Matsuzakashoes

The last Red Sox pitcher to knock in more than one run in a World Series game was Babe Ruth, who hit a two-run triple against the Cubs in Game 4 in 1918.

Round 14 (the end...)

157. Rashad McCants
158. Joakim Noah
159. Linus Kleiza
160. Channing Frye
161. Anderson Varejao
162. Jeff Foster
163. Cuttino Mobley
164. Hakim Warrick
165. Renaldo Balkman
166. Jeff Green
167. Acie Law
168. Earl Watson

Round 13

145. Shane Battier
146. Brendon Haywood
147. Matt Barnes
148. Ryan Gomes
149. Jerry Stackhouse
150. Quentin Richardson
151. Joel Przybilla
152. Luke Ridnour
153. Jason Williams
154. Damien Wilkins
155. Bobby Simmons
156. Kyle Korver

Round 12

133. Jose Calderon
134. Raja Bell
135. Kenyon Martin
136. Antonio McDyess
137. Kendrick Perkins
138. Mo Pete
139. Marquis Daniels
140. Jason Maxiell
141. Charlie Bell
142. Jorge Garbajosa
143. Mikail Pietrus
144. John Salmons

Round 11

121. Luis Scola
122. Tim Thomas
123. Charlie Villanueva
124. Paul Millsap
125. Peja Stojakavic
126. Al Thornton
127. Tyrus Thomas
128. Grant Hill
129. Kyle Lowry
130. Sam Cassell
131. Yi
132. Elton Brand

Round 10

109. Hedo Turkolu
110. Larry Hughes
111. Delonte West
112. Zaza Pachulia
113. Darko Milicic
114. Brevin Knight
115. Luke Walton
116. Troy Murphy
117. Ronnie Brewer
118. Ruben Patterson
119. Andres Nocioni
120. Anthony Parker

Round 9

97. Jamal Crawford
98. Jarret Jack
99. Mike Bibby
100. Al Horford
101. Marvin Williams
102. Randy Foye
103. Jamaal Magliore
104. Andrew Bynum
105. Devin Harris
106. Mike Dunleavy
107. Rafer Alston
108. Stephen Jackson

Round 8

85. Nick Collison
86. Eddy Curry
87. Rudy Gay
88. Drew Gooden
89.Rajon Rondo
90. Jameer Nelson
91. Andrea Bargnani
92. Shaq
93. Tayshaun Prince
94. Zydrunas Ilgauskus
95. Udonis Haslem
96. Brad Miller

Round 7

73. Richard Jefferson
74. Danny Granger
75. Ricky Davis
76. Sam Dalembert
77. Nene
78. Josh Childress
79. Jason Terry
80. Stephon Marbury
81. Jamaal Tinsley
82. Nenad Kristic
83. David Lee
84. Chris Kaman

Round 6

61. Kevin Martin
62. Mike Miller
63. Andrei Kirilenko
64. Chris Wilcox
65. Kevin Durant
66. Leandro Barbosa
67. Al Harrington
68. Richard Hamilton
69. Ben Gordon
70. Manu Ginobili
71. Monta Ellis
72. Boris Diaw

Round 5

49. Ray Felton
50. Andrew Bogut
51. David West
52. Andris Biedrins
53. Mehmet Okur
54. Ron Artest
55. Lamar Odom
56. Brandon Roy
57. Mo Williams
58. Ben Wallace
59. Rasheed Wallace
60. Corey Magette

Round 4

37. Kirk Hinrich
38. Ray Allen
39. Chauncey Billups
40. Joe Johnson
41. Rashard Lewis
42. Andre Miller
43. Jason Richardson
44. Tyson Chandler
45. TJ Ford
46.Michael Redd
47. Tony Parker
48. Antawn Jamison

Round 3

25. Al Jefferson
26. Emeka Okafur
27. Jermaine O'Neal
28. Luol Deng
29. Paul Pierce
30. Allen Iverson
31. Marcus Camby
32. Gerald Wallace
33. Zach Randolph
34. LaMarcus Aldridge
35. Josh Howard
36. Caron Butler

Round 2

13. Amare
14. Yao
15. Bosh
16. Kidd
17. Chris Paul
18. Josh Smith
19. Carlos Boozer
20. Carmelo Anthony
21. Andre Iguadala
22. Deron Williams
23. Vince Carter
24. Baron Davis

Round 1...

