Friday, May 27, 2011
New NBA Logo - The Dirk Goose-Step
Should the Mavericks win, the finals MVP will be Dirk Nowitzki. His playoff run thus far has been nothing short of legendary, and this is as objective as it gets for me. You see, I never liked Dirk. It's easy to hate Mark Cuban and Texas for being themselves and I did, but Dirk was another beast entirely. When the Mavs chose Dirk and parted ways with Steve Nash, I hated Dirk. I called him Dirty Dirk, and many other fun jaunts. When a young Dwyane Wade met Dirk in the finals in 06 with a still-serviceable Shaq, I was a big Wade fan and cheered my guts out for Dirk to lose. He was easy to hate as a choker as well. I was as excited as anybody when Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes led the 8th-seeded Warriors over the first-seeded Mavericks. And lest we forget the first round Easter "resurrection" game of Brandon Roy when the Blazers miracled their way to an emotional 23-point comeback in This 2011 post-season Dirk has proved the haters wrong. And I am one of them. It doesn't change the fact that he averages too few rebounds for a 7-footer, his transition defense is suspect, and his face is a turn-off. I can respect him in the context of NBA greatness and achievement, but it doesn't mean I like him. Good luck in the finals,
Friday, May 20, 2011
Conference Finals Reflections
Now that each team has won a game, nobody is clamoring for any team as the current "favourite." We've all seen all four of the remaining teams, Chicago, Miami, Dallas and Oklahoma City, play to their strengths and conversely be exposed for their weaknesses. With the uncertainty swirling about the status of the four teams who may have the chance to play in the finals, I will take this chance to reflect on what each team did well, and did poorly in their first two games of the series.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks
Game 1 -
In Dallas, the Mavs prove what people have been saying all along. They are the team with experience, a diverse bench loaded with savvy veterans, who can control the tempo and control the game. Dallas set the pace in this game, and seemed tightly efficient. They took the right shots at the right times and moved the ball well. Dirk Nowitzki was out-of-this-world shooting 12-15 from the floor (80%) and 24-24 from the free-throw line (100%, in case you were wondering) on his way to 48 points. Dallas (including JJ Barea) carried the momentum of the Lakers sweep into this game regardless of their extended break between series. The Thunder's collective youth and nerve led to poor shot selection, especially from All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook who went 3-15 from the field. The Thunder showed sparks especially when Kevin Durant got out on the fast break, and Nowitzki's poor transition defence led to easy OKC buckets a couple times. As unstoppable as Dirk was on the offensive end, he only pulled down 6 rebounds. The only reason I'm nit-picking on him is because the Thunder managed to keep this game close, and Durant had 40 points including 18-19 from the free-throw line. Perkins provided a physical presence, and intimidation as he drew a double-technical after getting tangled up with Tyson Chandler. Perkins also landed an elbow on Shawn Marion and broke his nose. Matrix fought through the bleeding to continue to guard Kevin Durant admirably. The Thunder proved that even with a superhuman effort from certain Mavs players, they were a competitive team that would not back down. Questions surround the Thunder.
Game 2 -
Back in Dallas for the second game of the Western Conference finals, the Thunder needed to make a statement. Down by nine points in the first quarter, Durant rises up off the left-side clear out play and dunks the ball through the hoop over the top of Brendan Haywood. This turned the tide in OKCs favor, as did the insertion of James Harden. Oklahoma tightened up their defense in the second half and held off the Mavs, despite clutch efforts from Dirk (16 fourth quarter points) and JJ Barea. Harden finished with 23 points and seven rebounds, including a four-point play and a flurry of dribble-moves to juke past Jason Terry and pull up for the jump shot. A memorable image of James Harden's roar and tongue swing, followed by beard-penetrating smile after the second of these big buckets will stick in my mind as emblematic of the Thunder's emotional playing style and the ecstasy they can provoke while they maintain momentum. Dirk still outscores Durant 29 to 24, but the difference was the strength of the bench, which allowed Thunder coach Scott Brooks to keep a struggling Westbrook on the bench throughout the fourth quarter. Oklahoma has yet to lose back-to-back games this postseason and now look to transfer that momentum to game 3, back home in OKC. Questions surround the Mavs.
Bold Prediction
The Thunder can continue to put up energy, but the Mavs are build for the long haul. If Westbrook and Perkins continue to struggle, Kevin Durant will have more responsibilities than Dirk (who has already performed better in both games thus far) and KD will not be able to shoulder the load. The Mavs can take control of the series, and should be able to win at least one game on the road. Mavs advance in six games. Game 3 in OKC, Saturday @ 9pm EST.
Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls
Game 1 -
Despite holding the best record in the NBA during the regular season with 62 wins and 20 losses, the reigning Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau, and MVP Derrick Rose, the Bulls seemed to be coming into the Eastern Conference final as the underdog. The Bulls are back in the Eastern final for the first time since MJs farewell of 1998, and the city of Chicago was ready. Not that the Heat were going to be fazed by the raucous crowds, the Miami Heatles met hateful persecution almost universally this entire season when on the road. Miami held the emotional edge until Taj Gibson brought down a two-handed dunk in transition all over Chicago native Dwyane Wade. Noah and Boozer were holding down the paint, but Boozer seemed to have no finish around the rim as lay-ins and tips went everywhere but through the twine. The two big men were able to anchor a Chicago defense that clogged the lane and forced Miami's stars into a perimeter-oriented game. The Bulls dominated on the rebounds, gathering 45 to Miami's 33 rebounds that resulted in 31 second-chance points for the Bulls, compared to only 8 for the Heat. Both teams played tough, grinding defense and wherever a player found a chance to break through the defensive wall of the opposition, they made the most of it. The Bulls capped off the home victory with a fitting Taj Gibson putback that made more than one sportsfan jump out of his or her seat. Rose had 28 points, 7 assists, and Deng had 21 points. The Heat looked lost at times at distinguishing roles of their "Big 3," while the Bulls looked like a solid team that had been playing together for years. Wade had 18 points, while James had only 12, and Bosh surprisingly had 30 points and 9 rebounds. Questions surround Miami.
