Free Agency. Day 5

The news of the day wasn't exactly "new". Amare finally shook hands with the Knicks. The contract is reported to be almost $100 million thru 5 years.

For the Knicks is a great move. Number one they now have something to show to their fans after two years of shredding salaries and some very bad Knicks teams they put it with. If they happen to get Lebron or Wade this Amar'e move is going to be even better for obvious reasons...which I don't see happening but still is an plausible option.

New York now has its star ( he is by far their best player for now ) a player that knows D'Antoni system and thrives on it. Somebody that can sell jerseys and put butts on MSG's chairs. Does an Amare-led Knicks team , as currently build ,can create some noise on the East? It depends what you mean with "noise". They are not going to be 50 win team but something in the range from 40 to 45 wins is not an inconceivable idea, and that is a great leap for this franchise that has struggle for more than 10 years. Also gives them a solid selling point for next year free agents , or possible free agents, like Carmelo Anthony, Tony Parker or Greg Oden. However you see its a good step forward for Walsh and company.

In the other side of the coin we have the Suns. They know have lost their second best player and only inside presence. The Nash era Suns have prove me wrong so many times but I don't know how , as currently build, they can content in the West.What's next for Nash? For Hill? For Barbosa? Are we expecting a fire sale of the Suns' roster? I just hope Nash lands in a contender. Not the Knicks.

NBA Finals Preview

Its 2008 all over again!

We have reached the finals after a rather boring playoffs. I've never been more bored watching NBA since 1999 but that is not the point of this post.

Lets take a look at how the Lakers got here: They cruised-control better part of the second part of the season, never managed to jell Artest into the offense, Bynum look worn out and Kobe insisted to put up 30 shots a game to get his 25 points while Gasol complained that he could get those points in half the tries. Experts didn't gave them a shot at the tittle. Kobe and Co. gave those experts more fuel to add to the fire with their performance in the first 4 games against the Thunder in the first round ( They barely escaped with the win in game 2 and got blown out of the building in game 4) They finished with two straight wins but needed a timely tip in by Gasol to win game 6. Not what would you call championships performance against a 8 seed.

They were lucky enough to run into a small Utah team which they destroy with their length. Sweep.

At this point they had won 6 straight games, they stretched that run to 8 games after easily winning the first two games against their Western Conference Finals rivals the Phoenix Suns. Then the Suns threw a curve ball and started playing zone defense which throw off the Lakers so bad they forgot they to play defense. The result: They gave up 115 and 118 points in two loses at the desert. They won at home thanks to buzzer beater put back by Artest and after blowing a double digit lead in the final quarter they needed the best 2 minutes of Kobe Bryant to eliminate the Suns.

So, they get to the Finals for the third straight year with a shitload of luck and another truck full of the best stretch Kobe has had all year long.

The Celtics get to the Finals against all odds, Phil Collins would be proud. From game 1 in round 1 they started to fight. They dispatched a Heat that had very little, ok they had nothing ,besides DWade. "Experts" weren't that surprise but they already had wrote the C's tombstone by the buzzer of game 5 against the Heat. They were against Lebron James and the 61 win Cleveland Cavaliers. They were dead. That was it. Why bother? It was going to be a sweep , a 5 game sweep if they were lucky. And lucky they were, they managed to get a win in Cleveland but got manhandled in game 3 at home. After that it was all Boston and their defense. Jamison never figured out how to drive past the one legged Garnett that outplayed him all series long in both ends. Shaq was never a factor. Mo Williams played in small controlled spurts and was pretty much abused by Rondo. But the biggest problem was Lebron's elbow. He hurt his elbow at some point in the last month of the season and actually did some drama in the closing minutes of game 5 against the Bulls shooting a left handed free throw. In the final two games of the series Lebron wasn't there. My take is the elbow was really bothering him in game 5. This is the first injury that had produced real limitation in Lebron's game. He didn't actually knew how to play with it. I mean, have you seen this guy? It takes a lot to take down a guy built like that. In game 5 he was hurting and nobody on his team step up. He got all the blame and all the heat from the media. Nobody else. Game 6 , same history. Lebron seemed limited and outside the first half of Mo Williams, the Cavs never knew what to do. Not Shaq. Not Mike Brown. No Antawn Jamison. They just roll over and saw how the Celtics took control of the game ( and the franchise future). That's the biggest break of luck of this playoffs ( I know dealing with injuries is part of the game but if you are a C's fan you ought admit it was pretty cool having Lebron injured for the series)

Then it was the Magic at the Conference Finals. Those first three games, joined with the last three games of the Cleveland series, were a defensive clinic. The Celtics not only defeat those teams, they broke them. They pull out their spirit and their fighting chances right out of their chest. I was amazing. They won that series in 6. Luck was also involve in getting the Celtics back to the Finals but defense and intensity has been the trademark of this team the last 6 weeks. They would love to stretch that for another 3 weeks or so.

Can the result of this Finals be read in how the 2008 Finals played out? The Celtics are a very different team more so than the Lakers. Rondo is now the second best player behind PP. Perkins is a better defender. KG is half the player it was back then. The bench is thinner and they have Rasheed Wallace now ( you make the call if that is good or bad ). The Lakers are slightly different too. Kobe is playing better this post season. So is Gasol although he showed some of those "soft qualities" against the Suns. Their bench is terrible. They are slower. They are bigger now. This series is not going to be decided on matchups ( both teams have a good answer for every player of the other team ) or adjustments ( Are we really going to be surprised when Kobe starts defending Rondo? Or when Bynum see the entire final quater from the bench? I hope we get a comment from Phil referring to Gasol's testicular fortitude). This series is going to be about swing points. Bear with me here:

1.How soon does Rondo manage to figure out Lakers' D? I see him having some issues trying to navigate through the length of the Lakers but he'll crack it open eventually. If it happens too soon it might not have such a heavy effect since the Lakers are expecting that and preparing for it, if Rondo struggles to get inside the Lakers might relax ( even great teams do that) and give him opportunities to attack.

