Rajon Rondo explains why he is best point guard in NBA

Reblogged from ProBasketballTalk:

Rajon Rondo is convinced he is the best point guard in the NBA. We’ve heard him say it before, laughed to ourselves (or rolled our eyes), patted him on the back and said, “sure you are, kid” then moved on.

But Rondo isn’t backing down.

And in the cover story of the current edition of Boston Common Magazine (which I was…

Read more… 442 more words

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Top 10 Interesting Draft Prospects 2012

1.  Andre Drummond  C   Connecticut      6’10” 

Andre Drummond must be the #1 pick here!  This man-child would be the number one pick if NCAA player of the year Anthony Davis wasn’t in this class.  He’s classified “intriguing” because the lackluster freshman campaign that only left us with more questions.   The draft value is largely due to his size, age, and flashes of potential. Drummond could be the next Kwame Brown or the next dominating center.

Intriguing rating 9/10!!!!

Pro:  His size!!!! A 6’10” mammoth weighing in at 250 pounds, ESPN has him listed at 270.  The advantage Drummond has over Davis is the NBA ready body, but not the basketball skill set.   Drummond’s physical foundation allows for a quicker NBA transition.  Today’s dominating big men Andrew Bynum, Dwight Howard, and Tyson Chandler lacked Drummond’s size when entering the draft, which is why scout’s love this kid.

Also, he’s shown flashes of potential and domination in his sample size college career.  His best games came against ranked opponents such as Syracuse, Florida State, & Georgetown.  Almost had a triple double against Florida State and often flirted with a double double.  A season stat line of 10 ppg, 7 reb, and 2.7 blocks is solid for any first year freshman in the Big East.  In fact his freshman statistics are much better than former UCONN center Hasheem Thabeet who was the 2nd overall pick of 2009 draft.  I can promise you Drummond will have an NBA career unlike Thabeet.

Besides his mere presence his best basketball skill traits

  1. Passing ability
  2. Finishing at the rim
  3. Defense

Very underrated due to the fact Anthony Davis garnered all the attention.  Nifty hands, great patience when defending the circle, and great BLOCKER.

   4.Offensive Rebounder

Ranked 9th in country in offensive rebounding and offensive rebounding is one of those “you have or you don’t” traits.

Hall of Fame Comparison: Willis Reed

Today’s Star Comparison: Zach Randolph (on a good day)/Al Jefferson

Con:  Where to begin?  Drummond’s game is ready for the NBA, but Drummond isn’t ready for the NBA.  What do I mean?  Drummond lack’s two important traits for an NBA career: mental toughness and consistency.    The jump from college is extreme terms of living styles, maturity, and competition.  Drummond often had stretches and games where he’d go invisible or non-existent.  A lottery team that drafts him are eyeing towards making him their “big man of the future,” “not big man of the week.”

            Aspects of his game that need improvement:

  1. Free throw shooting

He shot a 27% form the charity stripe, which is mental red flag to any basketball purist.   A low free throw percentage is directly linked to focus and concentration.  His goal should be to raise that to a Shaq-like 50%.

   2.Offensive attack mind-set

There were a few times he toke over games, but it was Eddy Curry-esqe.  I highlighted his passing ability, but needs to become more selfish with the ball.  He needs to put up more shots throughout a game and become an offensive threat.

   3.Mental toughness

   4.Mental toughness

5.Mental toughness

Staying another year would have benefited his game, but I don’t believe his draft stock.  Number two is the highest he’ll go unless Anthony Davis suffers a life threatening injury in a month or if Drummond has PHENOMENAL pre-draft camp.

Worst Case scenario: Kwame Brown meets Eddy Curry.

2.  Arnette Moultrie  PF  Mississippi State   6’11”

3.  Jared Sullinger   C  Ohio State University   6’9”

4. Austin Rivers   SG  Duke University   6’4”

Doc son has made it.   Austin Rivers one of the most hyped All-Americans coming into college and was by far one of the nations best shooting guards.  Throughout his career he’s been defined by his father’s legacy, however besides their height and last name they are completely.  Rivers has the confidence to be a great shooting guard, but will his size hold him back?

Intriguing Rating 7.5/10!!!

Pro: Honestly his swagger is why I love this kid.  Since his All-American days in high school and his lone Blue Devil season he knows he can ball.  I understand a lot of NBA and talented prospects have an inflated ego or the “we own this world” attitude, but Rivers is different.  It’s not so much cockiness, but an intense confidence, which is vital in the NBA and as a shooting guard.

