My Favorite Second Round Series.

 Where to begin. To be honest, I thought it was going to be a blowout. Mr. Bryant played all 12 minutes of the 1st quarter, scoring 15 points on 7-11 shooting (64%). Mr. Gasol added 13 points on 5-5 shooting while playing 11 minutes. They combined for 12 of the Laker's 16 made field goals, which helped build a 39-25 lead after one. I don't know what happened after that.

 The game was tied at the half. L.A. was not playing with the same sense of urgency, and their defense was drastically different during those next 12 minutes. I don't really get what's going on with the Lakers right now... they're a championship caliber team. They made it to the NBA Finals with an injured Bynum and Ariza. After losing in 6 (with Game 6 being an embarrassing loss), you would think that the Lakers would own this postseason the way the Cavs have. In the Lakers' defense, the Cavaliers had to go through the worst team in the playoffs (Detroit) in order to get to the second round. The Jazz would've easily made the Eastern Conference Semifinals against seeds 4-8 in the East. The Rockets would dismantle the Hawks and actually challenge the Cavs. Despite these facts, the Lakers still won 65 games, and have 2 All-Stars in their starting lineup.

 Those 2 All-Stars, Kobe and Pau, are doing everything. And it doesn't make sense. This team has a strong starting lineup, one of the best benches in the league, and arguably the greatest NBA coach of all time. Yes, the Rockets are a physical and veteran team that match up well against the Lakers. Hmm... I'm pretty sure this is the kind of team the Lakers wanted to meet before the Finals. They should be doing a better job in proving that they can play a physical style of basketball for 7 games. If they do win the series, I think it'll help in the long run; The Lakers can use it as proof of their versatility and toughness. However, the Rockets now have homecourt advantage, and will not go down quietly.

 The best thing about Game 2? Now Shane Battier is sure he can't guard Kobe. You just keep putting a hand in his face, Shane. Mr. 81 will still make that shot... He actually spun around you, threw the ball off the glass, and finished over the 7'6" Yao Ming. I almost think calling you out was worth the technical.

 I'm not sure what Ron Artest's ejection means about the rest of this series. Kobe Bryant may go off, now having an immediate goal for this series. At the same time, Artest may come out with the intention of shutting Kobe down, and if he can stop him for a game or two, I'm not sure anyone besides Pau will step up for the Lakers. Then again, Ron Ron may have just relapsed, and this series will mark his transformation back into the crazy, run-into-the-stands Artest. I don't want to see that, honestly. He's made a lot of progress, and I hope he stays composed throughout the rest of the series (even though I'm going for the Lakers).

 Quite the interesting series already. Yay.

P.S. - Von Wafer was sent to the showers by his own coach. While sitting on the bench. I don't even know how that happens.

DE-FENSE.

 Okay, so i've been gone a while. I apologize for that (... I guess I'm apologizing to myself, really). I've missed a lot... irregardless (on my mean girls right now), we must move on.

 Dwight Howard and LeBron James made the All-Defensive 1st Team. Great, makes sense. Kobe being number 2 in 1st team votes? Ridiculous. For one, LBJ was number 2 in DOY voting. And Wade was third, leading all guards. So the "3rd best" defender (Wade) in the L is actually only good enough to make it to the All-Defensive 2nd team? I don't know how that makes sense. D-Wade is the shortest player in NBA history to register at least 100 blocks and 100 steals in a season. Actually, no one under 6'5" has ever had 100 blocks in a season. Wade was the first. HOW DOES THAT NOT PUT YOU ON THE NBA 1ST TEAM? 

 I love Kobe; You knew that already. But he doesn't spend every night guarding the opposing team's best player. Last year, during the finals, Kobe defended Rajon Rondo. Why? So that he could assert himself on the offensive end. In the first round of the '08-'09 Western Conference Playoffs, Kobe guarded Ronnie Brewer. RONNIE BREWER. While he does take it upon himself to guard some of the game's premier players, he has not had to do every game, the way Wade has had to. Kobe Bryant belongs on the 2nd team.

