With their first draft pick since taking Elton Brand at #1, the Chicago Bulls drafted phenom Derrick Rose. Now the Bulls add another piece to their puzzle as they attempt to regain playoff glory. The Bulls of course failed to make the playoffs last season, one of the more enigmatic teams, besides Miami. The general consensus now seems to be the Bulls will be trading either Hinrich, Gordon or Larry Hughes, or more than 1 of them. Smart money may be on Hinrich, who was running the show there, but don't rule anything out yet.
Forward Michael Beasley went at the 2 spot to Miami, giving them another frontcourt player along with Marion. There had been rumors of a trade by Pat Riley, but nothing materialized. In other news, the Knicks once again gave their fans something to jeer about as they selected an Italian player whom Jay Bilas claims "won't be a star, but will be a solid player". Always great to appease the hometown fans on national TV.
There were a couple trades too. The Nets dealt away longtime star Richard Jefferson to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for last year's #7 pick, Yi, and Bobby Simmons. The Pacers traded away their All-star, Jermaine O'Neal in exchange for TJ Ford, Nesterovic, and a draft pick. It's puzzling why Toronto would add O'Neal in with Bosh up front, as they are identical type players. TJ Ford has been touted as one of the quicker guys in the league and maybe now can jumpstart the Pacers again.
There's sure to be more moves made in the coming weeks, but for now the draft has ended and benefited several teams.
Kamis, 26 Juni 2008
Selasa, 24 Juni 2008
The Shaq vs. Kobe Battle Resumes?
It's been the talk of the sports and NBA world. Not the recent Celtics return to glory, Tim Donaghy's attempt to rat out the NBA, or the upcoming NBA draft. Instead, the legendary freestyling skills of Mr. Shaq Fu have now become newsworthy, again.
This time around, Shaq decided to have some fun at a club with his nursery rhyme style dis rap towards former "friend" and teammate Kobe Bryant. In his rap, Shaq goes as far as to curse out the current Laker star, and dis him for being unable to win the title this year. Not only that, but Shaq brought the legendary Kareem Abdul Jabbar's name into his rap, claiming he's better than the Hall of Famer. The rap also includes a chorus featuring the line "Kobe how's my ass taste?", which is still being deciphered around the world.
It's these immature stunts that only diminish the game more. While Shaq claims he was just joking around, similar to his dis rap about Vlade Divac, it clearly had some more than subtle insinuations to it. Not only that, but Shaq really needs to leave the rapping to the pro freestylers, and continue balling. Even though Shaq had several platinum records to his name, he also is nearer to the end of his career than Kobe, who will continue writing his NBA legacy. As one analyst said, Kobe will definitely be doing his retorts on the court, probably dunking on Shaq several times next season.
So how will Shaq's latest antics affect his promising career as a police officer?
According to TMZ.com:
View the Shaq dis rap of Kobe Bryant here.
This time around, Shaq decided to have some fun at a club with his nursery rhyme style dis rap towards former "friend" and teammate Kobe Bryant. In his rap, Shaq goes as far as to curse out the current Laker star, and dis him for being unable to win the title this year. Not only that, but Shaq brought the legendary Kareem Abdul Jabbar's name into his rap, claiming he's better than the Hall of Famer. The rap also includes a chorus featuring the line "Kobe how's my ass taste?", which is still being deciphered around the world.
It's these immature stunts that only diminish the game more. While Shaq claims he was just joking around, similar to his dis rap about Vlade Divac, it clearly had some more than subtle insinuations to it. Not only that, but Shaq really needs to leave the rapping to the pro freestylers, and continue balling. Even though Shaq had several platinum records to his name, he also is nearer to the end of his career than Kobe, who will continue writing his NBA legacy. As one analyst said, Kobe will definitely be doing his retorts on the court, probably dunking on Shaq several times next season.
So how will Shaq's latest antics affect his promising career as a police officer?
