tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36608857753803261422023-11-16T01:18:29.170-05:00Ball So Hard SportsDebating sports. The true American Pastime. That's what we're doing here. Real opinions, real topics. Don't like it? Fire back. I'll give you my unbiased (unless we're talking Celtics, Aztecs or Patriots) views on the hottest stories in the sports world or I'll turn it over to another member of the Ball So Hard Crew. Come along for the ride, but buckle up, things are gonna move quickly!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-8860831198916675632015-10-27T17:31:00.000-04:002015-10-27T20:33:33.964-04:0030 Teams in 30 Tweets: Volume 4Man, a whole year has gone by since we wondered if LeBron could make his homecoming one for the ages...and so much has changed. Steph Curry ascended to the throne, taking the MVP and the Larry O'Brien trophies home with him to the Bay. James Harden took the mantle from Steve Francis and was truly "Franchise like a Houston Rocket", just missing the MVP himself. Russell Westbrook matched his crazy threads with a crazy scoring streak, and we lost HOF caliber guys like Durant and Bosh for way too long during the year.<br />
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So here we sit, the dawn of the 2015-2016 NBA season and there are, as always, more questions than answers...and we'll enjoy every minute from now til June as we get those answers. Until that time though, let's revisit the annual Ball So Hard tradition - 30 Teams in 30 Tweets.<br />
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As always, feel free to leave your feedback in the comments and Happy NBA Season to all!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Atlanta Hawks:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Big surprise with Budenholzer. East's #1 seed? Doubtful, but another deep run makes sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Boston Celtics:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Best coach in NBA after Pop. Stevens will get everything out of this deep, star-less roster. Atlantic title isn't as crazy as it sounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Brooklyn Nets:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> The Pierce/KG trade is looking really good for Boston - Brooklyn is destined to watch the ping pong balls this May.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Charlotte Hornets: </b>When the highlight of your season is Frank Kaminsky's roster <a href="http://www.atthehive.com/2015/8/6/9112695/frank-kaminksy-roster-picture-hilarious" target="_blank">photo</a>, join the Nets in your Lottery excitement. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Chicago Bulls:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Can D-Rose stay healthy? I wrote this last year. And the year before. If he does, they're playing late into June. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Cleveland Cavaliers: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">LeBron might finally understand saving himself, and a healthy roster, will get him and Cleveland that title. Watch out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Dallas Mavericks:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> The team that lost DeAndre Jordan. Losing will be a theme. All. Year. Long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Denver Nuggets:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Could be a tough year for the Nugs. Mudiay is interesting and will be fun to watch. Sneaky 8 seed at best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Detroit Pistons:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Stan has done work in Detroit, and quickly. This team will be a bit better than expected and could see a Round 1 playoff series. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Golden State Warriors:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Repeating is tough. The pressure is already on. Be happy everything lined up last year, Dubs fans, won't happen this year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Houston Rockets:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> They got close last year. They should again. Deep roster and Harden has something to prove - he wants that MVP.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Indiana Pacers:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> The East gives them the chance to bounce right back into the mix. They won't. Hickory uniforms will be their season highlight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Los Angeles Clippers:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> The uniforms are horrible. The roster is not. Doc won't have to worry about covering LAL banners after this year, they'll have their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Los Angeles Lakers: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Kobe is back. The Lakers...not so much. Russell and Randle are a nice start though. They are LA's "other" team now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Memphis Grizzlies: </b>Always expect them to drop, and they always hang around. Still a mid-seed and capable of a surprise. West just seems too tough to tame. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Miami Heat: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Winslow was a huge draft day steal. Bosh back healthy will be big. They are much better than last year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Milwaukee Bucks:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Parker will be back. Kidd was impressive. This team came out of nowhere. Will they live up to higher expectations or take a step back? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Minnesota Timberwolves: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">#RIPFlip - sad start to the year. KG has a star to mentor and now he'll play even more inspired. Sentimental playoff pick. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">New Orleans Pelicans: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Playoffs were a nice bonus for a young team with a budding superstar. Davis will make MVP noise, but team still feels a year out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">New York Knicks: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> This team is becoming a circus on and off the court, beginning with their head coach. Porzingas could be really good - the Knicks won't. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Oklahoma City Thunder: </b>KD's last stand? Westbrook's year to claim OKC as "his" team? They should be playing in June. But we say that every year. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Orlando Magic:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> This is the team that could do what the Bucks did last year. Don't be surprised if they're a high seed in the East.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Philadelphia 76ers: RT from 2014: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Year 2 (now 3) of Tankapalooza. They’ve got some pieces and potential, but its going to be ugly this year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Phoenix Suns:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> I just can't figure this team out. They look like they might sneak in, then they fall off. I am sticking with lottery for PHX this year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Portland Trailblazers:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Losing Aldridge hurts. Lillard is a star, but can he be THE star? Might be a bit of a drop off, which is death in the West. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Sacramento Kings:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Cousins. Rondo. Karl. What could go wrong? One of those 3 won't last the season. Easily the most dysfunctional team in the league. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">San Antonio Spurs:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> Too easy to pick them. They have reloaded without ever having to rebuild. Won't be a shock if they win it all, but just short seems right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Toronto Raptors:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> The good news is they don't have to play Paul Pierce until the Finals. The bad news is they'll never get there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Utah Jazz:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> One of those years where you just want to see some positive steps forward while you wait out the big guns and rise in the West. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /><b>Washington Wizards:</b> This could be Beal's breakout year. Probably staying in the playoff mix, but expectations are lower. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Playoff Predictions:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Eastern Conference Playoff Teams: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">1. Chicago 2. Cleveland 3. Atlanta 4. Boston 5. Miami 6. Orlando 7. Toronto 8. Washington<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Western Conference Playoff Teams:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> 1. San Antonio 2. Oklahoma City 3. LA Clippers 4. Golden State 5. Houston 6. Memphis 7. New Orleans 8. LA Lakers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>ECF: Cleveland over Chicago</b> - There's just too much talent on that Cavs roster if they're healthy. And if LeBron doesn't have to do everything himself, they're going back to the Finals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>WCF: LA Clippers over San Antonio</b> - Kills me to have OKC on the outside looking in here, but it is the Clippers time. Plus, we get the Spurs/Clips series we all want.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>NBA Finals: LA Clippers over Cleveland</b> - Sorry, Bron Bron. You're a bridesmaid again. Its time for the other LA squad to get their banner. With the vet leadership of Paul Pierce, just like in 2008, Doc is getting a ring. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b><u>Awards:</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>MVP: Russell Westbrook</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>6th Man: Isaiah Thomas</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Def. POY: Kawhi Leonard</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Coach: Brad Stevens</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><b>Rookie: DeAngelo Russell</b></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-88872890777287987152014-10-26T11:27:00.002-04:002014-10-26T11:28:50.341-04:0030 Teams in 30 Tweets: Vol. 3<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->What an off-season for the NBA! LeBron and "The Letter", a mega, mega TV rights deal, another Team USA gold, old faces in new places, pre-season injuries, 44-minute games and renewed hopes and expectations for every team in the league. Yet, while all of this has been great, the real reason for our excitement is that we are finally ready for the 2014-2015 tip-off this week!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Now, what would the few days before the dawn of a new season be without a Ball So Hard Sports "30 Teams in 30 Tweets" primer for our fans?! Sure, you can go to the "experts" out there (or Jalen Rose and his baseball bat if you just want to hear jibberish) for long-winded analysis, but like Sweet Brown says, "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGxwbhkDjZM" target="_blank">Ain't Nobody Got Time For That"!</a> So, instead, we give the #BSHNation what they want: 30 Teams in 30 Tweets: Volume 3!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">As always, read, enjoy, debate, criticize, whatever your little roundball-loving hearts desire. But know this: we hit 14 of 16 playoff teams last year. Now, some of the jade has stayed (we still love Doc and the other LA squad) and some has moved (Pierce to DC means the Wiz get far more love than Brooklyn now) and some is renewed (welcome back, Hornets!), but as always, the analysis is real!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Without further adieu, here we go. Your 140 character outlooks for everyone in the NBA. Tuesday will be a great beginning for the league's future and hopefully we'll look back in June as some really great predictions from here. Let's get to the tweets:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Atlanta Hawks:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Playoff constant.
Could be as high as 4 seed. Still see low seed, 1<sup>st</sup> round exit and
Horford dealt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boston Celtics:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Smart, Sully and
Olynyk will be fun to watch. This team will scrap. Don’t discount an 8 seed,
but 28-30 wins and a big summer sounds right. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Brooklyn Nets:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Kidd leaving is a
plus. Hollins will get max effort. Bottom half playoff team if healthy. Enjoy
KG’s last ride. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Charlotte Hornets: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hornet Revival! Big Al and
Born Ready will get this team into the playoffs again, where they might just
make some noise. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chicago Bulls:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Can D-Rose stay
healthy? If so, Gasol makes this team one of, if not THE favorite in the East.
Big year for Noah.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cleveland
Cavaliers: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Letter stole the summer headlines. The Big 3 stole the
preseason media coverage. Will LeBron bring a ring to Cleveland? Yes, but in
’16.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dallas Mavericks:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Parsons is a nice
get. Nelson an underrated signing as well. Should keep this squad in the West
8, but not far into the playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Denver Nuggets:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Can a team be TOO deep?
We will find out this year. Nuggets have the talent to make playoffs and go
deep. Manimal’s break out year!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Detroit Pistons:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Stan Van Gundy
has his work cut out for him in the Motor City. Feels like a “reset button”
year to get things in order. Sorry, fans. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Golden State Warriors:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Pressure is on Klay.
If they choose you over K-Love, you better help Steph and the crew get deep
into the summer. They picked the wrong guy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Houston Rockets:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> They failed to get
their 3<sup>rd</sup> star. Ariza will help. Look for a mid-year Rondo push.
Still a piece or two away from cracking the elite teams.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Indiana Pacers:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Feels like their
window slammed shut. PG-13 missing the year means a long, long season in Indy.
Could also mean Lottery status. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Los Angeles Clippers:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Clippers era of
failure is gone. Ballmer and Rivers will win. This could be the year for the
“other” LA team to raise a banner. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Los Angeles Lakers: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can Kobe be healthy again
or has age finally caught up? We know it has with Nash. Randle can be good, but
this team will struggle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Memphis Grizzlies: RT
from 2013: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Made noise but fell short last year. Same old story. Guessing they
drop a bit this year before making a charge down the road.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Miami Heat: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is D-Wade’s team.
Unfortunately, this isn’t 2006. They’re still a playoff team, but the Heatles
era is nothing but a memory now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Milwaukee Bucks:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Jabari will be great.
Not sure why they wanted Kidd, but they are the Bucks. At least they have
Mallory Edens!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Minnesota
Timberwolves: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another year where MIN trades a star to create a Big 3 for someone
else. Wiggins is a star in the making, but not yet. Rubio needs to shine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New Orleans Pelicans: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Brow is a future MVP.
This team is ready to make some noise. Could crack the playoffs this year, but
if not bank on it in ‘16. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">New York Knicks: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Jackson will
eventually bring a title to the “Zen Garden” but will it be before Melo’s new
deal expires? Doubtful. Growing Pains for D-Fish. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oklahoma City
Thunder: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Durant injury is crippling to this team. Have to have homecourt
to beat SA or LAC. Westbrook will carry them but could be a lost year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Orlando Magic:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> They are building
something special in Florida with Oladipo and Gordon. That next lottery piece
they get next year will help too. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Philadelphia 76ers: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Year 2 of Tankapalooza.
They’ve got some pieces and potential, but its going to be ugly this year.
Lowest wins in history? Possible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Phoenix Suns:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Dead wrong about them
last year. They’ll hang around the 8 seed again, but ultimately will fall
short. Then big decisions in off-season. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Portland Trailblazers:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Lillard has elevated
himself to star status. Now he has to team with Aldridge to improve on last
year. They just might. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sacramento Kings:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Cousins is going to
be an All-Star. Rudy Gay will help. Interesting mix of a team trying to win now
while rebuilding. Rondo’s new home?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">San Antonio Spurs:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The Champs can
repeat. Kawhi is again the key. If healthy, look for this team to be playing in
June one more time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toronto Raptors:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Shocking that Ujiri
has turned the Raps into Denver East. Very deep. Maybe too deep. Top 4 seed in
the East. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Utah Jazz:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> While they won’t win
many games, this team is going to be interesting to watch. Young and can grow
together. How will Exum adjust to NBA?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<b>Washington Wizards:</b> The Wiz put the league on notice in last year’s
playoffs. Now, with the Truth to guide the young guns, this could be THE team
in the East. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Playoff Predictions:</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eastern Conference Playoff
Teams: </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Chicago 2. Cleveland 3. Washington 4. Toronto 5. Charlotte 6. Miami
7. Atlanta 8. Brooklyn<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Western Conference Playoff
Teams:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 1.