1. KG
2. LeBron
3. Kobe
4. TD
5. Matrix
6. Pau
7. D Wade
8. Dwight Howard
9. Dirk
10. Agent Zero
11. Tracy McGrady
12. Steve Nash

Behold the Future: 07-08 League Preview

So, I had some time on a couple of business trips and whatta know, I am writing up a little ole League preview in the Outside Shot stylie.

Alright, I will admit that its probably fairest to attribute my inspiration to the return to relevance for the Boston Celtics. I think they are going to win the East.

I also have a good feeling this will be a very competitive, entertaining year around the League. While the Spurs and the West remain the best, the seismic forces have begun to slowly shift the balance of power. Some young teams are going to surprise. Some once-young teams are going to blossom. All that and LeBron is just approaching his prime. Exciting stuff.

Here is the Western Conference:

Northwest Division: Home of the Portland Trailblazers

Pacific Division: Where the Sea Is Ruled by the Sand

Southwest Division: Spicy Home Cookin' Burns Visitors


I list teams by predicted order of regular season finish within the division.

Enjoy

Behold the Future: 07-08 Southwest Division

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Southwest Division: The Toast of the West, deep in the heart of Texas. From Here Come Champions.

San Antonio

F Bruce Bowen F Ime Udoka
F Tim Duncan F Robert Horry F Tiago Splitter
C Fabricio Oberto C Francisco Elson
G Michael Finely G Manu Ginobili G Brent Barry
G Tony Parker G Jacque Vaughn G Beno Udrih

The NBA history books will refer to this past decade at the Duncan-Shaq era. Since 1999 each big man has four titles, with only the Pistons sneaking into the Championship club. Pretty impressive stuff when you consider that Timmy’s Spurs are odds-on favorites to repeat. Say what you will about Pop, Tony and Manu, or the Spurs culture; Duncan’s singular greatness is absolutely the story of San Antonio’s success. His ability and technique protect the rim like no other player I have had the pleasure of watching. Sure Mt. Mutumbo, Zo and others have had better numbers. But notice how teams playing the Spurs always seem to miss easy close in shots. That is Mr. Duncan. And that bank shot from 18 feet? Killer. He is the game’s greatest power forward, and he is not done yet.
But enough about plain old Tim. His teammates have some juice of their own. Tony Parker has clearly established himself as a premier guard in a guard rich League. Like Duncan, he is often over-looked on the NBA’s short list of ‘superstars.’ Yet he blows by folks off the dribble like he is running a drill around orange cones. His ability to finish is unreal. Manu Ginobili is another world beater often omitted from the ‘who’s who’ conversation. The Argentinean Artisan has as wicked a combo of athleticism and guile as any of the NBA elite. His willingness to be a 6th man makes him all the more dangerous in the Spurs scheme. Aside from the Euro Duo, the Spurs are getting a little long in the tooth on the perimeter. Bowen, Horry and Finley are likely on their final victory tour, and the bench brigade of Udoka, Barry and Vaughn is far from youthful. Nevertheless, they remain a super cohesive a unit that compliments Duncan, Parker and Manu. Center remains a bit of a question mark. Oberto is a solid role player who plays with superior intelligence. Whether he or back-up Francisco Elson would play much on another team is a real question. Whether that matters belies the wonder of the Spurs dominance.
Unless the Suns or the Rockets wrest away the Western crown, Timmy and boring bunch are lined up for their 5th Championship in 10 years.


Dallas

F Josh Howard F Devean George F Eddie Jones
F Dirk Nowitski F Brandon Bass F Nick Fazekas
C DeSanaga Diop C Erick Dampier
G Jason Terry G Jerry Stackhouse G Maurice Ager
G Devin Harris G Jose Juan Barea

When the Celtics were swept by the Don Nelson led Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the 1983 playoffs, humiliation turned to motivation. Larry Bird, who had struggled against a smaller, quicker Paul Pressey, went nut in the off-season and the C’s hung banner 15 the following year. Dirk is no Larry. But he was flummoxed by a Nelson gimmick defense, and certainly should be inspired to kick major arse in the coming season. The 29 year old forward remains one of the top ten players in the League. His running mates are all young and relatively healthy. His coach is a superb motivator and a defensive whiz. Everything is lined up for serious run at the Finals in Big D.
So why am I so doubtful? Maybe it is because the Mavs shoulda had their come to Jesus after blowing the Heat series. Maybe it is because for all of the Mavs vaunted depth, aside from (including?) Nowitski they lack a go-to scorer. Or maybe it is simply because I do not see the Mavs inspiring fear in teams, despite their franchise record 67 wins.
Josh Howard, Jason Terry and Devin Harris are all very talented young players. Their versatility and athleticism allow Avery Johnson outstanding flexibility both in style of play and potential line-ups. Howard, in particular, can be a game changer. On the other hand Dallas’ bigs are one-dimensional and currently banged up. I also have serious reservations about the aging Stackhouse and newly acquired, similarly old Eddie Jones. Both are still decent, but how much help can they give the Mavs when they play the same position?
Dallas will be a much tougher out in the 2008 Playoffs, of that I am sure. Losing to Phoenix, San Antonio or Houston in game 6 or 7 the Second Round is a more dignified fate.


