As the Regular Ends it’s Time to Really Get it In
NBA Playoff Preview
By Riebeil Durley-Petty
The 2009-2010 NBA season was a very good and intriguing year. This season was full of unexpected twists and subplots. We saw the emergence of the Atlanta Hawks, claiming the 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The exciting squad full of youthful thundercats Oklahoma City Thunder make an astonishingly quick turnaround, becoming a playoff team. The Phoenix Suns did the unfathomable and actually learn to play some semblance of defense. The Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers made big mid season trades and we saw veteran laden stalwart squads the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics slowly begin a decline from prominence.
But now the real fun begins. We’ve enjoyed our appetizers. Now it’s time to feast on the main course. This year’s playoffs is bound to be an off the milli, entertaining two and a half month hardwood series. Can Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles Lakers win consecutive titles? Can the Denver Nuggets advance past the first round and get the direction of George Karl they need to make a finals push? Can the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics discover enough juice in their drained batteries to make one last deep playoff run? Can the Orlando Magic get back to the NBA Finals? Will LeBron James finally erect his imperial dominion over the league establishing a championship empire? All these questions and more will be answered.
But later for the chatter. It’s time to get it popping like Orville Redenbuacker!
Eastern Conference
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #2 Chicago Bulls
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers, 61-21 Central Division Champions, Head Coach- Mike Brown
The Cleveland Cavaliers enjoyed another very prosperous season. Cleveland finished with the league’s best record, guaranteed themselves home court advantage throughout the playoffs, and became the first team in NBA history to register consecutive 60 win seasons since Jordan and Pip 95-97 Chicago Bulls squads. They also had the league’s second highest point differential (6.5) behind the Orlando Magic. But for LeBron James and the Cavs anything short of a title is a monumental disappointment. Cleveland had the NBA’s top record last season and they got bounced by the Orlando Magic in the East Finals. As the Shaquille O’Neal said upon his arrival last summer in C-Town, this year’s mantra is “Win a ring for the king.”
For the Cavs everything begins and ends with number 23. LeBron James complied another disgustingly resplendent year. The 25 year old supernova finished second in the league in scoring dropping 29 points a night. James ranked sixth in the Association in distribution, dropping 8.6 dimes a game while snatching 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and over a block a game. King James also shot over 50 percent from the floor. Michael Jordan and “The Big O” Oscar Robertson are the only other players to post at least 29 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists a night.
The Bulls don’t have anyone who can match up with Bron. Look for Bron to grill whoever has misfortune of guarding him like a cheese sandwich and for the Akron, Ohio product to drive to the cup for layups, as well as set up shooting pyromaniac Mo Williams (15.8 ppg, 5.3 asst, 43 percent three’s, 89.4 percent free throw), Anthony Parker (7.3 ppg, 41 percent three’s), Delonte West (8.8 ppg, 3 asst, 81 percent ft) and Daniel “Boobi” Gibson (6.3 ppg, 48 percent three’s). Bron should also spend a lot of time at the line.
The acquisition of power forward Antawn Jamison was a ginormous coup for Cleveland. The all-star composite forward (18.7 ppg, 8.7 boards) gives the Cavs offense another dimension. Jamison’s ability to bust jumpers to take opposing power forwards like the Bulls Daniel Gibson away from the lane, opening driving lanes for Bron. Jamison also alleviates pressure off Bron with his silky, unorthodox quick jump floaters and ability to manufacture his own shot.
The Cavs will have to make a concerted effort to keep Chicago’s cheetah fast blazer point guard Derrick Rose out of the paint. That individual assignment will go to Anthony Parker. At 6’6, 215 pounds Candace Parker’s older brother has the length to contest Rose, but will definitely need help because he doesn’t have the lateral swiftness to stay in front of the all-star floor general. Cleveland holds opponents to 95.6 points a game, 5th best in the league. Anderson Varejao (8.6 ppg, 7/6 boards, 57.2 percent field goal) and J.J. Hickson (8.5 ppg, 5 rebounds, 55.4 percent fg) will need to be in position to cut off Rose’s alleys to the paint and make him alter shots at the rim.