Game 2 -
LeBron and Wade were both said to be silently seething after their criticism in the aftermath of game 1. They were ripped by the same people who had lauded the pair after their execution of the Celtics in the previous round. Game 1 was the highest rated basketball game in TV history, so the Heat skeptics were all out to hate. "Meh," said LeBron who stepped up his game as the great ones do following a tough loss, and was able to adapt to the defenses he had seen in game one to finish with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, while D-Wade had 24 points and Bosh had 10 points with 8 rebounds. The Heat bench stepped up and provided the energy and the hustle plays including 13 tempo-swinging Udonis Haslem points. Luol Deng threw down a huge dunk through the lane in the first quarter, and hit a three-point buzzer beater at the end of the first quarter, but finished with a quiet 13 points. Noah showed impressive end-to-end skillsbut at times the Bulls were sloppy and the Heat seized the advantage with transition basket after transition basket. The game was tied at 73, with 4:40 remaining when Wade and Omer Asik collide under the basket and both are cut requiring medical attention. This stoppage of play halted the Bulls momentum and allowed the Heat to recompose themselves and make a 12-2 run including 9 points by LeBron James to close out the Bulls in Chicago and even the series at one game apiece. Rose had 21 points and 8 assists, but shot 7-23 from the field. Questions surround Chicago.
Bold Prediction
The Heat don't have to all play well to win, as we have seen, but when the "Big Three" of Bosh, Bron and Wade are on the same page, the Heat are unguardable. Even for the defensively tenacious Bulls. The Bulls may have a tough time scoring if the Heat continue to frustrate Rose and the Bulls are unable to find a consistent second- option on offense. The Heat can also use their length and athleticism to run the fast break before the Bulls defense can set up. Heat advance in six games. Game 3 in Miami, Sunday 8:30pm EST.
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks
Game 1 -
Game 2 -
Back in Dallas for the second game of the Western Conference finals, the Thunder needed to make a statement. Down by nine points in the first quarter, Durant rises up off the left-side clear out play and dunks the ball through the hoop over the top of Brendan Haywood. This turned the tide in OKCs favor, as did the insertion of James Harden. Oklahoma tightened up their defense in the second half and held off the Mavs, despite clutch efforts from Dirk (16 fourth quarter points) and JJ Barea. Harden finished with 23 points and seven rebounds, including a four-point play and a flurry of dribble-moves to juke past Jason Terry and pull up for the jump shot. A memorable image of James Harden's roar and tongue swing, followed by beard-penetrating smile after the second of these big buckets will stick in my mind as emblematic of the Thunder's emotional playing style and the ecstasy they can provoke while they maintain momentum. Dirk still outscores Durant 29 to 24, but the difference was the strength of the bench, which allowed Thunder coach Scott Brooks to keep a struggling Westbrook on the bench throughout the fourth quarter. Oklahoma has yet to lose back-to-back games this postseason and now look to transfer that momentum to game 3, back home in OKC. Questions surround the Mavs.
Bold Prediction
The Thunder can continue to put up energy, but the Mavs are build for the long haul. If Westbrook and Perkins continue to struggle, Kevin Durant will have more responsibilities than Dirk (who has already performed better in both games thus far) and KD will not be able to shoulder the load. The Mavs can take control of the series, and should be able to win at least one game on the road. Mavs advance in six games. Game 3 in OKC, Saturday @ 9pm EST.
Miami Heat @ Chicago Bulls
Game 1 -
Despite holding the best record in the NBA during the regular season with 62 wins and 20 losses, the reigning Coach of the Year Tom Thibodeau, and MVP Derrick Rose, the Bulls seemed to be coming into the Eastern Conference final as the underdog. The Bulls are back in the Eastern final for the first time since MJs farewell of 1998, and the city of Chicago was ready. Not that the Heat were going to be fazed by the raucous crowds, the Miami Heatles met hateful persecution almost universally this entire season when on the road. Miami held the emotional edge until Taj Gibson brought down a two-handed dunk in transition all over Chicago native Dwyane Wade. Noah and Boozer were holding down the paint, but Boozer seemed to have no finish around the rim as lay-ins and tips went everywhere but through the twine. The two big men were able to anchor a Chicago defense that clogged the lane and forced Miami's stars into a perimeter-oriented game. The Bulls dominated on the rebounds, gathering 45 to Miami's 33 rebounds that resulted in 31 second-chance points for the Bulls, compared to only 8 for the Heat. Both teams played tough, grinding defense and wherever a player found a chance to break through the defensive wall of the opposition, they made the most of it. The Bulls capped off the home victory with a fitting Taj Gibson putback that made more than one sportsfan jump out of his or her seat. Rose had 28 points, 7 assists, and Deng had 21 points. The Heat looked lost at times at distinguishing roles of their "Big 3," while the Bulls looked like a solid team that had been playing together for years. Wade had 18 points, while James had only 12, and Bosh surprisingly had 30 points and 9 rebounds. Questions surround Miami.
Game 2 -
LeBron and Wade were both said to be silently seething after their criticism in the aftermath of game 1. They were ripped by the same people who had lauded the pair after their execution of the Celtics in the previous round. Game 1 was the highest rated basketball game in TV history, so the Heat skeptics were all out to hate. "Meh," said LeBron who stepped up his game as the great ones do following a tough loss, and was able to adapt to the defenses he had seen in game one to finish with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, while D-Wade had 24 points and Bosh had 10 points with 8 rebounds. The Heat bench stepped up and provided the energy and the hustle plays including 13 tempo-swinging Udonis Haslem points. Luol Deng threw down a huge dunk through the lane in the first quarter, and hit a three-point buzzer beater at the end of the first quarter, but finished with a quiet 13 points. Noah showed impressive end-to-end skillsbut at times the Bulls were sloppy and the Heat seized the advantage with transition basket after transition basket. The game was tied at 73, with 4:40 remaining when Wade and Omer Asik collide under the basket and both are cut requiring medical attention. This stoppage of play halted the Bulls momentum and allowed the Heat to recompose themselves and make a 12-2 run including 9 points by LeBron James to close out the Bulls in Chicago and even the series at one game apiece. Rose had 21 points and 8 assists, but shot 7-23 from the field. Questions surround Chicago.
Bold Prediction
The Heat don't have to all play well to win, as we have seen, but when the "Big Three" of Bosh, Bron and Wade are on the same page, the Heat are unguardable. Even for the defensively tenacious Bulls. The Bulls may have a tough time scoring if the Heat continue to frustrate Rose and the Bulls are unable to find a consistent second- option on offense. The Heat can also use their length and athleticism to run the fast break before the Bulls defense can set up. Heat advance in six games. Game 3 in Miami, Sunday 8:30pm EST.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
All-time All-star teams by birth month
All-time All-star teams by birth month
This is a reprisal of an article I wrote a while back, before I had a blog, where it lurked in obscurity on some other site thread. I had had some spare time and decided with the help of my NBA calendar which lists the birthday of notable NBA players each day to compile come all star teams divided by birth month... if all entered into a tournament with all players at their prime which month's team would win it all?
