living vicariously through sports and the pro-athletes playing them.

Short Term vs Long Term: Does Winning Now Hurt The Raptors Future?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 01:36:00 +0000

Are teams banking on a lottery pick to change the
fortunes of their teams?

Before the 2013/14 NBA season started there had been a lot of debates, discussions, assumptions and even accusations about how many general managers and their respective teams were planning to make sure they secured high draft pick/s in the talent-filled 2014 draft.

When Masai Ujiri traded Rudy Gay, the collective sentiment was that he was setting the ball in motion for a "tank". All but making sure that the team was going to lose enough games and almost guarantee a high draft pick selection.

With Rudy Gay, there was hope for the playoffs. Without Rudy Gay, there is hope for the future. Most people thought trading Gay was a sign that the team was giving up on the season but strangely enough, at least for the last month, they has responded with wins which, if the trend continues, will jeopardize the hopes of a high pick. When the season started I figured the Raptors had a better than average chance of sneaking into the playoffs with a seventh or eighth seed and thus almost eliminating a high draft pick. I am not sure how many fans felt about this but I was personally thrilled with the possibility of the Raptors going back to the playoffs for the first time in six years. I figured Rudy Gay -- with a full training camp, preseason, and laser surgery on his eyes to boot -- was going to be the final piece for a young Raptor squad that could make the post season, especially in the weak Eastern Conference.

I completely understand that making the playoffs, especially this season, comes with a very high risk of not adding quality talent through the draft. The roster currently has some young talented players but none of them have the franchise-player talent level that can ultimately take a team to the playoffs, yearly. Up until Ujiri orchestrated the trade that sent Rudy Gay, Quicy Acy and Aaron Gray to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes – I was all but certain that the Raptors had a chance to get a taste of the post season.

Instead, the team has somehow managed to become… well… a team! The addition of Vasquez has given Coach Casey more flexibility at the guard position. John Salmons adds a veteran presence that is very much a calming influence for DeMar DeRozan as he no longer has to fight for shots; Rudy Gay’s shot selection and shot-volume made the offence stagnant and this meant that the ball often ended in either Gays' or DeRozans' hands, as the shot clock winds down.

If I were in Ujiri's position, I would be both happy and sad about the current success of the team. On one hand I would want a top three pick which guarantees taking Parker, Wiggins or Julius Randle/Marcus Smart/Joel Embiid. On the other hand, I would be glad that the team is competing and winning games while working towards a goal of making the playoffs.

Changing the culture of the organization is something that teams need to learn. Only a handful of players can bring a winning culture to a team but most teams that want to be part of the yearly trip to the playoffs have to learn to assemble talent that can grow together and learn to win. This is what seems to be happening right now with the Raptors and I believe that if the trend of wins continues this year, it will add a special quality to the team that can only benefit the young players and the organization in the long run.

To me, a winning culture is just as important to an organization as much as a superstar player. A winning culture for the Raptors means that they will have what it takes to survive in case the lottery balls don't fall in their favor.

After all, a bottom five ranking at the end of the season only gives as high as a 25 per cent chance of the top three picks in the draft lottery.

REPOST >> Hot Spur: San Antonio Might Just be Unbeatable

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:18:00 +0000

Last year, I watched the Spurs shred opponents during the regular season and thought to myself, 'these guys are good enough to win the championship'. After all, they were tied for the best record with the Chicago Bulls and they had soundly beaten every team that were postseason contenders. Well, the outcome of the 11/12 NBA Finals proved once again that the real season begins when sixteen teams vie for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. I thought the match ups favored the Spurs throughout the playoffs - yes, even against the OKC Thunder! - but I was wrong. Spear-headed by Russell Westbrook, (Westbrooks injury and subsequent absence from the Thunder/Grizzlies series this year proved that the Thunder thrived on their speed which was primarily orchestrated by Westbook) OKC ran the Spurs off the court and exposed the inexperience of the Spurs young and athletic role players.

What a difference a year makes......
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"I just think we're playing against a team that is at its peak, I don't see nobody beating them."

Those were the words of Al Jefferson, the 6'10 center for the Utah Jazz, after his team lost game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs by a score of 102-90. The series wrapped up last night as the San Antonio Spurs swept the Jazz, four games to none.

Jefferson's statement does have some truth to it because the Spurs are indeed a team that is playing at its very peak and they have been playing at this very high level all season long. The latter part of his statement - "I don't see nobody beating them." - forces one to wonder if any of the Western Conference teams that might be advancing to the next round can actually prove Jefferson wrong.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) are currently the only other team, aside from the aforementioned Spurs, to have advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Barring any sports miracles, the Lakers (up 3-1 versus the Denver Nuggets) and the Clippers (up 3-1 versus the Memphis Grizzlies), will both advance to the next round, as well. The Spurs might face the Clippers in the next round in what should be a very entertaining match-up, while the Lakers might advance to play OKC - an even more entertaining match-up.

How can the Spurs make it to the NBA finals if they, potentially, have to go through three teams with three different playing styles? Lets try to answer this question by beginning with the most probable match-up with the Clippers. It is evident that the acquisition of Chris Paul has given the once lowly Clippers a fighting chance of making it to the playoffs every year. The emergence and maturation of DeAndre Jordan also gives them a good center for years to come. Blake Griffin is the obvious reason for the teams turn around but he is still developing into a well rounded basketball player - a reliable jump shot and better free throw percentages are what's left to take his game to the next level. Outside of these three - and also if Randy Foye, Nick Young, Eric Bledsoe play really well and a healthy Caron Butler - the Clippers might just give the Spurs a minor headache. In the end though, they will find that they are lacking the defensive capabilities and the simple fact that their bench cannot match-up with the Spurs bench.

In a nut shell, the Spurs success during the season, and what will inevitably lead to their continued success in the playoffs is their depth. Let's move on from the Clippers by boldly claiming that the Spurs will win this - only if the Clippers finish off Memphis - series in six games. This leaves us with two possible opponents.

The Lakers or OKC? The Lakers have Kobe and that might be enough for some pundits to pick them to beat OKC and the Spurs. In order for this to happen, Andrew Bynum has to be the focal point of the offense. This is not to say that Bynum should be the go to guy but rather that the offense should flow through him.

Subtract Stephen Jackson and you basically
have the same Spurs squad from the 11/12 season

OKC will most likely dispatch the rotating services of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka on Bynum. If Bynum plays at the peak which he has displayed occasionally during the season, the OKC bigs (this includes an underrated defender in Nick Collison) will have their hands full. Pau Gasol is not the physical center that Bynum is but what he does have are skills that a rare for most big-men. It is obvious that the Lakers have the interior advantage between these two teams but the Thunder definitely have the upper hand on the wing and in the back court, with the collective efforts of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and even Dereck Fisher (he is old but his knowledge of the Lakers and particularly Kobe gives OKC another edge) will prove too much for the Lakers. So what could the outcome of this powerful tilt be? I predict that the team with the better bench will win it out in six or seven games. By all accounts, OKC has the better bench.

Bench production is key to winning and it is the reason why the Spurs will play OKC and defeat them in six games. Indeed, the Spurs truly are a balanced team and OKC is the only team that comes close to matching their depth in this playoffs - close but not as polished and balanced. The Spurs are doing it with both half court plays and fast break style of play and this is the main reason why they will be in the finals. They can run their offense - the X's & O's - better than any team out there and they can also run the fast break with Parker and Ginobili and the young new additions of Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard. Add Tiago Splitter, Boris Diaw, Stephen Jackson and the underrated shooting of Matt Bonner and Gary Neal to that mix and you have a team that can do it all with play calling and also on pure athleticism and good shooting. OKC has three great scorers in Durant, Westbrook and Harden but their strengths rely on one-on-one play making. The Spurs team defense should nullify them and force them to have to run a slower and more 'play-calling-based' offense - something which is evidently not their strength. And should OKC try to force the uptempo game, Coach Popovich will simply shift gears and match them with his athletic bench.

Barring any miracles, the prediction you have just read above will hold true. I agree with Al Jefferson, "I don't see nobody..." beating the Spurs either.

The ‘No-Star’ System

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:15:00 +0000

It has often been said that in order for any NBA team to be successful in the playoffs and inevitably win a championship, there has to be a star player or two or three on the roster.

In case there are any confusions as to what a star player is, one just has to look at the roster of most of the teams that are expected to succeed or win it all this year. With the exception of maybe two or three teams, every other teams has players that are either legitimate stars or are stars that somehow carried a larger share of the load for their teams in order to be in the playoffs. In other words, this star system does not mean the player has to be on the same level as a Lebron James or a Carmelo Anthony. Players like Paul George of the pacers, Stephen Curry of the Warriors, and James Harden of the Rockets, all belong in this star system.

These are players that, nine times of out of ten, will have the ball during the last few minutes or seconds of a close game. It is important to make note that being an All-Star does not qualify, in my opinion, as the benchmark of what a ‘star’ player is.

Stars of the “No-Star System”

The Denver Nuggets and the Memphis Grizzlies are the only two teams in the 2013 NBA playoffs and both are somewhat divulge of legitimate stars, by NBA standards — the Milwaukee Bucks have Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings whom without both they would be the Charlotte Bobcats.

By NBA standards, the Denver Nuggets do not have any stars or potential stars-in-the-making type of players on their roster. An argument can be made that Ty Lawson has potential star qualities but I would argue that Lawson has a scoring ability that makes him efficient on the offensive end but lacks the consistency of a player like Stephen Curry. Curry has shown – when healthy – that he can carry his team with his lethal scoring, shooting and passing abilities.

By all accounts, Andre Iguodala was supposed to be a top-tier NBA star.

Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers back in 2004, Iguodala was supposed to be the do-it-all player that would catapult the 76ers back into playoff contention. At six foot seven, many experts touted him as an ultra-athletic player that could potentially give you 20+ points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, a couple steals and a block per game. In Iguodala’s eight years in the league, he has averaged 15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and .5 blocks per game. These are very good numbers but they only position him as a well-rounded role player that adds value to his team but is not the focal point of his teams offense.

Why should Iguodala be the focal point of the Nuggets offense when what he brings to the team is part of the reasons why they are currently third in the standing for the Western Conference and are about to take on the sixth seed Golden State Warriors, in the playoffs. Iguodala brings a defensive intensity that makes me rank him as a top-ten perimeter defender in the NBA. This makes his career averages quite impressive when one compares his stats to another top ten perimeter defender in Tony Allen of the Grizzlies. Iguodala does more offensively while locking down the best scorers in the league.

Andre Igoudala is best described as a Swiss Army knife type of NBA player

In a league that goes above and beyond to promote its star players, Iguodala and the Denver Nuggets are doing something that not even the Bucks or the Grizzlies are trying to do – they are embracing their ‘no-star’ system. Their head coach, George Carl summed it up best:

"This is the way the game of basketball is supposed to be, it's supposed to be a team game. It's supposed to be five players playing as a unit that magnifies unto a special team. It's an 82-game season, and depth is important. We can overcome an injury ; there's a lot of teams that can't overcome an injury."

Is coach Carl on to something here – something that might re-revolutionize the NBA? Will the future of the league be more about parity? The answers to these questions can only be answered in the future. It requires a mind shift by the league itself and then by those who make player decisions for their respective teams. If more general managers and coaches embrace the George Carl philosophy, then maybe someday there will be ten teams in the playoffs with a roster much like the Nuggets.

Making the case for success in the NBA playoffs and inevitably winning the championship without a ‘star’ player is very difficult. Personally, I cannot think of a team, in recent history, winning the Larry O’Brien trophy without having a legitimate star on its roster. What George Carl and the Denver Nuggets are trying to accomplish is extremely difficult but not impossible.

If you asked me who will win this years championship, I would say the Heat have the best odds of doing just that – but then, I would go further by saying I hope they go seven games against the Nuggets, in the NBA Finals.

The Heat Model vs. the OKC Model

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 14:20:00 +0000

With the NBA draft less than twenty-four hours away, I wanted to open up a dialogue on something closely related to the draft. The issue regarding what some NBA pundits feel will be the new model for winning the NBA championship. Will the Miami Heat model entice other teams to seek instant success by clearing cap-space with the hopes of luring two or three big name players? Of course there will be some attempt by a few teams; the NBA is sometimes called the 'copy-cat' league but ultimately, this model will not yield the same reward as the Miami Heat.

Drafting well in the NBA will often result in post-season success!

Take for example the Oklahoma City Thunder and their recent run to before falling short of winning it all. They are the modern day epitome of how an NBA team should build for a bright future - draft really well and then surround the young talents with a few veteran players to round out this important but elusive formula for building a team. Another team that is following this model is the Chicago Bulls (hoping Derrick Rose makes a full recovery). The last eight NBA championship teams have all had star players that were drafted by their respective teams; from the 2004-2005 season, the list includes Tim Duncan, Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki. Although the Miami Heat just won their championship through the 'Superstar Acquisition Model' (SAM), they had to go through a formidable OKC team that is on the cusp of becoming a consistent opponent of any Eastern Conference team (ahem.....Miami?) in the Finals, for the next few years.