2. Artest vs Pierce. I've never considered Paul Pierce in my top 10 players.Never. He does have one quality as an scorer: He manages to get his points on his terms. You know what I mean? He is not Kevin Durant or Lebron James, players that can score in any ways you can imagine, he has a number of ways to score and he does not tries anything else. Ron Artest is not the great defender he once was but he is a physical defender and still quick enough to stay with Pierce. If Artest manages to shut down Pierce or at least force him into turnovers or bad shots, Lakers' chances improve dramatically. In the other hand if Pierce wiggles his way inside Artest head (As we speak Piercer is getting training from Sheed on how to achieve this in less thatn 2 games) that could potentially swing the series. If Artest have to be kept away from Pierce, Kobe has to defend him. That leaves Artest on Allen or Rondo and there is no way Artest can chase any of those guys without committing a minimum of 3 fouls per 12 minutes fighting of screens from the Celtics' bigs

3. Sheed and Odom: Two players whose focus drifts in and out of game like an Magnum condom on a small dick. Sheed has been way more consistent and productive since the Cleveland series and Boston doesn't need his scoring to win game. It needs his edge , his aggressiveness, his mojo. LA needs Odom to play some serious basketball or they don't get anything from their bench. Phil Jackson can't play his starters all 48 minutes. Kobe showed some signs of tiredness games 3, 4 and 5 against the Suns in the fourth quater. Bynum is not even playing 25 minutes. Fisher needs to be rested for the final 6 minutes. If Odom fails to get "lucky" at getting a double double - or something close - L.A. might be in trouble specially as the series goes on.

4. Perkins suspension: He is getting that T sooner or latter. Boston can only hope he gets it sooner but not in game 3. They cannot afford to loose the first game in they home floor, no matter what is the state of the series. Boston is loosing the game Perkins doesn't play. Lakers would love to be game 6 or 7 ( Believe the Basketball Gods, after game 5 the Lakers are really going to go after Perkins "tender demeanor")

Now this next on is the BIG ONE. This is THE swing point . I can't bold this enough.

5. Pau Gasol softness. This is as simple as it gets. If Pau Gasol still poop his calzones when he thinks of KG, this is going to be a very green summer! One of the reasons why the Lakers lost in 2008 was because Gasol was too intimidated by KG - and the other C's - intensity and physical play. After the Lakers won the title last year nobody was talking about Gasol's manhood. He was a champion. Everything was dandy!. During this season and the first two rounds of this playoffs Gasol emerged as perhaps the best big men in the league.

Facing a 0-2 hole in the Western finals while being abused in the inside Suns' coach Gentry made two adjustments. Play zone defense and show some tough love to Gasol. Phil Jackson eventually figured out how to beat the zone defense but once again Gasol softness popped out . We saw a different Pau in the last 4 games. He still got his numbers but his aggressiveness was nowhere to be found. If the Lakers get his soft and tender Gasol in the finals the C's are eating them alive. There is no meaner ( for good or for bad ) team in the league than the Boston Celtics. Even Big Baby is meaner than Gasol. This is the guy the really gives another dimension to the Lakers, a very efficient post presence which is very needed if Kobe is not shooting high percentages. Can the Lakers win with a scared Pau Gasol? No if the Celtics are healthy. Is that simple in my book. Can the Celtics win against an aggressive Gasol? Yes but they would need very strong contributions from the bench and play very very smart basketball.

If you take a look at this teams in paper you would give the advantage to the Lakers and nobody would say " You are crazy!", specially considering how good Kobe has been this past month. But the fact that the Lakers haven't seen a defense - an intensity- like the Celtics play in this playoffs is a major factor to consider forecasting this series. I'm feeling a 7 or 6 game. Lakers title. Kobe a well deserved MVP.

West First Round. 2010 Playoffs

That was fast. No real drama in the first round as the usual suspects passed to the second round.

Atlanta had to sweat a little bit and Denver fall apart without Coach Karl. Here is a quick recap of each series in case you didn't bother to watch basketball the last couple of weeks

Lakers vs Thunder.

Lakers won in 6

It did go to 6 games but i wasn't expected the Thunder to be this competitive. They were right there in 5 of the 6 games and the reason they lost the series was Durant poor shooting performances. Lakers D and Artest bullying him cause fatigue in the poor guy. He missed a lot of easy open shots he normally makes specially in game 6. This is an extremely young Thunder team that we can only hope they have the chance to grow together. The Lakers are hoping they don't. After game 4 everybody started to freak, the very same Lakers asked reporters around " What is wrong with u? Its just 2-2" After 2 convincing games in Oklahoma City and a very close win in game 2 all the issues the Lakers had in the regular reason came to the surface ( Kobe injuries, lack of focus, depth, Derek Fisher, etc) but after they gave an old fashioned ass kicking to the the Thunder and they escaped game 6 with a series clinching win now everybody is happy. The Lakers are vincible, more than a year ago. Is going to take an very defensive team to take them down. Lakers D is one of the best in the league, their offense in the other hand has holes all over the place. They go away from Gasol/Bynum way to often, Kobe is picking his spots more than ever and their bench is terrible. If Odom doesn't comes out like a marry man possessed they are getting nothing from their bench.

Mavs vs Spurs

Spurs won in 6

I gave too much credit to Jason Kidd. That was the only reason I picked Dallas over San Antonio. Look I know about all the lack of balls Dallas has shown in recent playoff trips, I also know Dallas had a real chance of knocking Denver last year with a worst team that his year incarnation. We all knew that the Spurs were going to rough the Mavs up and make this a very physical series. This is where I thought Kidd was going to step up, not hitting Parker like he was Joumana but injecting some calm into the Mavs when they were about to melt down. It never happen. As kid was outplayed by Parker and Hill he completely check out of the series. There is something wrong in the core of this Mavs team. I don't know if it was the result of the 2006 Finals or the ass kicking they got my Don Nelson and Baron Davis the next year. Maybe they just take the Cuban's beat and whine instead of playing through bad times. I have nothing against Mark Cuban. He is a personal hero, he is the best owner in this league but that constant pickering on the league and the refs set the tone of the entire franchise. I can bet you that if he takes just a small step back and stop trying to show off the league they would be in a better place. Just saying

San Antonio, man oh man, what can I say about this team. They just wont go away. What amazes me is that right now they are finding new ways to win. They are not longer the defensive juggernaut they used to be. They don't have the size of the experience to play like that. Offensively and defensively they are getting contributions from some many places night in and night out. That speaks tons of Popovich and Buford. The question here is: Can they sustain that for 3 more rounds of playoffs? Can they keep winning without being excellent at neither end. They can beat Phoenix. Nash still their toughest player and I think they are going to fold under pressure, again. The Lakers are an excellent defensive team. So are the Cavs and the Magic. The Lakers have more options on offense that the Spurs can contain. Nobody in a Spurs uniform ( in the league for that matter) can stop Lebron. They are not athletic enough to close Orlando's shooters. The odds are against them but one thing I've learn the past couple of years is that they don't give a fuck about their odds. They just win.