The explosive first step and long-ball threat are the parts of the game that are lights out.  What he lacks in the explosiveness he makes up with his dribbling prowess.  His skill set better suits a combo-guard because of his dribbling ability.  He can create his own shot off the dribble.  The best NBA shooting guards have that ability, which allow for him demand attention.  He was known for shooting NBA threes with a defender in his face (ask Tyler Zeller about that).  So range isn’t a large question for Austin coming into the draft.

   The traits that we’ll make us draft him.

  1. Shooting ability/Scorer
  2. Driving ability
  3. Wants the ball

Is Rivers the best pure shooter, not at all, but he demands the ball.  He’s an instinctive scorer and knows he can score.  This is the key trait you want out of your shooting guard.

   4.Duke guard

Duke guards have a tremendous history of being productive NBA players (Chris Duhon, Shane Battier, Leattner, & Redick).  Austin Rivers game is NBA ready and should equate into a better NBA statistical career then the previously mentioned.

    5.Coachable

Played under Coach K!!!!

Hall of Fame comparison: Earl Monroe meets Rod Strickland

Current Player: Seth Curry

Con:  We’ll your not tall enough!  The NBA deems size as the most important thing in drafting prospects.  There’s no true young shooting guard making an impact in todays game.  Kobe’s getting old, Wade’s in his prime, and well whose coming? Tyreke Evan’s was the last notable one, wasn’t he? NBA front offices haven’t place Austin Rivers in the “who’s coming,” solely because he lacks the ideal size.  Austin Rivers size wasn’t a problem in the Duke offensive scheme, because he played the combo guard.  Golden State or Mike D’Antoni’s system fit Rivers.

Rivers is more fundamentally sound and mechanical than the typical NBA athletic, shooting guard.  He has an uncanny first-step, which will allow him to exploit defenders, but lacks true speed or leaping ability we want from todays players.  This kid still is an athletic phenom, but fellow draftee’s Jeremy Lamb and Bradley Beal will garner more attention.

Top five reasons not draft Rivers

  1. Defense
  2. Rebounding
  3. Decision-making

His ability to pull-up from anywhere or shoot over defenders often work, but not always.  Sometimes he seems to confident in his shot selection and driving ability.  Becoming a more patient shooter will help his arsenal.  

    4.Shooting percentage

Shot over .3% from the arc, but this number will only decrease as the NBA range increases. He needs to get more reps in this summer or improve his shot selection.  Improving his free-throw percentage is key if he wants the ball in late game situations.

5.  Tony Wroton   PG   Washington     6’5”

6.   Draymond Green    PF    Michigan State      6’6 

7.  Meyers Leonard   C  University of Illinois     7’1”

8. Damien Lillard  Weber State  PG 6’2”

 

This is the first year no point guards taking the top selection.  Don’t let that scare you away from this years point guards.   A point guard from Weber State, yeah you heard me right Weber State is the most interesting point guard prospect.  Kendall Marshall might be the NBA prototype producer, but Damien Lillard is a dark horse.  He’s this year Isaiah Thomas (King’s Isaiah Thomas) well I think?  Not sure what to expect from this mid-major, high scoring little man.

Intriguing Rating 8/10!!!

Pro:  A scorer, floor general, and team leader.  The only time Weber State has been mentioned in previous years it was when Jimmer Fredette would drop 40 points on them.  Weber State quietly had their own Jimmer brewing in Damien Lillard who averaged over 24 points a game for the Wildcats.  Damien is looking like a better NBA prospect than the BYU product.

First of all this kid can flat out score and do it at a high percentage.  A lot NBA point guards don’t have the range or consistent shot, but Lillard does.  This past season his long-ball was above 40% and free throw percentage near 88%.  Those numbers often translate into the NBA.

He plays with finesse and laid back style, which allows him to pick his cuts.  He doesn’t try to beat you with his athleticism, but he patiently attacks.  He understands his moments and is a high I.Q player.  He’ll be one of the few four-year players drafted in the first round, which is unheard of today.  Throughout those four-years he became the leader of Weber State.  He understands what it takes to carry a team and be the main contributor (he’ll tell you differently).

Top traits that will translate to the league.