According to TMZ.com:
Minutes after an Arizona sheriff called for Shaquille O'Neal's badge over his n-bomb laced rap, the Diesel was already getting back-up from some of his other boys in blue.
According to a statement from Miami Beach Chief of Police Carlos Noriega, "Shaquille O'Neal is a member in good standing of the Miami Beach police Dept. He is a valuable asset to our organization and the city of Miami Beach."
View the Shaq dis rap of Kobe Bryant here.
Selasa, 17 Juni 2008
Celtics Dominate Lakers to win 17th NBA title
Tuesday night was the crowning of a new champion in the NBA, albeit a familiar one. Finally, the Big 3 reached the promised land. As an NBA fan, you've gotta be happy for guys like Pierce, KG and Ray Allen. Each of them has been in the league for many years now, as the lead guy for a certain team. Now the 3 came together for one common goal and achieved it, where amazing happens.
Paul Pierce was deservingly given the NBA Finals MVP award for his standout performance. Pierce has been in Celtics hell for several seasons, but stuck it out. Kevin Garnett became a target of criticism during the Finals, but stepped it up tonight. Ray Allen was consistent during the Finals and a had a brief scare tonight when his eye was poked. Ray stayed in the locker room for some time before returning to a standing ovation. Ray finisher with 25 points as past of his brilliant series.
Kobe couldn't get it done against the Celtics defense, but don't count the Lakers out from future title runs. They have a solid nucleus in place, but will need to figure out how to involve everyone else. Boston's D totally shut Kobe down tonight, so it's back to the drawing board for Phil and the Lakers.
Hats off to Boston and the Celtics for a great 2008 title season!
Paul Pierce was deservingly given the NBA Finals MVP award for his standout performance. Pierce has been in Celtics hell for several seasons, but stuck it out. Kevin Garnett became a target of criticism during the Finals, but stepped it up tonight. Ray Allen was consistent during the Finals and a had a brief scare tonight when his eye was poked. Ray stayed in the locker room for some time before returning to a standing ovation. Ray finisher with 25 points as past of his brilliant series.
Kobe couldn't get it done against the Celtics defense, but don't count the Lakers out from future title runs. They have a solid nucleus in place, but will need to figure out how to involve everyone else. Boston's D totally shut Kobe down tonight, so it's back to the drawing board for Phil and the Lakers.
Hats off to Boston and the Celtics for a great 2008 title season!
Minggu, 15 Juni 2008
Lakers Stay Alive in Game 5
The NBA Finals will shift back to Boston, as the Lakers managed to hold on for a win Sunday night, keeping their NBA title hopes alive. It would have been a huge win for the Celtics to capture the NBA title in LA, and also memorable for Doc Rivers who lost his father earlier this season. However, the Lakers showed resolve tonight despite an excellent 38 point performance by Paul Pierce. A 103-98 win is now in the books for LA, and the series sits at 3-2 Celtics.
Kobe Bryant recorded 25 points in the win as well as a big breakaway dunk in the 4th. Lamar Odom also had an oustanding game. It seemed whenever Odom had the ball inside he scored. Kobe told Michelle Tafoya in his postgame interview that tonight's Lakers performance won't be good enough to win on the road.
The Celtics were hampered by the loss of Kendrick Perkins due to a strained shoulder injury. Perkins didn't play Sunday night and is doubtful for Tuesday in Boston. Leon Powe got the start, with PJ Brown and James Posey also picking up additional minutes. Garnett and Pierce also got into foul trouble, as KG wrestled with 5 fouls during the closing moments. Close to fouling out, KG had to play a bit softer against Gasol inside. Jeff Van Gundy remarked that the defense of the Lakers wasn't solid, as they basically won the game on a iffy steal and missed free throws. However, the Celtics again made an impressive comeback, down by double digits in quarter 1.
The Celtics should be able to wrap the series up by Thursday, en route to another NBA title. Not to be premature with the prediction, but no team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the Finals. Then again not many teams have an MVP like Kobe.
