Free Agency. Day 6

The Magic got a former Duke star, no not Boozer, they signed Chris Duhon to a 4 yrs/$15 million contract. Good luck with that.

No more news all day until late when it was reported that Lebron is going to announce his decision in an 1 hours special over ESPN. I have no comments about that. Really. No idea what to think. I just don't see Lebron leaving Cleveland like that. Just a hitch.

Playoff Preview: Magic vs Bobcats

(2) Magic vs (7) Bobcats

Am I the only one thinking the Magic may have some problems handling this Bobcats team? In my book Charlotte is an awfully tough team. Jax really gives them an edge and is not easy to outcoach Larry Brown you know? Stan Van Gundy is a pretty good coach and the mere quality of the Magic -and their best player- is going to give them the series. Orlando is playing amazing basketball and they haven't miss a beat since the All Star game.

Charlotte has a nice collection of big bodies to throw at Howard and getting under Howard's skin is a good way to get him off his game. Brown would make sure Wallace and Jackson attack the basket, and Howard, any chance they get.

What about Vince? Everybody have been waiting for this moment to critize and attack good ol' Vince. I like Carter. It sucks he doesn't have the thrive for glory like Kobe has. A real shame. I just hope that for a couple of months he discovers some type of hunger, like he were in a contract year, a play aggresive, smart and efficient basketball. 2 months. 1 ring. Players have been playing hard for a decades without a real chance of getting a title. It can't be that hard

This is not going to be a pretty series. They are both defensive teams so you know what that means. Hack-a-Howard is going to be in place. MJ is going to be there playing cool. Best case scenario: Jax goes all Nellie ball on Brown and ends up in the bench for the last couple of games.

Basketball Gods Prediction: Orlando in 5

Win Scale (From 1: "The refs gave them that game. Are they really this bad?" to 10: " This is the best team ever! Make me yours" ) 7

Overview: Pistons vs Magic

After a very doubtful first round survival agains the Sixers the Pistons are now rolling. I have two points of concern here regarding the Pistons:

1. They got outplayed the first three games by a younger less experience team
2. Chauncey Billups have been regular at best. For his own standards that's it.

Slowly but surely all those concerns are now history. Orlando was a team with the same youth going on for them but with a lot more of firepower and a inside monster that just went Wilt Chamberlain against Chris Bosh and the Raptors. All that just went puff against the Pistons' D and so far in these playoffs they are the only team that have shut down a quality oponent. I've said it before, I'll say it again. The Pistons are the team to beat. Orlando got a pride win but this series was clear from the get go. They never had a chance not with Howard being underSupermanesque.

Whose fault is it? You could argue that Jameer Nelson that a chance of taking control of the series when Chauncey went down. For those who knows Stuckey they were never worried about that whole situation.

NBA Playoffs Days 23 to 29

Shit load of things went down in a week.

#1: The Magic is gone.

#2: Boston came as close as they have been this postseason to win a road game but I think the referees went the other way. I'm going to be as clear as possible here. This is the first game of this playoffs that I have seen the refs truly affecting the outcome of the game. As the Lakers and the Celtics have put together the best records in their respective conference there has been a lot of talk about the league fixing an publicist dream finals matchup between them. I didn't quite believe it just because Lebron was in the Celtics so I they wanted and real money generating finals they could have a Lebron - Kobe matchup. But that's just me.

Does the league want to squeeze a last game out of Lebron before sendind the Celtics to the finals? Or they want to squeeze a final game out of the Celtics before shipping Lebron to face Kobe? I guess we'll have the answer to that this afternoon.

#3: The Spurs face the third game 7 of the Duncan era. It just one game, anything could happen. This game could be the biggest of this playoffs because it could mean the end of the Spurs era. More of this coming up. Stay tuned.

NBA Playoffs Weekend 4

It's good to be at home, right?

My worries about the Celts are getting stronger and stronger after each passing road game. I can't believe how much a team can change their defensive intensity just because the crowd is not behind them. I know all the Western teams are in the same bagon but not quite. I'll get to that in a second, be patient. The game was ugly for the Celts and let me tell you something if they are thinking they can give Lebron confidence and some dagger back after winning 2 straight games and/or pulling for a game 7, then you are wrong. Lebron will eat you alive now that he knows he can. Don't say I didn't warn you.

You know Utah wasn't that dominant at home as you might expected from a 37-4 home team. But Deron Williams and the rest of the "Jazzers" showed something that I didn't think they had (Is possible they got it in this series) and that's poise and patient. They are different things if you look at them in a different way. The point is that Utah didn't freaked and actually controlled the final plays of the last two games. Yes, the leave Derek Fisher to bring the Lakers back but OT the court was theirs. The fact that Kobe was looking like Larry Bird helped the cause but give as much credit as possible to the Jazz.