January
c - Hakeem Olajuwon
pf - Dominique Wilkins
sf - Vince Carter
sg - Alex English
January
c - Hakeem Olajuwon
pf - Dominique Wilkins
sf - Vince Carter
sg - Alex English
pg - Dwyane Wade
6th - Gilbert Arenas
bench 1 - Darryl Dawkins
2 - Muggsy Bogues
3 - Andre Iguodala/ Glenn Robinson
February
c - Vlade Divac
pf - Charles Barkley
sf - Julius Erving
sg - Michael Jordan
pg - Steve Francis
6th - James Worthy
bench 1 - Alonzo Mourning
2 - Rip Hamilton
3 - Jameer Nelson
March
c - Shaquille O'Neal
pf - Chris Bosh
sf - Rick Barry
sg - Jason Kidd
pg - John Stockton
6th - Walt Frazier
bench 1 - Larry Johnson
2 - Chris Webber
3 - Elton Brand
April
c - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
pf - Tim Duncan
sf - George Gervin
sg - Baron Davis
pg - Isiah Thomas
6th - John Havlicek
bench 1 - Stephen Jackson
2 - Mark Jackson
3 - Theo Ratliff/ Brad Miller
May
c - Mehmet Okur
pf - Kevin Garnett
sf - Tracy McGrady
sg - Jerry West
pg - Chris Paul
6th - Carmelo Anthony
bench 1 - Shawn Marion
2 - Mike Bibby
3 - Rasho Nesterovic
June
c - George Mikan
pf - Dirk Nowitzki
sf - Joe Johnson
sg - Clyde Drexler
pg - Allen Iverson
6th - Antawn Jamison
bench 1 - Dikembe Mutombo
2 - Mitch Richmond
3 - Tom Chambers
6th - Gilbert Arenas
bench 1 - Darryl Dawkins
2 - Muggsy Bogues
3 - Andre Iguodala/ Glenn Robinson
February
c - Vlade Divac
pf - Charles Barkley
sf - Julius Erving
sg - Michael Jordan
pg - Steve Francis
6th - James Worthy
bench 1 - Alonzo Mourning
2 - Rip Hamilton
3 - Jameer Nelson
March
c - Shaquille O'Neal
pf - Chris Bosh
sf - Rick Barry
sg - Jason Kidd
pg - John Stockton
6th - Walt Frazier
bench 1 - Larry Johnson
2 - Chris Webber
3 - Elton Brand
April
c - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
pf - Tim Duncan
sf - George Gervin
sg - Baron Davis
pg - Isiah Thomas
6th - John Havlicek
bench 1 - Stephen Jackson
2 - Mark Jackson
3 - Theo Ratliff/ Brad Miller
May
c - Mehmet Okur
pf - Kevin Garnett
sf - Tracy McGrady
sg - Jerry West
pg - Chris Paul
6th - Carmelo Anthony
bench 1 - Shawn Marion
2 - Mike Bibby
3 - Rasho Nesterovic
June
c - George Mikan
pf - Dirk Nowitzki
sf - Joe Johnson
sg - Clyde Drexler
pg - Allen Iverson
6th - Antawn Jamison
bench 1 - Dikembe Mutombo
2 - Mitch Richmond
3 - Tom Chambers
July
c - Pau Gasol
pf - Karl Malone
sf - David Thompson
sg - Ray Allen
pg - Gary Payton
6th - Penny Hardaway
bench 1 - Chris Mullin
2 - Connie Hawkins
3 - Joe Smith
August
c - Wilt Chamberlain
pf - David Robinson
sf - Magic Johnson
sg - Kobe Bryant
pg - Bob Cousy
6th - Rashard Lewis
bench 1 - Patrick Ewing/ Robert Parish
2 - Reggie Miller
3 - John Starks
September
c - Nene
pf - Rasheed Wallace
sf - Elgin Baylor
sg - Scottie Pippen
pg - Tiny Archibald
6th - Jason Terry
bench 1 - Tim Hardaway
2 - Steve Kerr
3 - Emeka Okafor
October
c - Antonio Davis
pf - Dave DeBusschere
sf - Grant Hill
sg - Keith Van Horn
pg - Lenny Wilkins
6th - Louis Williams
bench 1 - Eddie Jones
2 - AC Green
3 - Jim Jackson
November
c - Lamar Odom
pf - Jamal Mashburn
sf - Earl Monroe
sg - Oscar Robertson
pg - Sam Cassell
6th - Ron Artest
bench 1 - Elvin Hayes
2 - Shawn Kemp
3 - Jerry Stackhouse
December
c - Charles Oakley
pf - Kevin McHale
sf - Bob Pettit
sg - Larry Bird
pg - LeBron James
6th - Bernard King
bench 1 - World B Free
2 - Shareef Abdur-Rahim
3 - Josh Smith
Defying Categorization: Bird and Magic
When Larry Bird and Magic Johnson entered the league in the 1979 entry draft, they brought the charisma and entertainment of the historic, most-watched, college finals game to the struggling professional league. Not only did their popularity rejuvenate the professional game from a media attention perspective, Larry and Magic rebuilt the historic franchises of the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, and changed the way the game itself was played.
Their skills on the court developed in similar fashions. Despite appearing as physical opposites, their court-awareness and passing skills are virtually unrivaled by any other player, of any size, before or since. And when their teams needed them to play big, they hauled in rebounds. Magic’s legend includes him stepping into Kareem’s spot at centre and playing all five positions in the NBA finals, as a rookie. Bird revolutionized the game by incorporating the three-point line into his game, one of the first players to master the strategic use of the long-distance shot. This all-around game led to 138 career triple-doubles for Magic (second all-time), while Larry finished with 59 (fifth all-time), and were rewarded with a combined eight championships and six MVP awards.
Unlike soccer or hockey, which designate a goaltender with specific skills to develop, basketball players must play all positions and perform all tasks. Baseball’s transition between offense and defense is controlled and mediated by umpires, unlike the NBA’s fluid transformation of offensive to defensive mentalities. In football there is an offensive and defensive line, a quarterback and a kicker, further segregating duties, which are performed by the best all-around players and athletes in the NBA. Magic and Bird cemented this winning strategy of do-it-all forwards who rebound, pass, defend, score, and lead their team in every way possible eschewing individualism for team success. The legends of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson are inseparable, and their games and stories revolutionized the modern NBA game.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Battle of the Benches
Okay,we all know the story with the Miami and Boston starters. League luminaries and legends Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo hold down the green team, while LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh heat up Miami. The series seems like a clash of stars and holds half of the Eastern Conference All-Star team on the court at any given moment, but the playoffs are a long grind. Players have off-games, injuries, or playoff stagefright. This is where the supporting cast comes in and flourishes. It will take a total team effort for either Miami or Boston to win the series so let's take a look at the supporting casts of the Celtics and the Heat.