Houston

F Tracy McGrady F Steve Novick
F Luis Scola F Chuck Hayes F Jackie Butler
C Yao Ming C Dikembe Mutumbo
G Shane Battier G Bonzi Wells G Luther Head
G Rafer Alston G Steve Francis G Mike James G Aaron Brooks

Houston is scary. While their Texas neighbors appropriately garner most of the accolades as League powerhouses, the Rockets have assembled quite a squad around Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady. The Rocket’s additions of a humbled Steve Francis, power forward Luis Scola, and back-up guard Mike James (while giving up ALMOST NOTHING) have vaulted Houston into position to challenge all comers in the West. New coach Rick Adelman is a big time winner. His teams always rebound and run, a welcome twist for the sometimes offensively challenged Rockets. Further, Rocket boosters are hoping he can resurrect the mercurial Bonzi Wells, giving Houston ample scoring options for a deep post season run.
Post-season success would be uncharted territory for All-Stars Ming and McGrady. Though health remains a concern for both players, each is in his prime and neither has been so well positioned to play into May and June. While Francis detractors have scoffed at his return to Houston, even in his ‘down years’ Stevie is a load for opponents to handle. Paired with McGrady and Yao, Francis may well be reborn into a top-notch complimentary player.
With San Antonio ruling the roost, and Dallas and the Suns running a close second and third, Houston has a steep hill to climb. But with a strong regular season and the 5 spot in the Playoff seeding, Houston will only have to beat 2 of the three top dogs to reach the Finals.


Memphis

F Rudy Gay F Tarence Kinsey F Brian Cardinal
F Paul Gasol F Hakim Warrick
C Darko Milicic C Stromille Swift
G Mike Miller G Juan Carlos Navarro G Casey Jacobsen
G Mike Conley G Damon Stoudamire G Kyle Lowry

Can a new coach and GM salvage the train wreck that was the 2006-07 Grizzlies’ season? This guy says yes. Despite their abysmal showing last year, the Griz have one of the finest players in the world in Pau Gasol, a deep range bomber in his prime with Mike Miller, and a talented cadre of young uns led by Rudy Gay, Darko Milicic and Mike Conley. Tearing a page from the Suns, coach Ivaroni will take advantage of his team quickness and the full 90 feet of open court. Though expecting a Suns redux in Memphis is unrealistic with either the rookie Conley or the vet Damon Stoudamire playing the Nash role, do not be shocked if Memphis remains in the playoff hunt until early April.
Gasol is maligned and under-estimated by NBA types for reasons I do not understand. His offensive game is efficient and he knows how to involve teammates. He is an above average shot blocker and rebounder, and clearly has the will to win. Though I am not as high on Mike Miller, there is no question that the kid can fill it up, and he will see many open shots under Ivaroni. Gay is redonkulous from a talent stand point--Shawn Marion two inches taller. It is only a matter of time before the UConn product reaches star status. Hakim Warrick will be another success story for the galloping Griz with his ability to run the floor and finish above the rim. If Darko can bring some consistency to the frontcourt and Conley proves capable of starting watch out. Though they will likely return to the lottery in 08, a new day has dawned in Memphis.


New Orleans

F Peja Stojakovic F Julian Wright F Marcus Vinicius
F David West F Hilton Armstrong
C Tyson Chandler C Melvin Ely
G Morris Peterson G Rasual Butler
G Chris Paul G Bobby Jackson G Jannero Pargo

