New Album & The Beginning of Basketball Season

[JackD201]

2011 is turning out to be the year there was a true changing of the guard in Golf. A Bulls vs. OKC final would create the same impression for Basketball. If this happens, as with golf, I don't think there was ever a time that the transition seemed so fast or sudden.

 

[FrantzM]

Hi

I think some of you guys are too quick to anoint OKC or Chicago Champions .. They have to go through the Celtics and the Lakers and so far far I am not entirely sure that either can beat any of these teams in a championship or playoff series ... Let's wait and see last year the Lakers or the Celts didn't look that great in the first round .. Celtics looks like they were limping .... then both played well enough to beat all their opponents and meet in the finals .. I am kind of thinking we will see the same this year .. The Bulls need to be there this year because the Heat will get better during the offseason and the Knicks are a point guard away from serious contenders ... and there is the pesky Atlanta team ...

 

[Ron Party]

The Knicks need a lot more than just a point guard. And Atlanta needs a roster shake up. Atlanta is a jump shooting team and you know what they say about that: you live and die... Orlando also is a fake, jump shooting team, except their jump shots all are behind the arc.

Having said this, every team has shortcomings, which is what makes the playoffs so interesting. We've already discussed the Lakers' shortcomings. Ditto with the Heat. Chicago and OKC are a legitimate 2 guard away. And Boston, well, their just old.

20 years ago you could pretty much pencil in which teams would meet in the finals before the playoffs began. Now it is not so clear.

 

[FrantzM]

With a Deron Williams type pr Chris Paul-type the Knicks will be contender not championship, not yet.. for the past 3 years everyone has been talking about he Celts age problems only to see them in two of the past three finals ... I will not write them off ..They are the team to beat in the East.

 

[rblnr]

My big ? About the Celts is how they look against a team that plays (aggressive) defense. Think some age might show in that scenario.

Think Knicks need more than a pg (size), but wouldn't want to play them with CP3.

Didnt see Thad game, but by score, Bulls did what they needed to by blowing out the Pacers.

 

[steve williams]

Kobe's ankle looked pretty darn good tonight.

 

[FrantzM]

My big ? About the Celts is how they look against a team that plays (aggressive) defense. Think some age might show in that scenario.

Think Knicks need more than a pg (size), but wouldn't want to play them with CP3.

Didnt see Thad game, but by score, Bulls did what they needed to by blowing out the Pacers.

Knicks with a CP3 or Devon is very much the equivalent or close to it of the Heat with DWade Lebron and Bosh ... Very much and may fit the run and gun game of Di Antoni ... Not a balanced team yet but again as I mentioned same with the Heat right now ...

THe Celts , every year same tune ... same results they win.. You play aggressive defense against them, they slow you down to a half court game something they are very good at and which suits their ..age .. just fine .. You try to rn on them they clamp you down .. They are not invicible but remain IMO the most dangerous team in the East especially with a healthy Shaq ...

 

[steve williams]

For all of his past problems, it is good to see him right the ship and win this award


RON ARTEST NAMED WINNER OF 2010-11 J. WALTER KENNEDY CITIZENSHIP AWARD

Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers is the 2010-11 recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association. The award is named for the second commissioner of the league and honors an NBA player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community.

Artest won for his tireless efforts to promote awareness of mental health, including fund-raising, appearing before Congress in support of Mental Health in Schools Act and his all-around advocacy on the issue. Artest also raffled off his 2010 Championship Ring, raising more than $650,000 for mental health awareness, and took part in a public service announcement in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.
“Ron has such a passion for the issue, and has demonstrated such leadership he was a perfect choice for such a prestigious award,” said Doug Smith of the Toronto Star and president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association. “His work embodies the kind of dedication to important causes that NBA players have become known for.”

The PBWA represents approximately 150 writers for newspapers, magazines and Internet services who cover the NBA on a regular basis. Members nominate players and coaches and vote for the award. The finalists for the award this season were Artest, Marcus Camby of the Portland Trail Blazers, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic and Kyle Korver of the Chicago Bulls.