 

 KG missed a 1/3 of the season. Arguably the most important part of the year... And while he's still a great team defender, he's not the same player he used to be. 

 Chris Paul? Led the league in steals... if that means you deserve to be on the 1st team, then okay. Do I agree with it? Actually, I don't really care. I'd only give it to Rondo because he's a better rebounder.

 My 1st Team? Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo (or CP3. Really, who cares?), and... 

 BIRDMAN. Yes, Chris Andersen. I know I'm probably in the minority about this one, but this guy is scary on the defensive end. He not only blocks everything, he's annoying, always hustling, and never gives up on a play. I definitely want Chris Andersen playing defense for my team. He's an energy guy, who knows how to use his body in order to change shots and disrupt the opposing team's offensive flow.

2nd Team: KB24, CP3, TD... Yea, I'm done.

Trey All Day.

 I don't want to talk about Kobe's game high 31. I don't want to talk about Pau's 17 & 11, or Lamar's even more impressive 24-15. I don't want to talk about the Lakers blowing a 20 point lead in the 4th quarter when the game should've been over. I don't want to talk about the questionable non-calls going against the Jazz during their run (shout out to Jerry Sloan). I don't want to talk about the Lakers missing way too many free throws down the stretch which would've effectively iced the game. I don't even want to talk about Ronnie Price, whose pretentious style of play is not only annoying, but unnecessary. I'm lying, I do want to talk about that.

 Ronnie, I hope you somehow find this blog, and immediately label me as a hater. News flash: Your game isn't even overrated, because no one knows who you are (your game is like my blog... unknown & unimportant). There's a difference between playing with confidence, and playing with arrogance. You talk more trash than you play the game, and even when you're right about a call, you let your complaints define you. I'm not saying you should let your opponents walk all over you, but you should let your performance speak for itself. You have the talent, but based on one game (wow, what a great sample size), your character is still suspect.

  I only wanted to talk about Trevor Ariza, and this would've been a lot better if the Lakers hadn't blown such a big lead in a series-clinching game. However, a win is a win, and the Jazz won't get a chance to redeem themselves (aww... too bad). While the Jazz won't play a meaningful game until fall '09, the Lakers need Trevor to continue his strong play in the next round. 

 Ariza came into the L as a slasher, known for his ability to finish around the rim, and not much else. After playing for teams with no championship aspirations, Ariza landed in L.A., but was injured during last year's run to the Finals. This may have been a blessing in disguise, as Ariza began to work on his outside shot, something he never seemed comfortable with in years past. While he became a part of the rotation due to his tenacity on the defensive end, it's his ability to knock down shots that has made him one of the most important players on the Lakers.

 In his first 4 seasons, Trevor Ariza only took 43 three pointers, connecting on 9 of them (21%). In the 2008-2009 season, Trevor went 61-191 (32%) from behind the arc. His confidence is through the roof, and he's hit 11 of 18 (61%) three pointers in 5 postseason games. He is averaging 12-4-4.2, and is not only hitting open shots, but it also playing tough defense. In a recent conversation, a colleague called Ariza a lesser version of Kobe Bryant. While I'm not one for comparisons (especially those involving all-time greats), the similarities are there. Jellybean, Jr. entered the league known for his dunks, but with more playing time and exposure, emerged as a lockdown defender and deadly jump shooter. While Ariza still has a ways to go, he is only 23, and is fortunate to be under the tutelage of the world's most deadliest perimeter player (on both ends of the court).

 If the Lakers meet the Rockets (which seems likely) in the second round, either Shane Battier or Ron Artest will spend a lot of time guarding Trevor. They are both known for their defensive abilities, and are veterans with a lot more experience than Ariza. It'll be important to watch how he comes out and plays against this team. Let's hope he lives up to my hype.

121-63.

 Yet another rout featured on NBAtv. Seriously, they have to devise a way to allow for me to watch all of these games without missing anything. While a close game is definitely more entertaining, I would have loved to have watched this game. It was a make or break game for the Hornets. Game 4, at home. A win would tie up the series, and give NOLA momentum going back to Denver. A loss and the series is basically over.