Kobe Bryant recorded 25 points in the win as well as a big breakaway dunk in the 4th. Lamar Odom also had an oustanding game. It seemed whenever Odom had the ball inside he scored. Kobe told Michelle Tafoya in his postgame interview that tonight's Lakers performance won't be good enough to win on the road.
The Celtics were hampered by the loss of Kendrick Perkins due to a strained shoulder injury. Perkins didn't play Sunday night and is doubtful for Tuesday in Boston. Leon Powe got the start, with PJ Brown and James Posey also picking up additional minutes. Garnett and Pierce also got into foul trouble, as KG wrestled with 5 fouls during the closing moments. Close to fouling out, KG had to play a bit softer against Gasol inside. Jeff Van Gundy remarked that the defense of the Lakers wasn't solid, as they basically won the game on a iffy steal and missed free throws. However, the Celtics again made an impressive comeback, down by double digits in quarter 1.
The Celtics should be able to wrap the series up by Thursday, en route to another NBA title. Not to be premature with the prediction, but no team has ever come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the Finals. Then again not many teams have an MVP like Kobe.
Donaghy Claims NBA Tainted Playoffs
So is former NBA referee Tim Donaghy for real, or just trying to save himself from a hefty prison term? According to recent allegations by Tim Donaghy, he claims that other referees were involved in altering NBA games and that the NBA gave them specific instructions for the playoffs.
From ESPN.com:
The game in question saw Shaquille O'Neal score 41 points and pull down 17 rebounds as the Lakers forced a Game 7 in the 2002 Western Conference finals. This could all be an attempt by Donaghy to reduce his potentially stiff sentence for allegations he helped fix games and was involved in gambling with the mob several years ago. It's a he said versus they said at this point, with the league having the better credibility. That's not to say sports aren't fixed or that referees don't make huge mistakes either. More should come on this story, which unfortunately comes during a revival of a great Finals matchup between the Lakers & Celtics.
From ESPN.com:
According to a letter filed in court last week, two referees, known as "company men," purposely ignored personal fouls and called "made-up fouls on Team 5 in order to give additional free throw opportunities for Team 6" in a 2002 playoff series.
"I stand by my calls in that game," Bernhardt told ESPN.com Thursday. "I was right on."
Although no teams are specifically named, it is not hard to deduce the game in question. The Lakers-Kings series was the only one that postseason that went seven games, and the officiating in Game 6 was so questionable that consumer advocate and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader called for a formal investigation.
The game in question saw Shaquille O'Neal score 41 points and pull down 17 rebounds as the Lakers forced a Game 7 in the 2002 Western Conference finals. This could all be an attempt by Donaghy to reduce his potentially stiff sentence for allegations he helped fix games and was involved in gambling with the mob several years ago. It's a he said versus they said at this point, with the league having the better credibility. That's not to say sports aren't fixed or that referees don't make huge mistakes either. More should come on this story, which unfortunately comes during a revival of a great Finals matchup between the Lakers & Celtics.
Kamis, 12 Juni 2008
Impressive Celtics Comeback for Game 5
Call it a comeback. In fact one of the greatest comebacks in Celtics basketball history. Earlier in the series, the Lakers made an impressive comeback to narrow a 20 point Celtics lead to just a 4 point Boston win. Tonight the Celtics did that and then some. They were down as much as 24 in the 2nd quarter and 20 points in the 3rd quarter, but held in there. Through tight defense, scoring and capitalizing on Laker's TO's, the Celtics won the game behind Pierce's 20 point performance. The Celtics now lead the series 3-1 and can wrap things up Sunday in LA.
Kobe continued to give a gutsy performance, slashing to the hoop and hitting shots, despite hands in his face. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol finally came alive in this game, but again a bench player, James Posey helped keep the Celtics in it with his 18 points and a huge 3 towards the end. During his postgame interview, Paul Pierce remarked it was their defense that kept them in this and got them the tough win. Pierce added he's not counting on the statistic that no NBA team has come back from a 3-1 deficit, and wants to close it out Sunday.
