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Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Denver Nuggets: A Romantic Comedy

Bummed out about your favorite sports team? Look to Ty Lawson and the Denver Nuggets for your feel-good sports story needs.
Today I rear ended another car. On lunch break from my job at Wal-Mart. Also, I'm sick. And the Celtics lost to the damn Bobcats, after leading by 13 in the 4th quarter. Bad times all around. I found myself pathetically nostalgically listening to "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by the Beach Boys and latching on to random lines from the song.

"Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray it might come true" (Yeah. I'm thinking, wishing, hoping, and praying that Rondo gets himself together by the playoffs.)

"Happy times together we've been spending" (Remember January? Those were the days...)

"Wouldn't it be nice to live together in the kind of world where we belong?" (2008 was the kind of world in which I belong. Shit, 1986 would have been nice too...)

Amid all these depressing thoughts, I need a feel good story. I've watched the Sundiata Gaines video roughly 250 times. I hate romantic comedies. As a member of the Miami Heat so famously asked, "What should I do?" Fortunately for me, there is an easy answer. I have NBA League Pass. And League Pass has the Denver Nuggets.

Seriously, as a depressed Celtics fan, concerned (but not yet convinced!) that he is watching the end of the Celtics' current run of playoff success, watching Denver feels like a cold lemonade on a hot summer day. A team that cares every single night? Revolutionary! That looks like they are having fun on the court? Crazy talk! That runs their offense like a smooth machine? Impossible! A team that, instead of sulking after a trade entirely shook up their roster, made the best of it and is now better for it? Every Celtics fan reading that last sentence died a little inside.

The Nuggets are liberated, the dictionary definition of the word, "to set free, as from oppression." The oppression Carmelo Anthony held over this franchise is gone, and I'm not just talking about this year. I'm talking about Melo's (probably unintentional) stranglehold over the Denver offense, with his slow down, half court basketball, full of isolations, head-fakes, and jab steps. I'm talking about watching Ty Lawson run the floor with JR Smith, two ridiculously athletic players who thrive in the open court, one a speedy distributer, another a playground style dunker and finisher. (Seriously. Go watch that link. Your argument is invalid.) I'm talking about an incredibly entertaining team playing fast basketball because they won't beat you in the half court, so they might as well just outrun you all the way to the basket. And with the speed this team boasts, the strategy is working.

Once Anthony left, most people understandably expected to see the Nuggets fold and either drop into the very low seeds of the playoffs, or out of the postseason completely. In a brutal Western Conference, a team with no all stars shouldn't survive. It's just science. Instead, Denver has thrived. With a new offense better suited to their personnel, one of the deepest teams in the league, and that conspicuous absence of all stars (seriously, Denver's main scorers have been Danillo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler at 15.9 ppg), Denver has rattled off a 12-4 RSM (record since Melo) and pushed their record to 44-29, good enough for the 5th seed. In stark contrast, New York has dropped below .500, and after a bad loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Knicks are the proud owners of a 6 game losing streak and a 2-9 record in their last 10 games.

But more importantly, Denver is a team that is freed from expectations. Lakers fans, Spurs fans, and yes, us Celtics fans all feel that without a championship, this year means nothing. Not so in Denver. This is not a team expected to contend deep in the playoffs. So the Nuggets, playing on house money, have created a fun-to-watch juggernaut that continues to win, and as the wins pile up, the fans grow more and more ecstatic. The departure of 'Melo was a relief. Everything that happens now in this season is icing on the cake. And Denver's dessert is starting to turn sickly sweet.

Projected like the Bat-Signal on the outside of Denver's Pepsi Center are the words "Can You Feel It?" I can't feel it. But on days like today, you are damn right I wish I could.

You know it seems the more we talk about it
It only makes it worse to live without it
But let's talk about it


Wouldn't it be nice?

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Eastern Conference Playoff Picture

Due to recent events that have radically changed my Eastern Conference Playoff picture, I'm going to redo my entire column and wait till the end of the year. Like I should have done in the first place. Stay tuned.

Gainesful Employment

In case you needed a reason to cheer for New Jersey (don't we all?), the Nets just signed Sundiata Gaines to a full year contract for next season. For those of you who don't know who Sundiata Gaines is, take five minutes and watch this video. You will be very glad you did.




Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Breaking Down Oklahoma City

Those of us who weren't blessed enough to be cool in high school probably can't relate to this analogy.