 I didn't have to watch the game to know the Hornets came out flat in a must-win game. That's pretty much clear when you're outscored 36-15 in the first quarter. CP3 only made 2 of his 7 shots in 32 minutes, to go along with 6 turnovers. He was a non-factor in this game, but you cannot blame this loss on him. He's been playing his heart out this series, and has been asked to do way too much on both ends of the court. This is the problem with the Hornets: When Paul is not able to score or facilitate, the game is over. Your superstar cannot always bail you out, and when he's having a bad game, someone has to step up. Anyone. That's what you get paid to do.

 However, not being able to watch this game has left me wondering: Are the Nuggets really that good, or are the Hornets really that bad? This is not to take anything away from Denver, as this is only the second time in NBA history that a team has lost by 58 points in the playoffs. However, this team did not look quite this impressive during the regular season, and I'm unsure if they can really challenge the Lakers. Yea, I went there. Beating up on a 7th seed doesn't mean much, and the only battle tested players on this team are Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin. Even still, Mr. Big Shot has changed the culture and the character of this team, and is also a former Finals MVP. K-Mart played in back-to-back NBA Finals. We'll see where that experience takes them if they can get through the Mavs in the second round (the Mavs better win that series).

 P.S. - When a player on your team gets two 4 point plays in 11 seconds, you can't lost that game. You just can't. Well, I guess you can. Thanks, Miami.

Another Classic.

 The Bulls and the Celtics just keep doing it. Yet another game went into extra minutes. 10 to be exact. Yes, double overtime.

 UConn seems to breed clutch shooters. Ray Allen & Ben Gordon, anyone?

 Through 4 games, Rajon Rondo is averaging 23.3 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 10 assists. That, Ladies and gentlemen, is a triple-double.

 D-Rose, you were so close. Just one assist shy... I have a feeling you'll get another opportunity. In this series.

 

 

The Kobe Reads This Blog.

 The Kobe reads this blog, and does not disappoint. I told you, didn't I? Kobe went 16-24 (67%) from the field and made all five of his free throws. No one could guard him, especially not Ronnie Brewer. In Game 3, with Ronnie on him, Kobe only scored 10 points, on 3-16 shooting. In Game 4? Kobe had 25 against Brewer, on 12-14 shooting (one of those misses being an unnecessary shot in the waning seconds of the 4th quarter).

 Once again, you cannot doubt Kobe's killer instinct. Although I missed the first half due to a long-time family friend's birthday party (hey, these things take precedence over the playoffs), what I did see in the second was a "business as usual" Kobe, asserting himself on the offensive end. And this is what makes Lebron different from (and in some ways, inferior to) Mr. Bryant. The Black Mamba didn't do it with a smile on his face, and wasn't on the bench slapping fives and joking around. It's not because Kobe doesn't believe in fun (Captain Blood), it's because he takes this game seriously, and that's why he's been the League's premier player for so many years. This man is a professional, who goes to work and gets it done. He never takes a second off; He is in game mode from opening tip to the final buzzer. That's why he's the game's best closer. And it's also why you can't stop him.

 And go Mavs. Well, don't go Spurs.

Post Script.

 Bill, how could there only be "two acceptable candidates for the question, 'Who was the greatest NBA team of all-time?'" I'm guessing you're going with the '85-'86 Celtics, who had a 67-15 record (NBA all-time best 40-1 at home... good job Cavs), and the '95-'96 Bulls, the team that went 72-10 (#1 all-time) and also posted the best road record in NBA history. What about the '71-'72 Lakers? They set a record with 69 wins and 13 losses (broken by the aforementioned Bulls team), and won 33 straight games. 33. And that streak began the night All-Star Elgin Baylor retired. They're in the discussion, damn it.

The Ones.