Despite a promising young core of talented young players, New Orleans will likely be on the outside looking in when it comes to the 2008 post season. Chris Paul is a major talent at the point guard slot. Like a mini-LeBron, Paul has lived up to the substantial hype that welcomed his arrival to the League. His on-court leadership and big time game allow the Hornets to play with most any team. The surprising David West joins the peaking Tyson Chandler to lead the frontcourt. West plays with a consistency and poise befitting a 10-year vet. Though unspectacular, his game is economic and effective. Chandler is set up to have a monster year, having developed confidence while rubbing elbows with the stars on Team USA.
Weak perimeter play spells trouble for the Hornets, however, and in the unforgiving Western Conference, I am unsure the young fellas can carry their team. Even assuming that Peja Stojakovic can return to the court, his game has been on the decline for the past three years. Though he may regain his shooting touch, he was always over matched defending the wing. That will only get worse. Morris Peterson is not exactly going to help the Hornets D, and the balance of the New Orleans’ perimeter players are best suited as role players. Rookie Julian Wright could offer some help at the small forward, but his contributions are much more likely to be on the offensive end. On the bright side, the Hornets have a home-grown talent in young big Hilton Armstrong to help hold down the lane and clean the boards for the second unit.
If the Lakers or Golden State disappoint, the Hornets have a chance for the post-season. Otherwise they will have to make due with 35-40 wins and hope for next year.

Northwest Division: Top Teams Need Perimeter Help, Bottom Dwellers Need to Get Better

Pacific Division: The Suns' Run Continues While GState Challenges for the Best in Cali

Behold the Future: 07-08 Pacific Division

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Pacific Division: Lakers or Warriors Will Give Phoenix a Chase through All-Star break


Phoenix Suns

F Grant Hill F Alando Tucker F Eric Piatowski
F Shawn Marion F Sean Marks
C Amare Stoudamire C Boris Diaw
G Raja Bell G Leandro Barbosa G D.J. Strawberry
G Steve Nash G Marcus Banks

A month ago, I was feelin the Suns as likely NBA Champs. Now with a trade request from the Matrix and a knee scope for Amare, I am not so sure.
Ego is everywhere, even in the best of us humans. Generally, I am sympathetic to the human condition, and try not to judge such innate behavior too harshly. But when someone as fortunate Shawn Marion bemoans his fate as the highest paid player on the League’s most enjoyable team as they prepare for a run at a Championship, I gotta shake my head. What are you thinking, Shawn?
With the maestro Steve Nash at the helm, a healthy Amare patrolling the paint, and Leandro Barbosa exploding past the competition, the Suns are in perfect position to bring Phoenix its first Larry O’Brien trophy. . . that is assuming Marion doesn’t pee in the pool. With his defense, rebounding and ability to score without having plays run for him, Marion is the glue guy that allows for the Suns style to flourish. He lines up against 4’s and excels despite giving up 2-3 inches and 20-30 pounds every night. If Marion departs without being adequately replaced (read Andrei Kirilenko), it will not matter what new dimension Grant Hill Mach 3 brings to the Valley of the Sun. Nor will it matter if Boris Diaw discovers his 2006 form.
Though a Nash-Stoudemire led Suns will win a bunch of games with or without the Matrix, any dreams of Championship glory are on hold until this Marion saga is resolved.


Golden State Warriors

F Stephen Jackson F Matt Barnes F Stephane Lasme
F Al Harrington F Brandan Wright F Austin Croshere
C Andris Biedrins C Patrick O’Bryant C Kosta Perovic
G Marco Belinelli G Monta Ellis
G Baron Davis G Troy Hudson

After languishing in extreme suckativity for over a decade, the Golden State Warriors seem to have finally put together a squad capable of winning. Maybe it was the return of Nellie, or maybe Baron Davis’ relatively injury free season, or maybe the crazy one-sided trade with Indiana that brought in gamers Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington. Whatever the cause of their success in 2007, Golden State enters this season with expectations of bigger and better things. Considering they jettisoned a bona fide scorer like Richardson for a rookie who will apparently play very little (Wright), this may be a tall order.
The key to another Warriors playoff run remains the health of Davis. The game’s most explosive point guard, Davis has missed an average of 26 games per season the past 5 years. That said, Davis supporting cast is strong especially playing Nellie’s frenetic style. Despite his shoot first mentality and penchant for off-court trouble, Jackson is as crafty and tenacious as any perimeter player in the League. Throw in Nellie’s prize rookie Marco Belinelli, rising star Monta Ellis, new back-up pg Troy Hudson and versatile forwards Harrington and Matt Barnes, and G-State definitely has the crew to put up major points.
Defense remains a concern. Andris Biedrins is a human pogo stick, with the court speed and shot blocking to be effective for the Warriors. Aside from Biedrins and Jackson, the rest of the squad are mad cap matadors banking on their ability to fill it up. Assuming Davis plays 65 or more games, the Warriors should return to post-season glory. Pulling off another first round upset is another story, probably requiring major contributions from the combo of Belinelli, Ellis and Biedrins.