Suns vs Blazers

Suns won in 6

Well not surprise here. As i watch this series unfold I started asking myself if we overestimated the potential of the Blazers. This summer I had Portland as a 3 seed. Worst case. I know injuries really did a number on them... AGAIN... this is like the third straight year we say this. The are a group that just can't stay healthy ( and now they just inked Camby for two more years. Are you kidding me?) Their big investments are Roy and Aldridge. Brandon is a top 5 or top 7 wing player in this league. Every penny he earns he worths it. LaMarcus in the other hand has shown flashes, an of those when it matter the most. He is just 24. He has plenty of time. Worst case scenario he is a 18-8 guy. Can you win a ring with Roy as your best player and LaMarcus as your second banana? Forget about Oden. Two years for a 35 year old injury prone Camby should tell you what Portland management is thinking about Oden. As young as they are I don't see them becoming real contenders as they are built right now.

I still don't buy Phoenix and this is why:

• JRich is not this good. How long before he comes back to Earth? I don't think he has 3 more rounds like this against San Antonio, Lakers, Cavs/Magic defense. He is not Joe Johnson ( sorry Suns fans.Too easy). As easily as
• Amare can dominate the inside he can shy away from contact and start taking 15 footers all game long. Plain and simple he's playing for his next contract. Can you go against real defensive schemes just thinking " I need to get notice. I need to people think I care" I don't know. I think if he puts a couple of 30/15 games against the Spurs or the Lakers on national TV is going to be satisfied.
• Nash is taking halves off. Not because he is bad person. Because he can't do it for entire games anymore. Now you tell me what happens when Blair or Bynum put him on his butt twice in the first quarter. His back can't take that. A jump shooting Nash that lets Richardson or Hill run the team is a formula for disaster for Phoenix.

Jazz vs Nuggets

Jazz won in 6

The Nuggets confuse me. They really do. On paper and in many night they look like true contenders. A decent defensive team, well coached , star player, second banana, nice rotation. Not deep enough and probably not good enough. Those things you can improve. Other nights they look in such a disarray, specially offensively, the look lost beyond Melo. They loose their composure way too easily. One can't wait for them to grow up and take the next step. Can they take it with Melo as their best player? Of course they can. What's holding them back? No idea. I hope this guys can help. If we talk about this series you can blame Melo's supporting cast. Besides Billups, nobody step up consistently. No Kmart. No J.R. No Birdman. As it was three years ago , it was Melo all by himself.

How good in DWill? Seriously if you are outside Utah, did you know Williams was this good? My God the Hawks GM who skipped him and Paul most be stoned to dead. Anyhow Utah showed lost of courage going against Denver and Melo without their best defender ( Kirilenko) and one key piece of their offense ( Okur ). They ran the offense perfectly when it mattered. Deron Williams just ate the Nuggets alive. I'm still amazed. No kidding. The Lakers are next and that's it. For all DWill brilliance and their efficient offensive execution they are not a good defensive team. They are not long enough to keep up with the Lakers' bigs. I don't even see a ray of hope here. When the summer comes I'm rooting for them. I want them to get a really good shooting guard in exchange for Boozer. Somebody who can shoot and defend. That's it . They don't need the next MJ.

Playoff Preview: Suns vs Blazers

(3) Suns vs (6) Blazers

Brandon Roy will be a no show for this one. The overachievers Blazers goes to war against the hottest team in the West without the best player. What a fucking shame. I'm serious, I love this Blazers teams. IMO with Roy they would had a real chance to move on to the next round but without him they have nobody who can control the tempo of the game and they are going to fall right into the hands of the trigger happy Nash led Suns.

Is there any difference between this Suns are the ones who got bounced again and again this past years? Nash is older but no slower. Amare is better offensively but not defensively. Their three point shooting attack is not as powerful but their inside games has improved .What does all this means? It means they are going to the next round with Roy or no Roy in the other side.

It's not going to be easy. Miller is big enough to slow down Nash, Camby is good enough to bother Amare and if there is a team out there who wont just roll out and play dead is this Blazers team.

At the end of the day the cruel reality tells that talent wins over heart. The Suns have the talent.

Basketball Gods prediction: Phoenix 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" ) 8

2008 Trading Bonanza. The Sequel ?

Four monts go by so quickly. I gain nothing looking back and trying to explain my non existening fan base what the hell I've been doing during the NBA Season. I have been watching. I know what's going on but I'm sure y'all also know what is happening so let's call it a day , a'right?

I've finally been compelled to blog thanks to the tons and tons of trade rumors out there. So I'm killing some time arranging some trades that should happen (Using ESPN's Trade Machine or RealGM's Trade Checker. Keep this in mind and weight in this trades the economic scenario we are living in. Small market teams like Hornets or Milwaukee might be force to surrender some key players just because there's not enough money to pay the luxury tax. This is a reality. It certainly sucks for a team like New Orleans to give away Tyson Chandler for some scrub and a draft pick but this are the times that even the deep pockets ain't so deep no more (Yeah, the rest of us who don't even have pockets we are just fucked)

The Amar'e Saga

Apparently Amar'e is going nowhere. If something happens in the next couple of days this is the trade I'd like see happening. Amare to Toronto, Bosh to Chicago, a nice little package to Phoenix.
Why would Colangelo do this? I know is far fetched but somewhere down the line Colangelo will have to trade Bosh. This way he's getting a player ready for primetime, not just a kid with some upside and a hustle swing player in Nocioni, that might prove to be better suited for Toronto than Shawn Marion (cheaper too). Phoenix is geting more than 12 million dollars coming off the book next season and Chicago is getting the franchise big guy to pair with Rose.
Chances of happening? 0.2%





The Blazers

Kevin Pritchard is looking at Caron Butler, Richard Jefferson and Gerald Wallace. I do think he's going to end up with one of those guys.

Washington might be shaving salaries just as a consecuence of their record. I don't see them moving Butler but I see Jamison in different colors next weekend. More on him later.