 First and foremost, I must note that the topic I was wish to speak upon was briefly mentioned by Bill Simmons, of ESPN.com's Page 2. In a recent article, he mentions Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo in the same paragraph. While I did not get the idea for this post from The [Boston] Sports Guy, I did happen to read about it in one of his articles, and feel it necessary to give credit where credit is due. Now excuse me while i digress even further:

 Bill, I hate you. You have dedicated your life to the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics, two teams that I associate with the devil. You have also made it your life mission to hate three of my most favorite sports teams, the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, and Duke Blue Devils (Wikipedia told me that). However, you're one of the reasons why I do this. Keep up the good work. And remember, I hate you.

 Now to the matter at hand. I am hardly a basketball player, but when I do happen to make it onto a court, I make sure to play the sport's best (... in my opinion) position: point guard. I love point guards, whether they be pass-first (my personal preference) or shoot-first, pure or unorthodox. The point guard is by far the game's most important player, an extension of the coach on the court, a team's offensive coordinator. A point guard must know when to run and when to slow down the pace of the game, when to feed the stars and when to get the role players involved. Their job goes beyond being able to pass well; they must know when to shoot, and must have both an exceptional basketball IQ and first-class court vision.

 Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Derrick Rose and Rajon Rondo all fit my criteria for a superstar point guard, and are poised to take the reins from guys like Jason Kidd, Chauncy Billups, Tony Parker and Steve Nash. Each of them possess an amazing and unique skill set, and are also leaders. At least two of them have been asked to carry the franchise (CP3 and D-Rose), but all four of them are clearly the most important asset to their team. And yes, that includes Rondo. The Jazz have a list of veterans and are deeper than most NBA teams, but would not have been competing in the 2007 Western Conference Finals without Williams (who was in his second season at the time). Chris Paul led his team to 56 wins last season and was second in MVP voting. Derrick Rose is the current Rookie of the Year, and has had the task of the being the man in Chicago since draft day. Rondo is what makes the Celtics unbeatable; His play is as important to Boston as The Big Three's.

 They can all get to the basket. Whether it's through power like Deron Williams, or speed like Rondo, they can all penetrate and finish. They also force defenses to collapse, allowing shooters to be freed up on the perimeter, leading to open shots for their shooters. It's not their fault that those guys can't hit. 

 To piggyback off of that thought, the four of them put up great assist numbers. For the '08-'09 NBA season: Paul - 11 (led NBA), Williams - 10.7 (2nd in the NBA), Rose - 6.3 (led all rookies) and Rondo - 8.2 (6th in the NBA). This is the second year that CP3 led the NBA in assists. Deron Williams was the only other player to hit double figures. And the two younger stars did not disappoint, as we can only expect for their numbers to increase as they become older and more efficient.

 Chris Paul averages a double-double (22.8-11), while also leading the NBA in steals. Deron Williams also averages double digits in two statistical categories (19.4-10.7). Derrick Rose's 16.8 ppg was the second best among rookies. and Rajon Rondo? Even though he only averaged 5.2 rebounds along with 11.9 points and 8.2 assists, I am more than convinced that he could average a triple-double for a season. 

 Let's be honest. No one doubts the fact that Chris Paul and Deron Williams are battling it out for the current number one spot. As Bill Simmons already said, these 2 have a rivalry for the ages, and we are fortunate enough to have them both in the same conference (that means more head-to-head matchups). However, I am 100% sure that D-Rose and R² will be challenging them for years to come, while maintaining their own East Coast rivalry (also brought up by B.S.). These four are the reason why I watch this game, and the reason why you should too.

Game 3.

 No. I'm not going to do it. Why? Because I don't want to, nor do I have to. Fine. I hate you. 

 I apologize for that. Anyway, if I had friends, they'd all be lynching me as a result of the Lakers not being able to sweep the 8th seeded Utah Jazz. For some reason, people out there believe that the Lakers not pulling off the sweep means something. Actually, it means nothing. The Lakers are still the better team, and the Jazz are still out of the series. However, the Jazz are also supposed to win at home. As sad as they are on the road, they play exceptional in their own building, and their arena is supposedly one of the most difficult to play in. Good for them. Even if they win every game at home, they'll still lose the series. Celtics fans know what I'm talking about (even though I hate each and every one of you). The Lakers will only have a problem in the Finals (and that's only if they face the LeBrons), but that's another story for another day. As of right now, they're still playing the Utah Jazz, the 8th seed in the west, the worst of the best.