For those of you who were (damn you), remember that annoying kid who was always hanging around, even though you consistently beat him up and made him feel like a loser? You know which kid I'm talking about. Then you graduate high school, the kid goes through the P90X program, gets a seven figure a year income, and shows up at the 10 year high school reunion with his super model wife and luxury car, while you sit there with your old high school friends thinking "that was that guy?"

This could be about to happen to the Western Conference. Oklahoma City is in the market for a BMW.

Don't believe me? The Western Conference is ripe for the taking. The top teams like Dallas, San Antonio and Los Angeles are aging. The young studs like Portland, Denver and Memphis are a superstar (or two) away from contending. Many star players in the West are teaming up with their buddies out East, and suddenly the West looks to be the weaker conference in a few years.

But not down in OKC, where the Thunder are primed and ready to blow.

Get used to seeing this. It's not going anywhere soon.
Clearly, when discussing Oklahoma City, the first player on everybody's mind is Kevin Durant. Barely old enough to buy alcohol legally, the third year forward is leading the NBA in scoring (again) as well as averaging 7+ rebounds per game. Seriously, how do you stop a quick 6'10 forward with incredibly long arms, who can put the ball on the floor to get past you, AND has the sweetest jumpshot this side of Ray Allen? His three point range extends roughly to the Oklahoma City Arena parking garage. And did I mention those long arms? They bothered LeBron James into a 19 point night against Oklahoma City in their recent visit to Miami. And you know what? Durant is a long ways from his ceiling. If he can find his way into the weight room this summer and add some bulk, there is seriously no telling what kind of unholy fury he will release on the NBA.

Is this a team that could make a title run? Championship teams are traditionally built off a formula. You need a superstar (Durant). You need a super-second banana, and it wouldn't hurt if your second banana was arguably a better player than your first banana (Russell Westbrook). You need an inside presence who scares off slashers trying to get easy buckets (Serge Ibaka). You need a big banger down low who can handle the behemoths that litter the path to the Finals, as well as veteran playoff experience and championship pedigree (Kendrick Perkins). You need a deep bench, capable of carrying the starters' load for an alloted time during the game, and capable of winning a game or two during the long playoff grind (Collison, Harden, Maynor, and Mohammed).

Like every team in the league, OKC has flaws. One of the most glaring problems, especially come playoff time when defense is ramped up to a fever pitch, involves Westbrook's turnover prone offensive attack. And honestly, I'm not sure how he could fix it. Most of his scoring is predicated on throwing himself headlong towards the basket, using his speed to beat his defender. This results in either an open man on the wing (as his defender drops down to help on Westbrook), an easy layup or dunk (or a foul to prevent it), or a turnover. Dangerous? Perhaps. Effective? Absolutely. Out of control? Unfortunately, sometimes. Westbrook is averaging almost 4 turnovers per game. Can you win a championship with a turnover prone point guard? Yes...but a young team like Oklahoma City could struggle without veteran leadership calming them down.

Just for kicks, let's take a quick look at how entertaining a matchup between the defending champion Lakers and Oklahoma City would be this year. Remember, last season these teams met in the first round, with the Lakers getting their toughest Western Conference test, as Oklahoma City pushed them to 6 games.

Point guard: Russell Westbrook vs Derek Fisher
This matchup is closer than you'd think. Westbrook certainly has Fisher beat in athleticism and talent, but Fisher is a wily veteran, very capable of making Westbrook pay for dumb plays.

Shooting guard: Thabo Sefolosha vs Kobe Bryant
Based on the assumption that Sefolosha will still be starting over James Harden come playoff time, the obvious advantage is to the Lakers here. However, Sefolosha is a defensive specialist, tall and quick enough to bother Bryant, especially if Kobe goes into hero mode.

Similar to the Sefolosha/Bryant matchup, Durant is far the superior player, but Artest is strong enough and a good enough individual defender to frustrate the Thunder's slender forward.Small forward: Kevin Durant vs Ron Artest

Power forward: Serge Ibaka vs Pau Gasol
This is sneakily one of the most fascinating matchups. Gasol has been beyond fantastic for the Lakers this season, and he remains one of the best power forwards in the NBA. But where Gasol struggles the most is against players like Ibaka, the long, athletic forward who specializes in altering and blocking shots.

