Boston Celtics

Here We Go Again–Lakers vs. Celtics

The Celtics and the Lakers are in the Finals—big deal. I am sure you are aware of the dominance of these two franchises throughout the history of the league, but you may have not realized that 38 of the 62 NBA Finals have featured either the Lakers or the Celtics. This figure is inflated somewhat from the early years and the 1960’s, but since 1980, one of these teams has been in the finals 15 of the 29 seasons. No major sport has seen that type of dominance by two franchises.

It is easy to say you are tired of seeing these two teams dominate the league, but I actually welcom this match up. It beats the hell out of another boring Spurs-Pistons series. The Celtics haven’t been in the Finals since 1987, which was the last match up of these two teams. Also, the Celtics and the Lakers are probably the two most interesting teams this year. I know I can’t wait to see who out duels the other when it comes to Garnett and Kobe, or even Kobe versus Pierce.

It is also a clash of styles, with the best defense in the league, the Celtics, and the best offense in the league, the Lakers with Gasol. And, who has watched Kevin Garnett over the years in Minnesota and not rooted for him to get his shot at an NBA title? How many would like to see Kobe get a title without Shaq, or how many want to see him fall on his face without Shaq?

When it comes to another Celtics-Lakers Finals, this is one “here we go again” series that I am looking forward to watching.

 

Oh yeah, I suppose an erratic prediction should be made. I go with the Celtics in 6. Now that they have gotten over their road issues, they have the defense to contain the Lakers and enough offense to push ahead.

Play D or Go Home

The Detroit Pistons know how to win, they have been in this position before, and they know exactly what to do.  This is a man’s series, to win you have to rebound, you have to D up, and you have to make big baskets at the right time.  Detroit did this all night in game four against the Boston Celtics. They played a great defensive game, and the only reason why Boston was in the game, was because of free throws.  Detroit forced fourteen turnovers, had ten blocked shots, and held the Celtics to 31% shooting.  Their defensive rotation was amazing at times, and seemed to frustrate Boston.  The game was an all out battle, and if you came in the paint, you were going to get hit, and get hit hard.  Its playoff basketball.

What I don’t get is how Boston is struggling so much offensively.  I know Detroit cranks up the D, but you would figure that one of the big three would go off and provide some consistent scoring.  On top of that, Rondo didn’t show up, as well as Cassell.  There really needs to be some consistency with the Boston scoring, because in most cases, 75 points is not going to cut it.  

This game reminded me of the real Detroit Pistons, the Pistons that are off cruise control, and look to go out, frustrate their opponent, and dominate a game.  The Pistons were very effcient in their offense, getting open jumpers, offensive rebounds, and easy lay-ups as the game went on.  The Celtics really never seemed to be able to go on that late run that would get them over the hump.  Detroit always had an answer no matter what.  McDyess was huge with 21 points and 16 boards, he has been clutch from the midrange area.  Billups still is not right, you can just tell, yet he still buried that three pointer with about three minutes left to take the life out of Boston.  Stuckey has really stepped his game up when Billups is taken out, and thats how the Pistons are, they always have someone who steps up when they need to.  

Boston is a different animal at home, and I do EXPECT them to bounce back and win game five, but after this game it seems like the Pistons got their confidence and their swag back.  They came out aggressively and maintained it the entire game, hard fouls, blocked shots, and just straight up lockdown D.  If Detroit plays with this passion the rest of the series, I don’t know if the Celtics can win another game. 

Back and Forth, Forth and Back

I suppose I should stop trying to predict the Celtics-Pistons series. Each game seems completely different from the previous, and after almost writing off the Celtics, they come up with a big road win in pretty convincing fashion.

The Celtics started out on fire and played hot throughout the entire first half. They built an 18 point first half lead and, unlike the Spurs, held on for a 14 point victory. The Celtics also proved they are more than just the Big Three.

I heard the guys on ESPN saying that the Celtics looked horrible in the second half and there was a cause for concern even in this victory. I don’t quite understand what the hell they are talking about. The Pistons only outscored the Celtics by four points in the second half. When you have an 18 point lead at halftime, your biggest concern is holding on to that lead and resisting the run that champions like Detroit will certainly make. That is exactly what the Celtics did; they held off the run and kept the momentum from swinging completely to the other team. Just ask The Spurs how hard that is to do on the road.

This the Celtics did with Garnett being the only one of the Big Three to play well. The Celtics got offensive help from Perkins, Rondo, and Posey, and they played good defense. That is what good teams, championship caliber teams, do in the playoffs when one or more of their stars has a bad game.