Los Angeles Lakers

F Luke Walton F Vlad Radmanovic
F Lamar Odom F Kwame Brown F Ronny Turiaf
C Andrew Bynum C Chris Mihm F Brian Cook
G Kobe Bryant G Maurice Evans
G Derek Fisher G Jordan Farmar G Javaris Crittenton

The Kob-ster outdid himself this off-season. He displayed both his unparalleled talent, dominating for Team USA, and his unending selfishness, lambasting his teammates and the Laker front office. Kobe is the best player in the League. His presence alone makes the Lakers competitive. But for the Lakers (or whatever team Bryant might play for) to reach greatness, Kobe has to get over his bad self. Even if it is true that young center Andrew Bynum could have been traded for Jason Kidd, what is the point of publicly berating the 20-year old pivot. Sure Lamar Odom has not been the Shaq replacement the Lakers lack, but is Marion or even Jermaine O’Neal going to improve things that much? Does anyone recall Odom lost a child last summer, and then played through injuries the entire season? Surely Kobe acts like he has forgotten.
I am not saying the Lakers have the requisite talent to challenge the Western elites. But if this team has any chance of a post-season run, Kobe must have an entirely different disposition. Bynum actually has the tools to do some damage in this League. Odom, when healthy, has been better than folks credit him. Point guard remains big question mark, but even an aging Derek Fisher is an improvement over the Smush-master, and the young cats Farmar and Crittenton both seem well suited for Phil’s vaunted triangle. Luke Walton has been a pleasant surprise, and though he will never be an All-Star, he is a legit starter.
Kobe’s game gets LA to the Playoffs. How far they go after that depends on his teammates.



Los Angeles Clippers

F Ruben Patterson F Quinton Ross F Al Thorton
F Tim Thomas F Josh Powell F Elton Brand*
C Chris Kaman C Aaron Williams
G Corey Maggette G Cuttino Mobley G Guillermo Diaz
G Sam Cassell G Brevin Knight G Jared Jordan

Still playing second fiddle in the City of Lights. Dang. When the Clips acquired Sam Cassell two seasons ago to run with up-and-comer Shaun Livingston, they figured they had a three year window to supplant the Lakers as the toast of tinsel town. Snap goes Shawn’s knee. Pop goes Elton’s Achilles. Poof goes the Clippers dreams. The aging backcourt of Cassell and Cuttino Mobley is in big trouble in the ever-tough West. With a weak back court and without Brand to anchor the frontline, the Clips are going to struggle mightily. Look for Corey Maggette to take Mobley’s starting spot to fill the scoring void and the combo of Ruben Patterson and Tim Thomas to battle on the blocks in Brand’s stead.
Chris Kaman will likely have a much better year than last season’s debacle. The young man has serious size and decent tools for the pivot. He is also just 25. If the Patterson/Thomas combo falls short at the forward slot, do not be surprised to see a break out season from journeyman Josh Powell. Though he has hardly logged a meaningful minute in his first two years, Powell has shown signs with all of the teams he has played, err, practiced for.
The long and short of it is that even if Maggette and Kaman has their best seasons ever, the rest of the squad is questionable at best. The Clips are guaranteed lock for a mid-lottery pick.



Sacramento Kings

F Ron Artest F Francisco Garcia
F Shareef Abdur Rahim F Kenny Thomas F Justin Williams
C Brad Miller C Spencer Hawes C Mikki Moore
G Kevin Martin G John Salmons G Quincy Douby
G Mike Bibby G Orien Greene

Has any player aside from Steve Francis fallen off farther than Mike Bibby over the past few seasons? Remember when he was in that Chris Paul/Deron Williams ‘point guard of the future’ category? Doesn’t seem so long ago. But now 29, Bibby finds himself on a downward slide, leading a team of cast-offs, used-to-be’s and role players. . . oh, yeah, and Kevin Martin. I am not sold on Martin. Sure, he can play. So could Jeff Malone and Hersey Hawkins. But how far can high scoring two-guard take a team that is otherwise a drift in a sea of mediocrity?
As for the other notable Kings, Ron Artest is supposedly is super shape and ready to play at a high level again, whatever that means. Artest’s emotional stability remains a significant question mark, and thus he is not to be relied upon. Brad Miller, who in fact does rival Bibby on the descent towards ineffectiveness, seems to have lost his (brief) spark. Never a great shot blocker, his increasingly slow feet do little to guard the King’s painted area. The two-headed shmonster of Abdur-Rahim and Kenny Thomas inspires fear in no one. Reggie Theus is going to wish he was coaching his Hang Time squad by mid-December. Sacramento = Suckramento.