Center: Kendrick Perkins vs Andrew Bynum
Perk is just the type of foil OKC needs for Bynum. Bynum won't be able to move Perkins out of position, or really dominate him down low. On the other hand, Perkins won't be producing points.

As you can see, Oklahoma City match up VERY well against the Los Angeles, and vice versa. NBA fans should be praying for that matchup come playoff time. Los Angeles has an edge in playoff experience, which in all likelihood would make the difference this year. But what about next year, or the year after, when Durantbrook and company have had more time to develop in pressure situations?

This season feels like a precursor for Oklahoma City. Perhaps not this year, but soon. The clouds are gathering. The storm is brewing.

Here comes the Thunder.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

NBA Awards Watch

So remember earlier this year in the preseason, when David Stern said this might be the best basketball year of all time? Apparently he wasn't kidding. Let's wait until the postseason to use superlatives like Mr. Stern, but no one can deny that this season has been amazing so far.

One of the reasons it has been so memorable is the complete inability to label one team as a title favorite. I'll be doing a monster piece with my picks at the end of the season when the conference standings are officially locked down. For now, with under 20 games left in the season, here are my award picks, which are no easier to choose.

Rookie of the Year
I DESERVE TO BE NUMBER ONEEE! WHYYY???
#3: DeMarcus Cousins- Can we start calling "foul trouble" "DeMarcus time" instead? DeMarcus's imMaturity is the only thing keeping him from being a solid franchise center. He's also 21 years old. Let's assume he has time to straighten things out, and pray for less outbursts like the one in which he screamed at Tyreke Evans for not allowing him to take the last second shot.

#2: John Wall- Wall is one of the fastest human beings I've ever seen on a basketball court. SO much potential. Thus, we who love good sporting events must rise up! Come on people, if you are a fan of the NBA and you don't live in the DC area, protest with me! FREE JOHN WALL! FREE JOHN WALL! FREE JOHN WALL!

#1: Blake Griffin- Duhhhh.

Players I Didn't Mention:
Landry Fields?
Wesley Johnson?
Derek Favors?
Luke Harangody? (Just kidding)
Good Lord, the rookie class this year sucks.

Most Improved Player
This doesn't terrify you? You are a stronger man than me.
#3: Derrick Rose- The MVP and MIP? Not happening. But Rose has improved a staggering amount this season. His points and assists per game are both up. He's shooting threes and mid range jumpers with conviction. He has more confidence in his teammates. His defense is better. He has...improved. Hey, I'm just the messenger.

#2: Kevin Love- He needs an award for something, right? Something for Minnesotans to cheer for before he signs himself the hell out of Minny at the first possible opportunity?

#1: LaMarcus Aldridge- Dear Mr. Aldridge. Pleas notice this writer is NOT SNUBBING YOU. YOU ARE NUMBER ONE. This writer noticed the utter destruction you wrecked upon the NBA after you were snubbed from the All Star game and would fear equal retribution if he did as well. I repeat, Tom Westerholm has not snubbed you. No snubs here. Please don't kill me.

Player I Didn't Mention:
Glen Davis- Boston fans love the Drunken Seal, but he hasn't improved as noticeably as the previous three.

Coach of the Year
Heeeeeere's Dougie!

#3: Greg Popovich- Can we just agree that Pop will probably be on this list for as long as he is a coach?

#2: Tom Thibodeau- As much as Derrick Rose has progressed this season in to a superfreakingstar point guard, the Bulls' success is in HEAPING amounts due to Thib's defensive schemes. Celtic fans from the years 2008-2010 saw this coming a MILE away.

#1: Doug Collins- Collins gets the nod over Thibodeau for degree of difficulty. Thibs has turned a very talented, super athletic team into a championship contender. Collins has turned a mediocre lottery team into a low playoff seed that no championship contender wants to face in the first round. You tell me, which do YOU think is more difficult?

Guys I Didn't Mention:
Doc Rivers- Ever get the feeling watching interviews with him that Doc is the smartest man in basketball? I do. No homer.

Nate McMillan- Another degree of difficulty guy. Juggling injuries is tough, and Portland has a team with knees made out of tissue paper, apparently.

Defensive Player of the Year
Kobe probably thought he got fouled and complained. Dwight probably complained that Kobe complained.
The NBA: Where Superstars Whining Constantly Happens
#3: Andre Iguodala- Watching Iguodala morph into the defensive presence his athleticism allows him to be has been one of the more rewarding experiences of the year so far for Philly Phans.