I am more lost than ever as to who will win this series. I would predict a seven game slugfest with these two going back and forth, but as soon as I do that, one of these teams will go on a tear and end the series.

I will say this though; if Billups doesn’t get his act together, 10 Rodney Stuckey’s will not get the Pistons into the Finals.

 

Pistons Get The One They Need

If you are a Celtics’ fan, now may be the time to start worrying. The Celtics have to win a road game against the Pistons to make it into the Finals. Not only that, but the home loss they suffered came at the same time Ray Allen finally seemed to get back on track.

There are several reasons to worry about the Game 2 loss at home for the Celtics. It is something to be concerned about when you are playing at home, and your top three players score 75 points and shoot 56.9 percent from the floor. Not only that, but your point guard has 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals. Just looking at the box score you would think the Celtics had another easy home playoff win. Of course, the problem is that they are playing the Eastern Conference version of the Spurs. The Pistons know how to win, no matter the circumstances.

Garnett, Pierce and Allen are excellent, impossible to defend, and are the reason the Celtics had the best record in the NBA. When it comes down to crunch time against a team like the Pistons, something more is needed. The Pistons have too much depth, experience, and what they used to call “moxy.”

I have been saying since the Celtics took care of the LeBron’s that the Pistons would get into the Finals. I knew they would steal one on the road and that would probably determine the series.

I’m not trying to say the series is over, but I think the Celtics are in a hole that they have not yet shown the ability to get out of. The Celtics offense has looked very good against the vaunted Piston defense, but the Celtics need to lock down on defense if they hope to win this series.

It should continue to be a tight series, but the Celtics are not in a position they are comfortable with.

2008 NBA Mock Draft v.1

So on Tuesday night the NBA draft lottery selections happened. The Bulls pulled the big upset moving all the way to Number 1. Now that the order is finalized I’m going to release the first version of my 2008 NBA mock draft. I went with selections that in my gut teams would make (some of these picks won’t happen because I think teams will trade up and down, especially a team like Seattle, which could both trade up or down.

1. Chicago Bulls

- Micheal Beasley, PF, Kansas State

The Chicago Bulls are going to agonize over who to take, the Speedy chicago native at the point, or the scoring/rebounding big man they’ve always needed? Well here’s teh thing, I like Derrick Rose alot, and I think if the bulls took him, Kirk Hinrich could move over to his natural position of SG, and then the Bulls could trade a SG away or let Ben Gordon go as a restricted free agent and still have alot of depth. And as much as I like that, I still recognize that this is a team that needs a low post scorer and defender. Joakim Noah looks like he can be their center of the future, and Aaron Gray has proven he can soak up some minutes for Noah, but this team has no one at the 4. Nocini isn’t a PF, Tyrus Thomas doesn’t fit their need (he’s an energy guy, but not a scorer or scrapper), and is Drew Gooden will be a free agent at the end of the 08 season. With that said this team needs Beasley more than they need Rose. Beasley is exactly what a team in the east needs, a big man who can score (like Rasheed, Garnett, Jamison, etc) and he’s no slouch in the rebounding department either. Beasley gives them stability, and Ironically, I think he solves their point guard problem. A package including Tyrus Thomas, Drew Gooden’s expiring Contract, and possibly Ben Gordon, or maybe a pick in 09, should be able to get them a PG that they feel is more suitable for this team, a Kyle Lowery or Marcus Williams would come pretty cheap, and not force them to sell the farm. Or use the whole package for someone like Jose Calderon or TJ Ford. There are alot of good point guards to be had, but I don’t know about you, but I don’t see another possible 20-10 guy that they could trade for, who wouldn’t be well well over priced (they don’t have the cap to sign an Antwan Jamison anyway).

That said Micheal Beasley is the total package. He can shoot from 3, he has the heart of a winner, he is willing to attack down low, and isn’t afraid to take the last shot. He has range from everywhere and rebounds aggressively. I can only imagine the heart and fire that a Noah-Beasley tandem could create, and think that that might be to hard to pass up for the Bulls.

Similar to: Rasheed Wallace

2. Miami Heat

- Derrick Rose, PG, Memphis

The Heat will be jumping for joy if Derrick Rose falls to them at 2. They have a more than serviceable 4 with Udonis Haslem, so he would be exactly what they are looking for. Rose brings the speed that would give this team one of the most Dynamic Back courts in the league, with a Healthy Dwayne Wade, and a PG who can keep up with his speed, and has the vision to get to him where ever he is this could be the move that helps keep dwayne wade as a Heat player come the summer of 2010. Rose is a good shooter, his speed was unmatched in the NCAA and should still be pretty top flight in the NBA, if Rose isn’t here at the second pick, expect the Heat to either put a trade in place (shipping out, Haslem, either Blount or Banks, for a PG) for getting their PG and taking Beasley, or trading out of the second spot to acquire a PG (like a sign and trade for a big name PG, but requiring the team that takes the number two pick to grab like Banks/Blouts contract).