Milwaukee is going nowhere this season or next or the next one after that. If you ask me Michael Redd is not a franchise player but right now he's injured and untradable. As the big australian is untouchable the only valuable piece here is Jefferson. So he'll be sacrificied for the all mighty dollar. The Bucks get LaFrentz's contract and a couple of young guns. Next year they can trade Redd and I promise you the Buck will be in a better place
Chances of happening? 30%

Larry Brown likes Gerald Wallace. He does. But again economics might get in the way and I assure you they prefer keeping Okafor than Wallace. That's the only reason why I see something like this happening. This way the Bobcats get rid of Felton in the process and get in return cap space (aka LaFrentz' expiring contract), Sergio Rodriguez and the likeable sweet shooting Martell Webster. Throw some draft picks here and there and they are done. Take this as a straight up salary dumping move
Chances of happening? 14%


And Chris Paul is pick and rolling with...

Another crisis related move. Add one of the 800 draft picks Sam Presti has collected and we have a cute little trade. You know I hold Wilcox in high regard. He works hard, great rebounder, good guy. A little undersized and he might collide with West in the court but the Hornets would save more then 11 million dollars this offseason. And Chandler gets a fresh start ...again...
Chances of happening? 49%



Dead Wizards

They might no be dead (Basketball wise they are) but they are too expensive to be this bad. Arenas is...Arenas. Whatever that means. So their tradeable assets are Jamison and Butler. Butler is younger and that is why he's the guy staying and Jamison is the one packing his stuff. A pretty much straight up Jamison for Artest deal might be the right path for both teams and players. Houston gets a reliable 4 and Washington get a half season trial on Artest ( why everybody gets and "Artest trial" You all know that he can snap after more han 4 months, right?). Not sure the Rockets are going to give up on their own "big three" just yet but they might realize that this guys are not delivering no championship.
Chances of happening? 8%

Overview: Spurs vs Suns

I expected an epic series. All I got was this lousy T-shirt.

Seriously. When I wrote the "prognosis" for that series I knew one thing they were going to play all 7 games and as I wrote that post I convinced myself that the Spurs were going to win that they team just because of home court advantage and Manu Ginobili.

It never ocurred to me that Tony Parker will dominate the series and matchup between him Nash. The idea of D'Antoni not making any adjustements never crossed my mind. Amare dissapearing at least half game every game was not an realistic option. And how about the hunger in Tim Duncan's eyes, were you expecting that? Really? 'Cause I didn't

Bottom line is that the Spurs really wanted this series. The Suns were hurt by their lack of fire and will. Shaq was supposed to add that this year. It wasn't there. They had a chance in a least three games they lost but they never took it. You can see it the other way around, the Spurs took them from them. Same difference

Whose fault is it ? Steve Nash. He's the leader, right? He wasnt't the same dominant guy and he had to defend Tony Parker and took a lot from him. But still bad decision making in the last quater cost them a couple of games.

NBA Playoffs Day 12

Let the real Detroit Pistons stand up. Easy game.

Didn't get to see the Rockets - Utah game but I was so glad the Rockets pull it of. I love defensive teams. They mention that they play better when their backs are agains the wall and everybody writes them off. What would happen in 7 game series against the Rockets and the Pistons? Would both of them try to loose each of the first 3 games? Would they try to give away home court advantage so they can get it back in their next road game and call it a must win game? Would 'Sheed go all "Jail Blazers" 'Sheed on Rafer Alston ass when hi goes all "Skip to my lue" on Rodney Stuckey?


The Suns and the Mavs went fishing. If you ask me - nobody is doing it - Avery should get the hit but not D'Antoni. More on that in coming posts

NBA Playoffs Day 3

I didn't post anything yesterday 'cause first of all, I hate teams and players that talk and talk trash and then don't even show up to the game and know everybody is asking questions about the Wizards toughness and mentality. Let me give you a piece of advise coming from above: Stop talking, stop trying to kill Lebron and start playing some freaking D ( You were supposed to be playing better D this season, remember?)

The other reason is that hoped for a good Rockets' postseason they are soooo overtmatched that I feel bad for TMac I doesn't have a shot this year.

Last night was another story completely. Both Chris Paul and Dwight Howard gave more than impresive playoffs performances for the second straight game. They both protected their home court and that's always a good start specially for young teams as those. If I were the Raptors I'll be very worried right now, Orlando was one of the best teams league-wide on the road. It's time for Bosh to step up and stop Howard. Good luck, Chris. Just a little side note, what were the Mavs thinking (Via TrueHoop)


And then there was the old guys aka Spurs grabbing a 2 - 0 lead on their series. Right now I have a couple of concerns - from the Suns' standpoint:

1. Steve Nash is not dominating anymore. He's there but he's not the same.
2. Amare and Shaq had good games, stayed out of foul trouble but even so couldn't get the win
   
3. Amare is talking like the series is over
4. Duncan is not going to lose this series

The work is cut out for you Suns specially that you are the "better team"

NBA Playoffs Weekend 1

Remember what I told you guy abou the will and all that, well the Spurs are the living proof of that. (Just add a little luck and there you have it Spurs 1 - Suns 0 )

San Antonio went to their now gamely custom of no making any shots in the second quater but thanks to foul trouble and Skinner free throws that Suns couldn't pull away. Once the Spurs got the lead reduced to like 5 points you could sense it. Duncan had the look. It took a little luck (Duncan for a three pointer?) but they pull it off. Let the rivalry continues

The fellows at Bright side of the Sun have lot's of second thoughts about the game


What to make about the Washington vs Cleveland series? At simple at his : Lebron delivered - despite and good pounding - and so far good ol' Gilberth has to eat his words


The Pistons lost . Billups missed some shots, they weren't focus (maybe) but rotations where a big if ( I know their kids are pretty good but when your lead is loosing points by posession in the fourth, I think is time for the big guns)


A game live blog of Pau's big game. Courtesy of Forums Blue and Gold

The Mavs have problems. The didn't defend Paul right (Trapping him worked last time, why not giving it a go in Game 1?) and offense were also a issue. Wes Cox at Mavs Money Ball can't be happy


Finally a good piece about playoff experience via Matt Watson at FanHouse

First Round: Spurs vs Suns

3. Spurs (56-26) vrs 6. Suns (55-27)

Regular Season Series: PHO 3-1

Point Differencial: PHO +6.5

This one it's all about will. Who want it harder? Who will be the one with look "There's no fucking way I'm loosing this game" contest after contest?Passion, desire, all those untangibles are going to set the mark in this series. The Spurs offense has been mediocre at best over the last month and most times it looks too much for Manu Ginobili shot creation. Their shooters have been mediocre. Stoudamire and Udoka haven't been that hungry component ala Michael Finley last year. They do still have three player capable of taking control de any game at any time. They still have one of best defenses of the league and one of the best post players and defenders alive.