  1. His NBA size
  2. Proven Scorer

The ability to score from all areas of the court allows him not to be one-dimensional.  He doesn’t rely on athleticism, which allows him to be a quicker producer in the league.  He can instantly be a 10 ppg point guard for any team, because his knack for finishing and ability to cover the floor.

  1. All around game
  2. Patient
  3. Cutting ability

Hall of Fame Comparison: Joe Dumars

Current Comparison: Jameer Nelson

Con:  So you couldn’t get in a big school?  The thing holding my man Lillard back is the lack of competition throughout his college career.  Unlike BYU, Weber State’s schedule lacked ranked opponents, which can put an asterisk on Lillards scoring average.   Those who choose Kendall Marshall Marshall over Lillard say he went to NORTH CAROLINA!  I completely agree that Lillards lack of true collegiate opponents will make his draft stock fall.

Questions regarding Lillards ability to dish the ball will come up.    In his defense he accounted for their scoring and had few options (its Weber State people).  He maintained a positive Assist/Turnover ratio, which shows he can maintain possession and run the offense.

Something that makes scouts cringe is injury history and Lillard struggled with a foot fracture a year ago.   Does this previous injury lead to any other ones?  Especially with the length of the NBA season compared to college.

Top reasons not to draft Damien Lillard

  1. No true competition
  2. Questions regarding passing
  3. Athleticism

Point guards are running the league Rajon Rondo, Westbrook, Rose (before injury), John Wall, and Kyrie Irving.   Damien Lillard is built for the NBA in size, but doesn’t have the pure athleticism such as his future counterparts. 

   4. Injury history

He’s battling prospects Kendall Marshall and Marquis Teague to be the first point guard chosen.  Marshall’s latest injury helps Lillard out, but Marquis Teague’s recent title run may change scouts minds.

9. Tyler Zeller C University of North Carolina 7’0”

 10.  Moe Harkless   SF    St. John’s    6’8”

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Net’s embark to Brooklyn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Complete NBA Playoffs analysis

 by:Alex Munoz

Western Conference

1st Round

1 San Antonio Spurs over 8 Utah Jazz 4-0

I see this as an easy series for San Antonio to start the playoffs. There’s no upset in the waiting this year. This Jazz team is not the Grizzlies despite their large amount of size in the post. The Spurs are the better team and Coach Pop might rest players somewhere at the end of the series depending on how the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers series. Coach Pop, I believe, does not want to rest his players too much. He wants them in top gear especially after last year’s debacle. The Utah Jazz have plenty to look forward to next year especially if they can steal a game with the Spurs at full strength.

2 Oklahoma Thunder over 7 Dallas Mavericks 4-1

This Western Conference Finals rematch from a year ago will end differently this go around. The Mavs have lost their defensive identity and toughness with the absence of Tyson Chandler. This appears to be a Dirk-led time like any other year that only ends in a first round loss. The Thunder have another year of playoff experience and Durant and Westbrook look hungrier than ever. Harden’s concussion will be a concern early on but despite that I see the Thunder prevailing rather easily.

3 Los Angeles Lakers over 6 Denver Nuggets 4-2

The Lakers were starting to hit their stride when the much talked about elbow made contact. The Lakers have the edge here because of Bynum’s development this year and #24. The Nuggets are interesting team after the trade for McGee. They are loaded with rotation players but no superstars or all-stars, which appears to be the formula to win an NBA title. This will however been an entertaining, high-scoring series. Ultimately, the Nuggets win two games because of their depth and possibly another when Bryant has an awful shooting day and keeps chucking it up.

5 Los Angeles Clippers over 4 Memphis Grizzlies 4-3

Last year’s darling just got back Randolph and need to incorporate him into the playoff rotation nicely. I see the Clippers’ star power taking out the Grizzlies. I see CP3 torching Conley and if they can get out on fast breaks consistently I see the Clippers ending this series earlier.

Western Conference Semi-Finals

5 Clippers over the 1 San Antonio Spurs 4-3

The Clippers pull off the upset in the second round. A Chris Paul-led team failed to beat the Spurs in the playoffs earlier in his career. CP3 will relish this and enjoy going to the WCF. I see Blake Griffin and Caron Butler as the huge x-factors and putting up huge numbers. Kawhi Leonard is going to shrink and Captain Jack will take more minutes where Butler will outplay them both, I believe.