Similar to: Devin Harris

3. Minnesota Timberwolves

- Brook Lopez, C, Stanford

I think the Timberwolves are going to want to protect their franchise player. I think watching how Dwight Howard was bombarded in the playoffs by not having another big man to protect him, is going to make the Wolves think that they should do the same. If Lopez can start at Center, Jefferson can rotate over to PF where he would be even more effective. The Wolves still have some backcourt questions, but I don’t think they have given up on playing Foye at the point, and with him their they have several, at the very least, serviceable SGs they can cycle through (Rashad McCants and Corey Brewer) next to him.

Similar to: Chris Kamen

4. Seattle Supersonics

- DJ Augustin, PG, Texas

Now here is where my selections differ from most peoples mock drafts. I don’t see Jerryd Bayless as the next best PG. I like Augustin here because this is a team that needs a PG who is a traditional PG. Bayless is a combo guard, and for a team that is lacking in the scoring department he would be the perfect fit, but they need someone who can handle the ball all of the time. Now I know this king of a PG works for some teams (like Gilbert Arenas), but I think that having a none scoring Shooting Guard makes it a necessity for them, as opposed to the sonics where they have scorers that need to become better defenders. Augustin’s familiarity with Durant can’t be ignored either, if you want to see Durant’s shooting average improve pair him with someone you know he is comfortable with. I know for some his height is a problem, but look at Chris Paul who is only 6′ (an inch taller than Augustin), I think that makes the most sense.

Similar to: Rafer Alston

5. Memphis Grizzlies

- Eric Gordon, SG, Indiana

Memphis Grizzlies ownership has stated that their focus is to become a better defensive team. This team needs to upgrade at the 4, but there isn’t one that fits their needs available at this pick. Instead, I think to show there commitment to be better defensively, they should upgrade at SG. Especially in a division that houses both Manu Ginobili and Tracy McGrady someone who can defend the two would be a big benefit. At the same time Gordon is no slouch when it comes to scoring. He started his college career on fire, and looked like he was going to lock up the Number 3 prospect on the board, at times challenging for the No. 2 spot in my mind, but his wrist injury and the coaching turmoil really took him out of rhytem. Gordon will find his touch again, and a potent trio of Gordon, Conley, and Gay could be a power for time to come, if they find a PF.

Similar to: Joe Johnson

6. New York Knicks

- Russell Westbrook, PG, UCLA

This is hands down the toughest pick for me to make. In the past Mike D’Antoni hasn’t liked playing his rookies much, but with this high a pick he is going to have to play who ever he takes quickly. I think there are 4 players in the mix with the 6th pick. Jerryd Bayless would give the Knicks a point guard, who can also be a pretty potent scorer, but he can play out of control and with D’Antoni’s system that may not work out. Russell Westbrook is all potential, he never really had to be a full time point guard having Darren Collison next to him, but he has the speed and defensive capabilities that the Knicks need. Danillo Galliberi, the most ready player that fits D’Antoni’s system, he’s pretty quick for his size, and can knock down the mid range jumper creating match up problems since he can play the 3 and 4, but he can be too passive and doesn’t have 3 point range making him a little to much like David Lee with a better handle. The last player in the mix is OJ Mayo, Mayo is a scoring Machine who can open fire from anywhere on the court, he is a good shooter, but he could be a headache waiting to happen on a team that already has Stephon Marbury, and a gluttony of Shooting guards (Jamal Crawford, Quentin Richardson, and Nate Robinson). With that said, I think the Knicks will pick up Russell Westbrook, he has the most potential, and the Knicks have been drafting Roleplayers for too long (Lee, Balkman, Collins, Robinson, Chandler, etc), they need to draft someone who can become a star for them.

Similar too: Baron Davis

7. Los Angeles Clippers

- OJ Mayo, G, USC

The clippers are in a good spot, they can grab Jerryd Bayless, or they can draft OJ Mayo. I think they will lean towards Mayo. This is a team that most likely is going to lose Corey Maggette and all of his scoring, and possibly Elton Brand and all of his scoring. Adding Mayo may be the pefect choice for them, he can spend a little time a PG while they wait on Shaun Livingston, or he can be the scorer they need. Having a team with at least Al Thorton, OJ Mayo, and Chris Kamen, are good building blocks going forward. The Clippers might be a team that wants to drop back and pick up an extra pick, but that will depend on if Elton brand and Maggette both use their ETOs.