Guards
Miami's guards have the experience, and regularily crack the rotation. Wafer, Bradley and former-Heat Arroyo have been pretty glued to the Boston bench. Delonte West provides energy and agitation for LeBron, but is unpredictable at best. Bibby has been solid and less corpse-like than I assumed he'd be, Chalmers shows potential and Eddie House is a firecracker when the team needs him.
Winner: Miami
Forwards
Boston's forwards are an odd collection. Glen Davis has proved to be solid in the past and has a surprisingly good jump-shot. Jeff Green has yet to rise to the occasion and his emergence could quell the Kendrick Perkins ghosts. T-Murph fought his way off New Jersey's bench and is solid when used, don't know why Boston doesn't find him some floor-time. Haslem is a Heat faithful and co-captain with Wade, Juwan Howard can still provide quality minutes and if either James Jones or Mike Miller finds their shooting stroke, they are deadly while Bron and Wade draw double-teams.
Winner: Miami
Centres
The O'Neal boys are NBA legends and if Shaq can ever pick up a shadow of his former self the Celtics will be tough to beat. However, this being said, Shaq's only played 5 minutes in the past 35 games and even if he returns what kind of game-shape would he be in? JO has played well and Krstic is solid but undersized. The Heat's rotation of Joel Anthony, Ilgauskas, and Dampier have played their role well grabbing rebounds, clogging the lane, and not demanding the ball on offense. Unless Shaq returns strong, the Heat big men have he advantage over the Celtics' aging frontcourt.
Winner: Miami
Much has been made of the Celtics deep roster in the past, but Miami's star-chasing pick-ups have proved solid and have helped produce a game 1 win already. The Celtics are in deep down 0-1, but a dominant Rondo, a controlled and fueled Pierce and a resurging Shaq could put them on top. It's hard to doubt LeBron and Wade, and the tale of the benches indicates the Heat are more than a "three-trick" pony and have roster strength beyond expectations. Expect a close series, with the stronger team, rather than the team with the most star-power to prevail. This doesn't change my series preview pick, I'm not flip-flopping on the Celtics after one game and still expect them to win the series.
Celtics roster
Heat roster
Guards
Boston
Carlos Arroyo, Avery Bradley, Von Wafer, Delonte West
Miami
Mike Bibby, Mario Chalmers, Eddie HouseMiami's guards have the experience, and regularily crack the rotation. Wafer, Bradley and former-Heat Arroyo have been pretty glued to the Boston bench. Delonte West provides energy and agitation for LeBron, but is unpredictable at best. Bibby has been solid and less corpse-like than I assumed he'd be, Chalmers shows potential and Eddie House is a firecracker when the team needs him.
Winner: Miami
Forwards
Boston
Glen Davis, Jeff Green, Troy Murphy, Sasha PavlovicMiami
Udonis Haslem, Juwan Howard, James Jones, Mike Miller
Boston's forwards are an odd collection. Glen Davis has proved to be solid in the past and has a surprisingly good jump-shot. Jeff Green has yet to rise to the occasion and his emergence could quell the Kendrick Perkins ghosts. T-Murph fought his way off New Jersey's bench and is solid when used, don't know why Boston doesn't find him some floor-time. Haslem is a Heat faithful and co-captain with Wade, Juwan Howard can still provide quality minutes and if either James Jones or Mike Miller finds their shooting stroke, they are deadly while Bron and Wade draw double-teams.
Winner: Miami
Centres
Boston
Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal, Nenad KrsticMiami
Joel Anthony, Eric Dampier, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamaal Magloire, Dexter PittmanThe O'Neal boys are NBA legends and if Shaq can ever pick up a shadow of his former self the Celtics will be tough to beat. However, this being said, Shaq's only played 5 minutes in the past 35 games and even if he returns what kind of game-shape would he be in? JO has played well and Krstic is solid but undersized. The Heat's rotation of Joel Anthony, Ilgauskas, and Dampier have played their role well grabbing rebounds, clogging the lane, and not demanding the ball on offense. Unless Shaq returns strong, the Heat big men have he advantage over the Celtics' aging frontcourt.
Winner: Miami
Much has been made of the Celtics deep roster in the past, but Miami's star-chasing pick-ups have proved solid and have helped produce a game 1 win already. The Celtics are in deep down 0-1, but a dominant Rondo, a controlled and fueled Pierce and a resurging Shaq could put them on top. It's hard to doubt LeBron and Wade, and the tale of the benches indicates the Heat are more than a "three-trick" pony and have roster strength beyond expectations. Expect a close series, with the stronger team, rather than the team with the most star-power to prevail. This doesn't change my series preview pick, I'm not flip-flopping on the Celtics after one game and still expect them to win the series.
-D.G.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Playoff Predictions 2011, Round 2
*Check out the top 10 plays of the first round
Eastern Conference
(1) Chicago Bulls - CHI wins in 6 games
(5) Atlanta Hawks
The main question surrounding this series is the health of Kirk Hinrich? Hinrich is no X-Factor, and started the season as a third-string point guard for the Wizards, so people coming out and saying his injury is going to hurt the Hawks' chances seems like people making excuses for why the Bulls are going to win this series. Nobody can guard Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich would have been eaten alive by the size, strength and speed of the league's would-be MVP. The Bulls frontcourt is strong and long with Noah and Boozer over the Hawks' Collins and Horford. Though the Hawks surprised a sloppy, uncoordinated Magic team in the first round, the Bulls are solid enough to avoid this upset.
NBA TV video preview
Breaking NEWS Coach of the Year Award to Bulls' Tom Thibodeau
(2) Miami Heat
(3) Boston Celtics - BOS wins in 7 games
Though I pine for a LeBron/Wade vs Kobe finals, I feel like the Heat are meeting their match in Boston. The Heat have home-court advantage making this series interesting, but the Celtics are playoff tested, unified under ubuntu, and flourish when the pressure is highest; something we have yet to see from the Heat. In close, late-game situations the Heat have struggled to find their clutch, most recently against the Sixers ending in a block by Elton Brand. Isolation plays for each of Miami's big three; Bosh, Bron and Wade cannot work against a cohesive, active Boston defense with Rondo as it's agitator. When Rondo played well, the Celtics won 3 of the 4 games against the Heat this year notching 17, 16, and 10 assists consecutively including a triple-double, but struggled in the last meeting of the year when the Heat won. LeBron and Wade want to exorcise their playoff demons against Beantown, but might not have the poise to win thi season. If Shaq is able to return, and provide quality minutes, there's nothing he'd like to do more than spoil his former teammates' run and win one more chip before the uncertainty of next season.