2 Oklahoma City Thunder over 3 Los Angeles Lakers 4-2

The recent game would have ended differently I think if Harden been allowed to get back into the game. He would have been the difference down the stretch as he will be in this series.  World Peace can only check one man at a time and I don’t see Barnes and World Peace on the floor at the same time because then Kobe will be the primarily ball handler and  I don’t think Coach Brown wants that. The Thunder reach the conference finals again and this time want to go to the NBA Finals.

Western Conference Finals

   2 Oklahoma City Thunder over 5 Los Angeles Clippers 4-2

The Clippers had a great season and I see it coming to an end here. Chris Paul is physically outmatched and I believe Durant will put 30 consistently this series as there is no one to really guard him well. Ibaka will do a great job on Blake and make him shoot the mid-range jumper. The Clippers will really miss what Billups can offer in this series.


Eastern Conference

1st Round

1 Chicago Bulls over 8 Philadelphia 76ers 4-1

Evan Turner has lit a fire under the Bulls and that wasn’t a good idea. This team does not scare the Bulls like the Knicks whether the Bulls like to admit it or not. Rose’s health will be key but ultimately I see the Bulls prevailing and getting rest for Rose.

2 Miami Heat over 7 New York Knicks 4-2

This is will be the most entertaining and story line filled series. Carmelo vs. LeBron. The Heat will lose two games because Amare will dominate the Heat bigs and defer when double-teamed. When you’re deferring to the likes of J.R. Smith, Carmelo, and even Baron Davis, it will harbinger good results. The Heat will lose another game because of the poor shooting and too much contribution from Wade and James will be expected to win that game and it won’t happen.

3 Indiana Pacers over 6 Orlando Magic 4-0

This is a clean sweep waiting to happen. The Magic are without their best player and need hot shooting to stay in this series. I don’t see it happening and I see the Pacers getting much needed rest in this short season and preparing themselves for the Miami Heat.

4 Boston Celtics over the 5 Atlanta Hawks 4-2

The Celtics are primed to make one last playoff run with their big three and Rondo. Ultimately this comes down to the Celtics being playoff tested and having arguably the best coach in the league who makes some of the best in-game adjustments. The Hawks are slowly becoming the Mavs of the east with their early playoff exits.

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

4 Boston Celtics over 1 Chicago Bulls 4-2

Rose will not be 100% healthy and this will be the Achilles heel in this series for the Bulls. The Celtics will deliver their playoff D and the Bulls will struggle to make shots with Rose’s drives. This will be a fun series to watch for defensive purposes and for the fact that the Bulls and Celtics had arguably the best first round series ever a few years ago.

3 Indiana Pacers over 2 Miami Heat 4-3

The Pacers have always given the Heat problems and this will be magnified in this second round. The Pacers might have the best 1-7 on their roster in the league. They have toughness, size, and good shot making ability that doesn’t rely on the 3. This will be the best playoff series of the year.

Eastern Conference Finals

3 Indiana Pacers over the 4 Boston Celtics 4-2

The Bulls and Heat liked their seedings because they avoided a rival and a bad match up. They both lose in this scenario and off-season questions will mount. The Pacers will win this because of three things. The Celtics will become gassed, Hibbert and West will get all the boards with Garnett at the 5. An unlikely ECF comes to an end and the big three share a special moment at game six knowing it is their last together.

Finals

2 Oklahoma City Thunder over the Indiana Pacers 4-2

            The Thunder have one of the game’s best shot makers and length that will ultimately doom the Pacers. The nice run by the Pacers comes to an end and Durant gets his first ring to the collection.

The Pacers feel good about this year. The Heat will serious consider a coaching change and possibly moving Bosh. The Bulls are all tied up with their money and will say a playoff run with a healthy Rose will make the difference and a full year of Rose and Hamilton playing together.

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Play-off time!!!!!

2nhalfsteps 1st round play-off  panelist

 If you’re looking to place bets on the NBA playoff series and lack any insight on these series, we recommend using our predictions.  However, we do not take any responsibility if you lose, but if you do win we accept a 15% gratuity.

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Why 5 hour energy when I have 5 hour-Motivation?

I was looking at my schedule and had a moment when I said “I’m done.” These next two day were extremely booked and chance of having time wasn’t likely. The fact this piece of a paper instilled such stress and disappointment was incredible. So I went to the internet anticipating I’d find something that would motivate me, I did. I discovered this video on Addicted2Motivation and this webpage truly filled this void in me. After watching this video, I wanted to lift, cure a disease, and make my video at the same time.