LA Clippers 2. San Antonio 3. Golden State 4. Oklahoma City 5. Houston 6. Portland
7. Denver 8. Dallas<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eastern Conference
Finals: Chicago over Cleveland.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Everyone will pick Cleveland to win the
East or be in the ECF. I think Washington gives them all they can handle in the
Semis and would give Chicago a run if they got a crack at a healthy Bulls
squad, but they just won’t have the firepower. The Bulls, if healthy, go to the
Finals. If they aren’t healthy, it wouldn’t shock me to see LeBron back in the
Finals and Cleveland fans out of their minds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Western Conference
Finals: LA Clippers over San Antonio.</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> This is going to be the year that the
Clippers officially put their past behind them, in every facet of the
franchise’s history. New owner, great coach, an MVP candidate in Blake…all of
it adds up to taking the moniker of “LA’s Team” from the Lakers and heading to
the Finals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 13.65pt;">
<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NBA Finals:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <b>Bulls over LA
Clippers.</b> This will be one hell of an NBA Finals if it happens. As a
Celtics fan, I love that it would be the perfect Lakers nightmare: the Clippers
and Pau Gasol both battling for an NBA title while they sit home! This would
seem to be a 7 game slugfest, but I think in the end, the student will get the
best of the teacher and Thibs’ boys will overcome Doc and the Clips. This
Chicago team just has too much talent if they are healthy to be beaten this
year. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<b><u>Awards Predictions:</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u>MVP:</b> This feels like an easy LeBron win. You could also see Blake
make a run if the Clips follow through as far as I have them going. D-Rose will
have to be an MVP again for the Bulls to win it all. I really like Westbrook
putting the team on his back while Durant is out as well, and the Brow is still
a year away. With all of that said, I’m going with LeBron, Westbrook, Griffin,
Rose in that order this year.<br />
<br />
<b>6th Man:</b> Andre Iguodala. If GS makes him the 6<sup>th</sup> man as
rumored, this is his to lose. You could see Tristan Thompson make a run here
with Cleveland as well. <br />
<br />
<b>Coach:</b> Doc Rivers. He kept this team focused and competitive as
well as anyone could have during the Sterling debacle. He will be rewarded for
keeping them focused and going even further this year. <br />
<br />
<b>Rookie:</b> Jabari Parker. He is the most pro-ready of the
Wiggins/Parker debate. He’ll show why and win this award this year. <br />
<br />
<b>Defensive POY:</b> Joakim Noah. He’s going to have to be a monster for
the Bulls to make the Finals and win it all. <br />
<br />
There you have it. Outlooks for all 30 teams, ranked playoff predictions and
award projections for the 2014-2015 season. As always, let's hear it in the
comments if you agree or disagree and we'd love to hear your predictions as
well. Happy Hoops Season, everyone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-14072504216162722692013-10-28T11:39:00.000-04:002013-10-28T13:33:27.460-04:0030 Teams In 30 Tweets: Vol. 2On the eve of the 2013-2014 season, muddled by all the LeBron 3-peat, Melo-drama, D-Rose/Kobe returns and taking chatter, one major question remains: where is the 30 Teams in 30 Tweets column from Ball So Hard Sports?! Rest easy, kids, all of the projections, predictions and insanity are here and back in full force! This promises to be one of the most entertaining and competitive seasons in recent memory and what better way to lay out predictions than in our favorite 140-character, quick-hit style?<br>
<br>
As mentioned last year, of course you can grab your in-depth, put you to sleep analysis of this season at all of those other sites (whom we love dearly and read as well), but in the land of social media dominance, the tweet-length predictions and outlooks for every team will be just what you need to be ready for the opening tip tomorrow.<br>
<br>
Without further adieu, here are the Ball So Hard Sports "30 Teams in 30 Tweets" for the 2013-2014 NBA season, followed by our NBA Playoffs and awards predictions as well. Enjoy and let us know whether you agree/disagree in the comments below.<br>
<br>
<b><u>2013-2014 NBA Previews:</u></b><br>
<br>
<br>
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<b>Atlanta Hawks:</b> New season, same outlook, with or without J-Smoove. Bottom-half seed, 1st round exit. Welcome to Atlanta, where mediocre plays. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Boston Celtics:</b> Hate losing Pierce & KG but business is business. Love the Stevens hire. Don't rush Rondo, take your lumps. The pieces to rebuild are here.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br></div>
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<b>Brooklyn Nets:</b> Stay healthy, raise a banner. League's best starting 5, great bench, 2 hungry new leaders in Pierce & KG. One of the major contenders.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Charlotte Bobcats: </b>They're getting there, slowly but surely. Big Al was a nice signing. Still a lottery team, but at least they seem like it isn't OK anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Chicago Bulls:</b> If D-Rose plays like he has in preseason, all is forgiven. Guys might start tearing ACL's just to come back this strong. Title/MVP possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Cleveland Cavaliers: </b>Does Bynum play? Was Bennett #1 worthy? Is this Irving's audition to play with LeBron? A lot of questions, a year away from answers.<br>
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<b>Dallas Mavericks:</b> This team just feels like its fallen by the wayside. Window closed, locked and boarded. Time for Cuban to make a splash.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Denver Nuggets:</b> Losing Iggy is a dagger. Needed to get better, took a step back AND traded Karl for a rookie Shaw on the bench. Middle of the pack at best.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Detroit Pistons:</b> Lots of new pieces in Motown. Jennings and Smith could make the team fun. Looking at a 7/8 seed and a 1st round sweep. Sound familiar, Josh?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Golden State Warriors:</b> The chic pick to win the west. Iggy definitely puts them on the short list. If Curry's ankles are OK, expect big fun and bigger results. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Houston Rockets:</b> Is the Dwight drama over? Are they a player away? Is Harden OK with dropping back to 2nd fiddle? A year away from knowing, but promising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Indiana Pacers:</b> They answered the questions last year about being ready. Can they stay at this level and eventually push forward? George & Hibbert = yes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Los Angeles Clippers:</b> Can Doc work his magic with vets again? If so, they'll go from covering up the other LA team's banners to finally raising one of their own. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Los Angeles Lakers: </b>Which number is going to be higher: number of games Kobe misses or number of games the Lakers win? Gonna be a long year for the Lake Show.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Memphis Grizzlies: </b>Made noise but fell short late last year. Same old story. Guessing they drop a bit this year before making a charge down the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Miami Heat: </b>LeBron's last ride in South Beach or the title that cements his legacy & keeps him in MIA? Too many contenders, prepare for The Decision 2. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Milwaukee Bucks:</b> One of a handful of teams whose fans will be watching Kansas highlights more than their own team's. Lottery is a necessity for Bucks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Minnesota Timberwolves: </b>Can they keep Love healthy and make a playoff run this year? Hopefully, otherwise it may be time to ship Kevin elsewhere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>New Orleans Pelicans: </b>A year older. Tyreke is a nice add. Probably another year away but don't be surprised to see this team in a first-round matchup.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>New York Knicks: </b> Officially NY's "other" team. MeloDrama will distract them all year. Bottom half of the bracket, 1st round exit, chaos when Melo leaves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Oklahoma City Thunder: </b>Will Westbrook rush back or take the D-Rose route? If he returns stronger like Derrick, this could be KD's turn to take the crown.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Orlando Magic:</b> Enjoy Victor Oladipo, Magic fans. Then hope you can pair him with Wiggins next season. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Philadelphia 76ers: </b>Nice youth movement in Philly, even if it meant a step back. Stash Noel away, maybe win the lottery, be a major player in a few years. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Phoenix Suns:</b> Last year: at least they weren't the Bobcats. This year, before the first tip, it is safe to say that the Phoenix Suns are on the clock...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Portland Trailblazers:</b> Do they keep Aldridge? They are a borderline playoff team either way. With a loaded draft & Lillard, a step away isn't a bad move long term.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sacramento Kings:</b> Sacramento won the battle to keep their Kings. Neither will win much else this year. The #1 pick would be nice karma and best case scenario.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>San Antonio Spurs:</b> Can they follow up last year's epic run with another? Kawhi needs to step up for it to happen. Never count Pop, Duncan & Parker out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Toronto Raptors:</b> An intriguing squad this season. Ujiri is doing things right and should sneak into the playoffs. Will be fun to see if they make it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Utah Jazz:</b> Lottery seems inevitable but there's a young Thunder feel to their rebuild. You never know with bigs like theirs, but 2-3 years to be sure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Washington Wizards:</b> It is time for John Wall to rise to the occasion. Playoffs or bust for WAS and they should do just enough to squeak in to a bottom 3 seed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Playoff Predictions:</u></b></div>
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<b>Eastern Conference Playoff Teams: </b>1. Chicago 2. Brooklyn 3. Miami 4. Indiana 5. New York 6. Detroit 7. Washington 8. Atlanta </div>
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<b>Western Conference Playoff Teams:</b> 1. LA Clippers 2. Oklahoma City 3. Golden State 4. San Antonio 5. Houston 6. Memphis 7. Denver 8. Portland</div>
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<b>Eastern Conference Finals: Brooklyn over Chicago.</b> After dethroning the Heat I'm the Conference Semis, Brooklyn will follow Boston's 2008 blueprint into the NBA Finals with KG and Pierce, leaving D-Rose just shy of a storybook comeback.</div>
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<b>Western Conference Finals: LA Clippers over Golden St.</b> I really wanted to pick the Warriors here. Love the Iggy signing and think they can go all the way, but probably 1 year away. With Kobe down & out for a year, this is the Clippers' time to make a run. </div>
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<b>NBA Finals:</b> <b>Brooklyn over LA Clippers.</b> If you told me last October that Doc, KG and Paul Pierce would be in the Finals, I'd have been thrilled. Cut to a year later and they very well could be, but as opponents. Doc does wonders with a vet ball club and the Dynamic Duo knows they have 1 or 2 shots at another ring. I think they meet up with their old coach in June and reach their goal of retiring as champions.<br>
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<b><u>Awards Predictions:</u></b><br>
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<b>MVP:</b> Derrick Rose. I've seen all I needed to this preseason. He's back. Sorry LeBron.<br>
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<b>6th Man:</b> Andrei Kirilenko. The only issue is if Jason Terry is really the BK 6th man.<br>
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<b>Coach:</b> Erik Spoelstra. The kid will get his due this year. After 2 titles, he will have to keep this team hungry and focused with all the "will he/won't he" LeBron distraction.<br>
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<b>Rookie:</b> Kelly Olynyk. A silver lining in this Celtics season. He'll have plenty of minutes and a chance to shine.<br>
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<b>Defensive POY:</b> LeBron. He wanted it last year. He'll make sure he gets it this year.<br>
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There you have it. Outlooks for all 30 teams, ranked playoff predictions and award projections for the 2013-2014 season. As always, let's hear it in the comments if you agree or disagree and we'd love to hear your predictions as well. Happy Hoops Season, everyone!</div>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-42573872180597930552013-08-26T11:57:00.000-04:002013-08-26T11:57:56.139-04:00Back To School<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well...seeing that the last blog was for March Madness, I'm either approaching Bill Simmons status or just completely neglected blogging for the summer. Regardless, it is time to get back in the game and keep this up. If you have topics you want to hear about, be sure to hit us up in the comments or on Twitter, @ballsohardblog or #ballsohardblog with your ideas.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, with many kids heading back to school today, or already there in some parts of the country, I thought I'd take a little bit of a "Back To School"/Superlative feel to today's blog, quick hitting some of the summer's hottest topics with my favorite reply: the Twitter 140 characters or less answer. Want to hear more on one or more of these, just let me know. With that, here we go:</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Johnny Football:</b> <i>Class Clown</i>. Johnny, all you have to do is be a kid and play ball for ONE more year and then you can screw up all you want. Don't blow it.</span><br />