So will the C's capture another impressive NBA title on Father's day? Tune in to ABC Sunday, it could be another magical moment.
Kobe continued to give a gutsy performance, slashing to the hoop and hitting shots, despite hands in his face. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol finally came alive in this game, but again a bench player, James Posey helped keep the Celtics in it with his 18 points and a huge 3 towards the end. During his postgame interview, Paul Pierce remarked it was their defense that kept them in this and got them the tough win. Pierce added he's not counting on the statistic that no NBA team has come back from a 3-1 deficit, and wants to close it out Sunday.
So will the C's capture another impressive NBA title on Father's day? Tune in to ABC Sunday, it could be another magical moment.
Rabu, 11 Juni 2008
Lakers Take Game 3 in LA, 87-81
Last night it was a Lakers team effort, but the man who reigned supreme was league MVP Kobe Bryant. Bryant's 36 point performance and the Lakers' D held off the Celtics in the 4th quarter en route to their first win of the series. It's now a 2-1 Celtics advantage, and one more win puts the Lakers right back in the thick of things.
From the start in last night's game, both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce struggled. Pierce struggled most of the night and finished with just 6, while KG put in 13 points in limited time on the court. The only Big 3 member to show up, Ray Allen had spots of brilliance and 25 points in the loss. But there were no Powe-heroics in last night's game for the Celtics. Sasha Vujacic added key 3 pointers for the Lakers to help them along to their 87-81 victory. Nicholson and Beckham were surely pleased.
Games 3 and 4 will also take place in Los Angeles, complete with Jack Nicholson and the other celebs rooting on their Showtime team courtside. The Lakers now seem to have momentum, but it's hard to believe Pierce and KG will put in performances as cold as Tuesday night's.
More about last night's game at Mercury News.
From the start in last night's game, both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce struggled. Pierce struggled most of the night and finished with just 6, while KG put in 13 points in limited time on the court. The only Big 3 member to show up, Ray Allen had spots of brilliance and 25 points in the loss. But there were no Powe-heroics in last night's game for the Celtics. Sasha Vujacic added key 3 pointers for the Lakers to help them along to their 87-81 victory. Nicholson and Beckham were surely pleased.
Games 3 and 4 will also take place in Los Angeles, complete with Jack Nicholson and the other celebs rooting on their Showtime team courtside. The Lakers now seem to have momentum, but it's hard to believe Pierce and KG will put in performances as cold as Tuesday night's.
More about last night's game at Mercury News.
Senin, 09 Juni 2008
Power of Powe in Game 2
Once again, it was the Celtics bench coming to the rescue in Game 2. The LA Lakers nearly stormed back from being down about 20 points, and in the fourth LA made it respectable. The Celtics held on to win by just 4, behind the Power of an unlikely star, Leon Powe.
According to analysts, Powe was able to study the Laker's defense while riding the bench, then came in and really took it to them. Powe ended up with about 21 points total, and that's far from his season average. Analysts also remarked that possibly Kobe and the Lakers took notes on what allowed them to get back into this game. Paul Pierce admitted the Celts became complacent with their huge lead, allowing for the comeback. Phil Jackson was also complaining about the refs giving way more foul shots to Powe, than his Lakers team during a 15 minute stretch.
Come Game 3 the Lakers may have an entirely different game plan. Phil Jackson is a mastermind and should have the squad ready for battle, but will they be able to overcome the Celtics bench? With homecourt now in their favor, it's do or die time for the Lakers. Another LA loss will put things heavily in favor of the Celtics, bringing a title back to Boston. It's starting to look more like the Big 3 are hungry and may take the title in 6, but a 7 game series would be a great way to cap off this NBA season.