 

  What about Kobe Bryant's below average performance? Not an issue. Mr. 81 is not one to make excuses. Kobe didn't play poorly because he hasn't taken a break from basketball in 3 years. It's not because he's at the end of his 13th NBA season. It's not because he's tired from playing every game of the last two seasons, or because he led his team to the '08 Finals and then led Team USA to a Gold medal a few months later. Kobe played poorly because... he's human. And everyone has an off day, or in Kobe's case, a bad game. Magic had bad games, Larry Legend had bad games. Even the immortal Michael Jordan had bad games (blasphemy!). It happens. The thing is, Kobe won't let it happen often, so don't expect to see many games similar to this one.

 The most important thing about Game 3? Kobe shot 5-24 (21%) from the field, and the Lakers only lost by 2 points. With a chance to tie it. That says a lot about Utah and Carlos Boozers' 23 point-22 rebound performance. The Lakers don't need Kobe to go off in order to stay in a game, and can win when he's not at his best. and although Kobe couldn't hit a thing, he grabbed seven rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and made 2 steals. And I'm sure he's not worried about anyone being able to stop him.  Kobe hit half of his shots through the first two games. He knows they can't guard him. And that's bad news for the Jazz.

P.S. - Only two more games, Dirk. Please send the Spurs home (well, if you win Games 4 & 5, they'll already be home).

 

 

The Hate List (Part II).

 Can't stop. Won't Stop.

I Hate:

• Tourists in NYC. I really hope that I don't act the way they do whenever I go out of town.
• New Yorkers. There's definitely something wrong with us.
• Subway riders. People really do not know how to handle themselves in tight spaces, especially when that space is being invaded by another New Yorker.
• Other people's children. I don't have my own yet, but I know that I'm going to love them to death. I only wish that my children will hate all other kids as much as I hate the parents of those other kids. 
• Guys who wear their girlfriend's jeans (... wait, what? Those aren't their girlfriend's jeans? Seriously?).
• The guys who left their belts in prison (you do know that's where that trend started, right? And it's because they're not allowed to have them).
• Jazz fans who boo Derek Fisher. Despite what he might say, they're still booing him for asking out of his contract, even though he did it in order to move to L.A. so his daughter could get the medical treatment she needed. Stay classy, Salt Lake City.

 Still a hater.

Post Script.

 I'll take a game featuring Kobe Bryant over any other matchup, any day of the week. Still, I wish Game 2 of the Blazers-Rockets series would've been on TNT. or ESPN. I hate NBA TV. Because I don't have it.

 Never doubt Kobe's killer instinct.

 Trevor Ariza - Most Improved Player for the NBA Playoffs.

The Contract Year.

 I never want this blog to be about post-game recaps; That's what the journalists at the Associated Press get paid to write. However, the Bulls and the Celtics want to make sure that all I do is talk about their round one series that should not be as competitive as it is. Why am I talking about Game 2? Simple. Ben Gordon.

 As I'm sure you already know, Ben Gordon dropped 42 points on 14-24 shooting (6-11 from 3 point range). Against the defending champs. Yes, we all know The Big Ticket still isn't playing. That cannot possibly take away from the superstar level performance BG had. If you watched the game, you probably saw Derrick Rose give up the ball to Gordon early in the clock to let him go to work. Then you watched BG go hard off the dribble, rise above two defenders (Yes, TWO) and drop in a difficult fifteen footer over four outstretched arms. And those outstretched arms belonged to Ray Allen and Glen Davis. Not once. Nor twice. For the entire second half.