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<b>A-Rod:</b> <i>Class Gossip</i>. Should have been gone for life. Stop fighting it/lying. But, since you're here...you better contribute.<br />
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<b>Nets Moves:</b> <i>Boldest</i>. Brooklyn, we go hard. 2 shots at most. Best starting 5, maybe ever. Rookie coach could be downfall if health isn't.<br />
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<b>Celtics:</b> <i>Most Changed Since Frosh Yr</i>. (08) Hard to let PP/KG go but had to. Love Stevens. Be patient, C's fans, the reward could be great in a few.<br />
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<b>Aaron Hernandez:</b> <i>Sloppiest. </i>How NOT To Commit Murder: 101. Apparently the Patriot Way & attention to detail didn't resonate off the field for 81.<br />
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<b>Wes Welker: </b><i>Most Talkative.</i> See ya, Wes. Just go play football, stop talking about the Pats & BB. Oh, and be ready for a crack across the middle in Nov.<br />
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<b>Dwight Howard:</b><i> Biggest Flirt.</i> He's like a serial dater. Wanted more in ORL, got it in LA and failed, hinted at EVERYWHERE but picked HOU. Good luck.<br />
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<b>Bruins & The Cup: </b><i>Cutest Couple That Never Was. </i>Hell of an entertaining run that inspired Boston after the bombings. Fell short but fun to watch.<br />
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<b>Tim Tebow:</b><i> Most School Spirit.</i> Have to give it to him, he never quits, even when he should. Not a QB. Either accept a FB/TE role or get in the booth.<br />
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<b>Yasiel Puig:</b><i> Most Likely To Succeed.</i> A breath of fresh air in MLB. Should have been All-Star. Rough cut, but got me back watching & made LA a contender.<br />
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There you have it. 10 stories from the summer. Think I'm off base on any of them? Did I miss something? Leave it in the comments below.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-3297765022633461012013-03-18T13:51:00.000-04:002013-03-18T13:55:12.981-04:00NCAA Tournament Picks: Show Your CardsBall So Hard Sports broke down all 4 regions and you know Louisville, Miami, New Mexico and Georgetown made our Final Four. Want to review? Check them out. <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/mwbreakdown.html" target="_blank">We've covered the Midwest</a>, <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/eastregion.html" target="_blank">East</a>, <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/ncaa-south-region-hoya-destroyas.html" target="_blank">South</a> and <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/ncaa-west-region-loco-for-lobos.html" target="_blank">West Regions</a> for you right here. If you're going to give everyone analysis and predictions for the tournament, you're going to have to unveil your own picks as well. So, time to show our Cards (read into that what you want) and unveil the bracket.<br />
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Before we break down the 2 semi-final match-ups and our projected national championship game, take a look at our full bracket. Its out there now, no hiding from whatever upsets and Cinderellas crash the party now! Best of luck to you with your brackets as well. Feel free to use ours as reference of what to do or not do depending on what you think:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjp0K1wUKF3ZlVZkhhu_cALO2xo0ATLXwGGiEc_Mg0WbYRqCgQbB_iJrFY_ot80CUlYju0vImYXmfq804KbhZOzHvRvsSrWyD6zsjTzlaZ1wf6bDfLaXyOOEwyGhXbq3oVku1ThwDDgCU/s1600/BSHSBracket2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjp0K1wUKF3ZlVZkhhu_cALO2xo0ATLXwGGiEc_Mg0WbYRqCgQbB_iJrFY_ot80CUlYju0vImYXmfq804KbhZOzHvRvsSrWyD6zsjTzlaZ1wf6bDfLaXyOOEwyGhXbq3oVku1ThwDDgCU/s320/BSHSBracket2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With that out of the way, let's dive into the Final Four match-ups we project for Atlanta:<br />
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<b>Semi-Final 1: New Mexico vs. Louisville</b><br />
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I wish this could have been the final. I really like New Mexico and think that it is time for a team from the Mountain West to rise up and prove this is a conference worth of the national attention it will get from the ESPN TV deal they just inked. Tony Snell and Kendall Williams are tremendous talents and have gotten it done all year for the Lobos. But, Rick Pitino brings an experienced Louisville team who was in the Final Four last season and hungry to improve on that performance. They run 9 deep in the Cardinals rotation and their starting five all contributed to the team that made it last year.<br />
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<b>How New Mexico Wins:</b> Simple. Snell and Williams outplay Siva, beat Louisville's pressure and hit their shots. It won't be easy, but if the Lobos can get out front and beat the press without being afraid of being blocked by Dieng every time they cut to the basket, they may be the one's playing on Monday.<br />
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<b>How Louisville Wins:</b> Experience and pressure. If New Mexico is in this game, they are going to be overwhelmed with what comes along with being a Final Four team, especially being as little known as they are. Louisville was here last season and everyone remembers it. More importantly, Rick Pitino has been here a few times and will make sure they stay grounded and focused. Their pressure is going to get to teams throughout the tournament and if they can frustrate the Lobos enough, they'll be looking to cut down the nets in the final game of the season.<br />
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<b>Ball So Hard Sports Pick: </b>Louisville. March is all about experience. We always hear about betting on coaches who have been there. Izzo, Coach K, etc. and right at the top with them all is Pitino. He'll get it done one more time with this squad.<br />
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<b>Semi-Final 2: Georgetown vs. Miami</b><br />
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Miami is looking to continue their tremendous season by winning 2 games in Atlanta and bringing the NCAA title back to South Beach to pair with the NBA title and crowning Miami as the home of hoops. Georgetown looks to carry the torch of the old Big East into one last tournament and come out the victor. Miami is very strategic under Jim Larranaga and Georgetown is very deliberate under JTIII. This is going to be an interesting game to watch if it happens and whoever imposes their will over the other will get the W.<br />
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<b>How Georgetown Wins:</b> Control the tempo. When they wear you down and play their style, they're nearly unbeatable. Miami is prone to scoring droughts and the Hoya defense can capitalize on that. It will be interesting to see if the Princeton offense of the Hoyas can work with the Miami "scramble" defense, but if Otto hits his shots, they should give the Big East a shot at a conference match-up in the title game.<br />
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<b>How Miami Wins:</b> Hit shots and play defense. They are known to go cold for long spells and they can't afford that here. Shane Larkin has to be the All-American PG he is and run this offense. The defense will have had a week to work on stopping the Hoyas and should have plenty of plays from their coach designed to slow down Georgetown. This is a veteran team and while they weren't a pre-season favorite, they've performed all year and will be worthy of a title shot if they do their jobs.<br />
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<b>Ball So Hard Sports Pick: </b>Miami. Larranaga has been here before with a Cinderella and now he has talent. Miami played nearly flawless in the ACC during the season and the tournament and should do the same here. They were slighted for a 1 seed but a berth in the title game forgives all of that.<br />
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<b>National Championship: Louisville vs. Miami</b><br />
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This could be a great guard match-up between Larkin and Siva. One for the ages. Pitino looking to add to his legend while Larranaga looks for the crowning achievement on a storied coaching career. Again, it is going to come down to who hits shots. The same way these teams got here is the same way they're going to win 6 games from now.<br />
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<b>Ball So Hard Sports Pick:</b> Louisville. This team is just too good to overlook. They should have won last year and fell just shy. Siva and the team hasn't forgotten what that loss felt like and have worked all year to get back here. On that Monday in Atlanta, they'll be cutting down the nets. Pitino knows what is at stake and will make the most of the opportunity, starting this week when he returns to Rupp Arena with what amounts to a home game for Louisville in the most enemy of territories. It only gets better for him from there, culminating in a national championship.<br />
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There you have it. The fun begins tomorrow with the Play-In games in Dayton and finishes April 8 in Atlanta. This is the most wide-open the tournament has been in a while, so good luck with your brackets and enjoy the games, they are sure to be epic!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-86280332853750179032013-03-18T13:07:00.002-04:002013-03-18T13:08:15.222-04:00NCAA South Region: Hoya DestroyasBall So Hard Sports is breaking down each of the 4 regions before giving you our Final Four and title picks as well as unveiling our full bracket for you to compete against. <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/mwbreakdown.html" target="_blank">We've already covered the Midwest</a>, <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/eastregion.html" target="_blank">East</a> and <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/ncaa-west-region-loco-for-lobos.html" target="_blank">West Regions</a>, leaving the South for the finale, where the Kansas Jayhawks look to return to the Final Four after a runner-up finish last season.<br />
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Let me start off by saying this bracket is impossible for me as a fan. My SDSU Aztecs are here as well as pre-bracket favorites Georgetown and Florida, plus Michigan, who I always love to see make a deep run. I would love to put the Aztecs deep into the tournament, but if I'm going to be a blogger, I have to check my alumni card at the door, right? I haven't even mentioned the #1 seeded Jayhawks who could be coming together just in time for a big run. Oh, and there is another team in the mix that everyone wants to pick as I watch the prediction shows and segments this morning: VCU.<br />
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<b>Favorites: </b> Kansas for me is a strong choice to return to the Final Four. Ben McLemore is a star just waiting to lift off and do big things in the NBA. This could be his national coming out party for those that haven't seen him. Georgetown didn't win the Big East but they were the class of the conference all year and head coach JT3 has the Hoyas primed and ready for March. Michigan held the top spot in the polls for a hot minute this year and is from the lauded Big 10. Florida may be one of the most complete teams in the tournament and despite a disappointing SEC title game loss could be poised to bring Billy Donovan back to the Final Four. You can't go wrong with any of these 4 if your bracket takes that route.<br />
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<b>Sleepers: </b>Let's just start with everyone's favorite sleeper: VCU. Shaka Smart and his national darlings are staring at everyone from this 5 seed and people think he has them ready to head back to the Final Four. I don't think he can run a gauntlet that could include beating Michigan, Kansas and Georgetown though. North Carolina came on late and made the ACC title game, but will the weeklong hype of playing Kansas in Kansas City be too much for Roy Williams guys, causing them to lose to Villanova in the first round? Last, let's talk San Diego State. Steve Fisher knows how to win in March, but hasn't done so since coming to SDSU. Jamaal Franklin is a special talent and if he, Chase Tapley and James Rahon are hitting their shots, this is a team that is capable of playing with anyone. They have trouble with great two-guard lineups, shoot too many threes and settle for jumpers, but if they learn from their last two tournaments, don't be surprised to see them playing on the second weekend.<br />
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<b>Best First Round Game:</b> UNC/Nova is going to be a close matchup and the hype of a Kansas game is hanging over UNC. UCLA and Minnesota may be playing for their coaches' jobs. I love the SDSU vs. Lon Kruger reunion but I think Michigan vs. the other SDSU is the one to watch here. Michigan doesn't handle PG's well and low and behold, Nate Wolters, a Wooden finalist, is ready for you to meet him, nation. I don't know that they'll pull the upset, but don't be shocked if they send Big Blue home early.<br />
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<b>Best Late Round Potential Game: </b>While I'd like to see UCLA/SDSU, I think the idea of VCU's press vs. a team that doesn't turn the ball over like Michigan would be fun to watch. Michigan is young, with no seniors in their 8 man rotation, but 4 freshmen. This would be a huge contrast of styles and a fun one to see take place with an Elite 8 berth on the line.<br />