Everything I longed for was delivered through another low-budget, youtube motivation flick. It gave me that extra push I longed for and I hope it can help you.

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Childhood+MJ=tough

Every year basketball prodigies grace headlines “The next MJ.”  For common spectators this slogan is similar to labeling a tech prodigy the next “Bill Gates” or the Buddhist search for the next Dali Lama.  Once these headlines emerge critic’s complain, YouTube views increase, and sponsors get on the phone, while John Calipari and Kelvin Sampson exchange texts with this “kid.”  Attached to this KID who lacks a driver license or ability to rent MATURE video games, is that he’s the next Michael Jordan.  He can’t handle the pressure so the media exposure drops him along with the sacred title.  The cycle repeats.

        Okay the kid has game, so let’s associate his playing style and scoring prowess with the NBA’s greatest scorer.     I’ve seen and heard over thirty different accounts that reach the professional level alone (there are hundreds).  After numerous trial and error seasons of failed prospects it’s on to the next one.  Basketball analyst’s undermine the impact of labeling the next Michael Jordan.   We neglect the consequences and burden placed on these children.  The comparisons to a high school legend are lofty enough (especially if you went to Laney High).  The pressure from communities, friends, and families attest to that of the president.

VICTIMS OF THE NEXT MIKE
Dwayne Wade, Lebron James, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Jason Richardson, DeMarr Johnson, Darius Miles, Steve Francis,  Michael Pietrus “French Jordan,” Ben Gordan “Air Gordan,” Jerry Stackhouse, Grant Hill,  Michael Finley, Kobe Bryant.

                                    Total Championships= 8 (Wade 1, Bryant 5, Finley 1)

                                    Jordan Championships= 6

           Lebron James was labeled the next “Mike” at the age of 14.  The decision in 2010 by  “King James” gives testimony to the privileges and popularity of one whose labeled “the next Mike.”  I’m not debating if he’s the next MJ, but  the media has portrayed him as the second-coming.  This same media criticizes him for using the name “King James” but they throned him.  It’s astonishing how in a five-year span, writers mock and criticize the decisions these individuals make.  I understand it’s media, entertainment, and a sport to them, but in reality he’s still a HUMAN.   One individual whose allowed to refute  his statements is hypocrite, sport analyst Skip Bayless, because no one believes him.  Back to the story, Michael Jordan was far from a saint, but people said “Mike it’s fine, just keep winning.”  Winning separates the two by a margin so wide that comparisons piggybacked Kobe Bryant (which is valid).  The current climax of Lebron James career is intriguing, because we’ve expected rings by now and they haven’t arrived.  Micheal could walk on water because of rings, whereas Lebrons walking on egg shell’s til he has some bling.   Assumptions and expectations wrecked Lebron James childhood and still affects his career.

Our era of movies “Hoop Dreams,” “O” and “Basketball Diaries.” depict the damaging aftermath of lofty expectations.  I’ll reference Leonardo Decaprio once on this site, and its today.   He never starred in the awful Michael Jordan movie they produced in early nineties, nor Space Jam.  Actually, this movie held no ties to Michael Jordan or the NBA.  The only association that could be devised is that Basketball Diaries took place in New York, and MJ OWNED Madison Square Garden (Jeremy Lin’s not even close people!). He played the main character Jim in Basketball Diaries the high school basketball star turned drug addict.  The movie begins with shots of him killing it on the court and cameos of basketball games throughout his drug escapades.  Eighty percent of the flick gives light to his addiction to drugs and troubles.  Jim’s journey back to sobriety was through basketball, but it was the same thing that helped lead to his drug-use.  I’m neither stating Michael Jordan’s success or title leads to drug-use, but the expectations of fulfilling a similar career may.  In today’s market we’ve turned this entertaining, fun game into a full-blown succeed or die.  Praising these youngsters with the attention of celebrities can pose long-term detrimental consequences.

I refuse to discuss Jordan’s playing career (I get the chill’s writing about it).  It’s understood the statistical excellence of Michael Jordan’s playing career.  We’re so transfixed on seeing twenty-three, we forget why he’s still relevant today.  It’s because Jordan traded his jersey for a suit and tie.  He retired nine years ago and using the calculations by a Sports Illustrated study this means he has a forty percent chance of NOT losing all  his assets. The Sports Illustrated study distinctly showed 60 PERCENT of professional basketball players filing for bankruptcy in five years after retiring.  Where’s these kid come into play?   We automatically  expect these kids to market themselves correctly and star in that great movie (that’s where Shaq KaZoomed).  Michael Jordan handled his assets correctly (gambling was a passion*), and made wise financial choices. The good ol corridor principle applies to his venture decisions (but really motor bike racing?)

