters fresh. This single trade could be enough to get the Suns to the Finals.

Plausibility: Doable

Marion to New York (part two)

Now, if the above trade doesn't whet your appetite then maybe this one will. One of the big fears for the Suns is if Steve Nash goes down. Even if he doesn't go down, there's an issue of what happens while he's on the bench. While the Suns usually handle themselves just fine for the few minutes Nash likes to rest, in the playoffs the drop off is much more evident.

A trade of Shawn Marion straight up for Steve Francis would alleviate this problem. No, Stevie Francis isn't the greatest point in the league but when you already have the greatest point in the league that's ok. Francis would be a solid backup to Steve Nash and keep the Suns running if Nash were to go out for a period of time.

Now, I think this trade is more far fetched but perhaps I over rate Marion's importance to the Suns and/or under rate Francis' potential in a Suns jersey. I don't think the Suns get enough back but if they think their core is all that is needed to succeed then maybe this is worth it just to give Nash some breathing room.

There's also the possibility of bringing "Starbury" back but I don't think that's going to happen. I don't think his personality would accept being Nash's backup and I'm not sure Phoenix would welcome Marbury back into the fold. If they're seeking a good backup for Nash through a trade with New York then Francis is definitely the way to go.

Plausibility: Not Very Likely

Marion to Los Angeles Lakers

No, this isn't a trade of Kobe Bryant to Phoenix for Shawn Marion. There's no way that's going to happen. But the Lakers could still get their hands on the Matrix and pair him with Kobe Bryant.

It depends on what the Suns are really looking for out this deal. If they're just trying to ship out Marion's contract then they could pickup Lamar Odom and Maurice Evans. Odom would give them a versatile big man who seems to be in his prime. Assuming he comes back from his injury last season I think he would fit in perfectly with the Suns style of play.

Also, Maurice Evans is a nice young player whose athleticism would add to the Suns bench. This would help extend their bench and give the starters some much needed rest. If the Suns think they're a few role players away then these are two good role players to pick up.

For the Lakers part they would give Kobe Bryant a real talent. Marion would run with him and attack with him. The Matrix would add a new dimension to the Lakers attack and would provide them a strong paint presence next to the young Andrew Bynum.

This trade looks good on paper but would never happen. Again, I think the Suns get the short end of the stick but what kills it is the fact that the Lakers are a Western Conference team. GM's don't like interconference trades involving big names so this deal is DOA.

Plausibility: Never

Marion to Philadelphia

The Sixers made the best choice possible last season when they got rid of Allen Iverson and began rebuilding around their young core. Nonetheless, there needs to be some veteran leadership and toughness to go along with it. Shawn Marion would provide that and would help the young Sixers develop. In a few seasons, along with a few good offseasons and drafts, and Marion could be re-signing with one of the top teams in the East.

The Matrix would also help re-engerize the Sixers franchise. He is known for his intensity and that would rub off on the young, developing Sixers. They also like to run the floor and a combination of the new A.I (Andre Iguodala) and the Matrix would be dynamic. It would give the Sixers some hope for the immediate future and provide them with some serious spark.

For Marion's services the Sixers would have to give up one of their top young prospects and one of the best young shooters in the league. The Suns would acquire Samuel Dalembert and Kyle Korver to add some youth and depth.

The Suns would get a solid true center and a great shooter in Kyle Korver. These two would thrive in the Suns system and could help propel this team deep into the playoffs.

Kyle Korver is what could only be termed as a "sharp shooter." He's possibly the best shooter in the league and the three ball is basically a layup to this kid. He would have insane numbers spotting up as Steve Nash sucks the entire defense into the paint. Then if the outside game's not working Stoudemire, Diaw, and Dalembert could do great things inside.

In this trade I actually think the Sixers are getting jacked (mostly for losing Dalembert) so the Suns would have to throw in one of their two first rounders to get it done. Nonetheless I think this would be a great trade and provide the Suns with solid role players to get them over the hump.