If the Spurs depends heavily in Manu's acrobatics the Suns put their life on the hands of Amare Stoudamire. Yeah, they have the Big Cactus and the Great Nash but in order to put up points they need Amare Stoudamire. Nash makes them go and Shaq gives them that rebouding inside prescence they have been laking since Nash got there but their rely on jump shots and fastbreak ( Fastbreaks which has become boring and not that sucessful with the departure of Marion) when Amare is not in the court and that is a lot due to his recurrent foul trouble. Phoenix can't let themselves to fall in San Antonio's mind games (More like Popovich's mind games) as they failed to do in previous years. This is where Shaquille O'neal cames in. The Suns bring him for two reasons: 1. Defend Tim Duncan and 2. Change the team mentality.

Calling this is like flipping a coin. If Amare dominates and Shaq is midly efective the Suns win. If Manu dominates and Tim Duncan gets to handle Shaq as a defensive liabiliy Spurs Win. If the 3 ball is falling for Phoenix, Suns win. If the 3 ball is falling for the Spurs they win.

X Factor: Shaquille O'neal. Plain and simply: This is the main reason he's now the big cactus: to stop Tim Duncan.

Basketball Gods' prediction: SAS 4-3

To Do List

We are like a week and a half for the start of the playoffs and nothing is resolved in the West. I'm not even sure Dallas is going to be the 7th seed. As soon as the matchups are resolved all the blogsphore and other professional writers are going to write their predictions and some generic egocentric view of each first round match (Yeap, I'll write it too) but while we wait let's take a looksy to what each team should worry about -pesimistic thinking here- and need to address before -whisfull thinking here - going to the playoffs:

1. New Orleans: I don't want to get all basketbawful on you all but somebody need to do something about Tyson Chandler's hair. He looks like Vanilla Ice or some 80's version of Wesley Snipes. Basketball wise they are very thin in their frontcourt rotation, Melvin Ely?, Really? and Bonzi Wells ain't worth the gamble.

2. LA Lakers: Yeah, I know their second unit is great they hustle a lot and complement each other and yadda yadda yadda. Their second unit is very propense to silly and unforced turnovers. Bynum ain't coming back.

3. San Antonio Spurs: For the last two to three weeks they have beeb entering the third quater ice cold. They'd had quaters like the one at Utah and this last one against the Lakers where they go like 6 minutes without a field goal. Their defense ain't that great anymore to comeback from such holes.

4. Houston Rockets: Besides TMac nobody there can create their own shot on nightly basis. They have lot's of guns on Rafer Alston, Bobby Jackson, Luther Head and Landry but you can't say: "Well, if McGrady can play or is playing bad not worries WE KNOW that Alston/Jackson/Head/Landry will step up for us". You just can't

5. Utah Jazz: They have to play on the road. And at some point they'll face somebody in the Ginobili/Kobe/TMac/Howard/Melo/Captain Jack group of swingman they can't defend.

6. Phoenix Suns: Amare keeps getting in foul trouble and ol' Steve Nash is no longer the same. Their season depends way too much of Shaq and Grant Hill focus and health, respectively.

7. Dallas Mavs: They will have to defend somebody in the West/Gasol/Duncan/Boozer/Amare group of big men they can't defend. Why Howard hasn't figure out a way to play with Jason Kidd?

8. Denver Nuggets: For them defense is highly overrated because if you have guys like Melo and Iverson is just a matter of points. Because that's the way to the championship, right Nash/Webber/Kidd ?. They can not even defend a pick roll. And yes, zone defense is allow in the playoffs

9. Golden State Warriors: A matchup with Dallas is very unlikely and yes, zone defense is allow in the playoffs

Discussion: The Contenders

Welcome everybody to a new discussion post. Rusty is back!. This one in particulary will address the question of who are the real contender for this year tittle and who might be the last team standing. We are not even trying to predict the West but we'll discuss it. Enjoy



Morgan: We'll start with the East. The top seed, the Celtics. How 'bout this guys?





Rusty: Definitely a contender and they are my favorites to win the Eastern Conference. The only thing that could derrail this team is a major injury to any of their so called Big Three.

M: Well yeah. Any team that suffers an injury to any of their top three players will be on trouble. I'm with you they are the team to beat in the East but they haven't face any real pressure they came out blazing of the gates and they have been the number one team since then. They are a veteran team and the leadership is clearly there but it could interesting to see this team's response to adversity in a critical game.

R: Also they are not that deep. If Garnett or Pierce miss considerable time against the Pistons or whoever cames out of the West this team can't replace their production. No for more than a couple of games.

M: Do you trust Doc Rivers?

R: I hope that at this point he has his team figured it out.Don't you think?

M: Yeah, but do you trust him?

R: I trust his trust on his veteran players


M: Now the Pistons. They always need to feel disrespected to play their best ball. Boston's success may give him that fire.

R: That's being their "mojo" from day 1. They also have that chip in the shoulder for being eliminated by a one man team last season. For my money, they are the best Pistons team since winning the championship in 2004.

M: They are a lock to reach the Conference Finals. Now, can Boston survive the one man team?

R: Everybody saw what Lebron James did to the Pistons and everybody saw what the Spurs did to James. Boston is a better defensive team that the Detroit Pistons a year ago they won't let James take over the entire series. The Cavaliers could win a game or two.

M: Well, now argue there. You get the feeling that KG is going to will his way to the conference finals. Wrapping up the East, Boston or Detroit?

R: The Boston Celtics specially if the Lakers reach the Western conference Finals. The league won't let a Lakers- Celtics finals slip away.


M: I'm impress, you have change Rusty! This will be a great seven game series and most of the games will come down to the final play specially with two defensive oriented teams. Given that Detroit have more "clutch" players I'm given this series to the Pistons

R: If it comes to the last shot Detroit does have a better chance to represent the East in the NBA Finals

M: Well this part went rather smoodly -more smooth that I'd want for a discussion post- Let's go to the fun part: the West. Your number one contender, Rusty?




R: I'm a old school guy so I'm going to the old school team: the San Antonio Spurs. They are the most solid team , they have the experience and for whatever reason they always have that lucky bounce of the ball going their way

M: I'm torn between the top three teams: Spurs, Lakers and Hornets. San Antonio have everything that you just said and also I'm waiting for the chance for Manu to take over this playoffs. If that happens and the Spurs won by the hand of Manu will be the best story for this team.