 I didn't even think this guy liked playing for the Bulls. Hmm... could he maybe have been updating his resumé for his next potential employer? If he was (which he was), I'm not mad at him. He was a Ray Allen (Ice Cold!) game-winner away from sending this series back into overtime. Say what you want about his career so far, this guy is a starter, and could easily turn a playoff contender into a championship contender. Which contender? I have no clue. But that's not what I'm here for. Someone else gets paid to do that too.

It's Kobe Time.

 This is definitely a belated statement, but did you see (of course you didn't, I'm talking to myself) the Kobe drop that dunk on the entire Jazz team in Game 1? He's still got it...

The Bandwagon.

 It's official. I am hopping on the Derrick Rose bandwagon. Yes, I know I didn't want to give him the ROY trophy, but D-Rose might be the only guy who reads this blog. He had a stellar performance yesterday against the defending champs (albeit without Kevin Garnett), and cemented himself in the history books as being the only rookie to score at least 35 points and dish out 10 assists in their playoff debut (make sure to look that one up). He was composed from the tipoff, and not once looked like he didn't belong. This game epitomized why NBA analysts have crowned him as the 2008-2009 Rookie of the Year; He plays like a seasoned veteran.

 There were a few blemishes on his stat sheet: 5 turnovers, and 6 personal fouls. He fouled out in OT, when his team needed him the most. But what do you expect from a 20 year old (he's only 8 days older than I am) rookie point guard who gave you 36 points, 11 assists and 4 rebounds in 50 minutes of play? 

 The Bulls may ultimately lose this series, since they have no one who can really stop P-Double, and no one who can stop Jesus Shuttlesworth, if he happens to find his game before the series concludes. Still, if you believe in moral victories, the final score of Game 1 counted for more than a 1-0 series lead. Derrick Rose is not the point guard of the future, he's the point guard of the present. And that scares me.

 P.S. - What really surprised me? The play of Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich. I've been hard on the both of them since they entered the L in the 2007 and 2003 drafts, respectively. They both played amazing defense against a veteran team, and were close to perfect (Noah's foul on Paul Pierce with almost no time left was the only real flaw). 

 P.P.S. - J.J., I knew you had it in you.

 P.P.P.S. - Oh, and thank you Paul, for being oh so clutch.

NBA Look-Alikes.

 My brother and I always seem to find NBA players who either look like other celebrities or people from our own personal lives. Say hello to another list...

 Antoine Walker, Al Harrington, Richard Jefferson & Charlie Villanueva are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

 Antonio McDyess is Tommy Davidson

 Rick Adelman is Gene Hackman

 Luis Scola is Russell Brand

 This is just a preview. More to come...

Award Tour '09.

 My awards for the 2008-2009 NBA regular season:

 MVP: Dwyane Wade - You already know why.

1st runner-up: LeBron James - He still hasn't peaked. Scary.

2nd runner-up: Kobe Bryant - There's no need for a 2nd runner-up, I just couldn't live with not putting Kobe on this list.

 

 Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard - He led the L in rebounds and blocks. Also, the rest of his team doesn't play defense.

1st runner-up: LeBron James - How many times this season have you caught a sportscenter highlight of LBJ stopping a fastbreak with a gravity-defying block?

 

 Rookie of the Year: Derrick Rose - I didn't want to give it to him, but he's played solid basketball for a playoff contender the entire season. He runs the Bulls, and that's reason enough to give him the award.

2nd runner-up: Brook Lopez - I was going for O.J. Mayo as my ROY before the season began, but he doesn't even get second place honors. O.J. hit the wall. Lopez outplayed Dwight Howard in a one-on-one matchup.

 

 Sixth Man: J.R. Smith - He didn't turn it on until down the stretch, but that's when it matters most. 

2nd runner-up: Nate Robinson - Jason Terry is really a starter, there's no reason for him to come off the bench behind guys like J.J. Barea (whom I still have love for). Nate really is a sixth man, and his energy and explosiveness off of the bench are second to none. I'll agree that he lost his composure as the season progressed, but it's only his fourth year.

 

 Most Improved Player: Devin Harris - Yes, Lawrence Frank basically gave him the freedom to do whatever he wants. Still, did anyone really think he was going to be this good?