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<b>Ball So Hard Sports Pick:</b> Obviously we're thinking SDSU here, but going with Georgetown to head to Atlanta. Originally had Michigan here, but youth may hurt them as we saw late in the season. A good sign for the Hoyas: the last Big East team to beat the Aztecs in the tourney was UConn two years ago and they kept on winning until the next came down.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-10873593908406646032013-03-18T11:58:00.001-04:002013-03-18T11:58:57.847-04:00NCAA East Region: Hurricane WarningBall So Hard Sports is breaking down each of the 4 regions before giving you our Final Four and title picks as well as unveiling our full bracket for you to compete against. <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/mwbreakdown.html" target="_blank">We've already covered the Midwest </a>and <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/ncaa-west-region-loco-for-lobos.html" target="_blank">West Regions</a> and now come back East, where Indiana holds the #1 seed.<br />
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This region feels like the one where nobody is really overwhelming, some teams have disappointed and fell into low seeds here. Others got seeded a bit better than they should but are here as well. You'd like to think one of the top 2, Indiana and Miami, would view this as a weak draw and roll through to Atlanta, but you can't help but think one of the lower seeds or a real Cinderella could come out of this one and not just because the new King of Cinderellas, Butler, is here either.<br />
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<b>Favorites:</b> Indiana has to be on the top of most prediction lists. They were at or near the top of the polls all year long, they have Victor Oladipo and Tyler Zeller, quite possibly the best duo in the country and after a steady rise, Tom Crean has the Hoosiers ready to return to glory. Miami, led by Jim Larranaga (who knows a thing or two about NCAA Tourney runs) has come from the unknowns this year to run through the ACC with regular-season and tournament titles. Syracuse has had its ups and downs, but they're always a threat in march with Boeheim manning the sidelines.<br />
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<b>Sleepers: </b> NC State was a chic pic early in the season to do exactly what Miami did. While they sputtered all year, they are playing well now and could pose a big problem for the Hoosiers in round three. Butler is hoping the third time is the charm with coach Brad Stevens. Illinois is being talked about simply for being a Big 10 team and the dominance of the conference this year. While not region winner worthy, Cal, Bucknell, Montana and Davidson all could provide some first round upsets to mess up your bracket.<br />
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<b>Best First Round Game: </b>UNLV/Cal was my pick, simply because UNLV is playing with a chip on their shoulder as they hear they were over-seeded and have to play Cal in San Jose, but the best game to watch in this region is going to be the Davidson/Marquette contest. A lot of people picking Davidson in the upset and if it happens, watching a 14 over a 3 will be a highlight of your day, unless you have Marquette, of course.<br />
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<b>Best Potential Late Round Game:</b> Indiana vs. Butler. While I don't have this match-up in my bracket, you have to love the potential of this rematch. Indiana getting a shot at revenge and the Final Four by beating a Butler team who beat them on a buzzer-beater and would be heading to their third straight Final Four. Full of drama that we'd all love, but I don't think either will be playing on that day.<br />
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<b>Ball So Hard Sports Pick: </b> Miami. I think point guards are going to be critical in this tournament. Shane Larkin is one of the best in the country and he's going to get a chance to show everyone that, as well as show that Miami isn't a fluke by bringing them to the Final Four. Hell, Miami is currently the capital of the basketball world, so why shouldn't the Hurricanes be our pick?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-35671449479302406332013-03-18T11:31:00.000-04:002013-03-18T11:32:07.004-04:00NCAA West Region: Loco For LobosBall So Hard Sports is breaking down each of the 4 regions before giving you our Final Four and title picks as well as unveiling our full bracket for you to compete against. <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/03/mwbreakdown.html" target="_blank">We've already covered the Midwest </a>and now we head out West where Gonzaga has gone from Cinderella to Belle of the Ball with a #1 seed.<br />
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All the talk right now is how Mark Few has taken the Bulldogs to the ultimate Cinderella only a few years ago to a team that ended the year #1 in the polls and even with a weaker schedule, held on for a #1 seed in the tournament. Do they deserve it? Should it have been Miami? We can debate. Truth is, with such a wide open tournament, yes, I think the Zags deserved the distinction of being a #1 seed. Ironically, they should have probably gotten the toughest #2 seed (Duke) and seemed to luck out with Ohio State, New Mexico and Kansas State as their other 3 top seeds. There is a chance for Gonzaga to make a run, but there are a few teams ready to head to Atlanta as well.<br />
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<b>Favorites:</b> Gonzaga has their doubters, but with Kelly Olynyk they can definitely win the 4 games needed to make the Final Four. Yes, they haven't played an impressive schedule, but they've beaten who was in front of them. Ohio State is going to be a tough out with Aaron Craft and a Big 10 battle tested squad. East Coast bias will hurt views on the Mountain West, but New Mexico won the regular season and tourney titles and has a tremendous player in Tony Snell. Any of these 3 shouldn't shock anyone if they're cutting down nets in 12 days.<br />
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<b>Sleepers:</b> Wisconsin just made a deep run to the Big 10 title game and has the team to do it again in the big tournament. Arizona started out hot and slowed down during the season but with a great shooting performance could re-capture their success of the early-season and finish strong with another Wildcat run. While not sleepers in terms of winning the bracket, Belmont, Iowa State and the winner of Boise St./LaSalle all have a chance to win in the second round (the former first round) making this region the one I predict will have the least chalk as we head through the weekend.<br />
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<b>Best First Round Game: </b>This region is LOADED with great games and you should be happy to make it out of this first 2 days of games alive in your pool. Wisconsin/Ole Miss, Arizona/Belmont, Notre Dame/Iowa St. and K-State/Play-In Winner all have potential to be great games. For my money, I'm most excited about Arizona and Belmont. I think Arizona has a lot to prove and will have every opportunity to do so against a Belmont team that presents the toughest possible match-up for the Wildcats. If Belmont makes their shots, this is going to be a wild one.<br />
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<b>Best Potential Late Round Game:</b> New Mexico vs. Ohio State. Kendall Williams. Tony Snell. Aaron Craft. DeShaun Thomas. Do I need to say anymore? This will be a talent-loaded Sweet 16 game if both teams make it. Ohio State is right back in the title mix even after losing last year's talent including Jared Sullinger. The Mountain West has not impressed in the tournament even as the conference has become one of the nation's best and this would give the Lobos a chance to put that reputation to bed by beating a top team from what is viewed as the best hoops conference going.<br />
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<b>Ball So Hard Pick:</b> New Mexico. Granted, I've seen a lot of Mountain West hoops as an Aztecs fan and New Mexico beat SDSU twice, including the MWC title game. Williams and Snell are one of the best duos in the country and Steve Alford has his team clicking right now. They really only have one bad loss all year, the others were to some of the best teams in the tournament. This is a team that can rise above some of the big names from around the nation and be the surprise story of Atlanta.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-85761759462884695082013-03-18T10:29:00.000-04:002013-03-18T11:45:36.404-04:00NCAA Midwest Region: Seeing RedBall So Hard Sports is breaking down each of the 4 regions before giving you our Final Four and title picks as well as unveiling our full bracket for you to compete against. First up, the overall #1 Louisville Cardinals and the Midwest region.<br />
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Before the seeds and match-ups came out, I had started talking about the Cardinals in Atlanta. Winning the Big East only helped my cause. You always have to lean on guys like Pitino (even though I hate the guy), Izzo and Coach K when March rolls around. Those guys are ALWAYS in the mix. Unfortunately, they are all in the mix right here. The Region of Doom. Yikes. It almost feels like the winner of this bracket should be the national champion, but only because they'll have nothing left when they get to Atlanta. With that being said, let's break down the bracket:<br />
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<b>Favorites:</b> The #1 seed is the tourney's overall #1, so Louisville is definitely a favorite of many to win the region. Duke is going to be loved by their fans and hated by everyone else, but with Ryan Kelly, this is a different squad. They only lost once with him in the lineup. They could be dangerous. Michigan State is coming from the loaded Big 10 and has the team to win 4 and move on. St. Louis is riding high on emotion and there wouldn't be a better story than seeing the Billikens play on Final Four weekend.<br />
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<b>Sleepers:</b> Memphis ran trough C-USA undefeated and can score. They could play giant killer and take the Spartans and Blue Devils out. Oregon is coming together at the right time and just won the Pac-12. The seeding for the Ducks is an absolute joke and they may be able to use that slight as motivation to make a deep run.<br />
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<b>Best First Round Game:</b> Colorado St./Missouri. The Rams had a great season in the nation's top-rated conference, the Mountain West. The 8 seed might have been a little low. Missouri is a bit of an enigma, but if Phil Pressey shows up, this game could go down to the last possession for the right to take on the Cardinals.<br />
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<b>Best Potential Late Round Game: </b>Duke/Louisville. Pitino vs. Coach K. Kelly vs. Siva. Winner heads to the Final Four. You could sub Michigan State for Duke here, but either way, the Elite 8 contest in this bracket is the one to look for provided no big upsets hit.<br />
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<b>Ball So Hard Pick: </b>Louisville. As much as it kills me to go against the Cameron Crazies in favor of Rick Pitino, this team is probably the best all-around team in the country and should be cutting down nets on a Monday in April. If I had seen Ryan Kelly for a few more games before the tourney things might be different, but right now Louisville's vets are the play.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-31749046958513788802013-03-18T10:09:00.000-04:002013-03-18T10:09:29.905-04:00Let The Madness Begin!Forget Christmas, THIS is the most wonderful time of the year for me as a sports fan. The NBA is in full swing heading toward playoff mode, golf is picking up steam as we get closer to Augusta, Spring Training has everyone thinking about summer and mock drafts fill the blogosphere. Oh, yeah, and March Madness is here, shutting down offices and stirring debate like no other sporting event around.<br />
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Look, anyone with a bracket and a pen (or keyboard) has a chance. We all have our opinions, our alma maters, our favorite teams, you name it. The receptionist in the office who thinks a Jackrabbit is way cuter than a Wolverine has just as good a shot of winning the office pool as the guy who thinks he's smarter than Jay Bilas and the guy who gloats about staying up every night to watch the west coast games and says that's why he is going to win.<br />
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The truth is: this year, its anyone's title to win. We've seen the VCU's and Butler's crash the party the last couple of years and that was when there were heavy favorites. Now we enter a tournament where realistically, any of the top 4 seeds in each region could head to Atlanta and cut down nets. Not to mention, there are probably 2 or 3 lower seeds in each region that could surprise and advance. That's around 20 teams out of the 68 that could make it. Pretty good odds for everyone heading into Thursday and Friday's first round (Yes, first round. These 4 Dayton games are play-ins, stop kidding yourselves, NCAA!) match-ups.<br />
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Here at Ball So Hard Sports, we're trying real hard to take our San Diego State Alumni hat off (I swear, this team can get hot and be playing in the Sweet 16...but just as likely is one and done) and not pick our favorites like we do every year (Hey, Berman had SF and Buffalo in the Super Bowl for like 15 years, why can't I have Duke, Syracuse, Arizona and Michigan in my Final Four AGAIN?) and pick the best teams to go to Atlanta.<br />
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With that said, here's how the BSHSB is breaking down the brackets:<br />
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-Region-by-region analysis: Favorites, sleepers, upset specials. We'll give you all the tools to pick your brackets and be ready for the office pools.<br />
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-Final Four picks: Learn who Ball So Hard has cutting down nets and heading to Atlanta.<br />
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-The Full Monty: See our bracket and go head-to-head with us.<br />
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Six blogs. All coming your way over the next two days. Keep checking back for updates and send us your Final Four, upset and sleeper picks on Twitter.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-56918091337157568872013-02-20T22:11:00.000-05:002013-02-20T22:11:17.354-05:00Cleaning Out The INBOX: Trade Deadline Edition<i>Following up <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2013/02/dominos.html" target="_blank">today's blog on the NBA Trade Deadline</a>, a series of questions came in via email and Twitter. No better way to get the answers out than with another edition of "Cleaning Out The INBOX". </i><br />