For the Lakers I'm also looking forward to see how Kobe response to the level of play in the West. If he and Bynum and Gasol are healthy they are the favorites in my book. But that's a big if. The Hornets will make noise, somehow. They can compete with anybody their only weakness is that their shooters are rather streaky but when you have a point guard like Chris Paul anything can happen.



R: Apparently Bynum will be back but I don't think he will be in shape to handle the bigs in the West, whatever the matchups are. The Lakers are a great team but if they run into the Spurs their run will be over... UNLESS... they league decides otherwise

M: You are pushing that in every line. Come on, come clean...

R: What?

M: A'right. Do you think the league is fixing the playoffs?

R: No, Morgan. I'll never say that. It will be very stupid for this league to go out and fix the outcome of the entire championship.There's a huge difference between fixing the all tournament and helping or giving a team a better shot at winning a game. That's what the NBA does

M: I just did a little homework for you. Here and here.
I don't know if the Lakers' chances are ridding in Bynum's shoulders. Gasol is a pretty good matchup against any big he can't defend but he's there, catch my drift?. Besides offensively he's a handful.

R: Yeah, but defense wins playoff games. They are still a good defensive team but if other team goes on a isolation against Gasol over and over again they could be in trouble

M: That's unlukely.There's help defense, you know?

R: There's open three point shooter, you know?

M: Fine, Fine. How about the Hornets?

R: I love Chris Paul. He's been the best point guard hands down. West and Chandler are having great season thanks to Paul at some degree. My only concern with this team is what happen whe defensive schemes take West and Chandler out of the game or at least keeping them in check. Would Paul brings them back?

M: That's also my issue with this guys, sort of. Can they survive the playoffs and everything that comes along? Is Paul that good?

R: Right now, he's not. They can defeat younger teams like Utah, Denver or Golden State. Their road ends in San Antonio or LA

M:Who else is a contender here?

R: Everybody in the top seven

M:For my own appreciation if Utah can handle their way on the road in a more consistent way they can also be a contender. Williams and Boozer are just too good, they have the shooters, they have the defense and they ceitanly have the coach

R: Utah is going to start on the road if the loose both games is over for them.

M: They are tough enough to recover from that, they bounced back last year against the Rockets even winning game 7 at Houston. I know is all about the matchups but it is easier for them to win in the road that the other team winning at Utah.

R: They will need to drow a mentally softer team like Dallas or Houston. Even there is Tracy McGrady or Josh Howard or any fast swing player have a GREAT series they can't matchup. Kirilenko and their entire team defense has taken a step back.

M: I don't think Utah can be discarded that easily. DWill and Boozer bring it night in and night out. Every single night

R: Then explain me their road record

M: The other guys don't follow the trend

R: Exactly! This is a team sport. They can't win with just two guy playing their heart out. Maybe against a team with a weaker "fire" but no against a hungry team where everybody pulls for one goal

M: Man, that was poetic!. You mention the Mavs as a good matchup for Utah. Are they even going to be there?



R: Dallas is not a good matchup for anybody not if Nowitzki comes back healthy. I need to believe this guys can win with a point guard like Jason Kidd. If they are left behind there's something wrong on the team and I'll point my finger to Nowitzki
M: Not to Avery?

R: Do you believe all the talk about "overcoaching" ?

M: I believe that this team is not build to take advantage of Kidd's skills. He's a great leader and that's always welcome but where he's great is at running the fast break and this is not a running team. They are not going to trade Nowitzki they'll better trade Kidd for a point guar who can shoot.

R: This is Nowitzki's team- actually is Cuban's first and Avery's Second - but Dirk Nowitzki is the leader on paper and he needs to step up. He has to be the guy who goes to his coach and said that things need to change, set plays need to change. His voice has to be heard

M: That's a good point by I still think that even with a healthy Nowitzki they will be out in the first round

R: If Dirk Nowitzki is healthy they can advance. I'm insist it's all about matchups

M: We still haven't talk about two similiar teams: Nuggets and Warriors. High ofensive teams featuring powerful scorers but they ain't that great at stopping the other team. Denver can be very, very dangerous. Specially now that KMart has his bounce back as he gives them a solid third option and another great defender near the basket. If they get a great stretch from KMart and Camby this team is a contender.

R: You convinced me rather quickly there! I agree with the Denver statement they could be very well a contender this year. They have one of the best starting lineups a decent bench and defensive big guys. Their minus are that they aren't commited to defense and their chemistry could improve. I don't think they could win it all but they are a dangerous team and they just need a good run which they are perfectly capable of doing

M: There a five great defensive teams right now in contention (Spurs, Lakers, Rockets, Pistons and Celtics) and you could make the case for Phoenix. Denver push ends as soon as they face any of those teams. As for the Warriors, let me tell you I've seen some 5 o 6 Warriors' games in the past month and their worst enemy is themselves. Is not only that they don't defend and their most played setplay is "RUN". They take shots that would shock you, seriously, and that's how Nellieball is played but they go into stretches where they can't buy a basket and that's when they lost everything. There's no difference between the Warriors leading by 20 and the Warriors loosing by 10


R: Well you look for the consistency in your team, Morgan. Take a look a the Spurs. There's no difference between the Spurs leading by 20 and the Spurs loosing by 10. You live and die by your style of play. What doesn't work for Golden State is that theirs is so frentic that sometimes, as you said, it works against them



M:22 straight wins and we haven't talk about them. I say Houston goes as far as McGrady takes them and if history taught us anything...

R: You write it quite accurate in a previus post. Their role players specially Rafer Alston played the best basketball of their careers during that streak. I don't see that happening again in the playoffs

M: They still are a good defensive team and you know what people say "defense wins championships"

R: They still would need some offense to back it up.
M: Good point. And some heart and desire will be nice

R: That would be swell!

M: Swell? WTF?

R: I thought you will like that

M: Yeah, it made my day.....Last but no least. Shaquille O'neal and the Phoenix Suns. If they keep playing the way they are right now they become my second pick to get out of the West. Shaq is playing decent ball, Amare is unstoppable and amazingly Nash is the one who, when they had that 1 -6 stretch or something, was the "weakest link" but now his playing at the level he's used to perform

R: Nash is not as good as a previous years by just a little bit. All the role players are playing subpars season in comparision with last year specially Leandro Barbosa. They seem a little bit in the same boat as the Denver Nuggets but with a stronguer psique. They have big guys that can't prevent penetrations - although not as good as Martin and Camby in Denver - and they have a high scoring mentality. This is the hardest team for me to read because the line between being a contender and being out in the first round is so thin for them.