A lot has been made about this Heat model of winning the championship that they are ushering in a controversial new era of team building in basketball. I for one think this is all nonsense! This formula is like lightening in a bottle that worked for the Heat but history and other factors will likely not favor other teams and players that might try this model (ahem...New York Knicks a la Melo and Stoudemire). The formula for relative success in the NBA still falls on drafting well and trading well for pieces that balances out the roster. The Heat Model might have worked this season but the fact still remains that teams like the the Oklahoma City Thunder are doing it the smart way; one might even say the right way (depending on the context and who you ask).

Trades are part of the game and one cannot separate it from how teams build and develop but that is not what SAM is all about. It is about the failed attempt of the 03/04 Lakers signing Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join Shaq and Kobe. It is also about the 96/97 Houston Rockets bringing in Charles Barkley to join Olajuwon and Drexler - this experiment lasted for two season with no trip to the finals. Drexler retired but the Rockets tried the SAM once more by bringing Scottie Pippen on board. The result was another season without a championship. In other words, this model has more failures than it has successes.

SAM worked for the Heat because it was the right timing with the right players. Chances of the timing being right and the availability of the right players aligning like this has a very slim probability of reoccurring. OKC has the right model and it might pay off next year when they face the Heat again.

(Ahem, that's a bold prediction!)

On a related note:

I would like to congratulate the Miami Heat.........actually, I would like to congratulate LeBron James on winning his first championship and in the process, temporarily silencing the critics and what seemingly looks like half the population of North America. In my honest opinion, it was well deserved. I was never a LeBron hater but more of an unbiased observer of all things LBJ. I scolded and applauded him when either was genuinely warranted. He is definitely undeserving of the level of hate that gets thrown at him - s0me of it is warranted but not that much!

...and what about the Raptors draft?

As for the draft itself, I am refraining from making any predictions about the Raptors but I will let my opinion be known. I have read all about the Dion Waiters and the Damian Lillard possibilities but the player that intrigues me the most is Royce White. White is projected to be drafted in the mid to late first round - he is a 6'8 forward that can do it all. He led is Iowa State Cyclones in points, rebounds, assist, steals and blocks and has the tenacious mentality that the Raptors really need. Although there have been rumblings that Waiters has the makings of the second coming of Dwyane Wade, the fact is that Waiters potential is erratic at best. He could end up being a poor mans D.Wade - which is still very good - or end up being an exact replica of Smush Parker. Nuff said!

It would be ideal if the Raptors could work a trade in order to secure another pick before the twenty-first pick - where he is being predicted to be picked by the Celtics. I would trade Ed Davis because I thing White is already a better basketball package and has a higher developmental ceiling than Davis.

Selecting Waiters with the 8th pick would be nice but the icing on the cake would be orchestrating a trade that would somehow allow the Raptors to pick Royce White.

Hot Spur: San Antonio Might Just be Unbeatable

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 May 2012 23:00:00 +0000

"I just think we're playing against a team that is at its peak, I don't see nobody beating them."

These were the words that came out of the mouth of Al Jefferson, the 6'10 center for the Utah Jazz, after his team lost game 3 of the Western Conference playoffs by a score of 102-90. The series wrapped up last night as the San Antonio Spurs swept the Jazz, four games to none.

Jefferson's statement does hold some truth to it because the Spurs are indeed a team that is playing at its very peak. They actually have been playing at this very high level all season long. The latter part of his statement - "I don't see nobody beating them." - forces one to ponder if any of the Western Conference teams that might be advancing to the next round can actually prove Jefferson wrong.

The Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC) are currently the only other team - aside from the aforementioned Spurs - to have advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Barring any sports miracles, the Lakers (up 3-1 versus the Denver Nuggets) and the Clippers (up 3-1 versus the Memphis Grizzlies), will both advance to the next round, as well. The Spurs might face the Clippers in the next round in what should be a very entertaining match-up, while the Lakers might advance to play OKC - an even more entertaining match-up.

How can the Spurs make it to the NBA finals if they, potentially, have to go through three teams with three different playing styles? Lets try to answer this question by beginning with the most probable match-up with the Clippers. It is evident that the acquisition of Chris Paul has given the once lowly Clippers a fighting chance of making it to the playoffs every year. The emergence and maturation of DeAndre Jordan also gives them a good center for years to come. Blake Griffin is the obvious reason for the teams turn around but he is still developing into a well rounded basketball player - a reliable jump shot and better free throw percentages are what's left to take his game to the next level. Outside of these three - and also if Randy Foye, Nick Young, Eric Bledsoe play really well and a healthy Caron Butler - the Clippers might just give the Spurs a minor headache. In the end though, they will find that they are lacking the defensive capabilities and the simple fact that their bench cannot match-up with the Spurs bench.

In a nut shell, the Spurs success during the season, and what will inevitably lead to their continued success in the playoffs is their depth. Let's move on from the Clippers by boldly claiming that the Spurs will win this - only if the Clippers finish off Memphis - series in six games. This leaves us with two possible opponents.

The Lakers or OKC? The Lakers have Kobe and that might be enough for some pundits to pick them to beat OKC and the Spurs. In order for this to happen, Andrew Bynum has to be the focal point of the offense. This is not to say that Bynum should be the go to guy but rather that the offense should flow through him.

OKC will most likely dispatch the rotating services of Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka on Bynum. If Bynum plays at the peak which he has displayed occasionally during the season, the OKC bigs (this includes an underrated defender in Nick Collison) will have their hands full. Pau Gasol is not the physical center that Bynum is but what he does have are skills that a rare for most big-men. It is obvious that the Lakers have the interior advantage between these two teams but the Thunder definitely have the upper hand on the wing and in the back court, with the collective efforts of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden and even Dereck Fisher (he is old but his knowledge of the Lakers and particularly Kobe gives OKC another edge) will prove too much for the Lakers. So what could the outcome of this powerful tilt be? I predict that the team with the better bench will win it out in six or seven games. By all accounts, OKC has the better bench.

Bench production is key to winning and it is the reason why the Spurs will play OKC and defeat them in six games. Indeed, the Spurs truly are a balanced team and OKC is the only team that comes close to matching their depth in this playoffs - close but not as polished and balanced. The Spurs are doing it with both half court plays and fast break style of play and this is the main reason why they will be in the finals. They can run their offense - the X's & O's - better than any team out there and they can also run the fast break with Parker and Ginobili and the young new additions of Daniel Green and Kawhi Leonard. Add Tiago Splitter, Boris Diaw, Stephen Jackson and the underrated shooting of Matt Bonner and Gary Neal to that mix and you have a team that can do it all with play calling and also on pure athleticism and good shooting. OKC has three great scorers in Durant, Westbrook and Harden but their strengths rely on one-on-one play making. The Spurs team defense should nullify them and force them to have to run a slower and more 'play-calling-based' offense - something which is evidently not their strength. And should OKC try to force the uptempo game, Coach Popovich will simply shift gears and match them with his athletic bench.

Barring any miracles, the words you have just read above will hold true. I agree with Al Jefferson, I don't see nobody beating the Spurs either.

LeBron, Please Stop Passing with the Game on the Line!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:36:00 +0000

LeBron James is a great passer of the ilk of Magic Johnson but he might need to look for his own shot more often when the game is on the line. Actually, he just needs to heave up a game-on-the-line shot! I do not care if he has to go 1 on 5 to do this. It really doesn't matter right now if he gets a clean look at the basket but I say he heaves it from mid-court if he has to. Please, just attempt one to appease the basketball 'know-it-alls'.

He needs to do this so that the otherwise great statistical season that he his having - averages of 28ppg, 8rpg and 7apg, with almost 2spg while shooting over 50% from the field and over 42% from distance - does not become somewhat tainted by all this talk about a lack of late game heroics.

Before I go any further, lets take a look at some stats - not the perception that one has from seeing LeBron pass a possible game winning shot during this years (2012) All-Star game, and most recently the March 2nd game against the Utah Jazz in which he - again - opted to make the pass rather than take the shot. The fact is that LeBron has actually taken 'game-on-the-line' shots before and has actually made quite a few in his esteemed career. According to stats gathered by the good folks at 82games.com, from the 03-04 to the 08-09 season, LeBron has actually taken 31 'game-on-the-line' shots and has made 17 of them; that is a respectable tally of 34%. It was also noted that Kobe Bryant has the most 'game-on-the-line' misses during that span.

The notation about Kobe proves that fans have a penchant for remembering the great 'makes' over numerous 'misses'. They also have knack for taking note when a great player continuously passes up these 'greatness' opportunities. This is the risk of perception that LBJ is toiling with - that many fans and pundits alike will keep harping on this issue because they are witnessing a great player who seems to be building a reputation as a player that defers to others, when taking the last shot should be something he innately craves.

All the greats have this innate desire to want the ball during the closing moments of a game. Michael Jordan seldom passed up an opportunity to be his teams closer - he used his superior athletic and leaping ability to create a enough room to elevate over his defender for a shot. Whether contested or not, almost everyone expected and wanted Jordan to take the shot; and Kobe is not different. So what makes LeBron - whom I think is arguably the most physically gifted basketball player on the planet - so different?

Well, LeBron is not that different. Lets return once more to the sample data provided above - the stats supports the argument that King James would rather make the correct basketball decision but does not shy away from taking the potential game winning shot. Based on the numbers taken from the sample period, LeBron, Vince Carter and Kobe are the top three players with fifty or more game winning attempts. Of the three, LeBrons' percentage is better than both Carter and Kobe; it should be noted that Kobe's actually percentage is only 25%.

So why am I suggesting that LeBron needs to hold on to the ball - by all means necessary - during the fading moments of a close game? Here is the answer:

When the Heat played the Jazz on March 2nd, with 4.5 seconds left on the clock and the heat down by one point. A play was drawn for none other than King James himself. The Jazz seemed to be playing a soft zone defence. LeBron receives the inbound pass with Josh Howard trailing around a pick. Paul Millsap is at the top of the key protecting against a drive to the basket. LeBron takes one dribble and bounce passes the ball to Udonis Haslem - for the record, Haslem was open and is a very reliable shot maker from that range - who takes the shot and misses.

From the video footage, a argument can be made that LeBron could have dribbled one or two more times because Howard was trailing from his right and Millsap was on his heels. A step back and elevation would have given him a good enough shot for a game winning attempt. He should have taken the shot because he was on fire and had scored 17 points in the fourth quarter alone. He should have taken the shot because, pound for pound with all the skills packed into his 6'8 and 260 pounds frame, he can get almost anywhere he wants on the court and shoot over almost any defender. This was a bad basketball decision.

But this should not be how he is perceived during close game moments. It is unbecoming of great basketball players to be perceived as not being clutch - worse is to be perceived as shying away from clutch moments. One of the Jazz commentators uttered these words right after the shot from Haslem clanked off the rim: "He passed it again."

This is what I am afraid LeBron's 'clutch-legacy' might become. A great player that is 'perceived' as being reluctant to take 'game-on-the-line' shots when all he is doing is making the right basketball decision.

Although the stats paint a different picture, the reality is that public opinion rarely takes the time to examine the stats. So I ask one more time; LeBron, please chuck-up a couple 'game-on-the-line' shot attempts, because the perception is becoming too loud and is drowning out the stats that prove otherwise.

Does DeMar DeRozan Possess Next Level Drive and Game?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:21:00 +0000

What is DeMar DeRozan up to these days?

From watching several YouTube videos, I have seen with my own eyes that the Raptors two/three guard has been keeping busy playing in the Drew League on the summer league circuit. The Drew League is based in Compton, Los Angeles (DeRozan grew up in Compton). The League amalgamates professional basketball, college, street-ball and even some high school players into two divisions that each consist of twelve teams. This is where DeRozan has been getting in some serious summer runs; playing for the team, Go H.A.M!

Over the last two NBA seasons we have witnessed the maturation of a player that one day - 'one day' here means next season, if there is a season (damn you NBA lockout) - will unequivocally become the best player and face of the franchise. He is developing before our eyes and all we hope for is that the development does not plateau anytime soon.

Talented players with high work ethics often find ways to add different dimensions to their game. They work on their weaknesses during the off-season and add new wrinkles to their overall game. Take for example the instance when Kobe Bryant at some point added about twenty pounds of muscle to his frame, hoping that it would take his game to another level. The very next season in 2007, he lost the weight because he wanted more quickness and energy. The point is that Kobe was willing to try the additional weight, hoping that it would give him an advantage.

Does every player have the desire to work on their game or add new dimensions to it? Most players use their summers to stay in shape. Only a handful look to become better than their previous selves. What DeRozan did in the second half of last season shows he might just have figured out how to turn the next level switch on. Whether he will achieve greatness is another topic all together. Right now, the important thing is to have development that translates to better stats and wins.

In the first 32 games of the 2010/2011 season, DeRozan averaged 13 points per game. In those early games, he had ten games in which he totaled less than ten points. The last 50 games of the season is where the revelation of DeMar began to unfold. He averaged 20 points per game and only had four games in which he scored below ten points.