Look , the Champs are alive. This was the game that give me some hope. It wasn't because of the 20 point differencial but because Duncan finally woke up and the Hornets looked defeated. I'm rooting for the Spurs just because, don't get me wrong I love to see Paul play and I want to see Paul play as much as I can but I'm biassed here. Sorry.


The Magic blew it. They had them but they let them go. Howard blew it. And now I'm here to pronounce, in behalf of the Basketball Gods, that the Pistons are the team to be beat... in the East.

NBA Playoffs Day 17, 18 and 19

Yeah I Know, I've falle a little behind but that doesn't mean I have something to say...


Everybody is talking about that Billups 3 at the end of the third quater in the Pistons - Magic game 2. Whatever is legal or not there was only a 2 point game after it and the Magic actually held the lead at some point of the fourth quater. Simly put the Pistons were the better closer.

San Antonio got pounded again in game 2. Yeap the Spurs stink so far.

The first Celtics-Cavs game sucked. I didn't even saw it. Good Lord, Lebron 2 for 18. Those are Larry Hughes numbers

And yesterday...

Finally Orlando defeated Detroit but they needed an Billups' injury and a career game from Rashard Lewis. I've heard that the cause of Detroit' past playoffs dissapointments was Chauncey. That his numbers always come down this team of year. I love the guy Detroit play basketball but I don't like the Pistons' attitude. They normally come out with public statements that make them look way too cocky and just looking down to their opponent. Is it mind games? It it team policies? Whatever it is I think they need to show some respect to the game and the other team no matter how unexperience or crappy they are.

And then... Kobe got his MVP and Boozer stayed home. LAL 2 - 0.

NBA Playoffs Weekend 3

Boston got to the second round. Easily. I'm still questioning this team mental thoughness 'cause their road loasses where just lack of exectution they weren't victims of some conspiracy

The Spurs got beatten in the last couple of minutes by the Hornets. The Hornets' defense was "stingy" and the Spurs didn't help themselves by entering one of those "no offense time for us" type of groove they developed in the last month or so of the regular season. Not only they didn't contain Paul (his numbers may don't amaze you but he controlled that game) but they let West get 30 points and do whatever he wanted with the Spurs' defense. So, no defense and bad offense means 0-1 hole for the Spurs. Expect a better game for those guys today

The Pistons controlled Howard and the Magic shooters went 2 from 15. This is when Howard needs to prove that he really wants this. For me Howard and Lebron have the same problem: this game comes so easily for them, their bodies and abilities gives them so a clear advantage that most time they don't even need to try in order to have a big night and perhaps winning the game. Last year Lebron cruised for the entire first half and the Cavs still win 50 games.

Now Howard needs to get in another gear (like Lebron this year or last year conference finals) to defeat an highly superior team. Can he manhandle the Pistons like Lebron did last year? He has the potential but until he do it we'll leave it like that in "potential".


After building a 19 point lead the Lakers found themselves in a 4 point game with like 5 minutes to go. Utah never got closer because the didn't have Boozer (he fauled out somewhere around half way into the fourth quater) and the fould Kobe like 1 google times. I know Utah fouls a lot of people a lot of times (2468 times in the regular season. Numero uno in the league) but this Lakers team is a very good free throw shooting team (10th in the league) and having Boozer playing like a poor man's Antawn Jamison is not a good idea to give up so many points from the charity line.

Second Round: Pistons vs Magic

2. Pistons (59-23) vs 3. Magic (52-30)
Regular Season Series: TIED 2-2
Point Differencial: DET +3.0


If the Pistons want to to prove their "we are better when our backs are against the wall" theory one more time in this series the new Superman and the rest of the Magic might push you through that wall. Once again the Pistons face a team that likes to run and not to fond to defense. Not exactly a recipe for playoffs success but they have a monster for a center who comes from having a monster series (22.6 ppg, 18.2 rpg) and he can easily dominate any matchup.

This Pistons encarnation is a lot more deep that last year's. They can now throw a more mature Maxiell and a fresh Ratliff -joining Rasheed Wallace and Antonio Mcdyess - at Howard direction. Their defense is not going to anything but sweet (If you defend somebody sweetly you have issues. Look at yourselft in the mirror). Take this to the bank: Howard is going to spend a ton of time in the free throw line. He didn't played well in the regular season facing this guys (17.3 ppg, 10.8 rpg) and in some of those games Ratliff wasn't even there.