Plausibility: Very Possible

Marion to Heat

Would the Matrix return the Heat to Championship form? What would a three-way of the Big Aristotle, the Matrix, and Flash be like? Could be electrifying. The Heat would still have Mourning backing up Shaq and would get a dynamic forward with Marion. Pairing 'Zo or Shaq with the Matrix down low could prevent almost any team from scoring down low.

The Heat would send Haslem and Williams to the Suns so they would have to find another point guard but they could pursue someone like Mo Williams hard if this went through.

The Suns would get a solid and athletic forward in Udonis Haslem and a great backup for Steve Nash. This trade hinges on what the Suns believe they need to get themselves in position for a championship. If they just need to get a point who can keep the motor running when Nash isn't on the floor then White Chocolate is more than capable.

Haslem would provide a solid presence alongside either Diaw or Stoudemire and his athleticism would be highlighted by the Suns system. This trade could provide some serious spark to the Heat but I'm not sure the Suns are really as desperate for a backup point.

Plausibility: Only if the Suns priority is backing up Nash

Marion to Celtics

The Celtics are looking for a big man to get along side Shawn Marion. Any focus on rebuilding is trumped by and attempt to secure a championship while Paul Pierce is in his prime. The Celts would be more than happy to pair the Matrix with him and take control of the weak East.

The Suns would get Wally Szczerbiak to shoot the lights out and Sebastian Telfair to backup Steven Nash. While Telfair isn't the greatest backup the Suns could get he would work for short stretches and still has a lot of promise.

Meanwhile, Szczerbiak would be in a perfect situation to revive himself. He is an excellent shooter and loves to run the court. He'll do plenty of both with the Suns. On top of that, he won't have to play a lot of that icky defense he ignores so often. The Suns may have a need for a solid shooting guard next year and Wally could provide that and help the Suns go all the way.

Plausibility: Possible, but if I was Steve Kerr, I'd hod out for a better offer.

Plenty More But Not For This Post

There are probably a lot of other trade scenarios I've missed but I think the above are enough for this post. I don't really understand Marion's desire to move on when the Suns seem oh so close but if it's true then there is real value out their for the Suns.

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So I was looking at random NBA videos and some got into reminiscening about the old Nash and Nowitzki days. Back then the Mavericks played zero defense but were still one of the best teams in the league. Their arch rivals were the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs. If one team didn't knock them off, the other would.

While the roster seemed to completely change from one season to another there were three players who were constants: Steve Nash, Michael Finely, and Dirk Nowitzki. Now, Nash and Nowitzki are close friends and were views as the crucial pieces to the Mavericks puzzle.

In 2004, the Phoenix Suns offered Nash a ridiculous amount of money (plus a long term contract for an aging player) and he would've been an #### to not take it. But he really wanted to stay in Dallas with his best friend, Dirk Nowitzki. Mark Cuban thought the Suns were nuts and refused, capping maybe the biggest blunder of the past 10 years.

Now, we've all heard how Dirk and Steve are still the best of friends and while they enjoy playing together, both have benefitted from the split. But is that really how they feel? Deep down in their heart of hearts are they really happy with the way things are?

Dirk?
:(

And what about you, Steve?
:(

So we see. While things appear ok on the surface, these two are simply heart broken!

MVP!
We had the typical names listed as MVP candidates: Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki. Some did speak of Davis but not very much. As the Mavericks rolled, the Suns ran teams off the floor, and Kobe Bryant continued to amaze those three ascended to the top of the talk again.

But after watching this series I believe Baron Davis should be the MVP. Without him this team probably does not make the playoffs. Without him they definitely don't beat the Mavericks.

He got hurt early in tonight's game and it looked like he might not come back. Even when he first entered the game he looked like he would be totally ineffective, a liability even. Instead, he reached within himself and played a beautiful game leading his team to a convicing victory over the hapless Dallas Mavericks.