Southwest Division: New Orleans and Memphis are Pretty Decent Teams That Will Get Burried in the SW

Northwest Division: Melo is the Best in the NW. Is Deron Williams Second? Sorta Crazy If Its True

Behold the Future: 07-08 Northwest Division

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Northwest Division: Utah and Denver Better Git It While They Can in the YBGO

Utah Jazz

F Andrei Kirilenko F Matt Harpring
F Carlos Boozer F Paul Milsap
C Memhet Okhur C Kyrylo Fesenko C Jarron Collins
G Gordon Giricek G Ronnie Brewer G Maurice Almond
G Deron Williams G Jason Hart G Ronnie Price

Wow. Before Andrei Kirilenko made his request for a trade, the Jazz were positioning themselves to challenge for a top spot in the West. Now, with major uncertainty at small forward and shooting guard, Utah may be looking at a step backwards in 07-08. With Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, Memo Okhur and the disgruntled Kirlenko as the nucleus, the Jazz have as promising a young team as there is in the NBA. Throw in second year hero Paul Milsap and newbie Kyrylo Fesenko, and Utah has the lumber to wreck havoc even in the wicked West.
But Kirilenko’s discontent raises serious doubts for Utah’s immediate success. Despite the excellent leadership from pg Williams and the front line beef, Utah is searching for consistent perimeter play from its wing players in a manner not unlike the Stockton-Malone days (excepting the ‘Hornacek era’, of course). They have some young guys, but Sloany doesn't really take to the younger set. Even the versatile Kirilenko is more of a power forward than a wing guy. Maybe Utah needs to seize this opportunity and trade AK for a real small forward? The Jazz would miss his shot blocking and it is always hard to give up on a 26 year old former All-Star.
Or maybe the Jazz should jettison the curmudgeon coach Jerry Sloan. His blow-up with Carlos Arroyo several years back still leaves me scratching my head. I mean, even if you get fed up with a player, Sloan’s tactics of bench banishment dropped Arroyo’s value to the point Utah had to give him away for a draft pick. . . and Arroyo was a hot commodity back then.
Utah will battle Denver for the top spot in the Northwest, but unless Kirilenko is traded or has a change of heart, the Jazz will be undone by weak perimeter play.


Denver Nuggets

F Carmelo Anthony F Linus Klieza
F Kenyon Martin F Eduardo Najera
C Marcus Camby C Nene C Stephen Hunter
G J.R. Smith G Yakhouba Diawara G Bobby Jones
G Allen Iverson G Chucky Atkins G Anthony Carter

An enigma to be sure, Denver boasts as impressive a core of bona fide NBA stars as any team in the League. Even beyond the power trio of Melo, AI and Camby, big men Nene and Kenyon Martin offer the Nugs as formidable a frontline as the League has to offer. . . that is of course if they can stay healthy. Denver has outstanding potential of perimeter young guns J.R. Smith and Linus Klieza, long range bombers with a full set of offensive tools. . . who can barely guard at their positions. Then there is the issues of line-ups: AI has never been a prototypical point guard, but can you imagine Karl trotting out the small ball combo of Chucky Atkins and Iverson night in night out? Can AI even fake guarding the two-guard position at 32? Is playing Yakhouba Diawara or Bobby Jones even really an option if Smith proves incapable of starting?
Even with all these questions, the Nuggets should find themselves squarely in the mix for the Northwest Division title. Melo has raised his game every year, and after a superb Team USA campaign, look for Baltimore’s finest to dominate all comers in 07-08. Though Iverson is not what he was during his MVP run of 2001, a full training camp should prepare the focused vet to deliver a strong season for Denver. Finally, the Camby-man has quietly asserted himself as one of the best centers in the game. If these three guys and either Nene or Martin are all healthy come playoffs, they could make some noise with the Western big boys.