On the season, he shot 47 per cent from the field while attempting 14 shots per game. The next level expectation for DeRozan is to see if he can maintain the excellent percentage from the field while being asked to assume a more prominent role on the offense. Can he average 20-25 points per game while rounding out other aspects of his game?

Hopefully scoring and the other aspects are being developed as he plays several months of summer ball. Some might argue that the competition is watered down but the fact that the league thrives on showcasing scoring and athletic abilities, might prove advantageous. It seems that all DeRozan needed last season was to believe that he has the game to shine in the league. The added confidence translated to improved play down the seasons stretch. Imagine what he can bring to the Raptors after posting good numbers in a single summer league game.

That's right! He shot 7 for 11 from three point range. The negative about that is that he launched eleven, which might make a lot of Raptor fans cringe. The positive is that he is working on his shot. Whether from beyond the arc or inside it, this is considered to be a good thing from my perspective.
Majority of the names on the box score are not household names but that should not inspire any thoughts regarding the level of play. Most of the players in the league played college ball and some play professionally in Europe and/or Asia. These are not your average pick-up games that might get intense every once in a while. These are regular-summer-league-season-games that lead up to the Drew League playoffs. This is where most of these guys sharpen up their game; some with the hopes of trying another run at making it to the NBA. Others work on improving/staying in shape for their contract work overseas.

And there are those like DeRozan and a few other NBAers who play because they are gym rats. You will find them in the gym working out or playing ball - alone or in a league. Bottom line here is that the competition in summer leagues are exactly what Raptor fans hope will help bring DeRozan's game to the next level.

That and his own desire to work on his game - in a gym hoisting up shot after shot. Earlier today, he Tweeted: "In the gym...". A little while later, he followed that tweet with "Shooting jumpers til my arm fall off...".

DeMar DeRozan: Talent - check; Drive - check; Work ethic - check!

Able to lead Raptors to the playoffs and beyond - TBD!

Andrea Bargnani is Lucky to have Jonas Valanciunas and Dwayne Casey!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 05:00:00 +0000

With the fifth pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select...................Jonas Valanciunas!?!?

Jonas Valanciunas will add a lot of much needed size to the Raptors roster.

Unless you were an NBA scout, you probably had the same reaction to this selection as I did. The general consensus amongst basketball heads was the Raptors should have selected Kemba Walker, Brandon Knight or Bismack Biyombo. I initially did not like this pick because I felt that the need of the team was either in the back court with a point guard or a defensive minded post player.
I know Valanciunas is a young and talented center, but I did not think he was good enough to be selected with the fifth pick. His contract and buy-out situation with his club, Lietuvos Rytas, was another major deterrent in considering him a worthy selection. Also, I made it clear before that selecting another European big was not in the best interest of the team and the fans.

So, with all that said, why would I think that picking Valanciunas helps the Raptors and especially Andrea Bargnani?

I came to my senses on the selection because I realized that in order for the Raptors to actually have success in the future, they need a 'true-center' in every sense of the word - one that actually wants to play in the post.

Andrea Bargnani's offensive game should soar to new heights with the addition of Valanciunas.

Andrea Bargnani, with five seasons already under his belt, has shown time and time again that he can mix up his game, but would rather play away from the basket. With Valanciunas, the Raptors have a pair of seven footers that will create match-up nightmares for opposing bigs and defenses. Bargnani improved offensively and proved that he can score pretty much on any opposing center; he averaged 21 points and 5 rebounds per game in the 2010-2011 season. Although his low post game is
improving and his 3 point attempts (223) was the lowest in five seasons, his natural instinct offensively is to jab step, take his man off the dribble, step back and shoot. Often when he gets the ball in the low post, he would pivot and face up his man.

In comes this young Lithuanian center that stands at a legit 7 foot tall with a 7'4 wingspan. His shooting touch is improving, but for Raptor fans, it is better that he has a limited range. At present, Valanciunas is capable of knocking down shots from about 12 ft. No need to panic until he starts launching 3 pointers. According to several scouts and some YouTube footage, Valanciunas lives predominantly in the post. He shot 70% from the field in the Euroleague last year and knows to give up the ball when double-teamed.

If all goes according to plan regarding the development of Valanciunas, (one cannot forget Ed Davis who can play the four and sometimes the five if he has to) the Raptors will have a roster of bigs that are more versatile than any other team in the league. Bargnani, who is arguably the best player on the Raptor squad, (at least until DeMar DeRozan proves that the second half improvement he displayed last year was not a fluke) should really count his blessings. He now has the freedom to play his style of basketball, without having to be told to spend more time in the post. Valanciunas and Ed Davis will be responsible for the land under and around the hoop. Also, Bargnani will not be asked to guard the opposing centers.

This, though, does not excuse Bargnani from improving his defense. As a matter of fact, he really needs to get ready for the most defensively grueling season in his young career.

The hiring of Dwayne Casey as the new bench boss is arguably the best move thus far this off-season. Maybe even better than drafting Valanciunas, who some pundits believe could have been the number one pick, if not for his 'almost' iron-clad contract with his Euro club (which Colangelo managed to negotiate a buyout, which only requires Valanciunas to play one more season in Europe). Casey's defensively focused game plan is exactly what these group of young Raptors need. He redesigned the Dallas Mavericks defensive scheme by utilizing the length and athleticism of the Dallas Maverick players. Casey managed to make Dirk Nowitzki show more effort on defense, while hiding his weaknesses on that side of the court.

When Valanciunas joins the team in the 2012/2013 season, Casey will have an integral piece in establishing a similar defensive system in Toronto- a system which is predicated on accountability and plenty of swarming help from each man on the court.

With the uncertainty of how long the NBA lockout will last, Valanciunas is currently the only player on the Raptors squad that could see competitive action this season. He gets to play one more season in Europe, before coming to the Raptors to make Bargnani's basketball life a lot easier.

Raptors Pre-Draft Preview – Why Kemba Walker is not a good fit!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 03:30:00 +0000

I have gone back and forth in my head, regarding the upcoming 2011 NBA draft. Particularly regarding the possible draft pick for the Toronto Raptors. A little over two weeks ago, I've stated before that the Raptors should stay away from European Big-Men and focus their attention on improving the point guard position; either Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker.

I am not one to put my foot down on an issue, without having the humility to change my stance or completely shift my position. In the time, since my last piece, I have watched a lot of footage and read a lot of articles covering a number of draft prospects that might be available when the Raptors pick fifth overall. For clarity's sake, I am not changing my stance that the Raptors should take Brandon Knight, but several mock-draft boards have him going to the Utah Jazz with the 3rd pick. Since my initial opinion was that the Raptors need a point guard more than they need a big; if this scenario plays out, the only topnotch point guard available after Knight is Kemba Walker. My opinion on Walker was not very high to begin with and it has dropped some more in the past few weeks. Unlike most other critiques of Walker, pointing to his 6'1 height as huge disadvantage, I point to his defensive limitations and his shot volume.

In forty-one games with UConn - including the tournament run to winning the national championship - Walker averaged eighteen shot attempts per game. He connected at a clip of .428 per cent. From beyond the arc, he launched six attempts per game and connected at a clip of .330 percent. These stats are neither great nor entirely bad - they are okay numbers for a college point guard who was the primary focus on offense for his team. I took into consideration the fact that Walker had the ball in his hand almost all the time. In addition, I also factored in that Jim Calhoun - head coach at UConn - runs a pro-style offense, which puts the ball in the best scorer's hands. My personal opinion is that Walker will go through an adjustment period as a pro. Anywhere from a full season, to a couple of years, before he learns to give up the ball to better athletes and scorers on his team at the next level. The Raptors have specific needs that require a point guard, with a pass first mentality and defensive acumen.

It is evident from last year, that the Raptors are statistically the worst defensive team in the league. A lot of their defensive woes came as a result of a lack of interior defense, team perimeter-help defense and bad shot selection that led to easy buckets for the opposing teams. Drafting Walker would not help this team at all. Matter of fact, I believe it would set them back a few steps defensively. I have never been a fan of point guards that are scorers first and passers second. Only a handful of dynamic guards in NBA history have been offensively gifted enough at the NBA level to score in bunches and effectively get their teammates involved. Allen Iverson is a perfect example here, but he was unique because his ability to score at will created a plethora of opportunities for his teammates.

Kemba Walker is no A.I! Heck, he is not even Nick Van Exel.

What would I do if I was Brian Colangelo? Since I have just stated my reason for not drafting Kemba Walker - on the premise that Brandon Knight has already been drafted? I would address another need. I would select the best defensive Big-Man left on the board. Bismark Biyombo!

Biyombo is an eighteen year old, 6'9 power forward from the Republic of Congo. He is offensively very raw, but not completely inept. He makes up for the limited offense with his defensive capabilities. I will go out on a limb right now and say Biyombo will win defensive player of the year honors at least twice in his NBA career.

2011 Draft Preview: The Toronto Raptors

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:06:00 +0000

Pick me! Will the Toronto Raptors pick Brandon Knight in the 2011 NBA Draft?

Brian Colangelo, GM of the Toronto Raptors has some serious decisions to make before the 2011 NBA draft on June 23. One decision, I think he should be weary of making is one that involves European players. Can the Raptors really afford to draft another player from Europe? According to a number of mock draft/basketball websites - ESPN, Hoopshype and nbadraft.net – the Raptors are being slotted to select either Jan Vesely or Jonas Valanciunas. The few websites that predict the Raptors will pick a non-European player, mostly suggested Kemba Walker or Brandon Knight. I am more inclined to agree with draft projections involving these two point guards.

Selecting Valanciunas or Vesely is not the way to address the needs of the team. From a public relations standpoint, the addition of another European player might not sit well with the loyal fan base. Fans are weary of experiments like Rafael Araujo, who is often used as the poster child of the failed Euro-experiments of the team. Although the team is obviously going through a rebuilding phase, selecting a player that might have to stay overseas for a couple of years does not really improve the team.

The Raptors have two major needs. The first is a true-big that loves to bang in the paint and can play post defense. In the 2010-2011 season, the team was ranked 21st in the league in rebounds per game. The team average of 40.32 RPG was better than that of the Boston Celtics’ 38.79 RPG. While the Raptors can stand to improve in the rebounding department, the fact that the Celtics made it to the second round of the playoffs with a lower rebounding average shows that the Raptors have other pressing needs.

I believe that the team’s second and more pressing need lies in the backcourt. Even though it is important to have a low post player, improving the backcourt is more crucial for the future success of the franchise. Starting point guard Jose Calderon’s inability to stay in front of his man has been, what I would describe as the gateway to the defensive liabilities that plague the team. I am not knocking Calderon’s ability to command the offense and distribute effectively to his teammates. His 2010/2011 averages of 10 PPG and 9 APG proves this point. I think Colangelo should revisit the options available to him if they traded Calderon for a veteran post player or maybe for another draft pick in this draft.

This brings me back to the two players I think Colangelo should look to draft, if they are still available on the board. Brandon Knight and Kemba Walker are two point guards with different skill sets, but both have the potential to have solid NBA careers. Knight is a one-and-done player that played for the Kentucky Wildcats, where he posted averages of 17 PPG, 4 APG and 4 RPG. Even though he started the season slowly, Knight managed to show the promising game that was expected of him. He is 6’3, very athletic and is probably the best defensive point guard in the draft. His strengths are his athleticism, size – an NBA ready body – quickness and jump shot. My knock on his game is that he sometimes disappears for stretches. This is a weakness that can be addressed through more experience playing the game at the next level.

Kemba Walker's scoring ability will make it hard for the Raptors to pass up if he is still on the board.

Walker had a remarkable season and led the Connecticut Huskies to a victory in the NCAA championship game. He averaged 23 PPG, 4 APG and 5 RPG. Walker is considered more of a heady point guard that makes his teammates better. I beg to differ on this notion. From the several games that I have watched, I consider him to be a guard that looks to score almost every time he has the ball and only passes when he has to. His height, 6’1, might be a considered a weakness but I don’t see it as such.

If the Raptors were lucky enough to find both of these players available on the draft board, which one do I feel they should pick?, I think the sure bet here is Brandon Knight. His size, shooting ability, defensive willingness and ability along with his strong NBA-ready physique, make him a better prospect than Walker and put him right behind Kyrie Irving as the second-ranked point guard in this draft.

I Still Believe We Can Win....Convincingly

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:31:00 +0000

In anticipation of Nigeria's next match, the mood amongst most Nigerians is that of uncertainty!

I have spoken with many people; family members, friends and acquaintances about what might happen tomorrow as Nigeria faces South Korea in a match that determines whether the team goes home or not.

It seems to me that the uncertainty is accompanied by a lack of faith in a positive outcome, which is rooted in the way we have played thus far. How can I fault anyone for thinking that way since one only has to examine the team's first two matches before pessimism begins to take over.

Maybe it is simply a way of tempering expectations from a team that has disappointed many Nigerians up to this point. One thing I know for sure is that it is partially based on the team we are facing.

