NBA Eastern Conference First Round Predictions

We are on to the Eastern Conference where I think for the first round, it's much more easier to pick and feel most of the series will not be long lasting in my opinion. I actually hope there are no upsets because the second round will be absolutely bananas. If you missed the Western Conference picks, you can check those out here.



1.) Chicago Bulls v. 8.) Indiana Pacers- This brings back memories of the late 90s with the great Bulls-Pacers playoff matchups where they fought down to the wire. Sadly that will not happen this season. No one can guard Derrick Rose on the Pacers, and the Bulls have enough defensive weapons to keep up with Danny Granger and friends. Hopefully fans show up for Game 3, the Pacers are currently last in the NBA in fan attendance, ouch. Ugly series though, don't expect a ton of scoring.  Bulls sweep.

4.) Orlando Magic v. 5.) Atlanta Hawks- The rumblings have begun that the Hawks gave up on another coach, and I hope that's not true for their fanbase. If I am Joe Johnson or Al Hortford, I want to make a statement in the first game after getting embarrassed by the Magic last season. I am throwing a big elbow, or putting someone on their ass to show this year is different. But the crazy thing is I think the Hawks don't care once again therefore the Magic are going to make quick work of the Hawks.  Orlando in five.

3.) Boston Celtics v. 6.) New York Knicks- A very excited series, and I look forward to Game 3 at Madison Square Garden in a couple days because it will probably be the best atmosphere in the first round. Originally, I said the Knicks would beat the Celtics in six games and was ready to stick to my word. But after listening to Bill Simmons' podcast where six, count them six NBA analysts said there is no chance this will happen, I started to get nervous. I hate to go against my word, but it's hard not to trust the C's even with their struggles. I do think this will be a slugfest that goes the distance.  Celts in seven.

2.) Miami Heat v. 7.) Philadelphia 76ers- The Heat played very well in the final month, and I think they might be hitting their stride at the right time. The Sixers played inspired all year under Doug Collins, and I see them winning one game in the city of Brotherly Love due to the good play of Andre Igoudala.  But the Sixers do not have the talent to keep up with both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James on a nightly basis. Heatles in five.  

-Charlie.

Melo's First New York Commercial Is Awesome

Just a great commercial from the people at Madison Square Garden.  It immediately pumped me up for tonight's game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks. The Bucks have a great 8-1 record against the Knickerbockers in the last nine games so hopefully they can keep it up. Another hope of mine is that I am watching the first game Michael Redd plays so I can go... MY GOD THAT'S MICHAEL REDD'S MUSIC!!!!!

(Props to the guys at NY Barstool for the vid.)

-Charlie.

Breaking Down The Melo Trade From All Angles

The New York Knicks knew they had to get this done. The fans worried that the Knicks will screw this up like they usually do, but that didn't happen. Finally, the Knicks have Melo. I am glad because this story will be dead by Friday and we can move on to beating a dead horse on another issue, joy.  If you need the details, here they are.

I like the deal for the Knicks.  Any time there is a player who is arguably one of the 10 best players in the NBA and is available, you have to find a way to pull the trigger.  Melo will work very nice with Amar'e Stoudemire, and honestly, I still think this is Amar'e's team, not Melo's. But it will be interesting to see if there is any conflict in the first month. The Knicks can spread out the court like Mike D'Antoni wants to, but they aren't as much of a run and gun team. Chauncey Billups will slow up what they really wanted to do with their offense, but I think D'Antoni is a good enough coach to make adjustments to his system.  I like Billups because I know he will not try to be the first or second scorer rather a guy who passes/penetrates to find guys like STAT and Melo.  

People are so worried about the Knicks bench, and that is puzzling to me because it's well-known that D'Antoni doesn't keep a deep bench. Unlike a lot of systems, the Knicks really do not need to have a bench. Maybe they will pick up somebody if they can figure out the salaries but I am okay with having Toney Douglas as their sixth man. He is a great energy player off the bench  Additionally, they have guys that have been valuable contributors for other teams in NBA such as Kelenna Aziubuke and Roger Mason Jr. 

As for the Nuggets, they are clearly in a rebuilding stage of their franchise. George Karl will probably retire after this season, Melo is now gone, and I have a feeling they aren't done dealing this deadline. Kenyon Martin has a big expiring contract at 16.5 million, and if the Miami Heat could figure out a way to get him, it would be over.  When I loaded up the ESPN Trade Machine, it would have to be a three-teamer but the Heat could use a physical guy like Martin off their bench. J.R. Smith will be dealt without question and I think New Orleans Hornets is his destination because they asked the Milwaukee Bucks about Corey Maggette for scoring purposes. The Nuggets need to find a player who will want be a career player for Denver and not head back east like Melo did to them. This will be a transition period for the Nuggets, but I expect them back in a couple of years.