According to analysts, Powe was able to study the Laker's defense while riding the bench, then came in and really took it to them. Powe ended up with about 21 points total, and that's far from his season average. Analysts also remarked that possibly Kobe and the Lakers took notes on what allowed them to get back into this game. Paul Pierce admitted the Celts became complacent with their huge lead, allowing for the comeback. Phil Jackson was also complaining about the refs giving way more foul shots to Powe, than his Lakers team during a 15 minute stretch.
Come Game 3 the Lakers may have an entirely different game plan. Phil Jackson is a mastermind and should have the squad ready for battle, but will they be able to overcome the Celtics bench? With homecourt now in their favor, it's do or die time for the Lakers. Another LA loss will put things heavily in favor of the Celtics, bringing a title back to Boston. It's starting to look more like the Big 3 are hungry and may take the title in 6, but a 7 game series would be a great way to cap off this NBA season.
Sabtu, 07 Juni 2008
Who Doubted the Celtics Bench?
It amazed me to hear analysts say the Lakers would have the advantage in terms of bench during the NBA Finals. Were they actually thinking youth trumps experience? While the Lakers have two title holders on their team in Kobe Bryant & Derek Fisher, the Celtics have James Posey and Sam Cassell to give them a lift off the bench. PJ Brown adds even more experience as he's as old as Cassell and been on at least 4 or 5 NBA squads now. ESPN/ABC analyst Jon Barry should know what that's like and should have studied the rosters more. Eddie House, is yet another Celtics bench member who was part of an explosive Phoenix Suns offense for a season or 2. Add in the gutsy, energetic and able to take fouls play of rookie Glen "Big Baby" Davis and you're talking one helluva bench. And it showed true to form in Game 1. Quite possibly the talk that LA owned the bench was due to Brian Scalabrine and Scot Polard dressed in street clothes, but I still see a better group sitting on the side for the Celtics.
This isn't to say the Lakers have no depth or that their bench is weak, but they are the more youthful side of things. Luke Walton & Rony Turiaf are high energy players who really energize the team at times. PG Derk Fisher also comes off the bench to back up Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar. These guys are definitely promising young players and should the team stay in tact no matter what the Finals result, they will become that great experienced bench. For now give the edge to age, experience and championship wins, and the Celtics have it on their bench.
As Game 2 plays out Sunday night, keep an eye on the bench contributions. This seems to be the X-Factor in the series so far.
This isn't to say the Lakers have no depth or that their bench is weak, but they are the more youthful side of things. Luke Walton & Rony Turiaf are high energy players who really energize the team at times. PG Derk Fisher also comes off the bench to back up Sasha Vujacic and Jordan Farmar. These guys are definitely promising young players and should the team stay in tact no matter what the Finals result, they will become that great experienced bench. For now give the edge to age, experience and championship wins, and the Celtics have it on their bench.
As Game 2 plays out Sunday night, keep an eye on the bench contributions. This seems to be the X-Factor in the series so far.
Kamis, 05 Juni 2008
Pierce's Heroic Effort = Celtics Win
Behind Paul Pierce's return to the floor from an apparently serious knee injury, the Boston Celtics took Game 1 by a score of 98-88. Pierce had 22 points along with his Big 3 teammates KG and Ray Allen who chipped in 22 & 17 respectively. In a sary moment, Pierce went down in the 3rd with an apparent leg injury after teammate Kendrick Perkins came down on him, trying to block a shot. Fans were concerned as Pierce was carried off the court and stayed in the lockerroom for quite some time. But he then made a triumphant return, literally bouncing back from out of the tunnel to the court. Upon his return, Pierce hit back to back 3's with Kobe's hand in his face. Truly an impressive comeback and inspirational story for tonight's game!
Kobe scored his number with 24 points in the game. The Celts seemed to be high energy in the 4th. PJ Brown was amongst the bench heroes, pulling down big key rebounds. KG had an impressive put back slam after a missed Posey 3 point attempt. The dunk was basically a posterization of Pau Gasol. Ray Allen was on point as well, hitting several big shots, grabbing rebounds and adding assists. Overall the Big 3 played like they wanted Game 1 more than LA did.