 

[jadis]

Wow, missed all of the action the last 4 days as I was vacationing with the family in Singapore. My hotel did not have nba premium so I just checked via the net. LOL. Well, I should say, it's been pretty interesting so far. Memphis for one, is. For some, on to the next round. The iron gets hot really now.

 

[jadis]

who would have thought that Boston is the only team to sweep in the first round

Not me. With all the player adjustments due to trades and injuries, chemistry is the last thing the C's would have as an edge. The return of Jermaine meant the world in this round. His shotblocking spurred instant fastbreak points from what I saw in the series. And Allen came back. I've always thought that Allen is some sort of a barometer when the C's lose a game. His score would be way below his average. Shaq coming back, a big if, against Miami will be big, emotionally and physically. The C's would need to get one of 2 in Miami, then I believe the will have a good chance winning the series.

I'm surprised at how the Grizzlies are pushing the Spurs to the max. Another 'who would have thought....'

 

[jadis]

THe Celts , every year same tune ... same results they win.. You play aggressive defense against them, they slow you down to a half court game something they are very good at and which suits their ..age .. just fine .. You try to rn on them they clamp you down .. They are not invicible but remain IMO the most dangerous team in the East especially with a healthy Shaq ...

Agreed. Their attitude now is like a 'roadblock' to the Heat - you have to get through us.

 

[steve williams]

What an amazing finish to the SAS-Grizzlies game with Spurs tying it on a 3 pointer at the buzzer and then to win it in overtime

 

[steve williams]

Hawks prevail and face Bulls

The real Lakers showed up in the second half to walk over NOH

 

[FrantzM]

Hawks prevail and face Bulls

The real Lakers showed up in the second half to walk over NOH

The Bulls advance to the East finals the Hawks can't play them straight .... Heat vs Celtics promise to be very interesting with Celtics winning me think ...

 

[jadis]

The Lakers traditionally play on 'match-ups'. The opposing team will have one 'star player' who can kill them, and in this case, it was Chris Paul. Once the guy is neutralized or controlled, the Lakers will be able to play their game. Case was like Allen Iverson and the Sixers, once he was controlled, LA had a cake-walk. Now that Dallas is up, their defense will not only have to deal with Dirk, but a rejuvenated offense of Jason Kidd, not to mention the old hands of Jason Terry and Marion. As I mentioned before, Phil's very good in adjustments. I think he once said that the first game is the least important game in a playoff series. By that I take it he meant it gives him a view of how to adjust to game 1. And Phil is a master of that after losing a game. That's why he was won so many titles, imo.

 

[jadis]

The Bulls advance to the East finals the Hawks can't play them straight .... Heat vs Celtics promise to be very interesting with Celtics winning me think ...

To me, I think the C's need to steal at least 1 of the first 2 games in Miami. They would go all out for getting 1 if not 2 to advance. They haven't been playing good ball on the road during the regular season but those 2 wins in NY was a good sign for them, and they hope to bring that tough mindset to Miami. They certainly do not want to play a Game 7 in Miami, so they need to close it in Boston in 6, and winning a game or 2 in Miami early will greatly help.

 

[jadis]

Wow, the Grizzlies finally pulled the biggest upset of the playoffs. Hats off to Zach, Conley, Gasol, Mayo, and of all people, Tony Allen who was just a Celtic last season, and I must say he never played like this when he was a C. Goodness, maybe the 3 year contract inspired him. The Grizzlies might even give OKC a big fight.

 

[steve williams]

Gotta love the Grizz.

Zack Randolph.....amazing

 

[steve williams]

Memphis vs OKC should be a very good series

 

[rblnr]

I think that series will be a blast to watch. Miami/Boston will be a war. I've probably been underrating the Celts since they dealt Perkins, but I'm picking the Heat to beat them.