Portland Trail Blazers

F James Jones F Travis Outlaw F Darius Miles
F LaMarcus Aldridge F Channing Frye F Josh McRoberts
C Joel Przybilla C Raef Lafrentz
G Brandon Roy G Martell Webster
G Jarrett Jack G Steve Blake G Taureen Green

Even before Greg Oden went down for the year, Portland was likely going to take a step back record-wise in the 07-08 season. Recent word that Brandon Roy’s reoccurring foot trouble has resurfaced adds to the cloudy forecast for the Rose City’s rim wreckers. Trading away a 20-10 producer like Z-bo, and then letting Steve Francis walk for nothing in return may have made some sense for the Blazers long term vision. But relying on two second-year players, regardless of how talented they may be, to carry your scoring load over the 82 is usually a quick path to lotto-ville. Make no mistake: Roy and fellow super soph LaMarcus Aldridge are the real deal. The young fellas have the potential to be big time stars on both sides of the ball. Durability remains a serious question, as does scoring against defenses geared to stop them.
Z-bo’s departure does have some immediate impact beyond the loss of sure scoring: Nate McMillan will have his squad playing at a higher tempo this season. With additions of Channing Frye, James Jones, Steve Blake and Taureen Green, the Blazers have the personnel to excel with a pressing/running game. Assuming that they can get steady point guard play from Jarret Jack and Steve Blake and stability in the pivot from Przybilla, Frye and Lafrentz, the Blazers will likely win 30-35 games. Perhaps if they get better than expected production from the still young (23 year old) Travis Outlaw or a miracle return to health by Darius ‘the Punisher’ Miles, Portland could push 40 wins. In the Year Before Greg Oden (YBGO), that would be something.


Minnesota Timberwolves

F Corey Brewer F Ryan Gomes F Gerald Green
F Al Jefferson F Juwan Howard F Craig Smith
C Mark Blount C Theo Ratliff
G Ricky Davis G Rashad McCants
G Randy Foye G Sebastian Telfair G Marco Jaric

Sad days in the Twin Cities. Though hopefully not as hapless as they were in the Pooh Richardson era, the TWolves hit the court for the 07-08 season with a rag-tag group of former sucker Celtics and potential wanna-bees that portends many loses. Certainly Al Jefferson is a proven commodity, but is he really a mainstay in the big, bad West? How much can Minnesota expect from the unproven Randy Foye running the show? Will the combo of perimeter youngsters Gerald Green, Corey Brewer and Rashad McCants be able to produce the 30-35 points a night the Wolves will need to compete? How do vets like Ricky Davis, Mark Blount and Marco Jaric fit in? I fear the answers to all of these questions suggest much misery for McHale’s misfits.
Craig Smith and Ryan Gomes are pitted to renew their college rivalry in a battle for minutes backing up the forward slots. . . which is too bad. If either were on a decent team, they would be great role players. For the Wolves, they will likely play sporadically depending on injuries and Whitman’s whims.
As for Juwan Howard’s trade request: Pure comedy. Like his comrades Jalen and Chris, the former Fab Fiver’s window done closed a few seasons ago. He and Theo “Ouch, I’m out for the season” Ratliff can serve as valuable mentors to the kiddie club while earning mega-millions. Not bad for has beens. Brighter days may be ahead, but expect a long cold winter in Target Center.


Seattle Supersonics

F Kevin Durant F Jeff Green
F Chris Wilcox F Nick Collison
C Robert Swift C Kurt Thomas C Johan Petro C Mouhamed Sene
G Wally Szczerbiak G Damien Wilkins
G Delonte West G Earl Watson G Luke Ridnour

The Sonics are in serious trouble. While I believe that Kevin Durant is going to be great in this League, this year he will constantly be fighting upstream. With their youth and personnel, Seattle is going to struggle defensively. Delonte West and Earl Watson provide some ability to pressure the ball, and the trio of 21 year old centers all can block shots, but things get pretty sketchy after that. P.J. will help a lot with the development of the Sonics young bigs on D and on the boards, but in the meantime they are gonna let up a lot of points. This idea of Durant playing 2 is a defensive nightmare. Carlesimo had Harvey Grant lining up at 2 before he was run out of Portland in the 90’s, so the idea is not unprecedented. But after Kevin Martin lights up the rook for 15 in a first quarter*, the experiment will end.
Unfortunately, I think the Sonic offense will be worse than their defense. Yeah, sure, Durant has spectacular potential. But when Seattle lost their only two players who command the attention of help defenders, they put themselves in position to be one of the League’s worst. Durant will be asked to carry an incredible offensive load with highly questionable running mates ‘playing’ off the 19 year old. Uggh. A healthy Wally Szczerbiak might offer some relief. But Wally’s had the injury bug for quite some time now, missing 30 or more games 3 out of the last five seasons. Aside from Durant, Szczerbiak and sometimes Ridnour, there is no one on this team who can reliably create scoring opportunities for himself. Bummer.
If Ridnour could regain his confidence and play some defense, maybe the Sonics avoid the basement. Look for Collison, Wilkins and West to play well amidst the suckiness. Is this the sad swan song of Sonics in Seattle?