SLAMonline preview
NBA TV video preview
Western Conference
(4) Oklahoma City Thunder - OKC wins in 5 games
(8) Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies surprised the Spurs with their energetic play and tough defense in the first round and knocked off the number one seed for only the fourth time in NBA history. They won't be so lucky against the Thunder. The frontcourt of Gasol and Randolph was able to muscle a retiring Antonio McDyess and an overmatched Tim Duncan, but Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins are young, tenacious and hungry. The Thunder guards are quick and big. Russell Westbrook will be able to run circles around Mike Conley and has an unmatched level of athleticism in a 6-5 point-guard frame as long as he cuts down his number of turnovers. Tony Allen and Shane Battier are two of the most grizzled, defensive-minded, playoff savvy, underrated small forwards but will have their work cut out for them against 6-10 back-to-back NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant, who can legitimize his legend with tough play in this series coming off 41 points to eliminate the Nuggets in the first round. Thunder-Lakers next round could be the best series of the playoffs, should it happen (it better happen!)
NBA TV video preview
(2) Los Angeles Lakers - LA wins in 6 games
(3) Dallas Mavericks
The Lakers frontcourt always seems to be unquestioned as the "better bigs" no matter who the Lakers come up against, with their two 7+footers Bynum and Gasol and 6-10 6th man of the year Lamar Odom off the bench. The Lakers defense is anchored by their post players who force teams to shoot from outside and play a perimeter game where the defense of Artest and Kobe is virtually unrivaled. A friend asked me earlier this year "who was better in the height of their prime T-Mac or Kobe?" Come on, T-Mac could score, but Kobe has shown us points and more. A ten-time all-defensive player, and one of the most driven, clutch closers in NBA history, T-Mac and all other players pale in comparison to Kobe come playoff time. If a team can rattle Dirk early, and frustrate him, the Mavs will suffer. I'm excited to see if the Lakers will match Artest up with Dirk at all. Fisher and Kidd are veterans and will control the game, if unspectacularly. Dallas' collapse in game 4 of the first round, where Portland came back from a 23-point deficit is indicative of their mentality. The Lakers will lock it down, and roll into the final four.
NBA TV video preview
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
NBA Awards/ Predictions
At the end of every season, the NBA rewards players with a series of awards to recognize personal achievement. These awards are staggered so that they are revealed daily through the start of the playoffs.
*updated winners
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
Dwight Howard / preseason pick - Dwight Howard
This award has been handed out since 1982-83 to recognize individual defensive effort. The panel of judges is comprised of 120 NBA sportswriters and broadcasters, who cast votes for first, second, and third place. Only 16 players have claimed the award with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace each earning four DPOY titles.
2009/10 winner: Dwight Howard - 18.3 ppg, 13.2 reb, 2.8 blk, 0.9 stl
2010/11 winner: Dwight Howard - 22.9 ppg, 14.1 reb, 2.4 blk, 1.4 stl
Howard was the unbelievable favourite coming into the voting, and was given 114 of a possible 120 first-place votes. I had him picked in the preseason to win this award in a landslide, as just about everybody else did. Dwight becomes the only player to ever win the award three years consecutively and needs only one more DPOY award to tie Wallace and Mutombo for the most career titles, a feat he looks poised to achieve as the former youngest winner of the DPOY. Does this make Howard one of the most dominant defensive players ever? Howard dominates down-low, collects rebounds and blocks in bundles, had a league-high 66 double-doubles, changes opposing team's entire offensive strategies, and is far and beyond the best centre in the NBA right now with a high ceiling that allows for even more potential. Kevin Garnett and Tyson Chandler placed second and third in the voting.
Watch Dwight Accept the Award
Sixth Man of the Year
Lamar Odom / preseason pick - Jason Terry
Also awarded since the 1982-83 season, this award distinguishes the blue-collar guy generally. The first guy off the bench doesn't start games, but often finishes them. Sixth men bring an energy off the bench that affects the flow of the game and can shift momentum in their team's favour. Generally, this award recipient is a player on an elite team that could be a star, or at least a starter, on a lesser team. Twenty-five different players have won this award.
2009/10 winner: Jamal Crawford - 18 ppg, 2.5 reb, 3.0 ast, .449 FG%, 31.1 minutes
2010/11 winner: Lamar Odom - 14.4 ppg, 8.7 reb, 3.0 ast, .530 FG%, 32.2 minutes
Lamar's solid contributions and multi-faceted skill set allow the Lakers to stay afloat whenever Bynum has to miss some games averaging 16.3 and 10.2 in 35 games as a starter. A modified point-forward, Odom possesses dribbling and court-vision uncommon in a 6-10 player. Coming off a gold-medal summer where he played the role of veteran and glue-guy to a young US squad at the World Championships, Lamar hasn't slowed down. He's also the star of a reality TV show with his Kardashian wife. Odom also shot .382 from three-point territory, a career-high for him. Jason Terry (my preseason pick) and Thaddeus Young placed second and third in the voting.
Watch Lamar Accept the Award
Most Improved Player of the Year (MIP)
Kevin Love / my preseason pick - Mike Beasley
The NBA's Most Improved Player award recognizes the player who puts in the work in the offseason and makes the most significant leap. Most of the time, this means a player unexpectedly emerges to guide his team to unexpected success, but the MIP winner has never won the NBA championship in the same season since the inception of the award in 1985-86.
2009/10 winner: Aaron Brooks - 16.8 ppg, 2.6 reb, 5.6 ast, 209 3-pointers made, 35.6 minutes
2010/11 winner: Kevin Love - 20.2 ppg, 15.2 reb, 2.5 ast, .470 FG%, 35.8 minutes
Kevin Love always knew how to rebound, he just needed the floortime and the conscious recognition of his own talent following a Gold medal at the World's this past summer. Charles Barkley said during the season, you can "fake" scoring titles by hogging the ball on bad teams, but you can't fake rebounding. K-Love became an All-Star for the first time in his career and averaged a league-high 15.2 rebounds. Love also averaged 20.2 points per game, culminating in an NBA second-best 62 double-doubles including a streak that stretched 53 consecutive games. Love's rebounding was historically good, record-setting good. The 53-game double-double streak was the longest since 1974 and he became the first player to average at least 20 points and 15 rebounds since 1983. Love's 30 point, 30 rebound game on November 23rd was the first in twenty-eight years. Love also scored effectively throughout the season, setting career-highs in field goal percentage (.470), three-point field goal percentage (.417), and free throw percentage (.850). A hard-working talent not gifted with superhuman athleticism, Love uses a knowledge of the game and of the angles and busts his butt every night. A rebounding mentality can be learned, but the rebounding display that Love puts on every night is something essential and natural. Now recognized as a legitimate NBA talent, Love should continue to put up similar numbers consistently for years to come. LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland TrailBlazers finished second in MIP voting and Dorrell Wright of the Golden State Warriors finished third.