Baron Davis, who I think is a jerk make no mistake, has tremendous heart. He did everything he could to will his team to victory (not just in the playoffs but in the late part of the season). The crowd rang out with chants of MVP and I couldn't agree more.

Golden State Warriors
There seems to be a stereotype that plagues the NBA, two actually. First, if you have a run-and-gun offense you can't or don't play defense. Two, if you are coached by Don Nelson you aren't concered with defense. Both are false. While Nellie certainly emphasises offensive production he did a good job of stopping the Mavs. The Warriors played swarming, attacking defense that forced the Mavericks into mistakes.

That's a big deal; you don't have to take the ball away, you just make them give it up. That's what the Warriors did. They attacked the ball handlers so fast they got flustered and lost composure, especially Dirk Nowitzki. Warriors basketball is fun basketball, high scoring and high pressure. High intensity on both ends of the floor. The Warriors have a lot of heart and it will be fun to see how far that heart takes them.

Dirk Nowitzki
Wow. Just wow. Talk about a guy with a ton of talent and absolutely no heart. Rather than responding with aggression and confidence when challenged he just curls up with a David Hasselhoff tape and some ice cream. Dirk Nowitzki is in no way a leader and should not be handed the reigns of a team.

Dirk needs a new home; the Mavericks need a new focus. How can the team collectively have heart if their so-called leader has none? Perhaps Josh Howard can turn things around. He was the Mavs best player during the series and maybe his desire can fuel the Mavericks to victory?

Whatever happens it's time for Dirk to move on. It was a good run, but he clearly doesn't have what it takes to take the Mavericks home. The Mavericks should look to get a true big man who can get on the block and beat some people up. I thought they made a good choice in keeping Dirk and not trading for Shaq, but I guess I was wrong.

In a related matter I'm selling two Dirk Nowitzki jerseys. One home and one away, both in mint condition as they are far too big for me to actually wear.

Mavericks Next Step
First, they must trade Dirk Nowitzki. The longer they waste time on him the longer it will be before they get to the Finals again. They can still get some good value for him and he'll make a great role-player on another team.

Perhaps they should send him to LA? Kobe Bryant basically gave the organization an ultimatum: get me some help or I'm out of here after next year. Dirk would provide some great help. Get him back on the perimetter where a weak player like him belongs and watch the threes drop.

The Mavericks could get maybe Lamar Odom and Luke Walton in return or maybe Vladimir Radmanovic? I think they should definitely go after Odom. Another possibility could be to send him to the Timberwolves but I fear what else they'd have to give up for Garnett. I'd rather keep Dirk on the roster, maybe as a 6th man?

How Far Will They Go?
Back to the Warriors. I think they'll beat either the Jazz or the Rockets. Phoenix versus San Antonio will be a good one. I like the Spurs (and will root for them) but part of me hopes/thinks Phoenix will win and we'll have Phoenix vs Golden State in the Western Conference Finals. Now that will be some exicting basketball!

I'm calling Chicago over Detroit. Chicago's playing well and I really like their dynamic. Ben Wallace has given them a real presence in the paint and their roster is solid. It's going to 7 games but I'm picking da Bulls. Cleveland over which ever team they face ultimately to fall to Chicago!

Phoenix over the Bulls in the Finals (6 games tops) and Steve Nash gets himself a title.

Final Thought on Mavs-Warriors
They say it's all about matchups, well I guess it's true. The Warriors had the Mavericks number all season. The Mavericks showed they were afraid of them by sitting the starters in the last regular season game against them. They said they were resting them but I'm pretty sure Avery only wanted the subs to lose so he's team wouldn't be traumatized. Turns out they were anyway.

The Warriors showed heart and deserved to win this series. But I hate Matt Barnes. Mostly for the hair, and I think he's a punk. I hate Stephen Jackson, cause he's a punk and nothing but. And I don't really like Baron Davis, just cause I think he has a bad attitude. But they played with heart and won the series. For that I give them credit and I really do like watching Warriors basketball. But now that my Mavs are out my loyalty shifts to the steady Spurs. Let's go San Antonio!