The South Koreans are perceived to be less-skilled in comparison to other teams in their group but they counter this supposed deficiency with their discipline on both ends of the pitch. They move cohesively, especially when attacking and utilize their speed to offset most good defenses. I have watched some replays of their previous matches and they don't seem to quit on any play. They pressed Argentina even when they were down three goals to nil.

I look at these variables and wonder if a team that makes lazy passes and often plays uninspired will have what it takes to pull off a much needed 3-0 victory. I look at South Korea and wonder about the conditioning of the Super Eagles? Is this team built to last 90 minutes of the highest and most scrutinized level of football?

These questions will be answered tomorrow, but for now, I say we should believe we can win convincingly. I am not about to concede a match before the match even begins.

Most Nigerians know what "1989" means in Nigeria's football history. It was the U-21 world cup in Saudi Arabia. We were down 4-0 in the second half and managed to even things up before eventually winning the match.

One reason I mentioned this feat is because I remember exactly where I was when this happened. This might be why I am such an optimist. I remember that my brother and I were listening to the match on the radio. Although our team was down four goals, my brother and I kept listening. In retrospect, I think we felt deep down that the improbable was possible. When Nduka Ugbade scored the tying goal, we heard what sounded like an entire nation's cheer and excitement from all the surrounding neighborhoods.

This leads me to the other reason I referenced this great comeback. No matter how long ago this feat was, it still shows what Nigerian football pedigree is. The gold medal in the 1996 Summer Olympics is another example of this.

We are a nation that loves football and we show it passionately either in support or in criticism of our team. We have experienced greatness in football and I do not see a reason why this version of the Super Eagles can not overachieve from henceforth.

Come tomorrow, I am certain that all the uncertainties that have been expressed will be replaced by excitement and optimism. I just wish the Super Eagles players could read this because it will show them that although I am one man, I believe I stand in proxy for every Nigerian when I say: I believe in a convincing victory for our Super Eagles!

Sportacularly Yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

Super Disappointment!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:24:00 +0000

I am very very disappointed for many reasons. Anger, embarrassment and disgust are flowing through me right now.

Peter Odemwingie should not have been taken out of the match at such an early stage. Makes me wonder what Nigeria coach, Lars Lagerback was thinking there. This really upset me because I felt Odemwingie was the type of player that never quits and could impact the team with his skill and energy on offense.

Sani Kaita's stupid act really cost us. I watched the match downtown Ottawa on Elgin street with a number of fellow Nigerians. We argued relentlessly for the rest of the match whether his actions warranted a red card and a send off. My stance on this is that he should have been given a yellow card since his foot barely grazed the Greek player. My friends argued that he got the red card because of intent. They stated that it did not matter if the player did not get hurt. Personally, I think that the ref overreacted. This will be heavily debated for a long time by all Super Eagle fans.

After the red card, Nigeria played horribly. We became extremely passive and looked disinterested in mounting an attack. We settled back and waited for the Greek team to press us and dissect our defense.

Speaking of our defense. What is going on here? I thought the Argentina match was an exception because I figured it was the first game and we were timid. In this match, we displayed the same lackadaisical effort with our defensive scheme and energy.

One thing that I have noticed in both matches is that the players are often waiting for the ball to come to them. Opportunities to score are quelled easily by the opposing defenders by simply jumping in front of lazy passes. Maybe it is because of of the overall team conditioning or maybe it is because we just do not have the desire to dominate a match in which I personally thought we were favored to win. From my non-pundit perspective, I would say that it looks like we get too tired in the second half.

Where would we be without our goalie, Vincent Enyeama. He has single-handedly kept us in both matches and prevent us from looking much worse. This actually infuriates me even more because it forces me to think of what things might be like if we actually played up to our potential. A disciplined and aggressive team with a goalie like that would be undefeated right now.

Our chances for advancing are slim but they are still there. I am an optimist by nature and thus think that we can still make it to the next round. For this to happen, we need to be way more disciplined and energetic against South Korea. We will also need a lot of luck. Argentina must win and keep Greece of the score sheet and we have to beat South Korea by at least three goals without conceding any.

I am disappointed but still very optimistic in our chances. I believe we can do it. Just look at the way we made it into the world cup. It is possible!

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

Super Eagles: Approach Greece with Caution!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:58:00 +0000

My older sister called me on June 12th; merely minutes before the match between Nigeria and Argentina started. She told me she did not sleep well the night before because she was really excited and nervous.

My younger sister was sending PIN after PIN to my BlackBerry - she kept telling me if Nigeria plays poorly and were to lose she would be very upset.

I found myself relatively calm leading up to the match and felt very strong about our chances of securing a tie or winning the match. Neither of these premonitions came to pass since the outcome was a loss; a loss in a match in which my biased perspective unabashedly declares that we outplayed them and should have taken advantage of our opportunities. Yes, I am going to ignore the shots on goal which favored Argentina 20-9. Like I said, I am biased!

The disappointment of the loss to Argentina is still weighing heavily on my mind as Nigeria faces Greece. Although many of us are anticipating a victory - this is partially based on how sluggish the Greek team looked when they lost to South Korea - the fact still remains that talent and being expected to dominate and win does not necessarily result in that outcome. Switzerland proved this point by handing Spain a shocking loss.

With this in mind I will watch the match with measured confidence. Without players like John Obi Mikel and Obafemi Martins, the Super Eagles will have to maintain a high level of focus for every match. The trend so far in the early stage of this World Cup is that any team not named Germany needs to play their optimal best. One cannot even proclaim Germany to be a favorite yet because they simply did what Spain, Brazil and Portugal could not do: win or win convincingly.

I look for Nigeria to play better and win the match against Greece but it will not be easy. The Greek team was embarrassed by their loss to South Korea and will come out on Thursday with more fire under their boots.

In the spirit of the World Cup tournament, I say good luck to both sides but I will toss a horse shoe and a couple of four leaf clovers on the Super Eagles side.

Sportcularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

2010 World Cup in South Africa: Pride Personified!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:18:00 +0000

***As you read this, please be cognizant that this is not a knock on any other sport or sporting event. Rather, it is simply a celebration......***

The beautiful game! A moniker that befits a game that touches the soul and caresses ones national pride. The game unites countrymen and women alike; and brings together different nationalities to display a higher level of tolerance and acceptance of each other. On the pitch, respect is earned and given. Off the pitch, a euphoric sense of togetherness is fostered. One can should not see as merely a form of entertainment because it goes beyond just that. Although it is simply just a sporting event, it has managed to transcend beyond the realm of sports. It embodies qualities that we all strive to master in our daily undertakings.

*It begins with patience: Imagine the concept of going backwards in order to go forward. Imagine taking twenty minutes just to set up a single play that results in a goal. I have heard fans of other sports say that the game is boring because a match can often result in a 1-0 outcome. The beauty of the game lies in the actions and counter-actions that the players patiently set up in order to reach that sole moment of glory. Victory! French writer, Alexandre Dumas Pere best sums up what patience is. He wrote: "All human wisdom is summed up in two words - wait and hope"

*It continues with dedication/hard work: One must realize that ninety per cent of soccer players play the entire game; constantly moving at minimal or full speed. Teams are allowed six substitutions but most only use an average of three. It takes a high level of dedication and hard work to reach a level of fitness unlike most other athletes. Those who reach the highest level of their sport have sacrificed a lot of blood and sweat to get there. Soccer players in the world cup have sacrificed a bit more. A lot of them play all year round. In this case, most go from finishing up playing in their respective leagues around the world and go directly into playing for their nations in friendlies and eventually in the World Cup. Hard work, dedication and sacrifice epitomizes the make up of the average professional soccer player.

*It "caps" it off with the concept of teamwork/cooperativeness: Every sport requires teamwork but none relies on it as heavily as soccer does. Superstars dominate sports like basketball, football, hockey and baseball. A player like Kobe Bryant or LeBron James can carry a team. Quaterbacks like Tom Brady and Drew Brees are signal callers that can solely increase the chances of a teams success. I think you get the point here but one must be clear in stating that teamwork is an absolute commodity for every sport. Although soccer might have great players like Messi, Ballack, Essien and Drogba etc, the reliance on a full team effort is more evident in the sport. A great striker, more often than not, relies on a pass that sets him up the goal. Whether it is a 3-5-2, 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 system of play, the players move in a strategic unison for the right moment to strike and score.

Generally, one can find these qualities in every sport but slightly higher doses are found in soccer.

This world cup features the most representation from African nations than ever before. All in all there are six African nations competing. History has already been made when South Africa was selected to be the host nation but the chances of further history being made is real. The hope is that one of these African nations will go further than any one of them has ever gone before. Every single person that is African or of African decent are either rooting for their respective countries or any - and all - African countries to do well.

It is only twenty four hours to go before the greatest sporting tournament in the world begins. If you're like me and you've been watching the World Cup since you were ten years old; the next month will bring out the inner child and super fan in you. You will not only have pride in your country or your team of choice but you will also enjoy the spirit of the tournament.

This years tournament is an extra special one because of the host nation. I am extremely proud because I feel every African nation is hosting and I'm confident that South Africa will do the rest of the continent proud, as the proxy host. Good luck to all the nations involved, but special good fortunes goes out to all the African nations that have their team represented.

SOUTH AFRICA, NIGERIA, ALGERIA, GHANA, CAMEROON & COTE D'IVOIRE.

Enjoy the beautiful game!

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

NHL, NBA and MLB RANT

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:50:00 +0000

Sigh!!! I can finally let down my hair.......lol......and relax a little. School is finally over for the summer. Now I can re-focus on blogging on here more often. Simmer down now, don't get over excited. Still won't be a every day thing though. Eventually, thevicariousathlete.com will be launched as a website that "actually" covers every major sport; before December of this year. Stay tuned!

Here are a few random thoughts and opinions on the most recent sports happenings:

NHL

Hey Burns....look, it's hockey talk on thevicariousathlete...lol
Since I hardly ever blog on hockey, (a trend that will be changing from now on)I will drop a few quick facts about my hockey favs.
Favorite team: Ottawa Senators
Favorite player: Jerome Iginla (his last name means "big tree". Really, it does!!) Dude is built like one.
Team I hate with a passion (I know...hate is a strong word and I chose it because there's strength behind the feeling) Toronto Maple Leafs. I hope they don't sniff the playoffs for the next 75 years. I Mean that!!
Should John Tavares really be the number one overall pick in the NHL draft on Friday? Some experts are saying that Victor Hedman might just be a little bit better than Tavares. This is exactly how people make mistakes like this in the draft. Tavares is going to be a stat stuffing machine in the league. Hedman will be a good player but in no way will he be what Sidney Crosby is to Alex Ovechkin.
Shut up Dany Heatley. We don't want you anyway.
Actually we do but good riddance if you don't want to play for us. You are a 50 goal scorer but also softer than goose feathered pillows.
Hey Brian Murray, I know I'm not privy to what's going on in your draft war room but I really hope you trade this douche. How about Heatley to the Islanders for the first pick. Throw in a couple of prospects if you have to.
Ovechkin is exactly what the NHL needs. A great offensive player with a lot of charisma and flare. I hope the old puck heads out there would just loosen their grip on the way the game is managed and marketed. It's a strange thing to me when the league and a bunch of old school hockey beat writers frowned on Ovechkins when he made the "burning hockey stick" celebration. C'mon now.....if you allow players to fight then why in the world would you be unhappy about a little celebration after a spectacular goal. If I hear that it's frowned upon because of the message it sends to kids, then I will throw fish heads on the ice at a Maple Leafs game. (Heck, I'd do it for no reason anyway..ah ah).
The entire Pittsburgh Penguins team should all go clubbing and then get on the stage while simultaneously singing/rapping: "hey Hossa, tell us how our ass taste".
Joe Thornton belongs on the the Montreal Canadiens.....ooh ooh, here's an even better one. The Sens should trade Heatley and two prospects for Thornton.
Bold and shameless statement/prediction: Senators will win the Stanley cup next season and the Maple Leafs will win only nine games. :-)