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<b>Should I start packing my bags? - J-Smoove, ATL</b><br />
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Well, J, if you are who I think you are...yes. You're gone by 3pm. Whether it is Milwaukee, Houston (more on this in a bit), Brooklyn or Phoenix, I think you'll have a new home. Hopefully you like it and get your max deal this summer.<br />
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<b>How good am I? Seriously...tell me. - D. Morely, H-Town</b><br />
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I've long said that Masai Ujiri of the Nuggets was the best GM in the league. But now, yes, Mr. Morley, he is riding shotgun to the rig you're driving. Sure, the big free agents haven't lined up for your cash...yet. But, acquiring the right pieces to get James Harden, Lin and Asik, while still having assets and space, was smart. Turning the Bill Simmons "pu pu platter" into Thomas Robinson, whether to keep or deal again, is pure genius. My guess is you're turning Robinson and something into our friend from the last question, Josh Smith. But if not, you're set up real nice for July. Congrats, but keep an eye on that rear view, I think Masai is going to stay hot on your trail.<br />
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<b>Why are Celtics fans intent on repeating the mistakes of the early 90's by not wanting KG and/or Pierce dealt for future assets? - <a href="http://twitter.com/mtaylorj1" target="_blank">Mike, Boston</a></b><br />
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As one of these alleged fans, I take offense, but I'll defend. First, this isn't like that team. They were ruined by the deaths of Bias and Reggie. They literally had NOTHING in the cupboard, or walking through that loser Pitino's door. The 2013 C's are different. If they stood pat and waited for KG/PP to retire, they's still have Rondo, Bradley, Sullinger and Melo to build off. It isn't legendary, but it is better than when Bird and crew left. Second, this team is still competing. They're only a few games out of the 2 seed and I'd argue they might be the ONLY team that could beat Miami in the East. They just match up that way, even without Rondo. Had they continued playing like they were before the Rondo injury, I'd probably be first in line to say "blow it up". But until they give us reason to think otherwise, I'm all for standing pat. With the cap the way it is now, you won't have 22 years of bad basketball if you give up a year or two for this regime. I'd gladly sacrifice a year or two in the future to watch these guys stay together and retire in Green.<br />
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<b>Why doesn't anyone want me? - The Ex-Mr. K, Brooklyn</b><br />
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I don't have all day, but here goes...if the highlight of your year is being a diss in a Kanye lyric, followed by J.R. Smith owning you on Twitter after a lame attempt to trash talk, you're starting behind the 8-ball. Second, you're a liability with all of this off-the-court shenanigans. Saying you'd miss a playoff game, or series, to go to your court case just to embarrass the un-embarrassable (not sure its even a word, but how else to describe Kim K?!) instead of focusing on basketball? Yeah, I'm sure teams are lining up to have you on their roster. Third, your stats bro...worse than the living conditions on the Triumph. You can't make that much dough, with that little production and expect anyone to want you. We live in the world of salary caps, luxury tax and the dreaded repeater tax. If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut, start balling and be thrilled that Kanye didn't tell Jay to cut you from the team for real.<br />
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<b>Have your thoughts on who goes where changed since this morning? - Joe via Twitter</b><br />
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A little. I still think Boston holds their ground, but I'm a lot more nervous than last deadline. I really hope I'm not about to tune in to The Truth's last game as a Celtic. I think Josh Smith is going to be dealt, just not sure where. Houston intrigues me with the 3-team they put together today. I smell something, just not sure if it is for tomorrow or pre-draft. If Milwaukee thinks Jennings and Smith can be the future, I think they make the deal with Atlanta for Monta Ellis. I'd be surprised if Redick isn't dealt, just like I'd be surprised if the Jazz and Knicks didn't make any moves. I would like to see Indiana and the Clippers show us they're serious about making a run this year, but I don't know if either team pulls the trigger. All I know is this: we are 17 hours from the deadline and nothing is certain except for at least one more time, the Captain, Paul Pierce, is about to lead the Celtics against their hated rival, the LA Lakers, on what is sure to be an emotional night at Staples after the passing of Dr. Buss. I'm going to go enjoy that and hopefully escape this deadline madness for a few hours.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-19879377376480299542013-02-20T10:10:00.000-05:002013-02-20T10:45:04.507-05:00Waiting For The First Domino: Trade Deadline 2013<i>Before we get going, condolences to the Buss family on the loss of Dr. Jerry Buss. As a Celtics fan, you have to respect what the man did with that franchise and for the Celtics/Lakers rivalry. A true pioneer in the league and will be missed by all. </i><br />
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With every NBA beat writer, analyst, pundit and fan on the edge of their set for the next 48 hours until Thursday's 4pm EST Trade Deadline, what else is there to do but throw my two cents in on who is going (or staying) where?<br />
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First things first: trades are going down. I don't expect this deadline to pass with a whisper. Now, who goes where or how big the deals are remains to be seen, but I think some GM's will get their work in over the next two days. Just how much work gets done depends on two guys named Danny.<br />
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Out in Atlanta, the domino that could lead to a slew of others falling is in the hands of Hawks GM Danny Ferry. Teams have been made well aware of the fact that Josh Smith is on the block. My guess is many teams are waiting to see where he lands before consummating their own deals. Smith wants max money and the ATL isn't about to pony up, so it looks like he's played his last game for the team.<br />
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Meanwhile, Ferry's counterpart in Boston, Danny Ainge, has had the urge to blow the Celtics up for the last two deadlines and off-seasons. While he's stayed put, the buzz around the league is that with Rondo out, this might be his chance to ship KG and Pierce out and start over next year with a rehabbed Rajon. My feelings on Pierce EVER getting dealt are long known on this blog, so we'll leave that alone. With the team playing well, he could choose to stand pat or add a piece and roll the dice as well.<br />
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Once these two figure out their strategies, the rest of the league will survey the damage (or lack thereof) and most likely jump in as well. Here is the list of high-profile trade targets and my thoughts on where they'll be Thursday evening.<br />
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<b>Josh Smith, ATL:</b> Josh is gone. The team can't afford to see him walk this summer for nothing. Ferry is talking tough now, but as the hours pass, he may have to take pennies on the dollar to avoid being shut out. The usual suspects are lined up in Brooklyn, Boston, Milwaukee and Phoenix, with others internally discussing the move. <b>Prediction:</b> Brooklyn, if Ferry will take Mr. Kardashian. Getting Brooks from the Nets is a great move, paired with Teague in the frontcourt. Boston may come with Jeff Green/Brandon Bass, but if they only want Pierce, I don't see it happening. The best move would be for the Lakers to offer Dwight Howard for him. Both teams win, but it won't happen.<br />
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<b>Dwight Howard, LAL:</b> The Train Wreck of the NBA. This guy is a malcontent and is messing up a chance to be a true star in Hollywood. The Lakers say they won't move him, but is he going to stay this summer? I'd move him to Atlanta now. He should welcome the move. He'd get max money and have a chance to rebuild his image at home. <b>Prediction:</b> He stays put, but both sides will regret it.<br />
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<b>JJ Redick, ORL:</b> Indiana, Chicago, Milwaukee, the Knicks and the T-Wolves all have shown interest. Orlando will be outbid on him in July, so holding out for a 1st round pick just to lose him anyway isn't the brightest move. The Knicks offered Shumpert and as a rebuilding team, this would be smart. Depending on D-Rose's health, Chicago would be a great fit for both and Indiana could give the Heat a run with JJ on the roster. <b>Prediction: </b>Indiana, if they are serious about taking a shot at the title.<br />
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<b>Kevin Garnett, BOS:</b> He told the Nuggets no. The Clippers are still discussing, although reports late last night said they have shelved the talks for now. Garnett is as loyal as they come. He stayed in Minnesota for years when he should have gotten out and now has that same mentality for the C's. A shot at a title and getting closer to his Malibu home seem like deal-makers, but if the man bleeds green as he claims, playing for the red and blue of the Clippers isn't in the cards. <b>Prediction: </b>KG uses his no-trade and stays in Boston, meaning <b>Paul Pierce</b> stays as well and Ainge dances with this team one more time.<br />
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<b>Al Jefferson/Paul Millsap, UTAH:</b> The Jazz need to move one of these two. Jefferson would be the logical choice. San Antonio could use his size for one last run in the Duncan era. However, if it means moving Kawhi Leonard, it isn't happening. That leads to looking at deals for Millsap, who somehow holds more value around the league. <b>Prediction: </b>Millsap to the Clippers for Bledsoe, once KG firmly rejects the chance to head to LA.<br />
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<b>The Rest:</b> Most of the lower profile deals that will happen after these players are settled will come to light quickly. <b>Jermaine O'Neal</b> could be headed to the Knicks. The Thunder want to move <b>Eric Maynor</b>, but also are discussing a <b>Kendrick Perkins</b> for <b> Marcin Gortat</b> deal with Phoenix, who I think will move someone by Thursday, either Gortat, <b>Jared Dudley, </b>or <b>Sebastian Telfair</b>, maybe even two of those guys. <b>Monta Ellis</b> could be out of Milwaukee if they can find the right big in a deal. <b>DeJuan Blair</b> appears to be on the move in San Antonio as well.<br />
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Trade Deadline Wednesday will be interesting in terms of waiting to see if one of the big dominoes falls early, creating a crazy final 24 hours of rumors and speculation. If nothing happens today, the action could be fast and furious tomorrow. Be sure to head back for analysis of any trades or lack of movement during the next 48 hours.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-15512149828951940322012-12-07T09:31:00.000-05:002012-12-07T09:31:57.678-05:00Cleaning Out THE INBOXIt has been a fun week for the Ball So Hard Sports re-launch...thank you to everyone for checking out the blog and for passing it along on Twitter and Facebook. It only gets better from here! While we wait to see if <a href="http://ballsohardsports.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-heisman-goes-to.html" target="_blank">my Heisman pick</a> pans out, there were so many topics that came through on <a href="http://twitter.com/bjcorey" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and via <a href="mailto:ballsohardsportsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a> that I decided to drop some quick hits on them instead of longer posts. I got pretty into this, so I think it will become a weekly segment for BSHS. With that, here we go with the inaugural session of THE INBOX:<br />
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<b>Who has your ROY vote as the top rookie QB this season: Luck, RGIII or Wilson?</b><br />
<b>-Bob, Washington, D.C.</b><br />
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This one seems to be debated everywhere right now. I love what Wilson and Seattle are doing right now and who knows with this year's NFC, but I think the 2012 draft will always be remembered for Luck vs. RGIII. Luck has jumped in and led an inspired team into a playoff position with 4 weeks left. RGIII has electrified fans and proven that NFC East teams are going to hate seeing the Skins on the schedule for years to come. I feel like this answer isn't final until the season is over, but right now, I give the nod to RGIII.<br />
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<b>We keep hearing about an NFL team in Los Angeles sooner rather than later. Who do you think is the prime candidate for relocation?</b><br />
<b>-ZW, Minneapolis</b><br />
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I think the usual suspects are always going to be brought up here: Chargers, Jaguars, Vikings and Raiders. My guess is it will be one of those 4. Nobody else is going to move. I think the new Jax ownership team would have announced it sooner if they intended to go, so let's say they're out. Minnesota having their team ripped away would be worse than Seattle in the NBA, so I say no to them too. I could see Oakland doing it, especially if the Gruden Returns rumor had any legs, but since it doesn't, they're out too. The most logical is San Diego. They can't get a stadium built, for starters. The fact that they're not good enough to crack the BCS this year means everyone is at the beach or the zoo instead and won't even notice when Mr. Spanos gets rid of Norv, AJ and ultimately, San Diego too.<br />
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<b>Speaking of relocated teams, how bout those New Orleans Pelicans?</b><br />
<b>-Tom, Louisiana</b><br />