It's like the Timberwolves were the nerds of this deal,  They wanted to feel cool and popular, therefore General Manager David KAAAAAAAAAAAHN decided to get involved.  He did lure a huge expiring contract and man in Eddy Curry, but traded away a young player with potential in Corey Brewer who in my opinion is getting slept on in this deal.  Also Kevin Love has to deal with Curry, Anthony Randolph, Michael Beasley, and Darko Milicic. That is more dysfunctional locker room than any season of Bad Girls Club. I wish K-Love luck.

I will be shocked if the Knicks are higher than a five seed come April. I do think they push Atlanta out of the five spot, but I do not think this team is better than the big four of Orlando, Chicago, Miami, and Boston. It will be good to have Madison Square Garden rocking during the playoffs, and who knows maybe the Knicks get to the second round where they will try to take out one of the big dogs. Only a matter of time before they become one unless Jimbo Dolan screws it up. Knicks fan will ignore that last sentence for now at least.

-Charlie.

The National Carmelo Nightmare Is Over

Carmelo Anthony finally got traded.  We will give you the details tonight, and someone will have their overall thoughts on the trade for all parties involved come tomorrow. If you want to be a part of the post tomorrow, feel free and leave a comment on what you think of the first NBA blockbuster of the deadline seasons.

KNICKS GET:
SF Carmelo Anthony, PG Chauncey Billups, SG Anthony Carter, C Shelden Williams SF Renaldo Balkman SF Corey Brewer

NUGGETS GET:
SF Danillo Gallinari, PG Raymond Felton, SF Wilson Chandler, C Timofey Mozgov, 2014 first round pick, two second round picks, and 3 million in cash.

T-WOLVES GET:
SF Anthony Randolph, PF Eddy Curry

-Charlie.

James Dolan Forgets What Got Them There

In the past couple months, I avoided the Carmelo Anthony trade talk like I have avoided discussing politics on Facebook. Of course, I have an opinion, but there have been probably 10,000 articles regarding what Melo is going to do so why give you another one? Frankly, I am sick of hearing about it every day on SportsCenter. But there is a disturbing thing that is happening right now during all of this, the rebirth of Isiah Thomas.  

Many people around the internet such as Yahoo!, New York Times and the New Yorker to name a few have said Knicks' General Manager Donnie Walsh has lost control of the management process. I would probably be consistently drinking if I were a Knicks fan because it's clear to me that Dolan will be the owner/general manager of the Knicks in the coming year. That is downright scary.  Let's add Thomas to the equation who will be a special advisor to Dolan. Scariest thing for New York sports in a long time.  

The NBA version of The Roommate, that horrible movie which paired hot girls together with one obsessed with the other, is Dolan and Zeke.  Dolan is obsessed with Thomas and I cannot figure out why. Thomas brought in the likes of Penny Hardaway, Stephon Marbury, Jamal Crawford, Tim Thomas, Jerome James, and Jared Jeffries. Don't think I would forget the worst transaction of them all... Eddy Curry. These were all Isiah Thomas moves, and not a single one of them worked out for the Knicks.   

The Knicks looked like they were on the road to redemption with Donnie Walsh, Mike D'Antoni, and Amar'e Stoudemire. They started drafting better, signing key role players, and making the smart trades. Even if they didn't get LeBron James, people thought the Knicks were on the right track. Now, it appears the running joke of the mid-00s will be back in again in no time.  James Dolan is the Daniel Synder of NBA owners, and there is nothing Knick fans can do to get rid of him.  

-Charlie.

NBA's Fight Night

KG appears to hit Channing Fyre in the crown jewels when he goes up with the shot.  It didn't seem like much on the replays, but as all males know, one little hit is can be brutal.

Marvin Williams is a punk.  Who hits the guy from behind, and why do you mess with Shawne Williams?  Have you seen his rap sheet?  Dude is crazy.  The commentator is wondering why they would fight... I tell you why thanks to my friend Simmons... Women or Gambling.  

-Charlie.

2010-2011 NBA Top 16 Power Ranking (Part 1)

NBA Draft: Trade Breakdown

Heading into the NBA Draft last night the media had prepared America for a night full of big name players being traded, and that is exactly what happened. The twist though, was that the three big name players that changed teams last night were not Shawn Marion, Kevin Garnett, and Jermaine O'Neal. Instead Ray Allen, Zach Randolph, and Jason Richardson were sent packing. Here is a look at each of the three big deals and how they work out for each of the teams involved:

Trade#1
Seatle Receives: Delonte West, Wally Szczerbiak, and the #5 pick, Jeff Green
Boston Receives: Ray Allen and the #35 pick, Glen Davis
What Gives?: From Seattle's perspective this trade means one thing; Sam Presti and Sonics management want Rashard Lewis more than they want Ray Allen. The trade of Allen opens the door for Lewis to sign with the Sonics during free agency, and with new weapons Kevin Durant and Jeff Green Seattle could be downright fearsome in the next few seasons. Green would be the perfect complement to Durant and Lewis, as he is a player that can make a big impact on the game without taking shots. Green's top notch passing skills will allow Durant and Lewis to quite possibly become the most potent scoring duo in the NBA. I don't really like this trade as much for Boston. The Celtics have already tried pairing Paul Pierce with a high scoring shooter in Antoine Walker, and that duo was never able to get Boston over the hump. I would be afraid that adding Allen's shots to Pierce's might stunt the progress of Al Jefferson, especially since the Celtics had to give up Delonte West who might have been able to keep Jefferson involved in the offense in spite of the 40 shots a night that the Celtics' two stars will require. I thing if Ainge had stayed at #5 and picked a post player to compliment Jefferson (Yi Jianlian? Brandan Wright?) the Celtics would have been much better off in the long run.