NBA

It's a little bit late to rant on this but it still bothers me a little. Hey LeBron, I know you are mad that you lost to the Orlando Magic but walking off the court at the end of a tough series loss without shaking hands. This does not show that you are a tenacious and competitive athlete, rather, it shows that you have a "sore-loser" bone in you.
A big congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers on winning their fifteenth NBA championship. Kobe Bryant wins his fourth overall and in my mind cements himself as a first or second ballot hall of famer. Definitely first if he wins a couple more.
Shaq is now a Cavalier. First thing that crossed my mind was what the "Big Aristotle" will call himself this time. He tends to give himself a new nick-name every time he changes teams. The "Big Cactus" only lasted a season and a half in Phoenix and did not bring the championship promise he made when he was introduced to the Phoenix faithful----ironically, the introduction was at a home game versus LeBron James and the Cavs. Shaq will get to start the 09/10 season on the Cavs roster, as King James biggest supporter. I can't wait till he starts sucking up to LeBron and in turn calls LBJ the best player in the league. Luckily, he won't be way off on that statement.
LeBron James actually really wanted Shaq. I think this almost makes them an automatic selection to make it to the NBA Finals next year.
I predict that some reporter will ask Shaq which of his three superstar wing men is the best! Kobe. DWade or LeBron. Common sense would dictate that Shaq should say something like "they are all great players in different ways"--but since Shaq loves attention and does not shy away from things like this, he will probably say something that's equivalent to planting his lips on King James buttocks.
The Spurs are now my pick to face the Lakers in next years Western Conference playoffs. Tim Duncan should be healthy and so should Manu Ginobili. The addition of Richard Jefferson makes them a much potent offensive team without really giving up on their defensive philosophy. Bruce Bowen is not the same lock down defender he was a few seasons ago which makes him a liability for the Spurs. Interesting thing here is that the Milwaukee Bucks might actually buy Bowen out of his contract, thus paving the way for him to potentially return to the Spurs before the season starts.
I really, really, really want the Raptors to draft DeMar DeRozan!!!!
I really, really want the Raptors to draft Jonny Flynn!!!
I really want the Raptors to draft Gerald Henderson!!
Chris Bosh said last month that he will not sign a contract extension this summer. So far, he has been doing a lot of Toronto based community activities that makes me feel optimistic that he loves the city and will eventually sign with the Raps in 2010. Deep down though, the optimist in me is bowing down to the realist in me. TRADE BOSH NOW!! Offer him, Joey Graham and cash to the Clippers for the first overall pick. Draft Blake Griffin and use the nineth pick to select one of the three "I really want" guys above.
I love Bosh but like all athletes and the GM's say: "It's a business"
I just took a quick break from writing and scanned a few websites. Hoopshype.com is stating that the Lakers have traded their 29th pick to the Knicks for three million dollars. First thing that came to my mind: Why can't the Raptors do something like that to get a second round draft pick. I know we can spare a mil' somehow to get a another pick in this draft. C'mon Colangelo!!!
I was just about to finish this segment when my boy Albs pinned me on my Blackberry. Vince Carter has just been traded to the Orlando Magic for Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie.
I doubt that the Magic will have enough money to go after Hedo Turkoglu now. It would be nice if the Raps go after him.
Seems like the Magic will be playing the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals next year.

MLB

I am officially going to "write" out loud something that I have known to be true but was hoping was not. Barry Bonds is a cheat just like the rest of the silly saps that are destroying the beautiful game of baseball.
Alex Rodgriguez admits to taking performance enhancing drugs. Sammy Sosa can't pretend that " I canot speekey no igwish" now that there is proof that he took banned performance enhancing drugs. The facts will be speaking for him now!!
I wonder what Mark McGwire is thinking right now?
Hey Blue Jays fans, it's time we start being a little cocky about our team. We have a good squad--short of a few pitching woes but altogether good enough to make the post season.
Hey Blue Jays fans, we need to stop booing players that are going through slumps. An 0 for 18 slump is like having three bad games. It happens!! Who do we thing we are, the Yankee fans? We are not and we should rejoice in that. Yankee fans will boo a player that goes 4 for 21. Also....Yankee fans smell....and Boston fans too!!!
Hey Blue Jays fans, simply because an athlete signs $125 million does not mean that he can't go through slumps. It does not mean that being booed does not hurt him. It does not mean that he simply doesn't care anymore since signing the mega deal. Here's my theory on "most" athletes that sign big deals and then their on field/court/ice performance starts to dip. I think the money actually makes them want to do more. This can result in the athlete over-analyzing simple things in their game.
The previous two points were inspired by Vernon Wells.......just in case you were wondering.
Hey Vernon Wells, you do know that you have been a sub-par player in comparison to your pre-mega-contract-self. Buckle up and start balling.........baseballing, that is.
Almost forgot about Manny Ramirez. How could I? LMAO........Female fertility drug-HCG?!?!?

Man, I love sports!!!

ps. R.I.P Farrah Fawcett 1947-2009 and R.I.P Michael Jackson 1958-2009

Sportaculary yours,

The Vicarious Ahtlete

NBA Finals Prediction/The Kobe-LeBron Debate.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah and THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS WIN THE NBA FINALS OVER THE ORLANDO MAGIC, 4-2!!!

My record so far in this pundit-prediction business is woeful. So, if you are one of the very, very few individuals that actually take my prediction seriously, then I caution you to take what you are about to read with more than a grain of salt........a spoonful will suffice.

Before I go on with my rant on Kobe and LeBron, I would like to congratulate the Orlando Magic for proving everybody wrong. I can safely say that no one picked the Magic to beat LeBron James and the Cavs. In retrospect, I should have seen it coming though. After all, Orlando is the only team in the playoffs this year that provided a plethora of mismatches against their competition. Imagine being a head coach and having to devise a defense that would work against Hedo Turkoglu. Hedo can play the point, beat almost anyone off the dribble and then take your puny point guard to the post to get schooled. Now imagine the headache of stopping Rashard Lewis; a 6'10 small forward/power forward that shoots the ball like a shooting guard. Throw in the role players: Mickael Pietrus, Courtney Lee, J.J Redick and Anthony Johnson. There you have it; the guys that proved the basketball world wrong. The guys that served the basketball deficiencies of King James on a platter, and displayed it for everyone to see.

New paragraph for this one.....

Yes, you heard me correctly!!! LeBron James has deficiencies in his game. Not a lot but enough. I have discussed and argued with a good number of people over this topic and so far it seems like there are waaaaay more people out there that think LBJ is hands down the best player in the game right now. I say that Kobe Bryant is still best in the game. I would like to thank Mickael Pietrus and the Orlando Magic coaching staff for helping me to prove my point. The coaching staff came up with a game plan and Pietrus carried it out to the last letter of the plan. They allowed James to get his buckets in transition (I can't really say "allowed" because LBJ can not be stopped in transition) but Pietrus did a phenomenal job in keeping James in front of him in the half court setting and forced him to take jump shots or pass. King James shooting touch has definitely improved from last year but it's not quite consistent or clutch enough (please don't even bother bringing up the game winning shot in game two of the series. I made the "not clutch enough" statement in spite of what he did). LeBron has yet to fully develop his dribbling skills. This is the deficiency that I am noting here. LeBron can dribble but he can't DRIBBLE!!! He can obviously dribble the ball but he does not have the crafty ball handles that Kobe Bryant possesses.

I will not win this battle of opinions with regards to pointing out "certain" things about LeBron James. Nor will I win when it comes to stating that in comparison to Kobe Bryant, LeBron James set of skills simply does not....compare. One reason I can't win on this matter is that people will start getting emotional about it and accuse me of "hating" the guy. Please allow me to quell this notion. LeBron James is one of my favorite players in the league but unlike most people, I can constructively criticize someone I really like. Statements like "LeBron is way better than Kobe" is a statement made with biases and emotions. It is obviously not accurate but I have come across and heard many statements like this since the playoffs began. I will repeat something I have said on numerous occasions about how people react to someone or something that seems so dominant....or imposing! People put sub-conscious blinders on and fail to see the imperfections. The "new" seems way better than the "old".....even if the "old" is just as good or better. The term "great" is tossed around too loosely nowadays.

It's time to state the obvious!!

LeBron James is absolutely sick to watch. He moves very fast for his size. His skill set to size ratio is something to marvel at. At this point in his career, compared to some of the greats at this junction in their careers; LeBron as already surpassed them statistically. LeBron just might go down in history as the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of high tops.

I said high tops!!! Kobe wears his "low". I am talking 'bout sneakers ya'll.

I am trying to be clever here. Does anyone get it? Greatest player to ever lace up a pair of high tops but Kobe wears his sneakers low!!!!! I hope you get my point here.

If Kobe and the Lakers win this years championship and he manages to tie or pass Michael Jordan in the ring department in the next few years. Then absolutely nothing that LeBron James does (short of winning just as much "bling" or more ) will make me think that he is better than Kobe. Their are players that had better career numbers than Jordan but didn't win a championship. Those players are considered great but not great than Jordan. On that note, I'll end with this to all the "LeBron is better than Kobe" fan club members. Kobe has three rings (yes, he won it with Shaq but tell me if any great player has ever won it all by themselves). LeBron needs to win one before I will entertain anymore of this "who is better than who" talk.

Here's something for you guys to think about when comes to greatness:

"Great numbers can make a player great, but winning a championship makes a great player greater than....."

Lekan Afolabi

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

'09 NBA Playoffs: Lebron James vs. Dwight Howard

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:52:00 +0000

NASA must be like a proud but yet conflicted father right now! Two of their most human-like robots will be going head to head tonight in the Eastern Conference Finals, for the NBA Playoffs. I am sure they will be watching with keen interest from the command center.

Alright...enough of the silly attempt at a joke. I think I'm the only one that gets a giggle out of calling Lebron James and Dwight Howard, NASA designed robots. Although, these two super-athletes will not actually be guarding each another; it would really please me, and any sports fan out there to see anyone of these scenarios:

Lebron attempting a ferocious dunk on Howard
Dwight Howard blocking Lebron on a massive dunk attempt
Lebron absolutely obliterating Howard on a dunk
Howard returning the favor with a two-handed dunk on Lebron's dome

Take a look at the first picture from my last post and you will notice that it is absolutely possible to sit on Howard's face with a nasty dunk. It would be a lot more exciting if it were King James in that picture instead of Kobe. I am not taking anything away from the sick dunk by Kobe but.......a robot dunking on another robot...................................okay okay, I'm really going to stop about this now.

On to the analysis/prediction:

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
1.Cleveland vs 3. Orlando
It is simply human nature to put extra emphasis on current events. It is also human nature to put blinders on when observing something or someone that is absolutely dominant. This err of the way we think dilutes our judgment and and skews our reasoning.

Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been very dominant during the season and they have been even more dominant during the playoffs. The effect that this is having on most fans and pundits is the feeling that the Cavs will be playing either the Nuggets or Lakers in the NBA Finals. Although the Orlando Magic struggles against the Celtics, this does not mean that the Cavs will sweep them like they did their first two series. Here are three reasons why this will not be a sweep for the Cavs:

Dwight Howard: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anderson Varejao and Ben Wallace will be given the unenviable task of trying to contain Howard. Big Z is not athletic enough and might just end up being dunked on at least twice a game during this series. "Mop-head" Varejao is a very crafty defender. He is not physical enough to keep up but I can count on him flopping a few times to try and get Howard in foul trouble. Big Ben!! I have a theory about Ben Wallace. This a a tad bit controversial, so please take this with a grain of salt. I think Wallace was taking performance enhancing drugs when he was with the Pistons. My theory goes further that the league must have discovered this and told him to stop without revealing it to the media. Hence the rapid drop in athletic ability that now has him playing like a shell of his former self. I will reiterate this; this is 100% my opinion and not anything based on hear-say or facts. Wallace will be useless in guarding Howard. Well, not entirely. He will be put in the game to intentionally foul Howard to force him to make his free throws.
Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkolgu, Courtney Lee and J.J Redick. These players are match up problems unlike the cast of players that the Hawks and Heat have. Atlanta and Miami have players that are athletic but can not spread the floor with good shooting. This allowed the Cavaliers to double team and provide weak side help successfully without the fear of being burned by a plethora of good shooters. With Turkoglu often playing the point and Howard requiring double teams; the Magic will have a lot of ample opportunities to take and make open three point shots. The Cavs coaching staff will have to devise a defensive strategy to slow Howard and his group of talented shooters.
Home court! It's a forgone conclusion that the Cavs will win their games at home. Home court in my reason why this won't be a sweep is about the Magic at home. Orlando will at least win one game at home. The Magic have only lost twice at home in this playoffs....by a total of three points.

Now that I have established that this series will not require any fan to bring a broom to a game; nor will there be a need to use the word sweep after game three in Orlando. I must now attempt to determine who will win this series.

"The Orlando Magic are going to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers" said Charles Barkley

Sir Charles made this comment right after the Orlando Magic handily beat the Celtics in game seven on Monday. Referring back to my point that we at times make statements that are influenced by the most current events. We temporarily forget the value or impact of something that happened in the recent or distant past. I think the dominant fashion in which the Magic beat the Celtics in that game made Barkley feel that victory was imminent for Orlando.

I would have agreed with him if Lebron James were 6'5 instead of 6'8. I would have agreed with Chuck if King James were 225lbs instead of 260lbs. I would have agreed with him if this was last years version of Lebron that could not shoot well from the field, instead of this years version that is proving that jump shots from fifteen to twenty nine feet (yes, twenty nine! Dude hits shots from one or two steps from mid-court) are like layups to him.

Finally, I would have agreed with Charles Barkley if Lebron James did not give me this feeling that he wants it (championship) a little bit more than Dwight Howard. I have watched every Cavs game and I have noticed a pattern with James. Whenever a team goes on a run against the Cavs; Lebron simply puts his head down and becomes aggressive. He drives to the hoop and gets a result. A basket, a foul or both. Point here is that momentum stops for the opposing team.