M: Grant Hill is the key for them. If he's able to give them a little bit of what Marion gave them specially defense to stop the array of wing players in the West they have a shot. If Manu, Deron Williams, Kobe, TMac, Paul,Melo ,etc. start getting in the paint and putting Amare and Shaq in fou trouble that's it for them. As you said, they don't longer had the 3 point assault to take them out of trouble.

R: With the trade they gain more control of the boards. That added to Steve Nash gives them control of the flow of the game that's huge in the playoffs. But they lost that defensive advantage Marion gave them that covered for Nash and Stoudemire defensive shortcomings. Once again it depends on the matchups

To wrap it out, who do think is going to end up as the 9th team?

M: Golden State. They are playing at at .500 level right now. Not enough in the West

R: Well, I think it will be Denver but that's just a gut feeling.



There you have, a little bit long but with lot's of "sustance". I hope you guys enjoy reading it

Basketball Gods' March Madness

After last trade deadline bonanza the Basketball Gods' standings predictions went to the crapper they are so benevolent with us that they are willing to give us their predictions for the second half of March for the madness in the West and those curious Leastern teams

It's cooling off time for the Rockets:
March: 4 - 3
Record: 50 - 23

Hornets:
March: 3 - 3
Record: 48 - 24

Lakers:
March: 6- 2
Record: 51 - 23

Lots of home games for Utah:
March: 6- 0
Record: 51- 24

Suns:
March: 2 - 6
Record: 44 - 28

They need a good stretch here - and they know it - Spurs:
March: 6 - 1
Record: 50 - 24

Dallas:
March: 4 - 3
Record: 48 - 26

Every single game left in March is against the West, Warriors:
March: 3 - 4
Record: 44- 28

Five game trip in six days, Nuggets:
March: 2 - 6
Record: 42 - 32


This gives us this standings:

Recruiting in the retirement home

38 year old Sam Cassell and 38 year old P.J. Brown are the reinforces for the Boston's playoff push. I know the title have like a negative vibe but I actually like those guys. They bring defense and "timing offense". With that I mean that they can nail a jumper, a tip-in, a three here and there and contribuite with the offensive cause.

They have been brought for their possible matchup with the Pistons. On paper, they are good "part time counterparts" but I seriously doubt they can keep with Billups, 'Sheed and McDyess during a 7 game series.


Again, with this I'm not saying that Boston will lost against the Pistons in a eventual playoff matchup. I'm just saying that PJ and Sam I Am won't make any MAJOR difference


Algo, San Antonio will get Brent Barry back.


The Suns signed Gordan Giricek and the Pistons signed Theo Ratliff.

Are you ready?

I was supposed to write this post at the beggining of the week but I didn't had time hence I'm doing a short maybe more intersting version

Take a look at the stadings, drive your glance to the West conference and enjoy the madness. This last 30 something games are really going to be something that any NBA fan is going to love. Seriously, they are only 5 games between the first seed and the 9th seed and if you believe in Portland's dream then it will be 10 teams fighting for everything from the number one position to be the poor souls outside looking in

For me this are the keys for each team:

• Hornets: Can they keep calm once that every game is played at full intensity? I mean Chris Paul is a true MVP (top 3 in my opinion) but they have never play with those conditions.

• Suns: Shaquille. He is going to slow them down. He is going to be in foul trouble a great deal of time. They are going to miss Shawn Marion. How does D'Antoni and Nash handle this? If they can pull it off I'll tip my hat to them.

• Lakers: Bynum's and Bryant's health. If they recover nicely they are the number one choice for the title.

• Utah: They need to find a way to win outside Utah. It's imperative.

• Mavs: If they get Kidd they will need to mesh pretty quick. If they stay put they Avery Johnson is the key. He needs to put some fire in this team. Somehow.

• Spurs: Finley, Barry, Bowen and Horry shot. Their title hopes depend a lot on those guys open jump shots.

• Nuggets: Believe it or not, K-Mart is the key here. He could be a great offensive and defensive weapon. They'd have so much versatility in both ends of the floor that they would be complicate matchup for anybody.

• Houston: Defense. It they play defense they know how to win. No matter if TMac is playing or not (Or he's traded or not)

• Warriors: Biedrins and Monta. When this two play their best they are an unbelievable team. Seriously. Warriors' fans know what I'm talking about.

• Blazers: Remember the magic. It wasn't only Roy's magic or Alridge's magic. Was a team's magic. Just remember it.

NBA: Where stupid trades happens

I suppose to analized this and come out with an intersting and smart reason of the Shaquille O'neal trade I dont get it. I don't catch Kerr's drift

A'right, the Suns need some attitude and muscle to compete with the rest of the west. I agree that their run and gun show is not bringing no titles as they have been sent fishing by better defensive teams in the playoffs but in order to fix this you don't trade your most versatile player and second best defensive weapon for a 35 year old injured center. No. No. No. You trade Marcus Banks for Jaamal Magloire or any of the Seattle centers. Something smart.

The Suns are expecting that Diaw replaces Marion and that Shaq rejunates himself and be the diference maker agains San Antonio, Dallas and New Orleans. I really don't see that happening. This is Diaw's second bad year. This is Shaq's second bad year. I really don't get it. Worst case scenario the Phoenix Suns are going to get outrun by the rest of West with the exception of San Antonio and Houston. Best case scenario, Shaq is going to be a monster thanks to Steve Nash and the attention that Amare draws and the missmatches. I say the first has the better odds.

Phoenix needed to do some trade, Nash have been complaining about team chemistry for awhile now but this wasn't the trade to make. Not Marion at least not for Shaq

I don't get it


Ps: My condolescence. It's a shame

Gods' Final Standings Predictions

If the Basketball God's make a prediction, is that like cheating? Probably. So for u all you in Las Vegas, you perhaps might wanna take a look at this Nostradamus-ish statments.

1. The Celitcs will win 65 games. The Pistons 55
2. The Bulls will qualify to the playoffs with a 39 -43 record, beating the Hawks by 2 games for the final spot.
3. The Heat will play close to .500 once Pat Riley resigns. There's no shot in hell they will qualify.
4. Indiana colapses in the second half going 11- 29
5. The Knicks closes the season with the worst record of the East at 22 - 60

Intersting playoff matchups:

1. 1 Celtics vrs 8 Bulls: The team that got KG against the team that was supposed to get KG. The team that overachieve every expectation against well, the Bulls.
2. 4 Cavs vrs 5 Wizards: If Arenas is playing this is a hell of a matchup.