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I hate it. I get it, but I hate it. Me personally, I'm going with New Orleans Krewe if I'm re-branding the team. There isn't anything cool or intimidating about a pelican. The logical thing to do is give Hornets back to Charlotte, give Jazz back to New Orleans and let's have Utah pick a new name. I'd go with Saints (Salt Lake City is the City of the Saints) and it would bring this whole ridiculous thing full circle back to New Orleans and their football squad.<br />
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<b>What's your take on the Jovan Belcher situation in Kansas City?</b><br />
<b>-John, <a href="http://twitter.com/johnhorsenunes" target="_blank">@johnhorsenunes</a></b><br />
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I personally feel like this is a tough topic to tackle. Let's focus on the tragedy involved: a 3-month old baby will never know her parents, 2 coaches and a GM watched a man kill himself and couldn't do anything to stop him and a woman lost her life to domestic violence. To me its not a gun issue, a football player issue or any of that. Its a horrible, horrible event. The positive I took from it was listening to Brady Quinn after the game talk about communication. As he said, when you ask someone how they are doing, are you really asking? Are you really listening? When they ask, are you telling them the truth? We all need to get off our phones and out of our constant fogs and interact with people and be real with each other. Period.<br />
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<b>Who gets your vote as the best defensive player from the 2011 NFL Draft?</b><br />
<b>-Mike, <a href="http://twitter.com/mtaylorj1" target="_blank">@mtaylorj1</a></b><br />
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This is one similar to the ROY question that I think needs some time to have a definite answer. Had you asked me coming out of high school, I'd have said Da'Quan Bowers. Heading into the draft I'd have said Nick Fairley or Von Miller was going to be your guy. During the first season it was Aldon Smith or Patrick Peterson (but not as much for D as special teams) and this year, its JJ Watt, hands down, although Mr. Miller may fight me on that. The man they call JJ Swat is having a tremendous year and he could be the guy. I really like Von Miller and they are having success and there are worse jobs in the NFL than being LB-mates with Patrick Willis, so Aldon Smith isn't going away quietly. I'm giving the 2012 award to Watt, but my vote for best of 2011 when it is all said & done is Miller.<br />
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<b>The Winter Meetings and the moves beforehand have changed the landscape for a lot of teams. What do you think about the moves and the 2013 outlook for the key players?</b><br />
<b>-Every concerned fan, Boston & New York</b><br />
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I don't think the Sox have done enough. Hamilton won't put them over the top either. It is going to be a long road back, especially with what Toronto has done, Tampa reloading a bit and Baltimore getting a year of experience and confidence. New York is relying on ancient Andy Pettitte, banking on Mo being healthy and no idea what the SS/3B situation is going to look like for a good portion of the season. I personally like the idea of Youk in pinstripes as a half-year fill-in for A-Rod and a 3B/1B/DH/PH option afterwards. Toronto will either be really good or the Canadian version of the Marlins. Until we see where Hamilton and Greinke go and if the Mets deal Dickey, everyone has an incomplete. I'm a little let down there weren't more fireworks out of Nashville.<br />
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<b>Kentucky went from preseason title favorite to out of the rankings by December. Thoughts?</b><br />
<b>-John, Kentucky</b><br />
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First off, we know how hard it is to repeat, especially in the one-and-done world. There's no need to panic in Big Blue Nation yet. I think the drop out of the rankings is an overreaction, possibly a way for voters to stick it to Coach Cal. They will be fine. 24-6 and probably winning the SEC will be enough to get them a top 2 or 3 seed and then we'll see what they have in March. I don't know that they'll be cutting nets down at a regional, let alone the Final Four, but we're not in danger of an NIT berth for the Cats. Its a new squad, high expectations and a typical case of post-title loss of hunger. I'm willing to bet Calipari has instilled it back in his troops.<br />
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<b>Who is your pick at this point for NFL MVP?</b><br />
<b>-Billy L, Woodsboro</b><br />
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Again, I hate predicting a race like this 3/4 through the season but here goes: Matt Ryan had it early and lost it. Peyton has staked his claim to it but may not hold onto it. Brady and Rodgers are coming for it. JJ Watt might have a shot but I don't think a defender gets it. Adrian Peterson should win it, but I think the Vikings have to finish strong for him to do so. Heading into Week 14, I give it to Peterson or Manning, but I think in 4 weeks time it is Brady who dukes it out with Peyton for the nod.<br />
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<b>Fine, you hate predicting things that have weeks to go. What about this weekend...who ya got?</b><br />
<b>-Joe, <a href="http://twitter.com/joetheshow16" target="_blank">@joetheshow16</a></b><br />
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Much better. No spreads this week, just winners. Here we go:<br />
Broncos, Bills, Falcons, Bengals, Browns, Colts, Jags, Bears, Steelers, Bucs, Ravens, 49ers, Seahawks, Packers and I'm pleading the 5th on Texans/Pats right now. I'm torn.<br />
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<b>Please discuss Dwight Howard's headband...is it the worst accessory in history?</b><br />
<b>-Jason, <a href="http://twitter.com/yayadadude" target="_blank">@yayadadude</a></b><br />
<br />
It is pretty ridiculous. I really don't get it. It definitely isn't helping him or the Lakers (more on them next week...they deserve the full-post treatment). We know why LeBron wears the headband, his hairline demands it. But Dwight? Come on, man! I have to say it is the worst accessory since Britney Spears wore tube socks as gloves at the Super Bowl.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>There's gotta be something worse than Dwight's Headband besides Britney's sock gloves, right?</b><br />
<b>-Jason, again</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
You're right. LMFAO got a Grammy nomination.<br />
<br />
Until next week kids, The Inbox is cleaned out! If you have questions you want answered here, be sure to <a href="http://twitter.com/bjcorey" target="_blank">Tweet them</a> or email us @ <i><a href="mailto:ballsohardsportsblog@gmail.com">ballsohardsportsblog@gmail.com</a></i>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-29794623783373950652012-12-04T19:42:00.001-05:002012-12-04T19:57:45.513-05:00Giving Restgate A RestWho knew that 3 DNP-CD's would set off a week's worth of argument and debate among the NBA players, coaches, owners and analysts. San Antonio Spurs HC Gregg Popovich decided that as part of a 4 game in 5 night road trip and with the Western Conference leading Grizzlies coming to down in 2 days, he would give his Big 3 of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker the night off against the Miami Heat. The trio would fly home a day early and get rest for an early season battle. Those that follow the NBA know that Pop has done this plenty, especially last year in the shortened season. Of course, because it was against the NBA, err, Miami Heat, the Commish didn't like the move and threatened "serious sanctions" against the team. As we learned a day later, the sanctions were a hefty $250k fine and days of debate among sports fans and media alike.<br />
<br />
Let me start off by saying you'll never confuse me for a Spurs fan. Having fellow Aztec alum Kawhi Leonard has given them a few points but I am not a fan of Parker/Ginobili and every time I hear the name Tim Duncan, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEE3ycDH9_8" target="_blank">this song seems to stream in the background</a> (yes, Celtics fans are bitter...deal with it!) and I lose any chance of being unbiased.<br />
<br />
With that being said, you can't be a hoops fan and not respect the franchise. They've done it the right way for years, won rings and reload year after year. Popovich is in my opinion right there with Phil, Doc and Doug Collins as the guys I'd choose from if I was running a team (listening, Team USA and Mr. Colangelo? More on you another day...) and needed a coach. Pop knows what he's doing, the players respect the hell out of him and he manages those players perfectly to maximize results. He knows when to push, when to rest and you really can't argue with his methods...unless you're David Stern. Or Mark Cuban.<br />
<br />
Stern and Cuban didn't approve of the unscheduled mass day off for the Spurs, citing the TV deals the league has and it being a national TV game and the only trip the team makes to Miami, robbing local Spurs fans of seeing their team. I get that. TV money is what makes the league run. Plus, if I made the 2-hour trip to Orlando to see the C's and Pierce, Rondo and KG were DNP-CD's I'd be bent. But I'd also trade a November win for fresh legs in May and June. Again, I trust Pop just like I'd trust Doc.<br />
<br />
Here's my list of questions...would anyone care as much if this was late April and the Spurs were locked into a playoff position? What about if the trip was in reverse order and the night off was against the Wizards? Did everyone miss Pop doing this twice last year when it cost his team 11-game win streaks? The answer to all: NO.<br />
<br />
Stern didn't like a light schedule night getting even lighter on the national stage. Ironically, the game was great and the Spurs hung till the very end (would the fine have come if they won? add that to my list) before falling short. Cuban took an opportunity to jab an in-state rival. Typical.<br />
<br />
<b>My take: </b><br />
<br />
Relax. It was a night off. There are 82 games. These guys are not young. Missing 20 games to have legs for the playoffs is important. I'm surprised more teams don't do it. Could Pop rest 1 guy a night over 3 games, sure. But why put yourself in a vulnerable spot nightly when you just take your lumps once every few weeks? I personally like the move. I get the TV deals and the respect the teams need to have, but if the ownership didn't bark at Pop, maybe Stern should have backed down, especially seeing there were no warnings in the past. My guess is it will happen again and you'll see more teams doing it. Who knows...maybe its what leads to a shorter schedule with more rest, something that isn't the worst idea in the world. Regardless, it is time to give Restgate a rest and focus on who is playing, not sitting!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-84304173171580182862012-12-04T11:09:00.003-05:002012-12-04T19:58:56.540-05:00The Heisman Goes To...History will be made on Saturday when the Heisman Trophy is presented. We will either see the first freshman, first Kansas State player or 2nd defensive player take home the hardware. Three finalists were named yesterday and while I think they should always bring five just so the kids have the experience and honor of being named a finalist, they actually invited one too many this year.<br />
<br />
Your 2012 finalists are Kansas State QB Collin Klein, Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel and Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o. With all respect to Mr. Klein, this is a two-horse race between Manziel and Te'o. While K-State had a great year and Klein was in the driver's seat for weeks, he has faded just like the Wildcats's title hopes.<br />
<br />
What this race comes down to is as pure as the game itself: offense vs. defense. Now sure, we are going to deal with the voter bias of not wanting a freshman to win the award, but in reality, Johnny Football is the best offensive player we had this year. Te'o is the best defensive player we had this year. So, who is the choice? I'll get to mine in minute. First, the case for both.<br />
<br />
<b>Why Manziel will win:</b><br />
<br />
Johnny Football. This kid captured the attention of the nation as he led the Aggies to a highly successful first season in the SEC, with a new head coach and offense on top of it. His numbers are there: 4,600 total yards (more than Cam Newton), including 1,181 on the ground (more than Tebow) and 43 total touchdowns including 19 on the ground (more than RGIII). He has the signature victory, leading A&M to a huge win over then #1 Alabama and you can argue that A&M is one of the country's hottest teams right now, only missing a BCS Bowl because of their putrid rules (another blog for another day).<br />
<br />
<b>Why Manziel won't win:</b><br />
<br />
Freshman bias. A freshman has never won the award and there are those in the voting process who feel that they should never win it. He also has 2 losses, more than Te'o or Klein's teams. While the losses were to top ten teams, they were at home and Johnny Football was just a frosh QB in both games.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Why Te'o will win:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
He is the anchor of the nation's top scoring defense. We routinely see the "QB of the best team in the nation" argument, so why not the LB who is the glue on the best team in the nation? He has a signature victory as well: beating Michigan State with 12 tackles, 1 for a loss and a fumble recovery...oh, and by the way, this was 3 days after losing his Grandmother AND Girlfriend in a span of less than 24 hours. He owns South Bend: did you ever think you'd see 80,000 strong at Catholic U wearing leis in honor of a MORMON kid?! There should be an award just for this.<br />
<br />
<b>Why Te'o won't win:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
He's a defender. Yes, technically a defender has won the award once, but I think Charles Woodson won it as much for special teams as he did for defense. A pure defender? Unheard of. His numbers are good, but are they great? His 7 picks as a linebacker are impressive, but there are those that will say he has nowhere near enough sacks to warrant the Heisman. Te'o will also face the bias of the media who also still won't give the Irish their due this season and believe their #1 ranking and BCS title spot are a fluke. Makes you wonder if he was at an SEC school if he'd have this wrapped up already.<br />