2nd runner-up: No one comes close.

 

 Coach of the Year: Jerry Sloan - That's right, Jerry Sloan. Deron missed games. Boozer missed games. AK 47 missed games. Okur missed games. And that old man still got them into the playoffs with 48 wins.

2nd runner-up: Mike Brown - LBJ had a better season (statistically) last year. All the Cavs did this year was add Mo Williams. Mike Brown is up 20+ wins from last season with basically the same squad. I'll agree that this was the first full year for many of Cleveland's players from last year's midseason trade, but that is canceled out by the injuries faced by many of those same players.

ESP(N).

 I cannot tell the future. 

 And I hate the Jazz. 

 8 teams. 

 50 wins. 

 Not happening.

Post Script.

 Let's hope the L shows Brook Lopez some love.

In '09-'10 Season, The Thunder Could Make Some Noise (Pun Intended).

 On April 7th, espn.com reported that Blake Griffin would be declaring for the 2009 NBA Draft. Wow. What a surprise. But that did get me thinking... Blake Griffin is an Oklahoman. Not only was he born in Oklahoma, he has also spent all of his basketball career up to this point in the Sooner State. Why not spend the rest of his career there?

 Yes, I know I'm getting ahead of myself. The Draft is still a few months away, and the Thunder will not end this year with the NBA's worst record. But the lottery system gives OKC a solid chance at landing the number one pick, a year after bagging the 4th overall pick (Russell Westbrook), and two years after grabbing the 2nd overall pick (Kevin Durant - Reigning ROY). Clearly, the Thunder lose. A lot. But all of this losing has helped them put together a young core of players, who one day may turn the former Seattle SuperSonics (am I even allowed to type that?) into playoff contenders again.

 If you don't think KD is going to be one of the top players in this league (Yes, up there with LBJ and Wade), then you're probably like everyone else out there. Which is fine. Because when I say "I told you so, " you'll know why. Russell Westbrook is having a phenomenal rookie season, even though guys like Derrick Rose and OJ Mayo are sharing the rookie spotlight. I had the pleasure of watching Nenad Krstic when he played for the Nets (thank you, YES Network), and the seasons preceding his injury were solid. If he stays healthy, and plays for an entire season, his numbers are sure to match the one's he put up while playing in New Jersey. Jeff Green went only a few spots after Durant in the '07 Draft, and after an All-Rookie season, is putting up even better numbers (16.8, 6.7, and 2 as of April 9th) in his sophomore year.

 And sorry Thabo, but if the Thunder have it my way, you'll be contributing off the bench while Mr. Griffin holds down this spot. Clearly he has yet to make the jump into the L, but if he does what most of us believe he is capable of doing, then this is quite the young and talented starting five. One that starts three forwards, but one that can also run and score.

 Unfortunately, their bench doesn't look as promising, and as of right now is especially guard heavy. The entire team needs to work on its defense. Also, it will be difficult for this young squad to break into the group of  competitive Western Conference teams (not every young team can be as successful as the current 50 Win Blazers). If the Mavericks finish the '08-'09 season strong, it will be the second year in a row that all 8 West teams in the playoffs will have finished the season with at least 50 wins. The Thunder are not winning 50 games next year, so unless Mr. Stern throws them in the east (which would be hilarious), don't expect an 83rd game for the Thunder. However, with a starting lineup like the one previously mentioned, OKC will definitely shock some of the more elite teams in the L, and take a giant step towards becoming more intimidating than their name.

Wade In '08[-'09].

 I LOVE KOBE BRYANT. Just ask my significant other, older brother, or occasional best friend. I want to name one of my sons after him. They all know this, and now you do too (not really... because no one's there). However, the Kobe is not MVP. Nor is that guy who plays out in Ohio somewhere. Yes, LeBron James' 28-7-7 is amazing. See, Mr. Bryant and Mr. James have at least two things in common: Neither of them went to college, and they're both battling for the second spot behind a guy who did. Dwyane Wade. This is not a knock on my favorite active NBA player, nor a knock on the man I hope to one day see running the show at the world's most famous arena. Actually, this is an attack on the guys who have the privilege of voting for the NBA's regular season MVP.