The last couple of games Detroit showed some revitalization of their offense. Rip Hamilton and Prince found their groove on those games and Billups had his moments. All their numbers are very close - that's the Pistons way - but Billups really look like he was missing a step or two and he wasn't defending no Chris Paul, he was guarding 32 year old Andre Miller.

This teams matchup pretty well and Detriot's team defense, home court advantage and experience gives them them the upper hand as long as they are focus and show up to the games.

Orlando's offense doesn't go through Howard, he still not that polished. Lewis, Turkoglu and Nelson need to be effective and efficient. Nelson averaged 4 TO per game (and 4.8 apg) against a poor defensive team if he doesn't take better care of the ball the Pistons will eat him alive. Two of their 2 main shooters were money in the regular season but struggle in the first round. (Both Hedo and Lewis had made over 40% of their three point attemps. Against Toronto Hedo shot for 11% and Lewis for 25%). They need to wake up 'cause Howard is not going to have the same freedom he had against Bosh and Toronto "team defense".


X Factor: Somebody in the Hedo/Lewis combo won't be defended by Prince. He needs to exploit that matchup against either Mcdayess or Maxiell. That Magic needs to find his shooting touch and some fire on his belly if Orlando wants to continue

Basketball Gods' Prediction: DET 4-2.

Ps: I'd put them in five but I'm giving them a "night off

Overview: Magic vs Raptors

I told u so, Dwight Howard dominated and the Magic won the series. I expected more from Bosh and company but they got outplayed in every position including at the 1. Jameer Nelson was a pretty cool surprse with 17.2 ppg with a 52% shooting, he was the better point guard in the series which helped tons to the final result.

What to say about the Raptors? The need help in almost every department. Chris Bosh can't do everything alone. They have no defense, they have no ball movement, they have no bench. They have a bunch of shooters and Andrea Bargniani. The guys that were suppose to be able to create their own shots (Parker, TJ, Moon) struggle mighty and they wasn't facing no Spurs defense.


Whose fault is it? I'm blaming TJ Ford and Bargniani. If they had fall out of bed and broke something in their bodies and they haven't been able to play one minute, it wouldn't have made any difference.

NBA Playoffs Weekend 2

The Wizards killed themselves with that turnover full and bad shot selection first half and just to spice it up let the Cavs have as many offensive rebounds as they wanted. It was a little bit of everything

What to say about the Mavs? They are just getting beat by a better team. That's it. Neither Kidd or Howard show up for this one and their bench is not exactly "15 strong". If I were a beating person I'd put all my money that this is the Western team that is going to have a major overhaul.


Phoenix Stand at Bright Side of the Sun gives son notes about game four. I have my own notes:

• Finally D'antoni made some adjustements. The Boris Diaw show was pretty cool.
• Where's Amare and where's Shaq?
• The Spurs weren't that bad , they shoot poorly and the Suns were red hot from anywhere. Besides we say some defense. I am a witness.
• They still are talking like the series is over. Nash is the only saying all the right things.
• If this team goes on 5 (like the Mavs) are the more likely to be shredded appart? Pretty hard given that Nash or Shaq ain't going nowhere.

So, the pistons are 2-2. Go figure!. Detroit played 12 minutes of great basketball and that was enough to beat the scrappy sixers. I know that against the wall thing is like their mojo and stuff but why isn't anybody concern about the 40-42 sixers putting them against the wall ? Just sayin'

The Magic is doing their thing

Here are some coaches in the hot seat. Some names you'll be shock to see there

First Round: Magic vs Raptors

3. Magic (52-30) vs 6. Raptors (41-41)
Regular Season Series: ORL 2-1
Point Differencial: ORL +2.3

The first superstar against superstar direct-in-your-face matchup: Chris Bosh vrs Dwight Howard. This matchup is as key as any other you can think in the East. They might look like similar teams given they love the 3 ball - specially Orlando they are second behind only the trigger happy Golden State Warriors - and base they run their offense through their respective big man. Besides that they are different teams. Toronto has a lot of shooters and lots of guys that can create shots ( Ford, Calderon, Delfino) but they have been very inconsistent all season long specially lately (they were 7-13 in their las 20 games).