My prediction: Cleveland wins series 4-2

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

'09 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Finals Analysis/Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:42:00 +0000

It is really nice to see that the Orlando Magic finally played up to their skill level for a full forty eight minutes last night in game seven against the Boston Celtics.
Why did I pick the Celtics to win the series? Well, the one and only reason is not because I thought the C's were a better team without Kevin Garnett to beat the Magic but rather because Orlando is much like the Los Angeles Lakers in the sense that they both have a Jekyl and Hyde complex to their overall team personality. Both are very good teams that are stacked and should be putting other teams like the Celtics (sans KG) and Rockets (sans Yao Ming) away relatively easy. But for some reason they (Magic and Lakers) have been displaying a tendency to play horribly at times.

I find it utterly amazing that the four remaining teams in this years playoffs can be paired up in twos when it comes to their playing personalities. I have already alluded to the fact that Lakers and Magic are similar with their off and on play. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets are quite the opposite of them. Cleveland and Denver have relatively played at a consistent level so far. The Cavs swept the Atlanta Hawks (their second sweep in a row), while the Nuggets disposed of the Dallas Mavericks in five games. Both teams have been able to impose their will on their opponents and have won most of their games by double digits.

With the Conference Finals about to start on Tuesday, the question I have is, which team tendency/personality will be most dominant. Will the Lakers and Magic continue to play poorly at times. Will they turn it on just enough to win a series, much like the game sevens last night in which they both played really well. Will Denver and Cleveland be dominant in their respective series against the inconsistent two?

Here's what I think will happen in the West. My Eastern Conference analysis/prediction will be out by Wednesday morning.

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
1. Los Angeles vs 2. Denver
In the back of my head, I am thinking that it would have been a better situation for the Denver Nuggets if the Lakers had won their series in five or six games. The fact that Kobe and his team mates had to dig deep in order to put the Houston Rockets away, means the Lakers have woken up and realized how good they are when firing on all cylinders. We all know that fear and a good kick in the butt can motivate us to take a step back and re-evaluate our approach to our situation. After cruising by the Utah Jazz in five games, the Lakers became lackadaisical in their approach against the Rockets. When the Rockets lost Yao Ming at the end of game three, a game in which they took bad shots and did not play good defense. The Lakers performance in the next game was absolutely bizarre for every one that was watching it. Their loss in game four was the much needed kick in the butt. They woke up for game five by blowing out Houston with a forty point margin. Fortunately, they lost game six......yes, I said fortunately!!! I say this because their inability to close out the Rockets in game six resulted in their elevated play in game seven.

Will game seven be the launching pad that the Lakers need in order for them beat the Nuggets?

Carmelo Anthony is flat out the best scorer in the league. I will give you guys a little while to let that sink in.............I hope that was enough time. I did not say best player. I said best scorer. Kobe can knock down his shots when he needs to. Lebron can simply out muscle almost anyone to get his shot. D-Wade does too much dribbling to get his shot and is still not much of a shooter. Carmelo Anthony is way more smoother and polished as a scorer than his counterparts. Nobody uses the jab step better than he does. His elevation and point of shot release is near perfect. If you have been paying attention like I have; you will notice that he almost never fades away for his shots. He simply uses his dribble to effectively create space and then just goes straight up for his shot.

This is not about Carmelo though. The reason I seem to be pouring out adoration for him has a more to do with how his team is a lot like him in the scoring department. The Nuggets score effortlessly against most defenses. The efficiency of Melo's Jab step brings to mind the efficiency of his supporting cast of players. Chris "Birdman" Anderson, J.R Smith and Anthony Carter are about as efficient as it gets. They play with high intensity at all times and have caused havoc on both sides of the court. Nene and Kenyon Martin are two of the most physical post defenders in the league. Dahntay Jones has surprised many people with his shooting but it's no surprise that it's his defense that will earn him the task of guarding Kobe in this series. Jones is very athletic and a good defender but the possibility of going head to head with Kobe is a daunting task. Good luck Dahntay!!!

The Lakers might have gotten the rude awakening that they needed and they will be determined not to play like they did in the Houston series. Denver has had problems with defense in the past but they have always been a good offensive team. So far, in this years playoffs, they have been tough on all facets of their defensive game. If Martin can make Dirk Nowitzki work really hard for every point that he gets, then how in the world is Pau Gasol (who is not as polished offensively as Dirk) going to be able to help the Lakers in the post. Andrew Bynum can't seem to stay out of foul trouble. Although he is much taller than Nene, I think that Nene's physical style of play will render the young Bynum helpless for the Lakers cause. Chauncey Billups is way too savvy and way too good at his job to let the recent success of the Nuggets to get in their heads. He will make sure that they are well prepared for this battle. I know Kobe is great and the Lakers "can" be explosive but the Nuggets are almost always explosive. Scoring comes naturally to the Nuggets and defense is finally something they pay a lot of attention to.
My Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-3

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

2009 NBA Playoffs: Eastern Conference 2nd Round Analysis/Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:13:00 +0000

The Miami Heat played a series that looked on paper as if it should have been a cake walk for their opponent, the Atlanta Hawks. Dwayne Wade proved once again why he should be (at least in my opinion) the league MVP. He simply carried a team that wouldn't even have sniffed the playoffs but he and his supporting cast of over achievers pushed the "Jerkyll and Hyde" Hawks to a seventh game.

It would have been GREAT to see Wade go up against his good friend Lebron James.

EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland vs 4. Atlanta
Recent history of the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs will have you believe that they are an enigmatic team that find ways to play at a much higher level at home and then play a woeful brand of basketball on the road. They either blow you out or get blown out. In last years playoffs, they pushed the much better Boston Celtics to the bring of elimination. This year, they let a team that was pound for pound not on their level to take them to a game seven. Will they continue their perplexing style of play and keep the trend going? My answer to that will be revealed shortly!

Whenever a player or team is very good or basically considered by most to be great; the consensus tends to have blinders on and in turn make predictions that seem on the surface to be very logical. In this case, the very good player is Lebron James and the team is his Cavaliers. The "presumed" logical thinking here is that Lebron is too good (great is more like the right adjective here) and his supporting cast too strong for them not to have a easy time with their opponent. Not as easy as beating on the Pistons but presumed easy nonetheless. He definitely has a much better supporting cast than he did two years ago when he led his team into the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The tone that you might be catching from this paragraph would be that I think that the Cavs will not be sweeping this series versus the Hawks. I have been discussing/arguing with a few friends about the outcome of this series. The consensus is a sweep or maybe that the Hawks will win at least one game at home. I think that the way this series will unfold will be determined by the win/loss margin in the second game.

The Best player on the Hawks is Joe Johnson but he sometimes disappears for long stretches and often is lackadaisical on offense. When Lebron takes it easy on offense, it is often because he is setting up his team mates and playing smart and aggressive off the ball defense. He (James) is the arguably the best player in the league and because of his dominant performances that I will not waste my penmanship on any of his supporting cast....well, except to say that they are better than the supporting cast that Joe Johnson has.

My Prediction: Game one will be a blow out but game two will be close. Cleveland will win both games but will lose a close game three in Atlanta. The two close games back to back will give the Hawks the confidence they need to feel like they can win more than just one game. When confidence is on high, teams and players tend to play beyond their talent level but that confidence can not sustain them for a prolonged period of time. They do get their second win but that's were it ends. The Cavaliers win the series 4-2.

2. Boston vs 3. Orlando
I might have predicted the Boston Celtics to win their first round series but I sure was hoping that the Bulls would upset them. I try not to be biased in my writing and I think I have been able to do that so far. I want the Magic to win this series but I am afraid that this might just be wishful thinking. Orlando is a good team but they are inconsistent and can easily be considered a hit or miss when it comes to how hard or smart they play.

The weaknesses in Dwight Howard's game is magnified in the playoffs. His lack of post up moves and his proneness for turnovers makes it hard for me to give him the edge over Kendrick Perkins. Howard is still learning how to effectively exploit or pass out of double teams. If you study him whenever he is double teamed, you will notice that he can pass out to the man closest to him on the wing but if the defense collapse to his side, his passes at times will result in turn overs. Perkins is not the focal point of his team offensively and this makes it easy for him to focus on defense, rebounds and garbage points. His job on this series will be to physically frustrate Howard and put him in constant foul trouble. Easier said than done because Howard is a freakishly athletic robot designed by NASA....(pssst...so is Lebron). Howard will average a double double and in turn get Perkins in foul trouble. If Perkins sits for too long then the Magic have strong chance. Am I hinging the success or failure of the Celtics on Kendrick Perkins? No, but I am saying that his role in this series is going to be more elevated than usual.

The back court play for both teams is in favor of the Celtics because Rajon Rondo will have a field day against this team and also because Rafer Alson sucks on defense. Courney Lee is the better option at the back up point guard spot (Tyronn Lue is on the team but......it's Tyronn Lue!!!) but he is not expected to even play in the first game of the series after having surgery to repair a fracture sinus bone. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen should be pleased that they will be playing in a series against a team that sometimes looks as if they are allergic to playing defense.
My Prediction: Celtics win series 4-2

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

2009 NBA Playoffs: Western Conference 2nd Round Analysis/Prediction

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 May 2009 14:55:00 +0000

Right of the bat, I'll say this about the San Antonio Spurs. The age of this team.....along with a few key injuries.....is the reason why the Dallas Mavericks won the series in five games. I am not taking anything away from the Mavericks but I still think that if Tim Duncan were completely healthy and if Manu Ginobili were in the line up; this series would have been a lot closer and eventually would have ended in the Spurs favor.

The Mavs can count there blessings and thank the basketball gods that Josh Howard played a spectacular brand of bball and also that Erick Dampier finally realized that he is a legit seven footer and should be averaging more than seven rebounds per game. Jose Barea is the little guy that managed to keep Tony Parker occupied on the defensive end but ultimately could not stop him from scoring at will (quite frankly, no one can stop Parker from scoring). Barea was excellent in putting the pressure on the Spurs and I think his play on both sides of the court distracted Parker on numerous occasions from being a play maker but rather made him feel like he needed to score a lot of points.

Kudos to Mavs coach Rick Carlisle for knowing exactly how to use his pieces. He confused the Spurs by starting Barea in games three to five; playing him along side Jason Kidd quite a bit. This move created mismatches and forced the Spurs to try and keep up with the Mavs brand of small ball. Unfortunately the Spurs did not have enough small play makers to keep up with the Mavs. Now this leads me to the my Western Conference predictions. What the heck is Coach Carlisle going to come up with when they face the Denver Nuggets?

WESTERN CONFERENCE
2. Denver vs 6. Dallas
I picked the Hornets to win the series versus the Nuggets. Why? Well, for starters I thought that Coach Byron Scott would actually use his bench in the series. The Nuggets played their ultra athletic bench players and that was a big reason why that series was one sided in Denver's favor. These same bench players are going to have a field day against the Mavericks. It seems like Carlisle will keep Barea in the starting line up because he has simply out play Antoine Wright and can cause match up headaches for most teams on both offense and defense. This means that Jason Terry is the only major threat that the Mavs have coming off the bench. Brandon Bass is no chop liver but he does not do so well on defense against teams that run and spread the court as well as the Nuggets do. The aforementioned Wright will be needed to play above and beyond expectations. I strongly doubt that he will. Dallas will need a stellar performance from Dirk Nowitzki in order to keep this series from looking anything like the Nuggets first round beat down on the Hornets. Chris "Birdman" Andersen and Kenyon Martin will make Dirk work for every basket he gets. Since Josh Howard is not known to be a good defender and so I'll assume that he will not be guarding Carmelo Anthony. Regardless of whom it is that is assigned to guard Melo, I predict high scoring games for him and Chauncey Billups. Speaking of Billups; Mr. Big Shot was very accurate from downtown in the first series. 65% makes him a deadly threat that should continue to kill defenders that slack off him. The deference in this series will be the team that is more prolific offensively. Both teams can score in bunches but there is no team in the playoffs right not that can stretch a ten point lead to twenty or thirty points better than the Denver Nuggets.
My Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-1

1. Los Angeles vs 5. Houston
Get your popcorn ready folks!!! I am predicting that this series is going to be just as exciting as the Bulls/Celtics match up. How can it not be? It's an epic clashing of two stacked teams! There is a plethora of big men and wing players in this series to satisfy all your basketball playoff needs.
The Rockets are the best defensive team in this years playoffs but they have also surprised most people by finding the perfect medium between playing "big-man" ball and also running the fast paced offense. The addition of journeyman Von Wafer .....(by the way, his real name is Vakeaton Quamar. I understand why he changed his name but....VON WAFER?!?! Actually, I think it would have been better if he had kept his real name. It sounds and resonates much better than VON WAFER???)......the addition of Wafer has been a pleasant surprise. Turns out that he almost beat out Lebron James in the McDonald’s All-America Slam Dunk. From my research, it seems that most people think he should have won but Lebron got it because he was more popular....even back then. Wafer will be coming of the bench to do more of what he did against the Portland Trailblazers. Score at will and infuse energy and athleticism. The Lakers will counter with Shannon Brown. Brown has beaten out Jordan Farmer for more minutes lately because he is more explosive on the wing but also because he has surprised everyone, including his own teammates by shooting really well. Fifty and sixty seven percent from the field and beyond the arc respectively. Trevor Ariza's job in the starting line up is not to score but he has been shooting really well from downtown also at a clip sixty percent. I am not sure if the hot shooting will continue for these two guys but one thing I can count on is for them to bring the energy needed for them to succeed.