 Your system is flawed. Plain and simple. You guys actually gave Steve Nash back-to-back MVP trophies. The Big Cactus (He was still the Diesel back then) should've taken home the first one. And the second? Maybe Mr. 81? And no, not because he dropped 81 points in order to bring his team back from a 14 point deficit at halftime against the Raptors. And not because earlier in that same season, he outscored the Mavs 62-61. By himself. In three quarters. and then sat out the 4th. More so because he did all of that (and much more - check his unquestionably accurate wikipedia page) while playing for a team that started Smush Parker, Chris Mihm, and Kwame Brown. They won 45 games, after winning only 34 a season before.. Kobe averaged 35.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.8 steals. He only missed two games. Ball Hog? I think not. That's an MVP caliber season.

 

 How about last year, when you gave the Kobe his long overdue first trophy? LBJ averaged 30 points, just under 8 rebounds, and over 7 assists. Yes, those are his real stats (this time, I used nba.com). That is insane. The Cavs overhauled their roster, including many starting positions, late in the season. No one really seemed to be comfortable in their role, except for LeBron. And that's why he was the MVP. Despite all of their issues, he led them to 45 wins, which was actually less than the amount of wins the Cavs had accumulated the year before that. AND the year before that. If winning 50 games is actually a part of your criteria for MVP (which it is... don't deny it), then why hasn't the King taken one home yet?

 

 This season's two and three (sadly, LBJ is second and Kobe is third) provide more than enough reasons as to why D-Wade deserves the MVP this year. Who is the Heat's second best player? Definitely not O'Neal, who just got there and is not the same player he used to be. Maybe one of their rookie starters. The safe bet is Udonis Haslem. The Laker's second best player? Pau Gasol. The Cavalier's second best player? Mo Williams. All Star reserves. THIS YEAR. I would think you'd be considered the most valuable player when you're doing it all by yourself. Like Kobe in '06. Like LeBron in '08. Like Dwyane in '09. Wade does everything, and without him, there's a good chance the Heat would be on their way to consecutive 15 win seasons. If you take Kobe and Lebron off of their respective teams, you still have 45+ wins. Yes, Kobe and LeBron make both of those teams 60+ winners. But let them duke it out for Finals MVP, while Wade, with an entire franchise on his shoulders, adds another piece to his collection and attempts an upset in the first round.

The Hate List (Part I).

 This entry will be the first of many featuring my personal Hate List. Am I concerned about what people may think? Not really, it's not like anyone reads this blog. And if you are reading this (... you're not), and you know me personally, then you know that I could care less about what you think. Seriously.

I Hate:

• People who think I care about their opinions.
  
• Brown people. Not Black people who actually have brown skin, but the smelly ones.
• People who wear Armani Exchange (especially oversized guidos who enjoy shopping in the kid's section).
• Guys who wear their fitted caps turned backward, and let it hover over their excessively gelled hair.
• Guys who dye their hair ridiculous colors (leave that to Rodman... and I only say that because Dennis could easily kill me).
• People who wear Uggs. And Crocs.
• People who claim that the non"mainstream" artists that they listen to are SO MUCH better than those who are in the mainstream. Most of the bands and rappers you listen to are just waiting to sell their soul to some record company and complain about how you steal their music.
• Most mainstream artists. 
• The current state of Hip-Hop. That's from top to bottom, and includes every region in the United States. Leave the Dirty South alone, there are a lot of rappers from the East and West Coasts and Midwest who suck.
• The Boston Celtics. 
• The San Antonio Spurs.
• Gilbert Arenas (Yes Hibachi, you are definitely number zero in my eyes).
• People who like the same music I like.
• People who like the same clothing and footwear I like.
• People who forgot how to match. I can't believe this is in style now.
• Seriously. Why are you wearing 8 colors? EIGHT.
  

 I'm done for now. And yes, I am a hater.