The Magic has a better team from top to bottom. Howard has a better supporting cast, they are better coached, they know how to win outside their home (27 -14, second best in the East). Said that, Toronto has a shot is Bosh outplays Howard something that has happened prettty much everytime they face each other. Bosh has more weapons in the low post and a sweet 10 footer jump shot. He can actually take Howard out of the zone and maybe put him in foul trouble. With Howard's role limited Orlando is a jump shooting team and we know that just doesn't work in the playoffs. Toronto has a simple offense runned by two very eficient point guards ("El Calderon" like Arenas call him and TJ "Don't hit me in my neck" Ford) what translates in good offense and the Magic ain't no Pistons (defensive wise) but ,lucklily for the Magic , Raptors' shooters haven't made anybody pay lately.

X Factor: Outside the Bosh vrs Howard matcup it has tobe Turkoglu. He can score and create for others. If Howard is controled by Bosh he must be the main guy for Orlando. Hedo owns Scotti Pippen like stats against the Raptors: 21.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 7,7 apg. He actually had a triple double against these guy November 7th

Basketball Gods' prediction: ORL 4-2

Basketball Gods' Eastern March

You can't call it madness in the East, right?


Celtics
March: 4 - 3
Record: 57 - 16

Consistency, Consistency, Pistons
March: 5 - 2
Record: 53 - 20

Magic
March: 2 -3
Record: 47 - 27


Cavs
March: 3 -3
Record: 41 - 33


Raptors
March: 4 - 3
Record: 38 - 36


7 of the next 9 games are in the road, Wizards
March: 4 - 4
Record: 37 - 37

Up coming games against Celtics, Pistons and Cavs, Sixers
March: 2 - 5
Record: 35 - 39

Hawks:
March: 4 - 3
Record: 33 - 41

Nets
March: 3 -5
Record: 31 - 43

Bulls:
March: 4 -3
Record: 30 -43

Pacers
March: 2 -5
Record: 28 -46


End of March stadings:

Staying put

14 total trades. 4 Blockbusters. 24 teams adquired new players somehow. Yeap, there were lots of movement around the league. For a more complete analysis go read Holllinger's piece about all those 14 trades.

There's always the other side of the coin. Those teams that didn't make any real moves, those players that didn't get a fresh start and that all are looking for next summer to a needed "shake up". Here are some of those teams and players




Mike Miller:Heat, Spurs, Rockets, Hornets, Magic, etc. They all were trying to get Miller. He's a great shooter, can put the ball on the floor and create his own shot and has a decent contract. As we all know Memphis is cutting lose of every contract they can but they were asking for high draft picks and most of the teams looking to get Miller were contenders, hence, low draft picks.


Ron Artest: Apparently the trade to Denver didn't went through 'cause the Nuggets didn't want to give Linas Kleiza. Why would Denver go after Artest? What's the point? The guy is crazy. He really is out there. Any team the appreciates locker room peace and chemistry and stuff like that should stay apart of Artest. For real. You know what, I'd really like to see Artest on New York. Don't know why. It would be fun.


Sam Cassell: Trade him! Buy him out! Do something with this guy. Why would the Clippers keep him? They could easily get at least a draft pick. They maybe holding him for next year when Livingston and Brand get back, but it will be far cheaper for them to sign a cheap back up for Livingston that having Cassell around.


Vince Carter: Are the Nets in rebuilding mode 'cause they traded their franchise player? I don't think so, Kidd wanted out all year long and one of the reason was Vince Carter. When the guy is not motivated (Because millions of dollars doesn't motivate him) he can really be a pain to his team and teammates. This is the reason why the Nets are trying to trade him to anywhere. Rumored deals to New York and Indiana never got rolling.


Jermaine O'neal: It is me or JO have like 2 more seasons in the tank. Seriously, since the brawl neither Jermaine nor the Pacers have been the same. Any team trading for O'neal have to had a Boston-Celtics-win-now approach.


Al Harrington and Mickael Pietrus: Both of this poor souls are in Don Nelson's doghouse since his comeback to Golden State. They are good players and should be quite effective in the right scheme. Harrington was linked to Chicago, Cleveland and New Jersey among other. Pietrus was courted by San Antonio, the Lakers, Rockets and Mavs.


New York Knicks: They had to do something. They needed to separte Randolph and Curry. They needed to get a real point guard. They needed to decide what to do with Quentin Richardson. Isiah Thomas is pretty sure that if they "keep working hard" everything would be a'right and the championship would surely follow them


Orlando Magic: They still need a enforcer to play alongside Howard and a veteran point guard never hurts. JJ Redick have been crying for a while to get traded and he could be useful for a team that actually plays him.


Toronto Raptors: Perhaps the biggest looser of the trading frenzy. They practically did nothing and their closer competitor, Lebron, got lot's of help. The team doesn't look hungry enough to make some real noice