Similarities: Jerry Stackhouse

8. Milwaukee Bucks

- Danilo Gallinari, F, Italy

Gallinari would be a great fit for the Bucks’ current roster. The Bucks have had a gap at SF for a long time, and their trade of TJ ford hasn’t worked out quite like they hoped. but that said Mo Williams is doing a good job at the point, and Redd is the dependable scorer on the team, they have spent the past couple of years developing their frontcourt and seem to have found a suitable rotation of Charlie Villanueva, Yi Jian lin, and Andrew Bogut. That said this team needs a SF, and no one fits them better than Gallinari. Dan has the handle of a PG, and can spend some time as a point forward, which would work out well for the undersized Mo Williams. This team would be a very potent scoring threat if both Mo Williams and Micheal Redd are free to roam while Gallinari handles the ball, you would then have to pick your poison. This pick could change alot as the Bucks seem to be shopping some of their players, and if they make their way out of town then there could be a very different need here.

Similar to : Boris Diaw

9. Charlotte Bobcats

- DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A&M

The Bobcats need to pick up a qulaity big man. But more importantly, they need to understand what Nazr Mohammad showed them last season, Emeka Okafor is a PF, not a Center. I know the Cats like playing Okafor at the 5 because he is a little slow, but he is too small to be a center. DeAndre Jordan could become a really really good center for the cats. He has the athleticism, speed, and size that complements the heart of this team (Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace), I think he would also make Raymond Felton better, who is used to having a mobile big man to dish too (Sean May in college, and in Charlotte until his knee injury). I think that DeAndre Jordan and Anthony Randolph are the only players in the mix for Charlotte. Some people have speculated they could be interested in Kevin Love, but I think that his lack of Athletisism will echo Emeka too much (and Mirror their problems with May and Morrson as well).

Similar to: Tyson Chandler

10. New Jersey Nets

- Anthony Randolph, PF, LSU

Ironically I think the Nets would be happy with landing either Randolph or Jordan here. Randolph gives them the athletic explosiveness they tried to bring to the team by trading for Stromile Swift. I think a frontcourt sporting Anthony Randolph, and Sean Williams/Josh Boone would look really good to them. There has been some speculation that Richard Jefferson is being shopped shouldn’t change this pick, because in most scenarios the Nets would probably be looking to bring in another SF, SG, or C, leaving their need for PF still pretty high.

Similar to: Josh Smith

11. Indiana Pacers

- Jerryd Bayless, PG, Arizona

I think the Pacers will trade down if they are left in this position. There is little doubt in my mind they will draft a PG with their first pick, making Bayless the obvious choice if he fell into their laps. This could all change if Jermaine O’Neal opts out of his contract (if he did it would be to do a Grant hill, not for another big contract). If that happens I think the Pacers may take Kosta Koufos here instead, giving them immediate size that they will be longing for. Anyway, back to Bayless,Jerryd is a scoring PG who has good size and speed. He can see the floor well, and is her athletic. He is a bit of a tweener, but I think for this current roster that will be ok.

Similar to: Keyon Dooling

12. Sacremento Kings

- Darrel Arthur, PF, Kansas

The kings needs are PG, and PF. They are going to try to resign Beno Udrich who was really the bright spot of their season, as far as development went. Arthur is still a little raw, but he’s quick for a 4, and has power. Alot of this pick will rely on if Ron Artest Opts out of his contract, because I think the kings may then satisfy their needs with a free agent PF and instead grab Donte Green here.

Similar too: Josh Howard

13. Portland Trailblazers

- Chase Budinger, SG/SF, Arizona

The trailblazers are able to take whoever they want at this pick, as they are really set with their starting lineup of Steve Blake, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster/Travis Outlaw, Lamarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden. The one thing this team could use is a little more scoring off the bench, the tried to find that with James Jones last season, but his shooting has really gone down lately. I think for that reason teh trailblazers would want to have someone who can really shoot the rock, he isn’t a streaky 3-point shooter (which might turn them away from Donte Green and Joe Alexander). Budinger would really make the bench very very strong for the blazers, having Jack to releave Blake, Budinger for Roy, Outlaw at the 3, McRoberts at the 4, and Channing Frye at the 5 sounds like a deep team with good trading chips if need be for the future.

Similar to: Quentin Richardson (before the back problems)

14. Golden State Warriors

- Donte Green, SF, Syracuse

Now, this is a great match. What do the warriors look for, Athletic players who can shoot, and can play a multitude of positions. I think Donte Green can come in and take the place of the (surely departing) Matt Barnes. Green can shoot (not the best 3 point shooter, but he’s improving), he has alot of size for a small forward (6′10″) and he can move. I think the Warriors if they were left with the players that are left would be either Green or Joe Alexander.