Watch Kevin accept the award
Watch Kevin Love's All-Star appeal where he made a cologne parody "numb#rs"
Coach of the Year (COY)
Tom Thibodeau/ my preseason pick - Jerry Sloan (yikes)
The NBA's Coach of the Year award has been awarded longer than most of the other NBA awards, since the 1962-63 season. Titled the Red Auerbach trophy, it represents the coach who was able to best motivate his players and make the most out of his roster. The COY has been won by forty different coaches, the most being Pat Riley and Don Nelson who won three COY awards each. While Red Auerbach was a legendary coach who won nine titles with the Celtics in the 1950s and 60s, Tom Thibodeau began his head coaching career just this past season.
2009/10 winner - Scott Brooks - record 50-32 = .610%
2010/11 winner - Tom Thibodeau - record 60-22 = .756%
As a first year coach, "Thibs" led a Bulls team that was one step away from greatness to the best record in the NBA, and currently, the second round of the NBA playoffs. A defensive specialist and workaholic who has spent tireless years in multiple roles within the NBA, Thibodeau most recently helped the Celtics as a defensive tutor, co-ordinator and assistant coach. "I know there's a lot that's been said that I never sleep, I never eat, I never go home. Nah," says Thibodeau, but his relentless style rubbed off on his players and drove would-be-MVP Derrick Rose to the top of the league. Rose, had much to do with Thibodeau's success, but frontcourt duo Carlos Boozer and Joachim Noah missed a significant amount of court-time with injuries and the Bulls stayed afloat and still managed the best record in the NBA. His 62 wins also matches the record for most wins by a first-year head coach. The Bulls also never had more than two losses in a row. He brought Bulls basketball back to prominence, and for the first time since the MJ era the Bulls feel like legitimate title contenders.
Watch Tom Thibodeau's introduction as Bulls head coach 2010
Coach of the Year history
Tom Thibodeau talks about winning the best record in the NBA
Rookie of the Year (ROY)
Blake Griffin/ my preseason pick - John Wall
The NBA Rookie of the Year award, called the Eddie Gottlieb trophy, has been presented each season since 1952-53. Winning the award is a one-time thing, that can only be achieved in a player's first full season in the league. Thirteen ROY winners have gone on to win MVP of the league indicating the award usually foreshadows greatness and future achievement.
2009/10 winner: Tyreke Evans - 20.1 ppg, 5.3 reb, 5.8 ast, .458 FG%, 72 games started
2010/11 winner: Blake Griffin - 22.5 ppg, 12.1 reb, 3.8 ast, .506 FG%, 82 games started
When I picked John Wall to win rookie of the year this year in the preseason, I forgot about Blake. Picked #1 overall two years ago, he missed his entire rookie campaign while rehabbing from a knee injury sustained in a preseason contest. Because Blake never played a regular-season game last season, this was his first "official" season, and what a season it was. Blake had an explosive impact on the league and turned highlight-reels into his personal domain. With style, flair, grace, a mixed-cultural background, and a charismatic personality to boot, Blake became an icon on the lowly Clippers team who have only been above .500 once in the past 19 seasons. Not just a player of flash and image (as the dunk contest may have left haters believing), Blake showed substance to his game. One of only four players to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, he was also fourth overall in rebounding with 12.1 rpg, and third among rookies in assists with 3.8 apg. He earned his way as the first rookie on the All-Star team since Yao in 2003. His athleticism and personality make the Clippers more than an afterthought and his career future looks bright as long as he stays healthy and focused on developing his game beyond dunking. John Wall finished second in ROY voting and DeMarcus Cousins finished third.
Watch Blake Griffin interview following the presentation of the ROY award
Sekou Smith Hangtime Blog reaction
Best of Blake Griffin Highlight package by NBA.com
"Two Blake's" Blake Griffin has a funny side, check it out!
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Derrick Rose/ my preseason pick - Kevin Durant
The NBA MVP award is presented to the player who made the most significant impact on his team's success. This award doesn't always go to the highest scorer, the best defender, the most likeable guy, or even the guy who led his team to the top record in the NBA. Value is measured in the teams perceived success/ failure if that player hadn't been on the team. Awarded since 1955-56 the MVP trophy is titled the "Maurice Podoloff" award, after the NBA's first commissioner/ league president of the same name. Voting had been by player concensus until 1980-81, but has since been voted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters like the rest of the NBA awards. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the award six times, while Bill Russell and Michael Jordan each won MVP five times. Chicago reclaimed the award this season with 22-year old Derrick Rose.
2009/10 winner - LeBron James - 29.7 ppg, 8.6 ast, 7.3 reb, 1.6 stl, .503 FG%, 39.0 minutes/game
2010/11 winner - Derrick Rose - 25.0 ppg, 7.7 ast, 4.1 reb, 1.05 stl, .332 3P%, 37.1 minutes/game
The buzz around D-Rose winning the MVP was frenetic and seemed a result of Rose's wild popularity more than substance, but when the Bulls clinched the best record (62-20) in the regular season, Rose cemented his place in history as the league's youngest MVP. By leading the resurgent Bulls past star-studded Miami and Boston, Rose's workmanlike, consistent, yet explosive game, improved three-point shooting and dynamic slashing ability also made him a most-improved candidate in his third season. With a first-year coach and injuries to his frontcourt for much of the season, it was Rose that earned the spotlight even with his bashful, everyman personality. His honesty and unmediated love for his family, his city and the game of basketball were evident in his MVP acceptance speech. The only player to rank in the top 10 in both scoring and assists, Rose is currently trying to lead the Bulls through the second round of the playoffs and prove that his regular season performance was no fluke. Dwight Howard and LeBron James placed second and third respectively in the MVP voting.