* I swear to Big Papi I wrote that before Martin actually lit up Durant for 14 first quarter points in the first game of pre-season. . . truly. But I was wrong about that ending the experiment


Pacific Division: The Mighty Kings Have Fallen. Are the Lakers Close Behind?

Southwest Division: If Memphis Improves, Toughest Division in American Professional Sports

Getting Ready For the Draft

I am not looking forward to Saturday the 28th - sure to be a day of incompetence.

Better to just push on a few ideas and see what returns:

1. Shaq is baq - "This is the first time I've had time to get ready," O'Neal told Florida reporters before sitting out practice later in the week with tendinitis. "I've always played through the season, and I'm always taking 15 or 20 days off just to reset my body. But when you win as many championships as I do, you're done in June and you're back in September. Now I had time to get ready."

2. Pick Noah over Thomas to emerge from the Bulls bench - Joakin has a work ethic Skiles will love. He will be hi-ku in motion flashing elbows and knees alongside Wallace under the boards. And icing on the cake, Noah is 18 month older and has played in more big games than Thomas.

New season, tough start

I didn't want to be the one to knock Olowoke and Mike off the front of the page, I loved that post so much. But since we seem to be back up and running, it's time to post yet again.

As the final Zeke apologist among our crowd, I feel compelled to say that I've had it. I'll always remember the great championships and will love him as a player. But he's been such a disaster in his post-playing days, ruining the CBA, underachieving with a good Pacers team, and somehow making the post-Layden Knicks worse. But the sexual harassment suit does it for me. Whatever the truth, it's more than clear that he's an arrogant asshole. So so long, Zeke, I can only be glad that the Pistons sized you up for who you are and cut ties.

Here's the best thing I've seen so far about it, from Miss Gossip at the Fanhouse via Detroit Bad Boys:

Better late than never - 2007 Playoff predictions

Before we get to this new season, I have one piece of unfinished business: results of the 2006-2007 pre-season predictions.

Unfortunately -- these are really old. Plus, since we didn't do this at draft time, only a small group made predictions. K33, JLev, monkeyshoes, WB, Me-Wolves and me participated.

Hits
Everyone did a pretty good job at picking playoff teams. K33, Weedblazers and monkeyshoes all correctly predicted San Antonio vs. Cleveland for the championship, with the Spurs prevailing. Everyone picked Roy for ROY, natch.

Misses
Everyone picked the Clips to make the playoffs again, oops. And we all chose LeBron for MVP, except K33, who picked Tim Duncan.

No one saw the Raptors coming, and, of course, no one predicted GSW to go anywhere either. Biggest miss: JLev predicted the Clippers and Pacers would be in their respective conference championships (vs. 1-and-done Heat and Mavs), with Pacers prevailing and going on to the finals with the Mavs. Whoa, not even close. I picked the Mavs to win it all too -- my bad.

Minnesota Misses: 4 of 6 predicted the Wolves to go to the playoffs, only K33 and monkeyshoes resisted. Thanks for the love, Weedblazers. But it's time to turn the page, folks.

As unlikely as a Wolves playoff run sounds in KG-less hindsight, monkeyshoes picked Memphis to go to the playoffs. (Why Memphis, monkeyshoes? Why not the Wolves instead?) Meanwhile, MeWolves may have already shown a glimpse of becoming the Cee-Wolves, even before the KG trade. He picked the Celtics to make the playoffs in the final spot (even our friends from Boston failed to predict that.)

Moonball
I asked each of you to rank who would win Moonball, excluding yourselves. I was flattered to see Weedblazers and monkeyshoes guessed Red Black and Blue. Co-rrrect! The complete list of moonball predictions are below:

Red Black and Blue:
Moonball Winner: JLev Experience......Moonball Runner Up: Knick33

Knick33:
Moonball Winner: Weedblazers......Moonball Runner Up: JLev Experience

monkeyshoes
Moonball Winner: Red Black and Blue......Moonball Runner Up: Weed Blazers

Weedblazers
Moonball Winner: Red Black and Blue.......Moonball Runner Up: monkeyshoes

Me-Wolves:
Moonball Winner: Weedblazers.........Moonball Runner Up: Rathouse Gang

JLev
Moonball Winner: not applicable..........Moonball Runner Up: who cares?