The Celtics lost Center/Forward Kendrick Perkins during the game with a leg injury as well. More news should come about his injury and Pierce's as Game 2 comes Sunday in Boston. Congrats again to Boston for taking a hard fought Game 1. Expect Kobe and his squad to be ready to battle come Game 2, but so far this is a good start to the NBA Finals!
Kobe scored his number with 24 points in the game. The Celts seemed to be high energy in the 4th. PJ Brown was amongst the bench heroes, pulling down big key rebounds. KG had an impressive put back slam after a missed Posey 3 point attempt. The dunk was basically a posterization of Pau Gasol. Ray Allen was on point as well, hitting several big shots, grabbing rebounds and adding assists. Overall the Big 3 played like they wanted Game 1 more than LA did.
The Celtics lost Center/Forward Kendrick Perkins during the game with a leg injury as well. More news should come about his injury and Pierce's as Game 2 comes Sunday in Boston. Congrats again to Boston for taking a hard fought Game 1. Expect Kobe and his squad to be ready to battle come Game 2, but so far this is a good start to the NBA Finals!
Rabu, 04 Juni 2008
SI's Fortunate 50 features NBA Starpower
Sports Illustrated has released its 2008 list called "The Fortunate 50". The list is composed of athletes from all sports who are earning the most between their endorsements and actual sports salaries. Topping the list this year easily was Tiger Woods, the pro golfer who's also seen pitching products on almost every commercial break. Tiger's endorsements make up $105, 000, 000 of his overall total.
Several NBA stars made it into the top 10, thanks to their hefty contracts. Lebron James comes in at #3 thanks to a high NBA salary and his endorsements from the likes of Nike, Vitamin Water and Powerade. Also included on the list are both Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett who will appear in the 2008 Finals starting Thursday evening. Kobe still makes a decent amount of endorsements despite his legal trouble in the past. Kobe's former pal in Los Angeles, Shaq trails him by about a half a million dollars on the list.
Here's the top 10 highest paid athletes (total earnings in parentheses):
1. Tiger Woods ($127,902,706)
2. Phil Mickelson ($62,372,685)
3. Lebron James ($40,455,000)
4. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. ($40,250,000)
5. Kobe Bryant ($35,490,625)
6. Shaquille O'Neal ($35,000,000)
7. Alex Rodriguez ($35,000,000)
8. Kevin Garnett ($31,000,000)
9. Peyton Manning ($30,500,000)
10. Derek Jeter ($30,000,000)
See the entire article and rest of the list here at Sports Illustrated's website.
Several NBA stars made it into the top 10, thanks to their hefty contracts. Lebron James comes in at #3 thanks to a high NBA salary and his endorsements from the likes of Nike, Vitamin Water and Powerade. Also included on the list are both Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett who will appear in the 2008 Finals starting Thursday evening. Kobe still makes a decent amount of endorsements despite his legal trouble in the past. Kobe's former pal in Los Angeles, Shaq trails him by about a half a million dollars on the list.
Here's the top 10 highest paid athletes (total earnings in parentheses):
1. Tiger Woods ($127,902,706)
2. Phil Mickelson ($62,372,685)
3. Lebron James ($40,455,000)
4. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. ($40,250,000)
5. Kobe Bryant ($35,490,625)
6. Shaquille O'Neal ($35,000,000)
7. Alex Rodriguez ($35,000,000)
8. Kevin Garnett ($31,000,000)
9. Peyton Manning ($30,500,000)
10. Derek Jeter ($30,000,000)
See the entire article and rest of the list here at Sports Illustrated's website.
Minggu, 01 Juni 2008
2008 Celtics vs. Lakers - Rivalry Renewed
Cue up the "NBA...where amazing happens" and Kobe/Pierce split screen ads, because one of the most storied rivalries in all of basketball and maybe even sports has been rekindled. On June 5th, 2008, the Boston Celtics will host the Los Angeles Lakers on their court, setting off another showdown between the two most winning NBA champs.