Watch Derrick Rose's Top 10 plays from the 2010/11 season
Watch D-Rose's Top 10 career dunks, updated
Watch D-Rose's "Nightly Notable" performance on the night he was presented with the MVP
Derrick Rose funny TNT commercial, "You should consider the Mullett"
"Self-destruct Button"
My leftover preseason predictions
NBA regular season scoring champ - Kevin Durant/ preseason pick - Kevin Durant
At 27.7 points per game KD led the league for the second year in a row, a no-brainer pick.
East Champion - Chicago Bulls/ preseason pick - Miami Heat
It took the Heat too long to gel, they should have had a better season record
West Champion - San Antonio Spurs/ preseason pick - LA Lakers
The Spurs, when healthy, were as solid as people remember them. The Lakers didn't get the same luck.
Highlight of the Year - Blake over Mozgov/ preseason pick - LeBron from Wade
Bron and Wade haven't had that one, picture-perfect connection yet. And Blake was undeniable.
Dunk Champ - Blake Griffin/ preseason pick - Shannon Brown
Had Shanwow competed, he probably would have been robbed too, however, his LA status may have shifted the bias of the whole competition away from Blake and only Blake.
Biggest Bust - Yao Ming or Greg Oden/ preseason pick - Stephen Curry or Al Horford
The opposite of the MIP, this theoretical award would be given to the player who showed the most regression from one season to the next. Curry won the ASG point-guard challenge, Horford was an all-star and Yao and Oden missed the season, again. Just when you think it's safe to risk drafting them in fantasy leagues...
*updated winners
Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
Dwight Howard / preseason pick - Dwight Howard
This award has been handed out since 1982-83 to recognize individual defensive effort. The panel of judges is comprised of 120 NBA sportswriters and broadcasters, who cast votes for first, second, and third place. Only 16 players have claimed the award with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace each earning four DPOY titles.
2009/10 winner: Dwight Howard - 18.3 ppg, 13.2 reb, 2.8 blk, 0.9 stl
2010/11 winner: Dwight Howard - 22.9 ppg, 14.1 reb, 2.4 blk, 1.4 stl
Howard was the unbelievable favourite coming into the voting, and was given 114 of a possible 120 first-place votes. I had him picked in the preseason to win this award in a landslide, as just about everybody else did. Dwight becomes the only player to ever win the award three years consecutively and needs only one more DPOY award to tie Wallace and Mutombo for the most career titles, a feat he looks poised to achieve as the former youngest winner of the DPOY. Does this make Howard one of the most dominant defensive players ever? Howard dominates down-low, collects rebounds and blocks in bundles, had a league-high 66 double-doubles, changes opposing team's entire offensive strategies, and is far and beyond the best centre in the NBA right now with a high ceiling that allows for even more potential. Kevin Garnett and Tyson Chandler placed second and third in the voting.
Watch Dwight Accept the Award
Sixth Man of the Year
Lamar Odom / preseason pick - Jason Terry
Also awarded since the 1982-83 season, this award distinguishes the blue-collar guy generally. The first guy off the bench doesn't start games, but often finishes them. Sixth men bring an energy off the bench that affects the flow of the game and can shift momentum in their team's favour. Generally, this award recipient is a player on an elite team that could be a star, or at least a starter, on a lesser team. Twenty-five different players have won this award.
2009/10 winner: Jamal Crawford - 18 ppg, 2.5 reb, 3.0 ast, .449 FG%, 31.1 minutes
2010/11 winner: Lamar Odom - 14.4 ppg, 8.7 reb, 3.0 ast, .530 FG%, 32.2 minutes
Lamar's solid contributions and multi-faceted skill set allow the Lakers to stay afloat whenever Bynum has to miss some games averaging 16.3 and 10.2 in 35 games as a starter. A modified point-forward, Odom possesses dribbling and court-vision uncommon in a 6-10 player. Coming off a gold-medal summer where he played the role of veteran and glue-guy to a young US squad at the World Championships, Lamar hasn't slowed down. He's also the star of a reality TV show with his Kardashian wife. Odom also shot .382 from three-point territory, a career-high for him. Jason Terry (my preseason pick) and Thaddeus Young placed second and third in the voting.
Watch Lamar Accept the Award
Most Improved Player of the Year (MIP)
Kevin Love / my preseason pick - Mike Beasley
The NBA's Most Improved Player award recognizes the player who puts in the work in the offseason and makes the most significant leap. Most of the time, this means a player unexpectedly emerges to guide his team to unexpected success, but the MIP winner has never won the NBA championship in the same season since the inception of the award in 1985-86.
2009/10 winner: Aaron Brooks - 16.8 ppg, 2.6 reb, 5.6 ast, 209 3-pointers made, 35.6 minutes
2010/11 winner: Kevin Love - 20.2 ppg, 15.2 reb, 2.5 ast, .470 FG%, 35.8 minutes
Kevin Love always knew how to rebound, he just needed the floortime and the conscious recognition of his own talent following a Gold medal at the World's this past summer. Charles Barkley said during the season, you can "fake" scoring titles by hogging the ball on bad teams, but you can't fake rebounding. K-Love became an All-Star for the first time in his career and averaged a league-high 15.2 rebounds. Love also averaged 20.2 points per game, culminating in an NBA second-best 62 double-doubles including a streak that stretched 53 consecutive games. Love's rebounding was historically good, record-setting good. The 53-game double-double streak was the longest since 1974 and he became the first player to average at least 20 points and 15 rebounds since 1983. Love's 30 point, 30 rebound game on November 23rd was the first in twenty-eight years. Love also scored effectively throughout the season, setting career-highs in field goal percentage (.470), three-point field goal percentage (.417), and free throw percentage (.850). A hard-working talent not gifted with superhuman athleticism, Love uses a knowledge of the game and of the angles and busts his butt every night. A rebounding mentality can be learned, but the rebounding display that Love puts on every night is something essential and natural. Now recognized as a legitimate NBA talent, Love should continue to put up similar numbers consistently for years to come. LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland TrailBlazers finished second in MIP voting and Dorrell Wright of the Golden State Warriors finished third.
Watch Kevin accept the award
Watch Kevin Love's All-Star appeal where he made a cologne parody "numb#rs"
Coach of the Year (COY)
Tom Thibodeau/ my preseason pick - Jerry Sloan (yikes)
The NBA's Coach of the Year award has been awarded longer than most of the other NBA awards, since the 1962-63 season. Titled the Red Auerbach trophy, it represents the coach who was able to best motivate his players and make the most out of his roster. The COY has been won by forty different coaches, the most being Pat Riley and Don Nelson who won three COY awards each. While Red Auerbach was a legendary coach who won nine titles with the Celtics in the 1950s and 60s, Tom Thibodeau began his head coaching career just this past season.