Similar to: Matt Barnes

15. Phoenix Suns

- Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia

The Suns need to upgrade at SF. If leandro barbosa is traded I can see them targetting Brandon Rush here, but if not they need a scorer at the wing. Bell and Grant are more defenders that scorers, and with Marion gone now only Nash and Amare really can run up the scoring sheet. Alexander is a good fit, he can shoot from all over the court and is athletic, fitting well with Nash and Amare. He should be able to help out Barbosa too, by being another scoring option off the bench (so barbosa doesn’t get doubled all the time with the second unit).

Similar to: Manu Ginobili

16. Philadelphia 76ers

- Kevin Love, PF, UCLA

The 76ers developed into a pretty good team this season. Behind the stable play of Samuel Dalembert, the great floor leadership of Andre Miller, the development of Thaddeus Young, and contining advancement of Andre Iguodola they came together as a team. This also gives them a starter at 4 of the five positions. Dalembert needs help in the post, Thaddeus Young can help there, but he is more a 3. Love would give them exactly what they need, another big body to help keep defenders off of Dalmbert and the lane clear for the 76er’s wing players. If Arthur slips this far I think the 6ers would gladly take him over Love though. Love has a very good fundamentals, but he isn’t very athletic. He has lost some weight since the end of the season and I think that will help him alot in the NBA.

Similar to: Tim Duncan

17. Toronto Raptors

- Robin Lopez, C, Stanford

I think the Raptors biggest need is at Center. Jamario Moon looks like he showed them enough that they will be satisfied with using him and Bargnani at the 3. Now this team needs a real center. Bargnani is not a center, he has the height but isn’t filled out enough, he is really more of a PF, but Bosh already occupies that position on this team, which in my eyes moves him to the 3, a very big 3 mind you. Robin Lopez will give them the traditional center that they need. This is also a team that needs fire, as good as Chris Bosh is, he isn’t the emotional leader that some of his draft class have proven to be (Dwayne Wade and Lebron James), so if Robin can bring the intensity to this team that Noah and Varejao bring to theirs, it will be a great fit.

Similar to: Joakim Noah

18. Washington Wizards

- Maresse Spreights, C, Florida

This pick is a wildcard. If the Wizards resign all of their free agents then I think Spreights is their guy, if they don’t then they could be in need of a PG, in which Ty Lawson could be a possibility. The Wizards have struggled at center for sometime. Brendon Haywood is serviceable, but he isn’t the kind of center to help lead you to the NBA finals. This team needs someone who can contribute on the offensive end, but still run, and Spreights can do that.

Similar to: Elton Brand

19. Cleveland Cavaliers

- Brandon Rush, SG, Kansas

Rush would be a perfect fit for the cavs. This is a team that has problems creating shots for themselves out side of the front court of Lebron, Smith, and Big Z. Wally and Gibson are good shooters, but they are both defensive liabilities (for Ginbson its mostly his height). Rush would help give them a defensive presence at 2, who isn’t scoring inept (unlike Ben Wallace and Anderson Varejao). I think if a PG were to slip to here that had some height the Cavs would want to take him over Rush. But if not Rush could be their guy, I don’t see CDR as an option, because he is essentually Larry Hughes all over again, great player, but not a fit for this team.

Similar to: Eddie Jones

20. Denver Nuggets

- Ty Lawson, PG, UNC

The Nuggets are in desperate need for a PG. They foolishly let Steve Blake leave, and have been in need of a pure point guard since. Now things could always change, especially with AI having the ability to opt out, but I think the Nuggets will still need to get a PG, unless they make a trade for one. Lawson is very fast, and has a good handle. He can get rattled, but Denver has enough weapons that he won’t have to do too much, so he should fit in nicely.

Similar to: TJ Ford

21. New Jersey Nets

- Nicolas Batum, SF, France

The Nets need to find some depth at the 2 or 3. Batum would solve both of them, he doesn’t have to come over immediately but if he does that would work out fine. Batum is a good shooter, and would be a nice complement to Jefferson or Carter. If Jefferson does leave town, he is probably one of the more ready players to start a team at the SF position.

Similar to: Josh Childress

22. Orlando Magic

- DJ White, PF, Indiana

Now I’m sure alot of people like someone like JJ Hickson here, but I think White is the perfect fit for this team. SG is a need for them, but they are going to need to play JJ Reddick before they can decided that its worth spending a 1st round pick on two seasons in a row. White should be ready to contribute minutes quickly, and give Dwight Howard some breathing room down low. White’s game is a good balance to Howard as he loves to rebound and shove around people in the low post, complementing his power, with Dwights finesse post moves.