<br />
<b>Who Gets My Vote?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I've gone back and forth on these two for a few days. Even as I write this, I can see myself writing both names in the next sentence, its that close. But, for me, I'm giving the 2012 Heisman Trophy to Manti Te'o. There are plenty of reasons, several that I listed earlier, but the one that sealed the deal was reading the Heisman Trust Mission Statement:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award. The Trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletics and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country. Our goal through these charitable endeavors is for the Heisman Trophy to symbolize the fostering of a sense of community responsibility and service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or afflicted. All assets of the Trust beyond the expense of maintaining the annual presentation of the Heisman Memorial Trophy are reserved for such charitable causes. The Trustees, who all serve pro bono, are guided by a devotion to college football and are committed to community service and the valued tradition which the Trophy represents.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>
When I read that statement, it screams Manti Te'o. No knock on Johnny Football, but I can picture Te'o staying true to this honor well past his NFL days through the charitable endeavors mentioned here. I also think that the perseverance this kid showed in the wake of tragedy this season was truly impressive. Every big game, Manti showed up. I can't say that about Manziel. Plus, Te'o has helped lead his team to the National Championship. They aren't playing on January 7th without him.<br />
<br />
Regardless of who wins, they will be a deserving member of the Heisman club. I think it will be the closest vote in years, maybe ever. But for what its worth, Manti Te'o is my pick. Don't agree? Let's hear your case below.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.66666603088379px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-59994002492443127322012-12-03T22:23:00.001-05:002012-12-04T19:59:35.053-05:00Expanding Our HorizonsWatching Pulp Fiction for the 813th time this morning, the final scene gave me a little motivation. Jules, having witness his miracle, thinks about getting out of the game, walking the earth, becoming, as Vincent says, "a bum". Not the normal thought process one would have over a cup of coffee and a muffin, but we're not talking about a run-of-the-mill type of cat here, either. When asked about the timing of the decision, Jules says that he had, "as alcoholics call it, a Moment of Clarity". Hmmm, so its not just a Jay-Z song off the Black Album after all.<br />
<br />
This scene got me thinking. I love this Ball So Hard Hoops blog. I really need to spend more time on it. To that point: why stop at Celtics basketball, or the NBA in general? Sure, there are some great topics right now: Restgate, the Rondo/Mr. Kardashian scuffle, early season surprises and disappointments, and the horror show in LA and trust me, I'm going to get to them. But as I get rolling on Twitter and realize I'm starting or chiming in on a ton of topics, I realized, something like our man Jules, that its time for something more.<br />
<br />
Here it is: Ball So Hard Hoops is gone. Welcome to Ball So Hard Sports. No limits. Any sport, any topic. I know there are a couple of you ready to goad me into some topics and I'm more than ready. Debating sports is America's true pastime. Let's get it going here. You may love what I have to say, you may hate it. To each their own...but until you put fingers to keyboard, you're stuck with mine!<br />
<br />
I'm going to give my opinions on the hottest topics, some long, some short, but we'll catch it all here. I'll do my best to stay unbiased, but as you see from the background of this page, there are a few teams that the rose-colored (or green, or blue, etc.) glasses will stay on, even a little, but it will be fun.<br />
<br />
I don't have some prophetic Ezekiel 25:17 stuff to lay down on you before I exit, but trust me, we're going to have some fun here, kids. I guess we owe it to Tarantino and Samuel L., plus a few good friends and Twitter followers for the final nudge.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-53639541597265513372012-10-30T12:40:00.003-04:002012-10-30T12:40:43.544-04:00And The Winner Is...Yesterday I gave you <a href="http://ballsohardhoops.blogspot.com/2012/10/30-teams-in-30-tweets.html" target="_blank">my outlook for all 30 Teams</a> Twitter style. Now, with less than 7 hours before the 2012-2013 NBA Season kicks off, I give you my predictions for the big awards this season and some other things I think will happen before the <a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/616074_444329718948207_459043560_o.jpg" target="_blank">Celtics raise Banner 18</a> this June.<br />
<br />
<b>NBA MVP:</b> LeBron James. Feels like a given. Don't discount CP3, Rondo and Durant here if James falters.<br />
<br />
<b>Coach Of The Year: </b>George Karl. A WCF trip will do the trick. Of course I like Doc here too and if Monty Williams is a year or two early with the Hornets, he'll be there as well.<br />
<br />
<b>6th Man Of The Year: </b>Jason Terry. Ray who? The Jet will soar in Boston. Andre Miller and Marshon Brooks have a shot as well thanks to Harden starting in Houston.<br />
<br />
<b>Rookie Of The Year: </b>Anthony Davis. I really want to pick Kidd-Gilchrist here but AD is the real deal. Lillard could make noise here as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Most Improved Player: </b>Jeff Teague. No Joe Johnson means he has to shine with the Hawks for them to be successful. Look for other's taking the mantle from lost stars here: Dragic in Phoenix and Big Baby in Orlando.<br />
<br />
<b>Breakout Star: </b>Kawhi Leonard. The Spurs will need him to take the torch from the old guard, especially with Manu already hurting. Ty Lawson is a guy to watch here as well and Kyrie Irving will cement himself as a superstar this season.<br />
<br />
<b>Biggest Star Letdown:</b> Ray Allen. For all the hype of his free-agency departure, his aging legs will betray him in South Beach. At lease he'll already be in Florida when he has to retire. Danny Granger is a guy I put here too if he's not healthy, Indiana won't reach their potential.<br />
<br />
<b>Breakout Team: </b>Denver Nuggets. We saw Indiana and Philly make their moves last season. Now its time for Denver to make their claim as part of the West's elite. Deep and athletic, they have sort of a Detroit Pistons feel when they knocked off the favored Lakers (sound familiar) on the way to a title. Don't sleep on the Hornets here either, or a Brooklyn team with something to prove in their new digs.<br />
<br />
<b>Biggest Team Letdown: </b>New York Knicks. Already having lost Amare for 6 weeks, as well as headlines to their Brooklyn counterparts, this could be an ugly season for the Knickerbockers. Indiana looked ready to be among the East's best last year, but a step backwards could be in the cards in 2013. The end of runs in Dallas and Memphis feel right too, but that's probably just a letdown in those cities, reality to the rest of us.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Defensive Player Of The Year:</b> Serge Ibaka. Everyone will pick Howard, but the early bumps I see for the Lakers may give the OKC swatter the opportunity to swipe this one away from Dwight.<br />
<br />
There you have it. Only a few hours to go and all the predictions and chatter falls to the wayside. Then the players do the talking. Enjoy the season!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-72694357256480357942012-10-29T15:25:00.000-04:002012-10-29T15:26:31.384-04:0030 Teams in 30 TweetsWith Opening Night (finally) upon us, every player, coach, GM and fan base is optimistic about what the 2012-2013 season has in store for them. Unfortunately, about 80% of them shouldn't be. We know who the teams with a shot are and the rest are playing to be the last team David Stern puts on the clock to start an NBA Draft. Truthfully, I think we're all just happy to know there are 82 games on the schedule and we're back to a real season!<br />
<br />
You can go just about anywhere and find a league preview, team-by-team previews and more. It is a great time of year for a basketball fan if you want to find a few good reads. Sheridan Hoops, Pro Basketball Talk and of course the big guys like ESPN and Yahoo! will give you everything you can possibly imagine to pour over for the upcoming season.<br />
<br />
However, if you're like most of us and have evolved into having the attention span of a gnat, anything longer than Twitter's 140 characters (or about 40 and a pic if you're J.R. Smith) has lost you by the second page. So with that, here are 30 Teams in 30 Tweets. A quick, under 140 preview for every team in the NBA, followed by my 8 playoff teams for each conference, Conference Finals and Finals picks.<br />
<br />
Enjoy. Debate. Criticize. Agree. It's your world, squirrels...comments below are always welcome!<br />
<br />
<b><u>2012-2013 NBA Previews:</u></b><br />
<br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Atlanta Hawks:</b> Perennial
5-8 seed. Not getting over the hump. Not now. Not ever. Poor Josh Smith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Boston Celtics:</b> #IAmACeltic and there is no shot of being
unbiased here. Deep squad. Rondo's time. Health is key. Banner 18 goes up in
June.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Brooklyn Nets:</b> Everything is new again. City, arena, logo,
colors, backcourt...Where's Brooklyn at? Sneaking in or a year away...falls on
D-Will and Joe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Charlotte Bobcats: </b>Not sure Jordan in his prime could help
them. Definitely can't from the front office. Only reason to watch this year is
future star MKG.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Chicago Bulls:</b> Everything hinges on how they do w/o D-Rose.
Then seeing if he's all the way back. Gotta root for the kid, one of the few
humble stars left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cleveland Cavaliers: </b>Breakout year...Irving, yes. Cavs, not
so much. But, a chance to set up for a key FA this summer. They'll want to play
with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dallas Mavericks:</b> Is Mayo the answer in Big D? Doubtful.
Feels like the window closed on this bunch. Expect a Cuban blockbuster for new
blood at some point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Denver Nuggets:</b> Best front office going. Turning AAA &
Harrington into Iggy amazing. Paired with the Melo haul, Nuggets primed to
sneak past the favorites.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Detroit Pistons:</b> The
only hope for the Pistons this year is for the NHL lockout to end and the Red
Wings to get on the ice, burying them from the back page.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Golden State Warriors:</b> This team is less stable than Steph
Curry's ankles. Huge rookie class, deep bench but are they for real or was
their last 10 of '12 a sign?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Houston Rockets:</b> Lin & the Beard. Sounds like a bad
reality show. Love Harden, but is he ready to start and carry the load?
Houston, you may have a problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Indiana Pacers:</b> The chic sleeper pic. Young, athletic,
showed promise vs. Heat. Are they ready for the leap or are they the next Atlanta?
We'll know soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Los Angeles Clippers:</b> Still LA's "other" team.
Even with big moves, they still get overshadowed by Lake Show. Bottom half
playoff team is best bet for CP3's crew.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Los Angeles Lakers: </b>Adding Nash & Superman: 2011 Heat or
NBA's real "Dream Team"? There will be bumps in the road, but if
smooth by April, tough to bet against.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Memphis Grizzlies: </b>Starting to feel like Hawks West in
Memphis. Always around, occasionally make some noise, but never beating the big
boys come summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Miami Heat: </b>Are they the '92 Bulls or '94 Rockets? LBJ wants
MJ's dynasty. Haters hope it was a lockout-shortened asterisk. Tough to see
less than ECF.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Milwaukee Bucks:</b> Jennings/Ellis will be on SportsCenter's
Top 10 more than the win column. Will be a fun team to watch if you don't care
if they win or not.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Minnesota Timberwolves: </b>Would have been a big sleeper if
Rubio was healthy. Feels like a bridge year. Best case is sneaking into the
lottery for 1 more piece.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>New Orleans Hornets: </b>Big rookie haul. Nice to keep Gordon
too. Have to like everything about where this team is going. Sneaky 8 seed?
Maybe. Probably 2 yrs. out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>New York Knicks: </b> Big
city expectations on Melo & Amare. They aren't better than the East's best.
Means a lot of witty headlines bashing them in NY this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Oklahoma City Thunder: </b>Trading Harden could be a disaster.
Chemistry is key. Ask the C's about Perk. Still a safe bet for WCF. Title if
pieces gel with KD & RW.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Orlando Magic:</b> The only thing this team should hope to win
this year is the lottery. Somehow I bet they'll mess that up too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Philadelphia 76ers: </b>Swooping in on Bynum huge, if healthy.
They were already set to make the leap, this could be what does it. Collins has
them believing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Phoenix Suns:</b> No Nash, no trade rumors, no real reason to
follow this team. Hey, at least you're not the Bobcats!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Portland Trailblazers:</b> Lillard will be a star. Aldridge is
solid. Batum got overpaid. Looks like back to the lottery for this group. Which
may not be a bad thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sacramento Kings:</b> Cousins busts out this year. Only
highlight besides announcing the move to Seattle, where they'll instantly care
more than Kings fans do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>San Antonio Spurs:</b> Always there. Will be the same this year.