2009/10 winner - Scott Brooks - record 50-32 = .610%
2010/11 winner - Tom Thibodeau - record 60-22 = .756%
As a first year coach, "Thibs" led a Bulls team that was one step away from greatness to the best record in the NBA, and currently, the second round of the NBA playoffs. A defensive specialist and workaholic who has spent tireless years in multiple roles within the NBA, Thibodeau most recently helped the Celtics as a defensive tutor, co-ordinator and assistant coach. "I know there's a lot that's been said that I never sleep, I never eat, I never go home. Nah," says Thibodeau, but his relentless style rubbed off on his players and drove would-be-MVP Derrick Rose to the top of the league. Rose, had much to do with Thibodeau's success, but frontcourt duo Carlos Boozer and Joachim Noah missed a significant amount of court-time with injuries and the Bulls stayed afloat and still managed the best record in the NBA. His 62 wins also matches the record for most wins by a first-year head coach. The Bulls also never had more than two losses in a row. He brought Bulls basketball back to prominence, and for the first time since the MJ era the Bulls feel like legitimate title contenders.
Watch Tom Thibodeau's introduction as Bulls head coach 2010
Coach of the Year history
Tom Thibodeau talks about winning the best record in the NBA
Rookie of the Year (ROY)
Blake Griffin/ my preseason pick - John Wall
The NBA Rookie of the Year award, called the Eddie Gottlieb trophy, has been presented each season since 1952-53. Winning the award is a one-time thing, that can only be achieved in a player's first full season in the league. Thirteen ROY winners have gone on to win MVP of the league indicating the award usually foreshadows greatness and future achievement.
2009/10 winner: Tyreke Evans - 20.1 ppg, 5.3 reb, 5.8 ast, .458 FG%, 72 games started
2010/11 winner: Blake Griffin - 22.5 ppg, 12.1 reb, 3.8 ast, .506 FG%, 82 games started
When I picked John Wall to win rookie of the year this year in the preseason, I forgot about Blake. Picked #1 overall two years ago, he missed his entire rookie campaign while rehabbing from a knee injury sustained in a preseason contest. Because Blake never played a regular-season game last season, this was his first "official" season, and what a season it was. Blake had an explosive impact on the league and turned highlight-reels into his personal domain. With style, flair, grace, a mixed-cultural background, and a charismatic personality to boot, Blake became an icon on the lowly Clippers team who have only been above .500 once in the past 19 seasons. Not just a player of flash and image (as the dunk contest may have left haters believing), Blake showed substance to his game. One of only four players to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, he was also fourth overall in rebounding with 12.1 rpg, and third among rookies in assists with 3.8 apg. He earned his way as the first rookie on the All-Star team since Yao in 2003. His athleticism and personality make the Clippers more than an afterthought and his career future looks bright as long as he stays healthy and focused on developing his game beyond dunking. John Wall finished second in ROY voting and DeMarcus Cousins finished third.
Watch Blake Griffin interview following the presentation of the ROY award
Sekou Smith Hangtime Blog reaction
Best of Blake Griffin Highlight package by NBA.com
"Two Blake's" Blake Griffin has a funny side, check it out!
Most Valuable Player (MVP)
Derrick Rose/ my preseason pick - Kevin Durant
The NBA MVP award is presented to the player who made the most significant impact on his team's success. This award doesn't always go to the highest scorer, the best defender, the most likeable guy, or even the guy who led his team to the top record in the NBA. Value is measured in the teams perceived success/ failure if that player hadn't been on the team. Awarded since 1955-56 the MVP trophy is titled the "Maurice Podoloff" award, after the NBA's first commissioner/ league president of the same name. Voting had been by player concensus until 1980-81, but has since been voted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters like the rest of the NBA awards. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the award six times, while Bill Russell and Michael Jordan each won MVP five times. Chicago reclaimed the award this season with 22-year old Derrick Rose.
2009/10 winner - LeBron James - 29.7 ppg, 8.6 ast, 7.3 reb, 1.6 stl, .503 FG%, 39.0 minutes/game
2010/11 winner - Derrick Rose - 25.0 ppg, 7.7 ast, 4.1 reb, 1.05 stl, .332 3P%, 37.1 minutes/game
The buzz around D-Rose winning the MVP was frenetic and seemed a result of Rose's wild popularity more than substance, but when the Bulls clinched the best record (62-20) in the regular season, Rose cemented his place in history as the league's youngest MVP. By leading the resurgent Bulls past star-studded Miami and Boston, Rose's workmanlike, consistent, yet explosive game, improved three-point shooting and dynamic slashing ability also made him a most-improved candidate in his third season. With a first-year coach and injuries to his frontcourt for much of the season, it was Rose that earned the spotlight even with his bashful, everyman personality. His honesty and unmediated love for his family, his city and the game of basketball were evident in his MVP acceptance speech. The only player to rank in the top 10 in both scoring and assists, Rose is currently trying to lead the Bulls through the second round of the playoffs and prove that his regular season performance was no fluke. Dwight Howard and LeBron James placed second and third respectively in the MVP voting.
Watch Derrick Rose's Top 10 plays from the 2010/11 season
Watch D-Rose's Top 10 career dunks, updated
Watch D-Rose's "Nightly Notable" performance on the night he was presented with the MVP
Derrick Rose funny TNT commercial, "You should consider the Mullett"
"Self-destruct Button"
My leftover preseason predictions
NBA regular season scoring champ - Kevin Durant/ preseason pick - Kevin Durant
At 27.7 points per game KD led the league for the second year in a row, a no-brainer pick.
East Champion - Chicago Bulls/ preseason pick - Miami Heat
It took the Heat too long to gel, they should have had a better season record
West Champion - San Antonio Spurs/ preseason pick - LA Lakers
The Spurs, when healthy, were as solid as people remember them. The Lakers didn't get the same luck.
Highlight of the Year - Blake over Mozgov/ preseason pick - LeBron from Wade
Bron and Wade haven't had that one, picture-perfect connection yet. And Blake was undeniable.
Dunk Champ - Blake Griffin/ preseason pick - Shannon Brown
Had Shanwow competed, he probably would have been robbed too, however, his LA status may have shifted the bias of the whole competition away from Blake and only Blake.
Biggest Bust - Yao Ming or Greg Oden/ preseason pick - Stephen Curry or Al Horford
The opposite of the MIP, this theoretical award would be given to the player who showed the most regression from one season to the next. Curry won the ASG point-guard challenge, Horford was an all-star and Yao and Oden missed the season, again. Just when you think it's safe to risk drafting them in fantasy leagues...
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