Similar to: Kenyon Martin (post knee injuries)

23. Utah Jazz

- Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State

Mehmet Okur got destroyed by Pau Gasol, showing that they need to upgrade here. I think the Jazz may also think shooting guard, but this is a deep enough class at SG, that they should be able to find some scoring in the second round. Koufos has been called a young Big Z, and that would fit this team perfectly. Koufos has more size that Okur, but he still has shooting ability and can move up and down the court. This would allow Utah to have both size and still have shooting from their center.

Similar to: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

24. Seattle SuperSonics

- JaVale McGee, PF, Nevada

The Sonics could use a center, because Chris Wilcox is more of a PF. McGee could be that guy for them. They have tried for years to find a center and non of them have worked out, but this might be the turning point for Seattle. JaVale is athletic, while the centers the Sonics have drafted in the past are more lumbering and traditional, I think he could bring some added depth to the 5 and eventually become a starter there.

Similar to: Antonio McDycess

25. Houston Rockets

- Chris-Douglas Roberts, SG, Memphis

CDR fits this team really well. The Rockets need to find a shooting guard who can slash, they have enough shooters in Luther Head, McGrady, Alston, and Battier. So someone who can attack the rim and has the athleticism to catch the great passes that McGrady and Skip can make would be best. Essentually it would be the team trying again, since the Bonzi Wells experiment didn’t work out.

Similar to: Larry Hughes

26. San Antonio Spurs

- Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown

Roy Hibbert is exactly what the Spurs need. Oberto is a good complement for Duncan, but they need to find depth behind him. Elson wasn’t the answer, but i think Hibbert would work out perfectly. Hibbert has the size and low post skills to complement duncan’s game. Hibberts increased range over the past season will help him out too, as will being able to watch Duncan.

Similar to: Zach Randolph

27. New Orleans Hornets

- Bill Walker, G/F, Kansas State

Bill Walker is my pick for biggest sleeper in this draft. The same way that Monte Ellis was a late pick and has become a huge scorer and a star, I think Bill Walker will follow in his steps. If Walker is drafted by the Hornets he is in the perfect place to excell. The Hornets need to upgrade at Shooting guard, Morris Peterson is a good shooter, but he isn’t a starter, he is more of a role player. This team needs a dynamic scorer who can shoot the three, and is also big enough to cause match up problems if need be.

Similar to: Vince Carter

28. Memphis Grizzlies

- J.J. Hickson, PF, NC State

J.J.Hickson is a little raw, but he brings the power at the 4, to balance the scoring of Hakim Warrick. I think Hickson will need time to develop a complete game, and should be able to find it on a team that is trying to develop itself.

Similar to: Luis Scola

29. Detroit Pistons

- Serge Ibaka, PF, Congo

The Pistons have built up pretty well for the future, but I guess if they needed to add someone it would be Serge Ibaka, he would probably be the highest rated player on their board by the time they were drafting. He would also give them more bodies to deal with the dominant big men in the east (Dwight and Garnett).

Similar to: David West

30. Boston Celtics

- Courtney Lee, SG, Western Kentucky

Ray Allen’s disappearance in the playoffs has shown that they need to start grooming his eventual replacement. Lee would be a great addition as he is a really good shooter. Sitting behind Ray Allen and learning from him will only help make him an even better shooting guard. Should be able to contribute from day one. The Celtics could go center here, but finding Allen’s future is a little more pressing, as they can always shift Garnett to center and insert Big Baby Glenn Davis for size.

Similar to: Daniel Gibson

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I’ll do another mock draft, as we get closer to the draft as trades and free agency starts to hit. I will post a Mock round two though, in the coming week(s).

Shocker!! Celtics Win Home Playoff Game!

The Celtics took Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals: who would have predicted that? It was a home game; it was the playoffs—go figure. The Celtics have become pretty predictable.

The Celtics played well, but the Pistons didn’t play so badly. Even though the Celtics shot over 52 percent from the floor, the Pistons defense was pretty stingy. They did hold the Celtics to only 88 points.

KG and Pierce were excellent, as was Rajon Rondo. And while Ray Allen had another dreadful offensive game, he actually played pretty well defensively. He made Hamilton work and take some tough shots and limited him to only 15 points on 5-13 shooting.

If I were the Pistons, I would not be too worried about a Game 1 loss on the road. The Pistons know how bad the Celtics are on the road, so all they have to do is steal one in Boston, which they came fairly close to doing in Game 1. Boston is not going to shoot over 50 percent as a team from the floor in all four home games, nor is Chauncey Billups going to be so rusty.