Big season for Kawhi Leonard as he takes the torch from the Spurs big three on
this playoff run.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Toronto Raptors:</b> Probably the first team out in the East
playoff picture. A lot of good 2-way players. DeRozan in a contract year will
be a guy to watch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Utah Jazz:</b> Utah is BIG. But, Coach Corbin says its Mo
Williams' team. Wait, what? If he's conducting, this is a Jazz tune that isn't
worth a listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>
Washington Wizards:</b> Is Beal a star or a bust? I'm going with bust. Wall injury
to start is a killer. Long season ahead in DC. They can defend, but not enough.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Playoff Predictions:</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Eastern Conference Playoff Teams: </b>Atlanta, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, Indiana, Miami, New York, Philadelphia. I thought about Cleveland, Milwaukee and Toronto here, but I can't see them supplanting NY, Brooklyn and Atlanta this season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Western Conference Playoff Teams:</b> Dallas, Denver, Houston, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Memphis, Oklahoma City, San Antonio. I really want to put New Orleans and Minnesota here over Memphis and Dallas, but I think it is a year early.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Eastern Conference Finals: </b>Celtics over Heat. Bradley alone puts them over last season. Jet, Lee and Bradley will be more than Wade and Ray's worn out bodies can handle in June.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Western Conference Finals: </b>Thunder over Nuggets. Upsetting the Lakers will be where Denver's dream season ends. Unless a huge chemistry problem develops, KD and Westbrook are just too good not to return to the Finals.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>NBA Finals:</b> Celtics over Thunder. Yes, I'm a homer. Yes, I'm taking age and experience over youth and talent. Don't like it...start your own blog!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There you have it: 30 Teams in 30 Tweets. Best of luck to your team and most importantly to an NBA season for the ages!</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-56576127066875691752011-12-25T22:48:00.000-05:002011-12-25T22:48:18.303-05:001 More Gift To Unwrap...Merry Christmas everyone...and just as important, Merry Opening Day, NBA Fans!<br />
<br />
I have to admit, I was just as excited for NBA Tip-Off at 11am as I was for any of the gift giving this morning (not the family time...remember, this IS Christmas, people...value the time, especially when you don't live close to them!), making sure the last gift was opened and put away by 10:59.<br />
<br />
Great day of NBA Basketball. Sure, we're not going to learn everything from these 5 games, but as I settle in for the 5th, where Lob City (I prefer LA-oop) takes the floor agains the Warriors, here are my quick hits on the 4 games that tipped off earlier today.<br />
<br />
-The Knicks apparently thought the NBA plays by NASCAR rules now and the first win is the most heavily weighted. Sure, its a big win, it give them motivation, exorcises a few demons and sets the tone for the expectations inside of MSG this year, but if Crawford doesn't give Melo a gift call, that game goes to overtime at best. I refuse to submit the "Pierce didn't play" card. You dance with what you have. They didn't have Amare in the playoffs. Good win, but remember, there are 65 more, plus playoffs.<br />
<br />
-Rajon Rondo is letting the trade rumors get to him, but in a good way. No. 9 is going to go off this year. Nothing like playing with a chip on your shoulder. Will be nice when he has the full starting unit and the 2nd unit can gel and give them some time. This kid could have a special year. Maybe its good they kept him.<br />
<br />
-Brandon Bass made me, as well as Danny Ainge, look like a genius today. I said from the get-go this guy was a steal for BBD and he didn't disappoint today. When Pietrus is playing, the 2nd unit is going to be solid. Dooling worries me, but Pietrus, Wilcox, Bass and Daniels will minimize his flaws I hope.<br />
<br />
-The Heat may possibly go 60-6. Wow. Nothing else to say here. Buckle in, C's fans...Tuesday might get ugly.<br />
<br />
-Many will say D-Rose took the throne from Kobe by hitting his shot and Bryant missing his. Maybe he did. All I know is, Boston, Dallas, LAL all lost today, yet I'm not worried about any of them. This was the 3rd pre-season game. Sure, big games on paper for all of them, but I think all 3 are built for May. Now its just a matter of if the coaching and legs can get them there.<br />
<br />
-OKC is the best in the West. I'm convinced. Perk looks healthy (and slim), Harden showed up, just like I think he will all year and nothing to say about the dynamic duo...they're good to go.<br />
<br />
Sure, I'd have loved for Santa to deliver a C's victory for me today and I think 0-2 is a realistic possibility. But, if the 2nd unit pans out and Doc can play the Big 3 about 30 min a game and do no worse than the 6 seed (avoiding MIA and CHI in the first round), I say just get there. Truth be told, I'm just glad I'm on my 11th hour of watching NBA Basketball right now. I'll start worrying next week!<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas, everyone. Enjoy CP3, Blake and the Clips. Anyone who hasn't bet the over on this one gave away a Christmas bonus!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-58730240217416996462011-12-18T13:24:00.000-05:002011-12-18T13:24:14.806-05:00Sight For Sore Eyes...Celtics Basketball is back! Mike & Tommy (Hell, I was even happy to see Dickerson on the sidelines!) were in Toronto to call the pre-season tilt vs. the Raptors. After 211 days, the Green were back in action. Here are some of my thoughts from the first quarter:<br />
<br />
-The baseline design of the Raptors court that makes it look like there is a raised A-Frame there is trippy.<br />
<br />
-Scoring was not at a premium early for this squad. Hoping slow starts won't be the norm. It won't be pretty.<br />
<br />
-JO7 is a man on a mission this season. Looked really good early.<br />
<br />
-Nice to see Marquis back in Green and healthy.<br />
<br />
-Rondo seemed to be ready to play, no ill effects of the trade machine. Elbow looked healthy too.<br />
<br />
-Brandon Bass is going to be a key guy for this team. I'm calling it now.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the game, fans. We've waited a long time for some game action. The real deal is only a week away!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-33774090563342783682011-12-17T15:17:00.000-05:002011-12-17T18:44:05.456-05:00Not Easy Being Green...Nobody can ever say this Celtics franchise doesn't have heart. We've had them stopped (Bias), attacked (Reggie) and now in need of surgery (Jeff Green). Not the best news on the eve of the C's first pre-season contest against the Raptors.<br />
<br />
Jeff Green will miss this season as he will undergo heart surgery on January 9 in Cleveland. First and foremost, this is not about basketball and everyone in Celtics Nation wishes Jeff a full and speedy recovery. While the team will miss what Green brings to the table, there are bigger concerns long-term for this youngster.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the NBA is a business (the last few months were a harsh reminder of that) and the Celtics will need to figure out what to do with the roster to replace what Green was expected to bring to the table. There are two options: go with the current roster or look to the free-agent pool. Let's take a quick look at both options.<br />
<br />
Danny Ainge has done a tremendous job with the roster over the frenzied week of free agency. Bringing in Dooling and Wilcox, flipping Big Baby for Brandon Bass and bringing Green back were all great moves. This is a deep team, something they're going to need as the season imposes its heavy demands on an aging core. Being able to bring in a second unit that could hold their own was important. Even without Green, this team still has that.<br />
<br />
Coming off the bench as the 6th man will now be Brandon Bass. I'm telling you right now, this is one of the most underrated moves of the off-season, league-wide. Doc will use Bass properly, unlike Stan Van Gundy and Orlando. He is an improvement over Glen and will pay dividends all year long. Add in Dooling, Avery Bradley, Marquis Daniels (Welcome Back) and Wilcox, and you seem to have a pretty strong 2nd unit. We didn't even include the 2 Purdue rookies, Johnson and Moore, or Pavlovic (but why would we?).<br />
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At first glance, this team could be deep enough to run with what Danny provided and see what happens. Sure, you'll ask a bit more out of Bass, Dooling and Daniels in the scoring department, but all should be up to the challenge. However, there are a few options left out there that could provide a punch if they're willing to come in for the vet minimum. Let's take a look:<br />
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-Gilbert Arenas: Could the Hibachi get it cooking in Boston? Seems far-fetched, but if anyone could control him, you'd have to think it was Doc. Plus, he's only a few years removed from averaging over 28 ppg. His entertainment value could help us forget about the Big Shamrock being retired as well. Odds: slim.<br />
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-DeShawn Stevenson: Perfect fit. Swagger that the 2nd unit will need. Can knock down big shots. Most importantly, he shuts down LeBron so well you'd think his name was Fourth Quarter. You know you're going through Miami in the East this year, why not take a flier on this guy? Odds: 50/50.<br />
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-Michael Redd: Could provide the scoring needed, but health concerns make this one risky. Seems more inclined to head to one of the hotspots: NYK, MIA, LAL. Odds: longshot.<br />
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-James Posey: Familiar with the system, fan favorite, easily available for the vet min and should help a contender. Odds: Starting to seem like the best bet to fill Green's spot.<br />
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Personally, I'm all about Stevenson. I can live with Posey if he can make it though the season. But, if Danny says the guys we have are the guys we're going with, I'm OK with that too.<br />
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8 Days till the games count...let's see what Danny has under the tree for Doc when they tip off.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-25157993959623085642011-12-08T12:10:00.000-05:002011-12-08T12:10:49.488-05:00CP3 RevisitedTomorrow is finally upon us. Free agents, trades, everything all you NBA die-hards are dying for. Silly Season kicks off in earnest at 2pm. News is already hitting the airwaves (Battier & Curry to the Heat...who look scary all of a sudden) about some signings and intended moves, but of course the top story is where is Chris Paul playing on Christmas Day?<br />
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First off, everyone needs to stop reading into CP3 saying he won't sign an extension. Just like Deron Williams said, it costs them money to do so. He's not extending even if the Lakers got him. Smarter to wait for July and use the Bird rights. So whoever trades for him, except NY and maybe the Lakers, has to sweat this season out and hope they aren't renting this guy for 66 games and a playoff run.<br />
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That being said, teams will be scared off (see: Clippers and Warriors) by this roll of the dice and pull out of the sweepstakes. That leaves one option: Boston.<br />
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The Celtics HAVE to make this move tomorrow. There are a list of reasons why:<br />
1. Rondo is a head case and all the rumors have already ruined his season. Trust me. Don't trust me? Then trust Shaq. Trust what happened after the Perk deal. Trust he will not be the Rondo you love this season. Its time for him to go.<br />
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2. You need Paul in camp immediately. Need him to start working with the Big 3, Doc, learning the system, etc. You only have 15 days until the opener. No time to waste.<br />
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3. Short camp. As mentioned, there are only a little over 2 weeks to prep for the season. You want the team focused on the Knicks and 12/25, not the day's latest rumor. We've had no basketball to worry about for months. Time to change that and make it the ONLY thing this team is worried about.<br />
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4. Roster purposes. CP3 in Green on Day 1 gives you a chance to land some of the mid-level and vet-min guys that maybe you wouldn't have. People doubt this team (based on the schedule and the crazy road trips, I don't blame them) and this gives them a shot to erase some of the doubt.<br />
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Danny talked about a 5 year plan years ago, one that delivered Banner 17. He's talking about a plan to restore relevance to this team in free agency. I believed once, I'll believe again. He knows what he's doing and he's setting the stage for a big 2012. Might as well get a jump on it and end 2011 with a big acquisition.<br />
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T-minus 26 hours...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-91402603989016550702011-12-04T14:12:00.000-05:002011-12-04T14:12:42.653-05:00Buckle Up. The Ride Is About To Start!Tomorrow morning at 10am EST, teams and players will be allowed to communicate. This will be the first time Mark Cuban will be able to congratulate his guys on downing LeBron (remember the awkward ESPY's moment?), that Wyc can tell Rondo to "suck it up, rumors and criticism come with the territory, now get ready to play", while GM's in New Orleans and Orlando will hear the 2 words they've been dreading since June, "Trade Me".<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong, I don't believe for a second that owners and players haven't spoken since July 1 (although the story about Jay-Z making security send NBA players home from a GQ party in his honor is pretty funny), but for the sake of the lockout and this soon to be wild free-agency period, sure, I'll bite.<br />
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So, everyone exchanges greetings tomorrow, catches up on their summer full of pick-up games, enjoying time off and (hopefully) preparing to play ball. Then, it will be time to get down to business. Five days of furious rumors, meetings, reports from airports and all the fun stuff we were robbed of this summer, all packed into a wild week that will blow the roof off of Friday. Settle in, its going to be fun!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-47108112715688906942011-12-02T14:59:00.000-05:002011-12-02T14:59:13.596-05:00I AM A CELTIC.Just makes me that much more excited for Christmas Day!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EJuAtOaJr34" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660885775380326142.post-51671724604866787032011-11-30T19:50:00.000-05:002011-11-30T19:50:04.720-05:00Where Have I Heard This Before?So Ric Bucher and a handful of the other NBA pundits decided to try and squash the dreams in my first blog, almost immediately coming out and talking about how the Hornets don't want Rondo and think they can do better. Last I checked, Rondo is a Top 5 PG in the league and I'm pretty sure D-Rose isn't going anywhere, same with Deron Williams, so I'd love to know what they're looking for. Immediately this spurred the 3-Team trade talk (Indiana apparently jumped right in...again, not sure how they help) and I'm still convinced only OKC can facilitate a 3-Teamer that makes sense. Personally I think the NOLA GM is posturing, hoping to drive up the price. In the end I think Boston has the chips, or at a minimum could pull another team in with the chips, to get the deal down. Too bad it seems like that's not the real issue here.<br />
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Early this morning Bucher tweeted that CP3 said he wouldn't sign an extension with Boston if he was traded there and that he thought the Clippers, among others, could offer better deals than the C's did. Again, I'm not concerned with anyone else's offer. I'm confident Danny can make this happen. But I did chuckle at all the noise Bucher's "CP3 won't sign in Boston" news riled up the Celtics faithful.<br />
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Having not lived in MA for 7 years now, I tend to forget how fast Boston fans go right into the tank at the mere hint of bad news (remember the 2 games the Pats lost in a row a few weeks back...distant memory) and sure enough, they were taking the Titanic right to the bottom of the ocean with this news. Apparently, four years created a lot of memory loss on Causeway St.<br />
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Doesn't anyone remember a certain fiery PF from the Timberwolves telling the Celtics to not even bother with trade talks, that he wasn't signing with Boston? KG, Kevin Garnett, The Big Ticket...any of those ring a bell? When Danny first tried to land #5, he said the same things CP3 is. Sure enough, Draft Day comes, Ray comes aboard and sure enough, there is KG standing there with Allen and Pierce smiling as visions of Banner 17 danced in all of our heads.<br />
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Don't think the same won't happen here. Dwight Howard mentions to Paul that he'd consider Boston if he went there and they could get 1 more season of the Big 3 (KG and Ray on minimum deals) next year...Danny pulls off the Tyson Chandler move, giving Chris the big man he needs to be successful...some move none of us have even thought about yet comes to fruition (I think Danny has a big one up his sleeve for Dec. 9, but we'll see) and all of a sudden, ditching #3 and chasing down #18 doesn't look so bad for Paul now, does it?<br />
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Agents and teams are talking, just teasing us all for next Friday when the real fun begins. I'm not giving up hope on Chris Paul in Celtics green yet!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17419668942859940067noreply@blogger.com0