Andrew Bynum will finally get to prove himself in his match up with Yao Ming. I am not saying that he will succeed in actually outplaying Yao but he will have plenty chances to try. I look for DJ Mbenga to get some playing time so as to give Bynum a breather and prevent him from constantly being in foul trouble. Luis Scola was known to be a better player in Europe than Pau Gasol and I think that he will try to convince the North American fans that he truly is better. They are country men and they both play for their national team and thus I am very certain that they are both looking forward to guarding each other. Scola is way more crafty on offense and very smart on defense. Gasol is hands down a very good offensive play and can hold his own on the other side as long as the play is not too physical. I look for Scola to be as physical as possible in other to get in Pau's head and hopefully throw him off his game. Shane Battier will on occasion be assigned to guard Gasol. I look for Battier to keep up his good shooting.

It has often been said that defense wins championships. The fact behind these two teams is that only one them plays really good defense. Ron Artest plays for this team and I can imagine that he is anxiously waiting for the games to begin so he can get all up in Kobe Bryant's face. A few days ago, Artest made a comment that Brandon Roy of the Trailblazers is the best player that he has ever guarded. This obviously and in my opinion was a deliberate omission of Kobe. I think this is an attempt by Artest to lure Bryant into playing a lot of one on one ball. If the mind games work, then this series will most likely end in Houstons favor. The Lakers are a much better team when every one is involved in the offense. They are even more lethal when Kobe does his"I'm taking over the game now" thing in the waning moments of a game. The Rockets are a more physical team and that can work in their favor if they don't get in foul trouble. Fouls will be the difference in this series. Artest's history for being a knucklehead will not help when getting the benefit of the doubt type of calls. I am tempted to say that this series will go seven games but I cannot ignore Artest woeful shot selection and Yao's pending foul troubles.
My prediction: Lakers win 4-2

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

2009 NBA Playoffs: My First Round Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Saturday, April 18th will mark the beginning of the NBA's second and most important season. The one that determines who gets the trophy with the golden ball and all the shiny rings. The one that every player wants to get to....well, almost every player. Players from the Clippers, Thunder, Grizzlies and Kings probably knew from the beginning of training camp they were playing just eighty two games this season.

Without any further delay and any more silly attempts of witty quips from yours truly. I present to you my complete first round predictions for the 2009 NBA Playoffs:

Note: I decided to do just the first round for the sole purpose of not being too shamed when half of my predictions don't pan out for the second round!!!

EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland vs 8.Detroit
Lebron James and his band of merry men are on a mission this season. Their showcasing antics have drawn the ire of many of their opponents but it has not affected their spectacular level of play. I personally think that the "loosey goosey" attitude is the reason why they have played their way to the best record in the league. They know they are good and are simply having fun while kicking butts. Especially at home where the are 39 - 2.
Detroit in my opinion is a team that is simply trying to convince themselves that they have the experience to get past the Cavaliers. The blunt truth is they know deep down that they blew it when Mr. Big Shot Billups was traded for Allen Iverson.
Prediction: Cleveland win series 4-1

2. Boston vs 7. Chicago
News came out today that Kevin Garnett might not be healthy enough to play any games during this playoffs. To an untrained eye, it might seem like a big advantage for the very young and inexperienced Bulls. I think you can predict where I am going with is. Lindsay Hunter, Brad Miller and Tim Thomas are the only players with ten or more years of league experience. Aside from the three aforementioned vets, this team is very wet behind the ears. The Celtics will win this series without KG because they are a much better defensive squad than the Bulls...but I think that this will be a closer battle than most people realize. These guys are young, athletic with something or maybe nothing to prove. It depends on your perspective. I think they will be this years Atlanta Hawks that shocked the Celtics by pushing them to seven games.
Prediction: Celtics win series 4-2

3. Orlando vs 6. Philadelphia
Orlando might have a shot blocking phenom in Dwight Howard but they are not a strong defensive team. Although the 76ers limped into the playoffs by losing six out of their last seven games, they are still very much a dangerous team for the Magic to face. With that said, the difference maker in this series will be three point field goals. Orlando is one of the best teams in takes and makes this season. Philly has good transition defense but will definitely struggle in the half court sets. A team like the Magic will use this to their advantage by swinging the ball around for open threes. Too much threes and too much Howard. The only way the 76ers win a game is when...not if but when, the Magic give a game away by playing poorly. Coach Stan Van Gundy knows this about his team and should be prepared for them to lose a game they should have won.
Prediction: Orlando win series 4-1

4. Atlanta vs 5. Miami
This series is hands down the most exciting series for me. Dwayne Wade is playing like a Martian. Yes, I'm about to get corny with this. He is playing out of this world. He is the league MVP in my eyes. Only player in NBA history to have recorded at least 2,000 points, 500 assists, 150 steals and 100 blocks in a season. This series is not just about Wade though because he is surrounded by players that are simply overachieving right now. Players Like Daequan Cook and Mario Chalmers were not expected to be playing this well at this level. With Wade causing havoc to any and almost all defenses, guys like Udonis Haslem and Michael Beasley will have to keep playing just as well as they have been all season. Maybe even more because the Hawks have proven that they're a tough out in the playoffs. The Hawks will be going into this series as the team favored to win. It will be ironic if the Heat become the reincarnate version of the Hawks from last years playoffs. This series is a coin toss to me because I think it will go to seven games.
Prediction: Miami win series 4-3

WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Los Angeles vs 8. Utah
Two hall of fame coaches. Check! Two perennial all star power forwards/centers. Check! Two often underachieving forwards but sometimes stellar performers. Check! Two supporting casts that know their role and play it well. Check! The point I am trying to make here is to separate the x-factors in this series. Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum for the Lakers. Deron Williams for the Jazz. These players stand out because their is no player on either teams that can guard them. Kobe all by himself is enough to put the Lakers over most teams but he does not need to perform any heroics in this series. Gasol will play well and so will Odom and the rest of the supporting cast. Deron will not be able to impose his will enough to squeeze out an upset but he will post some spectacular numbers in this series.
Prediction: Lakers win series 4-0

2. Denver vs 7. New Orleans
More than any other series in this playoffs, this two teams will have to find a way to win on the opponents home court in order to move on to the next round. The Hornets have more fight in them because of Chris Paul and I can see them stealing a win in Denver. Even though the Nuggets have Chauncey Billups to provide a calming and steady influence for this erratic team, they will lose this series because of lack of defense. I guess I should call them "_enver".
Prediction: New Orleans win series 4-2

3. San Antonio vs 6. Dallas
Jason Kidd is still a very good point guard in this league but just not as good a defensive guard as he used to be. With that said, how is he going to stop Tony Parker from running all over the court; scoring at will. Jason Terry is the ex-factor for the Mavericks. Dirk is their best player but crunch time belongs to the kid they call J.E.T. Tim Duncan is a little hobbled but he will still destroy and out play Erick Dampier. The addition of Drew Gooden gives the Spurs a definite advantage. If Dallas coach Rick Carlisle is smart, he will give Jose Barea more minutes so that he can return the favor to Parker. Jose can run all over the court while putting pressure on Tony and possibly get him in foul trouble. This will give Dallas a better chance of winning. I said better chance though! Even without Manu Ginobili, I think the Spurs have enough of everything else to get it done.
Prediction: San Antonio win series 4-3

4. Portland vs 5. Houston
For biased reasons only, I'd want Houston to make it to the NBA Finals. They were my favorite team before Toronto gave birth to the Raptors. Realistically though, I think it will be very difficult for the Rockets to get past a team with the talent makeup that the Trailblazers possess. Houston is hands down the better defensive team but Portland is the type of team that can explode with their athleticism and run their opponents off the court. Houston will prefer to play a game with scoring in the eighties and Portland would like the score to be in the nineties and above. Yao Ming will keep the foul prone Greg Oden in foul trouble. After Oden, it's the tough and underrated Joel Przybilla that will be guarding Yao. Same results. Enthusiasm and the City of Portland will give the Blazers a good boost on the court but that will probably only last for the second quarter of the first game.
Prediction: Houston win series 4-2

So there you have it. If I come out of this with a close to perfect prediction record, then I can confidently call myself a pundit!!!

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

Umm....I Love Sports!!/My Playoff Predictions.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:51:00 +0000

The process of putting thoughts and feelings into words can be complicated and somewhat tasking. The complication and confusion is multiplied when the thoughts and feelings are about things that an individual truly cares about. In such an instance, you'd want to do the thoughts some justice and make sure that the words you choose fully interprets and expresses the depth and magnitude of what is surging through your mind. In this day and age, the way people think has been going through a metamorphosis.

Now, my fellow vicarious athletes; I know you are wondering why I am rambling about thoughts and feelings that relate to the grand scheme of things outside the realm of sports. Well, the simple truth is that it is all connected. How many of you use sports as a medium more than just for entertainment purposes. A simple get away from your reality. A recluse from whatever you are going through. Sports has become more of an escape because it provides a temporary "numbing" effect on us all. For an average approximation of two to three hours during watching or participation in a variety of sporting events, you will find that nothing related to your problems or triumphs crosses you mind. You become totally engulfed in the feats of the professional athletes that are vivaciously competing on a stage before your eyes. Then there are the times when you yourself are completely captivated through participation. Whether you are playing a sport to stay in shape, to show off your skills or to simply bond with old or new friends. The fact remains that it provides a temporary mental getaway that can only be surpassed by going on vacation to a sunny location with lots of sand and water. Well...at least in my opinion.

This brings me to my point. I have found that as I continue to grow both mentally and physically that almost everything that matters to me is related to sports. Naturally, those that know me well know that God, Family and Friends are important to me but they also know that I think, breathe and eat sports. Everything about it makes me feel good on the inside. The competition, the camaraderie, the wins and the losses. The heartbreak when you favorite team loses and the excitement you feel when your team wins it all. It shapes and builds certain values that almost no other activity can provide to an individual. Teamwork, Confidence, perseverance, timeliness, patience and hard work a just a few of the character traits that being involved in sports can provide.

Alright people, I think I have said just about enough of this. This silly attempt at the philosophy of sports and how nice it makes me feel. Now back to the usual vicarious athlete in me.

The real reason I am feeling this way is because the playoffs is just around the corner in two of the four major sporting leagues in North America. The NFL is currently in hibernation right now but the 2009 draft is just around the corner. The season is just starting for the boys of summer and I must say that it's really exciting to be watching Baseball again!!!
GO JAYS GO!!!

Hockey fans are growing their playoff beards and are planning their days around their favorite teams schedules. They are making sure that their schedule is clear for the up coming evening games. Dudes are calling their boys and booking tables and booths at sports bars in advance for the weekend games.

Basketball heads are excited to watch the match ups. The uncertainty within the almost certain. Los Angeles Lakers will play Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.........(we'll see). Since I fall into this category; I know I'll be meeting up with the guys to watch the NBA playoffs. Albs, A-Ho, Brooks and the rest of the lads. The location will most like be at our usual sports watering hole. Drinks will flow, chicken wings and nachos will be devoured. Insults (in good fun of course) will be tossed back and forth and compliments (fake ones of course) will be passed around. We will watch athletes take their level of play to the highest peak of competition.

You must be thinking: "Goodness gracious....will you get to your predictions already!!!"

If you are a true sports nut like I am and have been watching or playing sports since you were a little one, then patience is one of the virtues that sports should have taught you by now. The NBA Playoffs will start on Saturday. My in depth round by round predictions will be made before then.

Until then, go back to your painful reality.

; )

Sportacularly Yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

RAPTOR FANS: PLEASE BE OPTIMISTIC

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:41:00 +0000

So, it has been a few months since I have scribed my thoughts on the things that matter to me most in the world of sports (particularly basketball). For those that are actually interested in my thoughts and have asked me in person why I haven't blogged in these past few months. My only and shameful excuse is that I was busy with work and school. I underestimated how much interest there was in this blog and thus slacked off a little. My apologies!!! I have also been writing for a website (www.thedashingfellows.com) as a contributing writer and have shifted a bit of my focus to that.

A lot has been going on in Raptorland. Here we are again sitting at the doorstep of yet another losing season and the dinos are currently sitting in the second to last position in the eastern conference. If any one of you are like me and truly do care about this team then you must have gone through a plethora of emotions during this season.

You probably started off the season being very optimistic. The pundits and pseudo-know-it-alls managed to convince all of us that this years edition of the Raps were good enough to finish the season in the middle of the pack. Place anywhere from fourth to sixth place; make the playoffs and maybe even make it out of the first round. The fact that the team started the season by winning their first three games also added to the illusion but ever since that mark, the team has shown that they really are what they are.

"They are NOT who we thought they were"

I had to pay a little humorous homage to the infamous public rant by Dennis Green back in October of 2006 after his team failed to secure a victory against a much better Chicago Bears team.