 What 16 year –old can handle these life accolades?

Owner of the Charlotte Bobcat’s (Valued at $278 million dollars)

Owner/Face of the Nike’s Jordan Brand (Valued at $ 1 billion dollars)

Actor in Space Jam (Grossed over $230 million dollars)

Associated to numbers “23” & height “6’6” (The ideal height, he’s the reason why)

Owner of professional motorbike team (Team Jordan)

Voted 20th most powerful celebrity (Forbes)

       Michael Jordan left college after his third collegiate year, not senior year of high school.  No one courted him and he wasn’t a global icon in high school a la Rickey Rubio.  His legacy started from a buzzer-beater in college, not because he dunked in junior high. This brings up the motivational tale of Micheal Jordan getting cut from his high school team meant something for my generation.  Today, kids play on numerous teams, AAU, club, and coaching clinic’s.  The AAU has diluted high school and state play, because of fable AAU national championships.  These kid’s want to play with friends(Welcome to  Miami), rather than their communities.  Do these kids play to get noticed by that college, scout, professional player, or sponsor, maybe.  These kids do love the game, but the celebrity status and thought of your own shoe can corrupt this innocent passion for the game.

A large part of my childhood involved Michael Jordan from the shoes I wore to the sport I played.  Every child requesting the  number twenty-three for their recreational league will continue until that next MJ arrives.   This man altered an industry that few may achieve or we may witness.  I believe everyone writes their own tales, but Micheal Jordan has written so many others.  I don’t hold MJ responsiblity for raising the bar or expectations, but for setting the new standard.  I believe Micheal Jordan had an easy journey, because no Micheal Jordan existed before him.

My MJ guilty pleasures

I embraced each of his jerseys 23, 45, and yes the Wizards one.

I toke a Gatorade shower once, anticipating that it allow me to dunk a basketball.

I considered attending North Carolina because he went there.

I considered  shaving my head to emulate his glossy hair do.

I want to work for the Charlotte Bobcats (because he’d be my boss, Now that’s boss)

When he won his first championship I was born (no joke).

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I’ll take You to the Kobe Shop

I’ll Take You to the Kobe Shop by Maxwell Baumbach

            Earlier today, Twitter exploded in the wake of Ric Bucher claiming that the Lakers should shop Kobe Bryant. While Kobe is having an excellent scoring season and is clearly the alpha dog of the team, would it really be that bad of an idea? Many people feel that the Lakers will not be able to win a championship this season due to a lack of depth. Who could you move on the Lakers to get a number of strong rotation players? Kobe Bryant, that’s who. While I am not saying it’s the best idea to ship the Black Mamba out of town, I think that it would be advantageous for the Lakers to look into it to see what they could get in return. I think it would be so advantageous, in fact, that I looked into it for them. Here are five of the trades that they could make.

Kobe Bryant to the Boston Celtics for Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, and Sasha Pavlovic.

 Obviously, Pavlovic is the best part of this trade for the Lakers. I kid. However, this deal would help out the Lakers in a few places. First off, they fix their point guard problems by acquiring a young player who will be there for years to come. I also having a strange feeling that Rondo and Bynum would mesh together really well for some reason. On top of that, the Lakers also address their lack of perimeter shooting by adding Ray Allen into the mix, who is shooting 48.3% from three-point land this year. Pavlovic is just there. No team would want to give up Kobe, but it would also be hard to pass up a starting five of Rondo, Allen, Barnes, Gasol, and Bynum.

Kobe Bryant to the Hawks for Josh Smith, Kirk Hinrich, and Tracy McGrady

 You would probably want to get a lot of young pieces for Kobe, so this trade is not the most appealing in that regard. However, it provides immediate help. Smith could be slipped to the three position and start, Hinrich would run the point, and a McGrady/Goudeluck combo at the 2 would certainly provide a scoring spark. Hinrich/McGrady/Smith/Gasol/Bynum might not take you to the promise land, but they would definitely be a playoff team that could contend in the immediate future.