1. The Suns will be the number one seed with 56 wins
2. 7 teams qualify to the playoffs with 50 or more wins. The Lakers are the 8th seed after winning 47 games
3. Denver and New Orleans win their respective divisions
4. Dallas qualifies as the 5th seed. One game separated them for the number 2 seed.
5. Utah (47 - 35 ) and Houston (46 -36) become lottery teams
6. Minnesota end the season with 13 wins. Seattle with 19.

Intersting playoff matchups:

1. 1 Suns vrs 8 Lakers: Maybethe third time is the charmed.
2. 2 Hornets vrs 7 Blazers: Paul vrs Roy

Joy to the League

The Basketball Gods want to spread some joy in this very happy holidays remembering to all teams those little things that make them smile this passing year. They are aware that some teams don't seem to find anything to cheer about but hey! They are the basketball Gods, if somebody can find something good on the Knicks organizations are these guys:

Celtics: Anything. Just pick your choice: their record, the trade for KG and Ray Allen, the fact they are relevant again, the Pistons game which they lost but were damn close even though they didn't play their best game. Just let me tell you wy this guy should be smiling from ear to ear: they lost the lottery, they didn't get the chance to selecte either Oden or Durant which propelled them to get KG and Allen. The Gods work in mysterious ways

Spurs: They can be happy for a number of reasons starting with their fifth championship but they should also cheer that they current roster is as complete as any other in any of their championship runs getting good production from guys like Bonner and Udoka when given the chance.

Pistons: Everybody is expecting the year when this guys slow down. At the start of the season RIP and Sheed were a little injured and that slow them down and you started to wonder if this was the year. Well, nobody is wondering nothing with their current 11-2 stretch. I've to remind everybody that the Gods work in mysterious ways: Don't you think they have a chip in their shoulder after game 5 of the Conference Finals? That's the type of stuff that makes this team tick.

Magic: Finally Dwight Howard discover how good he can be.

Suns: Another team blessed in so many ways. Amare and Marion haven't kill each other yet, 27 games and counting and the seem like a happy and "we are on the same page" type of team. The biggest joy - not only for the Suns but also for the rest of the league - Grant Hill is playing and playing mighty good.

Mavericks:They had a 67 win season, that's a good thing. So what if Dirk can't smile anymore! Josh Howard is showing signs that they don't need to rely in Dirk "warm blood" to win a close game.

Golden State Warriors: They were the hottest team in the league for 6 weeks and got into the playoffs after a 12 year absense and make lot's of noice in the process. Nobody really thought that the Warriors could keep playing the way the played those 6 weeks - including me - and after that 0 -9 start I wasn't happy to be right. Now I'm happy to be wrong. Nellie ball rules.

Trail Blazers: They're achieving so much without their 40 year old rookie center. They can't take all the credit, it's bad karma, they need to thank Kevin Mchale and John Paxson for handing them Roy and Alridge for some other rookies... not that good. Let's leave it like that, I don't want to make anybody cry.

L.A. Lakers: Kobe's still in uniform and he says he's happy. If you want a Christmas miracle, you know outside Kobe being happy, just take a look at Bynum's progress and new found work ethic

New Orleans Hornets: None of their core players have missed more than 4 games (Peja Stojakovic ). It ain't that big of a thing but after what this guys went through last year, it is huge for them. By the way, the should also thank John Paxson for the Chandler gift. John Paxson is so good with the rest of the league.

Utah Jazz: Impressive playoff run that cemented Boozer and Deron Williams as more than up coming players, they are ready to play with the big guys. The new season brought them that old AK 47 they were mising so much.

Denver Nuggets: Thet won the Iverson sweepstakes and KMart seems to be getting back in track.

Cleveland Cavaliers: They had a easy path to the Conference finals and play inspired basketball against the Detroit Pistons including the 48 point perfomance by Lebron James. They should not only be thankful for having Lebron but they also must be appreciating this days, no matter what their record is, just a word of advice from the Basketball Gods. Enjoy this days.

Toronto Raptors: They have a Colangelo running things. Isiah Thomas used to run their team. Pretty good change, right?!

Atlanta Hawks: They are 14-12. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are playing the more mature type of basketball we've seen from them. Al Hortford might pan out as the second best rookie of the 2007 class.

Milwaukee Bucks: They get to keep Yi and Mo Williams and they are in the Eastern Conference which means that it doesn't matter how mediocre they are they still have a chance to get in the playoffs.

Stupidness 1.2

Steve “Franchise” is coming back to the franchise that saw him become an All Star. Good for Francis, I’m really glad for the guy, he’s going to play in a familiar territory and he never really fit with those Knicks, maybe because sharing a backcourt with Marbury is like sharing a pie with Val Kilmer this days. My issue (among others) here is that I really don’t understand this from the Rockets point of view. They have 2 scorers and no true point guard, they decided to add another scorer, who calls himself a point guard, but he’s actually a scorer who like to shot a lot in order to score a lot,you know he being a scorer. They now have 3 scorers and the making of a huge catfight for the ball in a middle of a game. SCORER!. If the word scorer just lost the meaning to you, you probably need to score to reconnect to the sense of the word, if you know what I mean. Be a scorer. Score.

Does this propel Houston pass their Texas buddies? Hell no! But it will be interesting when China calls Houston to said that they are not helping Yao achieve the exultation of capturing glory and that they must kill Francis. Houston will probably be ok with this as long as the murdered Francis' contract doesn't count against the cap.

In another bonehead move, the Suns are trading their (only) best post defender and only player who’s not afraid of the boogeyman to the Sonics for a second round pick and a $8 million trade exception. If Phoenix don’t get KG or Jermainel O’neal, I’m officially getting of the Steve Kerr’s bandwagon and proclaiming that the Suns just wasted the last couple of good years on Steve Nash “rebirth”. Really, Kerr appears to be a good guy, he went through a lot of bad shit before hitting the NBA, he was a great color commentator, a great shooter, but I don’t see how a team in the position the Phoenix is can rely in a rookie GM, they are piece or two (three now) away from really contending, they’re in a crappy CAP position, they need somebody who knows what he or she’s doing, I’m not saying Steve’s doesn’t, but if he’s going to show growing pains handling this team and make a mistake here or there, it would be a great opportunity missed for them do to something special and signing it’s ticket to the basketball Olympus.

Let’s just hope this is step one; I’m not the only one thinking it