Boston is perhaps a Cinderella story. Last year they were worse than the New York Knicks in the league, and looking to the NBA's draft lottery to win that #1 pick. They didn't, but the pick they had for # 5 was good enough for a trade. Eventually, the Boston Celtics brought in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and a host of helpers for the bench. James Posey, PJ Brown, Eddie House and Sam Cassell have all been huge for the team as they provide great veteran experience. Posey and Cassell both have rings so that's only helped more in the playoffs. So give Boston credit for assembling one terrific team for 2007-08. They went from worst to first thanks to smart strategic personnel moves. Recently, Bill Russell, a Celtics legend, even told KG he expects the Big Ticket to win at least 3 titles before his career ends, or Russell will give him a ring since he has a few to spare.
The Lakers have more of an individual turnaround, as the focus has been on MVP Kobe Bryant. As the season was starting, it was unknown if the Lakers star would be in LA or moved to another team such as the Bulls. But the Lakers management and the superstar came to a mutual agreement. Eventually, Pau Gasol was brought in to LA in a deal involving NBA-bust, Kwame Brown. Gasol's addition to the team has been a huge one, and fans need to know he was not on the court for the 2 times that Boston and Los Angeles met this past season. So LA has definitely upped the ante. Add in Lamar Odom, and you have a great 3 on 3 battle, before the other guys even get involved. LA may have a better inside presence with Odom and Gasol, and the deadly assassin Kobe Bryant may be able to take out the Celtics. Kobe may be on a bit of an unspoken mission here to match Shaq. As we all know just several years ago Shaq was part of an impressive Miami Heat team which won Shaq his 4th ring. Kobe wants his now, and then some.
It's going to be a fun and interesting series to watch, and once again is a great thing for the NBA. Both teams have huge fanbases as they are the epitomy of basketball before Chicago, Detroit and San Antonio got their names involved. Sit back and enjoy the games, they start June 5th and are well worth the price of cable or sattelite TV.
Boston is perhaps a Cinderella story. Last year they were worse than the New York Knicks in the league, and looking to the NBA's draft lottery to win that #1 pick. They didn't, but the pick they had for # 5 was good enough for a trade. Eventually, the Boston Celtics brought in Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and a host of helpers for the bench. James Posey, PJ Brown, Eddie House and Sam Cassell have all been huge for the team as they provide great veteran experience. Posey and Cassell both have rings so that's only helped more in the playoffs. So give Boston credit for assembling one terrific team for 2007-08. They went from worst to first thanks to smart strategic personnel moves. Recently, Bill Russell, a Celtics legend, even told KG he expects the Big Ticket to win at least 3 titles before his career ends, or Russell will give him a ring since he has a few to spare.
The Lakers have more of an individual turnaround, as the focus has been on MVP Kobe Bryant. As the season was starting, it was unknown if the Lakers star would be in LA or moved to another team such as the Bulls. But the Lakers management and the superstar came to a mutual agreement. Eventually, Pau Gasol was brought in to LA in a deal involving NBA-bust, Kwame Brown. Gasol's addition to the team has been a huge one, and fans need to know he was not on the court for the 2 times that Boston and Los Angeles met this past season. So LA has definitely upped the ante. Add in Lamar Odom, and you have a great 3 on 3 battle, before the other guys even get involved. LA may have a better inside presence with Odom and Gasol, and the deadly assassin Kobe Bryant may be able to take out the Celtics. Kobe may be on a bit of an unspoken mission here to match Shaq. As we all know just several years ago Shaq was part of an impressive Miami Heat team which won Shaq his 4th ring. Kobe wants his now, and then some.
It's going to be a fun and interesting series to watch, and once again is a great thing for the NBA. Both teams have huge fanbases as they are the epitomy of basketball before Chicago, Detroit and San Antonio got their names involved. Sit back and enjoy the games, they start June 5th and are well worth the price of cable or sattelite TV.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)