The Raptors are not who we thought they were. Even though we added Jermaine O'Neal to the fold; we should have known better that the teams make-up was not built to withstand the test of more physically and athletically gifted teams in the league. Although the expectations were high, the shocker for me is the fact that we lost this many games and are just sitting one spot above the Washington Wizards. The Raps are not good enough to meet the preseason expectations but are most definitely not this bad to be in this current position. Let's be honest here; if the Wizards had Gilbert Arenas playing all season and were not plagued with numerous injuries to a lot of their core players, they would be sitting above us and we would be the ones sitting in the last place. I take a look at the standings and see Milwaukee, Indiana, New Jersey and New York ahead of us. Does anyone serious think that these teams are better than the Raptors. One thing that these teams have in common and of which we are serious lacking is the ultra-athletic wing player. Richard Jefferson, Danny Granger, Vince Carter and Al Harrington. Pre-Shawn Marion; all we had on the wing were Anthony Parker, Joey Graham and Jason Kapono. SERIOUSLY??? These three are good players that should be coming off the bench for us. They would be the perfect backup for a team that has an any one of the wing players from the aforementioned teams named above.

This leads me to the 2009 NBA draft. With this season rapidly coming to an end, it's natural for teams that will be spending the month of April doing nothing to start looking forward tot he next season. Team scouts are not the only ones that keep an eye out for college ballers that might be declaring for the draft. Fans like me actually make mental notes and sometimes even write down the name and specifics of college players that I feel will be a good fit for the Raptors. Based on the teams area of need and sometimes based on a guess-timation of draft class and team draft position. For those that have read an earlier post that I wrote about team success being on the wing, then it shouldn't be a surprise when you read the list of potential draft-able players that I feel our Raptors should pick if they are available. I personally like these three players and strongly feel that they will be able to make an immediate contribution to the Raps.

Gerald Henderson. SG, 6'5. Duke
Henderson is an athletic wing player with the toughness that the Raptors badly need in that position. If anyone doubts how tough this kid is - please check out this link from YouTube in which he gives Tyler Hansbrough a "little love tap."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5glRSAUVCQ
Don't just typecast him as a goon that can "throw them bows", he is also a very talented played that can fill up the basket in bunches. He plays great defense and can literally jump right out of the gym.

James Harden. SG, 6'5. Arizona
Lefties are revered in the world of sports. This lefty is a smooth operator that averages 21ppg and 5rpg for the Wildcats. Harden is a flat out scorer that can do a little bit of everything really well - except play solid defense. I am not too worried about his defense since everything I have seen, read and heard about him states that he is an extreme hard worker and competitor. He has often handled the point guard responsibilities for his team in order to create mismatches.

Demar DeRozan. SG, 6'6. USC
DeRozan is the baller that intrigues me the most. His extremely freakish athletic ability makes me overlook all his deficiencies; and trust me, their are a few. He is not a good shooter. His dribbling skills need a lot of work and he often relies on fast breaking opportunities to get his points. With that said, he honestly has the biggest upside of all three of my picks ans for that matter of many of the players that will be drafted. (An obvious exception is Blake Griffin. Okay. A quick B-Griff rant: If in some miraculous way, the Raps secure the first overall pick and pick Griffin. I would be absolutely overjoyed. He plays the same position as Bosh and will have to play right away because he is that good a player. I say we trade Bosh and get some good pieces to put beside Griffin, Bargnani and Calderon. Draft picks of other players would do. I am boldly saying this right now that I would take Griffin right now over Bosh. I need to stress that I think the world of CB4 but the pending 2010 drama is the main reason why I say this. There is no guarantee that Bosh will stay and if we get the first pick then he becomes a great trading asset. End of rant!!!) DeRozans shooting form is not awkward and he is athletically gifted enough to work on his in-between game and dribbling skills. He will make a good pro; hopefully it's with the Raptors.

I am still very much interested in how this season unfolds. The Raps have won four of the last five games and are again showing that they are not as bad as their record indicates but at the same time are showing that the needs on the wing should be addressed in next years draft or through trades. After a roller-coast of emotions that had me initially optimistic, then skeptical followed by disappointment and eventually pessimism. I have come full circle back to optimism. After all, I am a true Toronto Raptor fan and I honestly believe in next years team.

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

The Game In Transition/Success Is On The Wings.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:58:00 +0000

Basketball is a game that is most enjoyed when it's in transition. Perpetual motion and fast breaking styles were the norm back in the 80's. Teams were reaching the hundred point mark by the end of the third quarter and most centers in the game back then could run the floor like small forwards and shooting guards. The game went through a change during the mid nineties when team execs felt the need to slow down the game and thought that big centers that clogged the lane was the ticket to success.

I have been following basketball for a long time and I have often heard many experts state that in order to win a championship, a team needs a dominating big man. A good center that can go to work in the low post and draw double teams in order to open up the perimeter game for the wing players. I couldn't disagree more with this notion. Maybe this could have been a requirement back in the 70's and 80's but the game of basketball has evolved since then. These days, the game is dominated by ultra-athletic wing men and forwards with the skill set of some wing players. The majority of young centers coming into the league today have a paucity of skill sets. In other words, they are extremely raw and require a few years before they become.......ripe!!! Even after maturation, these new centers will not be able to dominate and take over a game as the centers of old used to. After Shaquile O'Neal retires, the game of basketball will be rid of the very last player to clog the middle and slow down the game. I should note that I am not writing this to bash O'Neal and other great centers. I am just noticing a trend that can not be ignored. In order for most teams to be successful, they will need to have good wing players and role playing or moderately talented post player.

Shaquile O'Neal, the last true big man will retire in the next couple of years and thus will end the string of dominant big men to play in the league. Shaq's pending retirement will officially close the chapter on a long line of great centers. Centers like Moses Malone, Patrick Ewing, Wilt Chamberlain, David Robinson, Willis Reed, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and my favorite player of all time; Hakeem Olajuwon. These big men were the cornerstone of their respective teams and even though they did not all win a championship ring in their careers, it was a certainty that their teams would have been worse off without them.

A few years ago the Phoenix Suns brought back a trend that was last used by the New Jersey Nets with Jason Kidd running the point; and before the Nets, it was the Golden State Warriors with their RUN TMC brand of basketball. None of these teams had a traditional big man guarding the post. Instead, they ran an offence that required fast and athletic wing players that could improvise and create something out of erratic play. More and more teams are realizing that in order to stay competitive, they will need to find a way to incorporate various elements of the run and gun style that is predicated on being athletic on the wing. With this style of basketball, traditional big men will become seldom used and often will be relegated to being the grab-a-rebound and the block-a-shot role. In order for teams today to be successful, they must invest in their perimeter play instead of their post play. I am not suggesting that the post player will become obsolete in the new NBA but rather, the center position will become more of a complimentary one to the wing position. Teams will still want and need big men but the focus will be on a big man that can run the floor, grab rebounds and get garbage points though put backs.

Here is further breakdown of my analysis. In the closing moments of a very tight game, a wing player can provide more offensive options for his teammates. A dribble drive offense requires perpetual motion from all members of the team by creating mismatches and confusion because it draws positional players away from their guarding assignments and comfort zone. It requires that the point guard bring the ball up the middle and passing to the wing players. The wing player now has a plethora of options based on how the defense reacts. He can choose to shoot; if his man leaves enough room to get a shot off. Drive to either his left or right; if his man rushes at him in anticipation of a shot. This dribble-drive will draw the opposing post players to collapse on him. He can now elevate to get his shot off in the middle of the key, pass to his very open big man, kick the ball out to the baseline or top of key for an open shot, or......another dribble drive possibility. Many teams in the league will soon be adjusting and installing a variation of the dribble drive offense that sometimes looks like a team is fast breaking at all times. It will be a revelation one day when the catalyst wing man in this scenario is actually a big man a la "Disco" Dirk Nowitzki.

Did I say revelation. As in, it will one day happen? Pardon me because "it" already happens. Albeit, only a few teams have players that combine the physical stature with this skill set.

The new breed of centers will player more like Dirk Nowitzki. They will be able to shoot the long ball, put the ball on the floor and dribble to the hoop from twenty feet out. They will be versatile like kevin Garnett and play defense on a point guard from half court. Block shots and grab the rebound in one move and then lead the fast break. The new big man will play more like a 6'6 wing man.

The game has changed a few times in the last twenty years. The influx of young players coming into the league that knew how to dunk before they made their first three point shot is forcing teams to play a game that is transition in style. This makes for a very exiting brand of basketball for the fans that want to see more running and gunning. Teams will evolve and almost every positional player will be interchangeable with almost all the positions; it is my opinion that some day in the near future, teams will look to think further outside of the box (Pun intended...Get it??.....C'mon!!!The box. As in the low post being known as "the box") when it comes to the type of players that will best fit their style on offense.

Ten years from now, you and I might go to a basketball game and hear the announcer introduce the starting lineup for our team.......

....starting at small forward, 7 foot 2 from Timbuktuuuuu...........

You look at me and I look and you. We simultaneously chime "our starting wing man is 7'2. That's amazing!"

That's when the NBA would truly be "were amazing happens!!!"

...ahem. Not saying it isn't amazing as it is right now.

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete

Expectations on high. Way too high!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:38:00 +0000

I have a question for all Raptor fans out there. I need an honest answer that requires an unbiased mind frame during this process.

Here's my question. Aside from Jose Calderon, Chris Bosh and Jermaine O'Neal, whom else on the Raps current starting line-up would be a starter on any other NBA squad?

I'll give you sometime to go over the entire roster. I bet you are thinking of bad teams like the Bobcats, Timberwolves and Clippers - comparing them with the Raps, thinking that these teams roster are just as bad. If you can't come up with any player that deserves to be starting alongside the three mentioned above; then how come there is such a high expectation for the team to do so well and make the playoffs this season.

I will confess that I was blinded by love at the beginning of the season when I said this in an earlier post: "My prediction: 49-33 record, finish 4th or 5th in the east and lose in the second round to...........????." Well, since then my eyes have been opened. Here's a small analysis of three Raptor players that should not be starting for the squad or almost any other team.

Jamario Moon would only be getting spot minutes on most NBA teams. Somewhere around 10 - 15 minutes max, coming off the bench. Moon is arguably the most athletically gifted player on the team but he has serious problems with his lateral movements. He settles too often on defence by allowing his man to blow by him and then he attempts to block the player from behind. This usually results in him either getting called for a foul, his man scoring or drawing the Raps big men (Bosh and O'Neal) away from the basket to the baseline or top of the key. This opens up numerous back door passes for dunks and easy layups. Moon does not have the necessary ball handling skills to create his own shots and thus he often takes two or three dribbles and settles for a pass or a tough fadeaway shot. On some teams in this league, Moon would only be playing during blowout games or close to the end of the season when bench players sometimes start the last few games.

Anthony Parker is a hustler. This description of him is two-fold. A hustler in the way that he plays hard and never lets his offensive game affect his effort on the d-side. You can always count on him to guard the toughest and best wing players from opposing teams. He is also a hustler in the sense that his hard work and ethics on defence has been fooling us for a while that he is actually a better defender than he truly is. He is not playing any tricks on us with his personality. In actuality, it's his physical capabilities that has had us bamboozled for the last few years now. Put him on a good team and he is the first or second guy coming of the bench. He is the guy that comes in for mismatch purposes. The offense for defense substitute in the final moments of a close game. Parker is a valuable player but should not be starting. He should be key role player on most teams in this league.

Jason Kapono is a tough one to analyze. His ability to shoot really well makes him good enough to start on most teams but his unwillingness to shoot at will and his liability on the defensive end makes me think otherwise. I should note that Kapono has had a resurgence recently since Sam Mitchell got fired and Jay Triano (the interim bench boss) inserted him in the starting lineup. He is shooting more and is playing a smarter brand of basketball. I guess Triano has figured out a way to use Kapono without giving too much away on the defensive end. I have noticed that most of the time, the plan is to funnel Kapono's man to the centre of the court which results in a pass out without drawing the bigs too far from the basket. This strategy works at times but still allows the opposing team to swing the ball to the top of the key and subsequently to the corner for a wide open three. Kapono would be more effective as a starter if Moon was not the incumbent wing player beside him.

I am not going to over-analyze Andrea Bargnani. I am simply convinced that his up, and mostly down performance is rooted in his personality and mentality rather than his skill set. It's obvious that he still has room for improvement but I think he needs to see a sports psychologist (preferably an Italian speaking one) that will figure out a way to bring out the fiery Italian in him. Yes, I am stereotyping here but Bargnani needs to play with the same passion that Italians are known for.

How in the world does Bryan Colangelo keep telling himself that these guys named above, along with the rest of the Raps mostly inept bench squad are good enough to make the playoffs? Reality bites and it sometimes bites really hard and often leaves a nasty mark. Unless Colangelo makes a trade or two, the bite marks on the squad this season will have them missing the playoffs. This will be nasty and upsetting because most fans have bought into the high expectations that was created by Colangelo and partially, the media. On that note, I feel it's up to me to temper the high expectation. Thus, I have changed my prediction for our beloved Raptors.

My new prediction: 33-49 (yah, I simply flipped it. What?!?!?)

Sportacularly yours,

The Vicarious Athlete