Kobe Bryant to the Pacers for Danny Granger, Paul George, and Darren Collison

Darren Collison might not be a traditional point guard, but he would certainly be an upgrade over Steve Blake and Derek Fisher. Danny Granger is a capable scorer, and Paul George could play the two. George and Collison are also both shooting around the 40% marker from three on the season, so they would provide extra depth as well as perimeter offense help. On top of that, Collison/George/Granger/Gasol/Bynum would be one of the biggest, longest starting fives in the league, which would allow the Lakers clog up the defensive end of the floor with their size.

Kobe Bryant to the Nets for Deron Williams, MarShon Brooks, DeShawn Stevenson, and Mehmet Okur’s expiring contract

 Deron Williams and MarShon Brooks are the big selling point of this trade. Stevenson is having a terrible season and probably couldn’t score more than four points in a third grade subdivision league. Mehmet Okur has a massive expiring contract, and the money from that could be used to bring in someone else next season. In the meantime, he provides Bynum insurance, can rebound and score, and would be a more natural fit at the center position than Troy Murphy. Deron Williams is one of the best point guards in the league when he cares, and putting him on a Lakers team with people like Gasol and Bynum would certainly be motivating for him. While Williams provide the Lakers with a top player in the immediate future, they also get a great scoring prospect in MarShon Brooks.

  Kobe Bryant to the 76ers for Andre Iguodala, Evan Turner, and Jrue Holiday

 I like this trade for both teams. While the 76ers don’t have a\superstar to spare, they have an absurd amount of depth that they can afford to shed. The Lakers would get starters at the 1, 2, and 3 position who are all capable of shooting from the outside. In addition to that, they are all good defenders. That would make them a perfect fit for Mike Brown’s system.   The system works in Los Angeles, along the destination for Kobe Bryant.  The hometown factor could be mentioned to persuade Kobe in signing off on such deal.

Now, at this point you probably noticed that I did not list a single Western conference team. Why is that? It is because I firmly believe that if the Lakers trade Kobe to another team in the same conference, he would come back to haunt them. Despite his advanced age, a motivate Kobe is still a terrifying thing. We saw that in his performance against the Miami Heat on Sunday. While the Lakers could help out their future, they would need to understand how big of a risk it is to piss off Kobe Bryant, especially considering that they couldn’t get an equally valuable set of players in return.

-Maxwell Baumbach

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Call me Houdini: Basketball expectations til the Ides of March

I’m follow the advice of my friend Rex Ryan and guarantee all of these predictions occur. 

  1. You read Call me Houdini: Basketball until the Ides of March
  2. This month student-athletes getting exploited
  3. Learning about a mid-major school (which we’ll forget years later)
  4. Work and school productivity WILL decrease
  5. Mathematicians trying to crack the college bracket (and failing)
  6. Hooters and Buffalo Wild Wings are over crowded
  7. Obama spending time solving his Bracket, instead of our economy
  8. Gambling just cause we can (no age required here)
  9. Dedicated fans predicating their teams winning-it-all (later being upset by a mid-major school)
  10. Increased crime rate
  11. Dick Vitale showing us why he’s the Dali Lama of basketball (yet we’re still annoyed)
  12. ESPN predicting North Carolina or Duke to win
  13. ESPN not using Erin Andrews in enough coverage
  14. Miami Heat continues their features on TV, Newspapers, Apps, and hate sites
  15. Chris Brossard telling us about his sources
  16. Every fan making a trade machine for Dwight Howard (and saying it’s the best deal)
  17. Charlotte Bobcats ask MJ to play (Rumors denied because he state’s “I’m too good”)
  18. New Jersey goes on an extensive winning streak (a la Brook Lopez)
  19. New Jersey realizing Deron William doesn’t want to back
  20. Kevin Love MVP rumors gain much-deserved attention
  21. View ratings decrease because of COLLEGE BASKETBALL
  22. DeMarcus Cousin goes on an ABSOLUTE MONSTROUS March run
  23. Boston Celtics Danny Ainge pulls a trade we question (not a joke)
  24. San Antonio silently increases their divisional lead
  25. Top trade rumors revolve around Steve Nash and Kevin Martin (yeah Kevin Martin<is he a singer?)
  26. People watch a couple of quarters of the women’s tournament
  27. Skylar Diggin’s coverage and highlights increase
  28. The tournament displays “top programs “are losing strength
  29. Criticism and inappropriate  “TITLE IX” jokes continue
  30. Big ten teams make a splash deep in the tourney
Categories: The X's & O's | Leave a comment

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