#2: Kevin Garnett- Team defense still matters. And Garnett understands team defense as well as, if not better than, any other player in the NBA. His constant vocalization and intensity on the defensive end of the floor make it hard to pick against him. Unfortunately for KG, the NBA still has...

#1: Dwight Howard- The conch is yours, Dwight. Use it wisely.

Players I Didn't Mention:
Andrew Bynum-  Bynum is starting to understand what he is capable of. If he stays healthy, his rebounding stats and defensive presence are going to be frightening in the next few years.

Josh Smith- Much too inconsistent to warrant a spot on here.

(Drum roll please...)

MVP
Hey, cool, so you guys are both on my team now, huh? Sweet. This should be a fun year. Hopefully you don't both get injured off and on throughout the entire season, and I don't have to carry this team entirely on my shoulders for 82 games. That would kind of suck.

#3: Dwight Howard- Without Superman in the middle, Orlando would give up 120 points per game. This team is porous defensively. Just...awful. So hard to watch. He is the single reason they have won 40+ games so far this year, despite his propensity for bad technicals.

#2: LeBron James- The best player in the league ALWAYS has value, no matter how good his teammates are. Can we please send the "he can't win, his teammates are too good" argument back to whatever hell of bad logic it came from?

#1: Derrick Rose- Congratulations Derrick! You officially have Barack Obama and Michael Jordan backing your MVP status. The President of the freaking United States of America and the greatest NBA player of all time? Uhh...think you might win? Yes. Yes you just might.

I have trouble picking Rose for my MVP. First, in terms of pure value to his team, no one ranks higher than Howard, especially looking around the league at the putrid opposing centers. Having a quality big man seems to be more important than a quality point guard, considering the glut of incredible PGS currently taking the NBA by storm. If you are making your MVP argument by saying who the BEST player in the NBA is, the consensus (and correct) pick is LeBron. But as I mentioned before, Derrick Rose is going to win, like it or not. Who am I to argue with Obama?

Players I Didn't Mention:
Dirk Nowitzki: Seriously, how would YOU stop a 7 foot German from getting his shot whenever he wants it?
Kobe Bryant: His plea-for-attention-practice-session after losing to Miami notwithstanding, Kobe is still the superstar backbone of a team I believe will be playing ball in June. Again. 
Chris Paul- Yeah, I'm still fighting CP3's fight. After all, if the playoffs started today, New Orleans would still make it in the deadly Western conference. And Chris Paul's reliable options on offense are still David West and..well...Trevor Ariza can jump really high? Yeah. CP's pretty good.
Any member of the Celtics and Spurs- Ooooh yeah. Basketball's a team game, and these individual awards are kind of ridiculous. I forgot. Silly me. See you boys deep in the playoffs.
Kevin Durant- Soon KD. Just not this year.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Possibilities

Is it possible Miami's season is over already?

Is it possible that the Heat, with their collection of superstars and supervillians, are too flawed to make any kind of post season run? That their recent losses to New York, Orlando, and San Antonio are indicators that Miami can't beat good teams in a four game series? That they can't hold leads down the stretch? That LeBron's jumpshot is going to doom them if they keep leaning on it in crunch time? Is it possible San Antonio just showed the entire NBA how to beat the Heat, and beat them soundly? Is it possible the entire Miami Heat experiment is destined to fail, and was destined to fail from the beginning?

Big Baby Davis feels for you, LeBron


Or...

Is it possible Miami has a very talented team, who play every single night with a target on their backs? Is it possible that all the bad teams playing their best basketball against the Heat wear them down a bit, and when the good teams are also playing their hardest, the Heat struggle? Is it possible their current three game losing streak is due to the fact that they have faced three tough teams in a row? Including back to back nights on the road against Orlando and San Antonio, the latter of whom happens to own the best record in the entire NBA, and played out of their minds against Miami, putting on an unbelievable (and difficult to repeat) shooting performance? Is it possible that other teams will find facing LeBron and Dwyane Wade, in a seven game series, come playoff time, to be about as much fun as a poke in the eye with a sharp stick? Is it possible that this team faces so much media scrutiny that we've overanalyzed them to the point where we have convinced ourselves that they are worse than reality?

Is it possible we are overreacting just a wee little bit?