Trade #2
Portland Receives: Steve Francis and Channing Frye
New York Receives:Zach Randolph, Dan Dickau, and Fred Jones
What Gives?: From a pure player value perspective Portland got killed in this trade. The benefits of this move for Portland are not in the actual players received however, as the key word for them in this trade is flexibility. Everyone on the planet knew that with Greg Oden coming to town to join LaMarcus Aldridge in the Blazers' frontcourt that Randolph and the four years remaining on his contract were going to be heading out of Portland. Letting go of Randolph in and of itself will free the Blazers' two newest big men to get the appropriate amount of playing time to develop. The deal also grants Portland a great amount of salary cap flexibility as Steve Francis' contract has only two years remaining as compared to the four remaining on Randolph's. The summer that Francis' contract expires coincides with the expiration of Raef LaFrentz's contract, meaning that the Blazers will clear $30 million of contracts off the books after the 2009-2010 season. That kind of cap room is going to give the Blazers the ability to bring in pretty much any free agent they could desire. Who wouldn't want the chance to play with Oden? And as an added bonus, Channing Frye is a great third man for Portland's frontcourt rotation. From the Knick's perspective this trade is fantastic. Pairing Randolph with Eddy Curry? In the East? For only the price of Channing Frye and Steve Francis' terrible contract? Wow. I have not liked a lot of the moves made by Isaiah Thomas in the past, but this one certainly looks like a winner. Curry and Randolph automatically become the most feared frontcourt duo in the East, hands down. Not only that, they are both young and signed through the next four years. This move just might be the one that finally turns the Knicks around. Dickau and Jones are each in the final years of their contracts, so they are essentially throwaways in this trade.

UPDATE: Are the Blazers going after Shawn Marion now? Check here for the latest.

Trade #3
Charlotte Receives: Jason Richardson and the #36 pick, Jermareo Davidson
Golden State Receives: The #8 pick, Brandan Wright
What Gives?: Chris Mullin may not have often gotten the best of Michael Jordan during their playing days, but Mullin completely ate Jordan's lunch on this deal. Let me put it this way; if Golden State could have dumped Richardson in exchange for a 2nd rounder this still would have been a good deal in a lot of ways. Richardson was not performing to the value of his contract, which has 4 years and over $50 million remaining on it. That is certainly not the kind of money you want to pay to a player that just finished a season where he only averaged 16 points per game. Getting rid of Richardson also shows a commitment by the Warriors to Monta Ellis, who will now have an opportunity to show that his breakout season of last year was no fluke. Without Richardson on board the Warriors will also likely be able to re-sign Matt Barnes. So Golden State in one swift move was able to ditch an overpaid player, give an emerging star a bigger role on their team, and give themselves the ability to keep one of their key role players. Oh, and there is also the fact that they also received a prospect that many people had rated as being perhaps the third best prospect in the entire draft in Brandan Wright, a lanky and athletic power forward that will fit perfectly into their system. Are you kidding me? This trade is a massacre of the highest order. Michael Jordan just needs to hang it up as a GM; as an executive he is as dangerous to his own team as he was to his opponents as a player.

Knicks To Play Israeli Powerhouse

Today the Knicks are set to announce a special opponent for next year's preseason: Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv. This is the same team that two years ago became the first foreign club to beat an NBA team on their home floor when they beat the Raptors in Toronto. Maccabi also played 4 games last year against NBA teams, losing to Cleveland, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Toronto, who avenged their 2005 loss with help in part from Anthony Parker whom they signed from Maccabi after their previous loss.

So now on to the big question: Who is going to win?

Well, if this had been two seasons ago the answer believe it or not would have likely been Maccabi Tel Aviv. Since then however, Maccabi has lost both Anthony Parker and Maceo Baston to the NBA. Parker had been the Euroleague MVP and star of Maccabi Tel Aviv. Looking at Maccabi's current roster, they still have one of Europe's best players in Nikola Vujčić, a Croatian center who lead the team in both scoring and rebounding this past season. The team also boasts a somewhat familiar face in former Georgia Tech player Will Bynum, as well as another American born player in Derrick Sharp who shot 48% from three point range this past season. The game is in MSG, so that combined with the slightly depleted Maccabi roster will likely lead to a Knicks victory. The Knicks would be wise to not overlook Maccabi Tel Aviv however: last season two NBA teams lost to foreign clubs, as the 76ers lost to Winterthur FC Barcelona and the Clippers lost to CSKA Moscow.