I still say watch out Celtics. You better figure out how to win one on the road, because the Pistons have almost figured out how to win one in Boston and once Billups gets it going, this one could end after 6 games.

New Blood or Same Ole’ Same Ole’

There are some familiar faces still left in the NBA Playoffs, there are some new teams and there are new faces on old teams. The two most storied franchises in NBA history still have a chance to meet in the Finals, or there could be a meeting of the two most dominant franchises over the past 5 years.

The Celtics have had to fight and scratch to get to the Eastern Conference Finals, while the Pistons have had a relatively easy time. In the West, the Lakers await either the familiar Spurs or the rising, fresh-faced Hornets.

After watching how badly the Celtics are playing on the road, I don’t think they have what it takes to take down the Pistons. I see the Pistons winning this series in 6 games and waiting for the West to finish. The Celtics’ Big 3 seem to really only be the Big 2. Ray Allen has completely disappeared and was only barely used in the 4^th quarter of Game 7 against the Cleveland LeBron’s. Detroit is too good and too experienced to lose to a team playing like the Celtics.

The West is a coin flip, but I think the home court advantage is going to hold up in the Spurs-Hornets series, though who the hell really knows.

I think most people would like to see some new blood with the Hornets playing the Celtics. The most boring series would certainly be the Spurs and the Pistons. There would be some nostalgia, and the ratings would be the highest, if it were the Lakers and the Celtics. I think the most entertaining series in the playoffs would be the Hornets and the Lakers, too bad they can’t play in the Finals.

Either way, the 2008 playoffs are shaping up to be one of the best and most entertaining in a long time. Let’s just hope we are not let down with a Spurs-Pistons Finals.

NBA Finances - Boston Celtics

Atlantic Division - Boston Celtics

Definitely back next year – 9 players

- Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen – The big 3 are locked for a total of $176 million. Allen for 2 more years, Pierce for 3, and Garnett for 4. Make no mistake this is a steep price to pay. But if they can bring a title to Boston, it would be worth it just in merchandising revenue alone.

- Kendrick Perkins – 3 yrs & $12.7 million – If he plays for the next 3 years like he played this year, this money will be well spent.

- Brian Scalabrine – 2 yrs & $6.6 million – He hasn’t shown to be worth this kind of scratch, so it’s unlikely they’ll be able to dump it on another team in a trade. He shows up on time and works hard, and they have no other choice but to pay it, so there’s no sense in complaining about it.

- Rajon Rondo – 2 yrs & $4.3 million – The second year is a team option, which they will certainly pick up. Then he becomes a restricted free agent. Basically, and unfortunately for Rondo, the team owns his ass for the next two years at a bargain price, and there’s nothing he can do about it. It’s a bummer, but that’s the way the rookie scale works.

- Leon Powe & Glen Davis – These two are in a similar situation. They proved to be very useful back-ups while making very little money this year. They’re both under contract for next year, and both for under $1 million. It would probably behoove the team to get both of them signed to longer term, more lucrative deals before next season ends. They could probably both be had right now for 3 or 4 year deals worth $3 or $4 million per year. The Celtics will probably wait until next season starts before they negotiate seriously with either one of them, particularly Davis because they’ll want to see what kind of shape he shows up camp in, knowing his past weight problems.

- Gabe Pruitt – 1 yr & $712K with a team option for a second year – He didn’t play much this year. He has another season to prove himself. If he doesn’t, they’ll probably scratch the last year of his contract and release him.

Might be back next year

- James Posey – Has a player option for $3.5 million for next season. He could turn it down and become an un-restricted free agent. He had a good season as the Celts’ 6^th man, and is in a pretty good position to bargain with other teams and get a long term deal; which means he’s in a good position to re-negotiate right now with the Celtics. $3.5 million is nothing to sneeze at. But, honestly, what he did this year was probably worth a little more. The Celtics should re-negotiate with him right now, and lock him in for another 2 or 3 years for about $5 million per, and hope nobody beats them to him with a better offer

- Tony Allen – He’s a restricted free agent this off-season. The Celtics’ qualifying offer is $2.74 million. The Celtics will probably let him put his name out there and entertain offers from other teams, matching any that he accepts if it’s not for too much. He’s a useful player and they’d like to keep him. However, if some team makes him an offer that equates to starter’s money, they’ll probably decline and let him walk. He’ll get some offers. The only question is how big.

- Eddie House – He’s an un-restricted free agent after this year. He was underpaid this year at $1.5 million. The guy can flat out shoot and plays a valuable role that’s worth at least twice that much. Methinks he’s about to get a raise. The Celtics could very well lose him. Again, as with Posey and Allen, they’ll be careful not to overpay him. But at the same time, he does deserve a raise.