Who will win the Western Conference Finals?

Mavs Set NBA Record

There's no question the best conference in the NBA is the Western Conference. And chances are nine of anyone's top ten teams will hail from the other side of the Mississippi. With the possibly exception of the Detroit Pistons, I would be completely shocked if an Eastern Conference team took home the title.

With that said there's been a great deal of debate about who the Best team in the Western Conference, and therefore the NBA, is. I've seen people arguing about how this team or that team is better than their record suggests. Or how they'll #### up the heat in the playoffs. Or how their winning streak is the deffinition of greatness.

Specifically, I've heard about how the Phoenix Suns are going to be the NBA champions after this season is over. I've heard about how their "historic" winning streak is a message to the rest of the NBA. I've seen people outright pick the Suns over the Mavs in the playoffs. But after this how can you really believe that?

I know some will be cute and will say, "they beat the Hawks. The Hawks suck, this is meaningless." What about the 19 other teams they've beaten on their home court? Or all the other teams they've been in their 12-game winning streaks? The Suns have been included in one of those streaks. The Mavericks have also beaten every team that they could face in the playoffs. That's something the Suns can't claim.

Personally, I can't wait for the Western Conference playoffs. There are some great teams out there. The Spurs are heating up, Rockets are battling, Suns are awesome, Jazz, Nuggests, Clippers, and Lakers are all making some noise.

But it's undeniable the Dallas Mavericks are the best team in the Western Conference and the Best team in the NBA. No one can challenge them and I'm fully confident they will beat any of those teams in the playoffs and beat their opponent from the East to finally capture the trophy.

I've been a Mavs fan for a while now. While I was growing up I really began as a Jordan fan as his peaks was right around the time I got into Basketball. But overtime my family's connection to Big D combined with Jordan's retirement caused me to start rooting for the Mavs. Shortly there after they got themselves Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki and the rest is history.

So, knowing that, I've always been biased towards Dirk. People would always talk about this forward or that forward being better than him. As late as this season some were suggesting that the Mavericks trade Dirk to Minnesota for Garnett.

I always understood the criticism though. Sure he could shoot jumpers better than most guards and snagged a good share of rebounds he didn't attack the basket. He wasn't a true post player by any means and his defense was sad. He got blocks but mostly because he's 7' tall and often either caught a guard driving underneath him or a while he was doubling a big man.

Now, however, I've grown sick of it. Even after Dirk dropped 50 points on the Suns and simply took over the game in the fourth plenty of people won't give him creidt. In fact, many will say "well, after the technicals that gave the Mavs anywhere from 4 to 11 points (depending on who you read), of course, the Suns lost the game." Dirk's 50 points and 12 rebounds? Refs fault. He's really not THAT good.

Then you have Timmy Thomas who could've been a great player, talking smack.

"I was just trying to take the ball from him," Thomas said. "I've never seen Dirk trying to talk so much. Where I'm from, if I got punked by him, I'd never be able to go back. That was definitely not going to happen.

"He's a hell of a basketball player. Man to man, though, I wasn't going to let that happen."

Good job Tim. You didn't let him just embarrass you. You let him embarrass your entire team. On top of that he stripped the ball away from you when you tried to take him one on one. Sure you were shooting lights out from beyond the arc and had some highlight-film dunks but here's a newsflash:

You got punked!

Dirk Nowitzki has been the best player in the playoffs this year, hands down. MVP. No question. The main question about Dirk was whether or not he could push the Mavs over the hump. That's why some columnists suggested trading him for Garnett. He did push them over the hump though. He beat the Spurs in San Antonio.

Dirk is not soft. Dirk can play defense. Dirk can score from anywhere on the court. Dirk can dribble. Dirk can pass. Dirk can talk trash. Dirk can burn anybody. Dirk can bounce back from a playoff worst for a playoff best.

Dirk Nowitzki is the best player in the NBA right now. No question.