- Scot Pollard, PJ Brown, & Sam Cassell – These 3 old timers are un-restricted free agents. My guess is Brown retires and stays there this time. Nobody signs Pollard, and he retires. The Celtics offer Cassell the veteran’s minimum to come back for another season, and he takes it.

Overall state of affairs – They have 9 players who are definitely back next year, and a couple free agent issues to deal with. The big 3 are expensive which limits how generous they can be with role players. They’d like to keep the team intact, but may lose guys like Posey, Tony Allen, and House. In which case, they’ll have to find someone to fill those roles, and hopefully at a bargain price. The best case scenario for them is to get those 3 re-signed for as cheap as possible, bring Cassell back for cheap, and get two new rookies here to fill out the rest of the roster.

Kobe the MVP???

I never knew the NBA MVP was supposed to be a lifetime achievement award. I thought it was merely the most valuable player to a team for the season just played. Apparently, I was mistaken. Kobe Bryant got his honorary Oscar/MVP, and I am amazed at the amount of people who think this is as it should be.  

I know the Lakers are the top seed in the West and that Kobe had a great season, but he is NOT the most valuable player to his team. If Kobe was not on the Lakers, they would still be a decent team. They wouldn’t make the playoffs, but they would win 35 games or so.  

There is one player that is keeping his pathetic teammates out of the NBA cellar. This team would make Miami look like the 90’s Bulls. That team is, of course, the Cavaliers. Without Lebron, the Cavaliers are just a bunch of overpaid has-beens or never-will-bes. Ilguaskas is the only player other than Lebron that is still worth discussing, and he is now past his prime.  

Not only do the Cavaliers need Lebron worse than the Lakers need Kobe, but Lebron is statistically better. Here are the numbers per game and they don’t lie:

• PPG: Lebron 30.0 to 28.3
• Reb: Lebron 7.9 to 6.3
• Assists: Lebron 7.2 to 5.4
• Blocks: Lebron 1.1 to 0.5
• Steals: Tie 1.8 each
• FG%: Lebron 48.4 to 45.9
• FT%: Kobe 84.0 to 71.2 

Lebron also takes on more of the ball-handling duties and overall offensive responsibility. Lebron doesn’t have Lamar Odom and a veteran like Derek Fisher to help run the offense. Lebron doesn’t have Pau Gasol to score on the inside and take the heat off.  

Kobe had a great season, but I had him fourth on my list. I could have dealt with Chris Paul or Kevin Garnett getting the MVP, but not Kobe. Just because Kobe had never won the award before is not a good enough reason to give it to him now. If you want to give out the MVP as a lifetime achievement award, then give it to Alonzo Mourning or Dikembe Mutombo.

The Hawks Aren’t Scared

In one corner we have the Atlanta Hawks, the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a record of 37-45 record.  Atlanta has young unexperienced players such as Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Al Horford, and Marvin Williams. There is hardly any playoff experience on the roster after the likes of Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson.  In the other corner we have the Boston Celtics with an NBA 66-16 record.  The “Big 3″ of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce have been the most talked about trio of players all year.  The Celtics are a complete team, and have been picked to contend for the title all year from the beginning of the season. 

Who would have thought that the young Hawks would have taken this series to a game seven.  This is a game seven that nobody saw coming, and many people, including myself, thought that the Hawks were going to be swept like its no big deal.   There is no pressure on the Hawks, all of it is on Boston, if they lose, it will be one of the biggest and disgraceful chokes ever. 

There seems to be a reoccurring theme in this series, Hawks fall behind, the Hawks make a huge fourth quarter run, and the Atlanta crowd goes crazy as the Hawks win.  Atlanta is not scared and they are not intimidated.  The Hawks are playing with fire and intensity in front of their home crowd, and every single time it looks like the Celtics are about to put them away for good, Atlanta comes charging back and refuses to be stopped.  At one point last game, Atlanta scored on 16 straight possessions. 

The series now goes back to Boston, where the Hawks have failed to win at so far.  This game seven really will show how much resiliency Atlanta has in them.  There will be a point in the game where the Celtics have control and have Atlanta on their heels, but lets see if the Hawks can make one of their comebacks on the road.  Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby are really going to be at their best for the Hawks to take this game seven.  I believe that they can too, Atlanta is confident. 

“What other people think about this team does not bother us,” Atlanta forward Josh Smith said. “We know we can play with this team or anybody else. We didn’t come into this series to lose or just being satisfied with making the playoffs.”

The Hawks are fearless.

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