With the Cavs easing “The Big Witness Protection” back in the mix after missing several weeks with a dislocated right thumb Zydrunas Illgauskas (7.4 ppg, 5.4 bounds, 47.8 percent three’s) will man the middle during Shaq’s ( indoctrination period. “Big Z” will be a more than adequate substitute against Joakhim Noah and Brad Miller. The Cavs won’t really need Shaq until the East Finals when they face Dwight Howard anyway.
# 8 Chicago Bulls 41-4, Head Coach- Vinny Del Negro
The word that best characterizes the Bulls season is tumultuous. Chicago dealt John Salmons to the Milwaukee Bucks for Hakim Warrick, Joakhim Noah missed 20 games with plantar fasciitis and then all hell broke loose. After playing Noah 2 minutes longer than prescribed by team physicians in a double OT loss against the New Jersey Nets in April 9th head coach Vinny Del Negro and Vice President John Paxson verbal altercation nearly became physical after Paxson challenged Del Negro ‘knuck if you buck’ like defunct rap group Crime Mob.
After a 10 game losing, constant internal friction and Del Negro almost getting axed midseason the Bulls amazingly surmounted the adversity and made the playoffs. Del Negro deserves big ups for maintaining his composure and keeping his team motivated despite being entrenched in an overflowing well of insanity.
The Bulls are led by all-star conductor Derrick Rose (20.8 ppg, 6 dimes, 4 rebounds, 49 percent fg). The explosive point guard who can supply crown royale banging on foes with grimy dunks and Nascar like acceleration elevated his game exponentially not only mathematically, but also from an intangible perspective. Rose has become much more adept at in his orchestration skills, as well as being able to decipher when he needs to delegate the rock and when it’s time to eat the opponent like a bowl full of pops. If the Bulls hope to have any chance of avoiding the broom, let alone pulling off a titanic popping the Chicago product will have to have the series of his life and duplicate his inaugural magnificent playoff performance when Rose dropped 36 points and 11 assists in the Bulls stunning win over the Boston Celtics last.
Combo guard Kirk Hinrich (10.9 ppg, 4.5 dimes, 4 boards, 37 percent 3’s) is a very cerebral player. The Kansas Jayhawk may only be 6’3 but he has the defensive versatility to guard point and shooting guards. Hinrich is one of the elite perimeter defenders in the game. He has the ability to handcuff whoever’s he’s checking. He’ll need to play solid defense on Mowill and not concede open triples to get him going cause Mowill can heat up with the quickness. If he does, the Bulls will get flambéed.
After missing last year’s epic thriller versus the Celtics Luol Deng returned to the Bulls starting lineup this season. Deng (17.6 ppg, 7.3 boards, 47 percent fg, 39 percent 3’s) had a strong campaign stats wise, but he really wasn’t the big second scoring option Chicago needed to supplement the departures of Ben Gordan and John Salmons. Deng has one of the best mid range games in the league. He’ll need to be aggressive and go at LeBron to make him work defensively. Deng isn’t known as a standout defender, so he’ll need major reinforcements of guarding Bron. For Deng, offense will be his best defense.
Joakim Noah (10.7 ppg, 11 boards, 1.56 swats, 50.4 percent fg) is the heart and soul of the Bulls. The third year gangly center is your prototypical hard working, tenacious overachiever. Noah may not be the most athletic, have the most bounce or be the most skilled but he has an unrelenting motor. Noah, rookie power forward Taj Gibson (9 ppg, 7.5 boards, 1.3 blocks), Brad Miller (8.8 ppg, 4.9 rebounds, 83 percent ft) and Hakim Warrick (9.6 ppg, 4.1 bounds) will have to be huge on the glass and put up resistance against the Cavs perimeter players, namely Bron.
Prediction
The Bulls should be proud of the mere fact they made the playoffs with all the friction that’s belied the organization. They split the season series with the Cavs (although Bron sat out the last game), but unfortunately for them they won’t be able to recapture the magic of last year’s exhilaratingly raw classic against the Celtics. This series will serve as a nice warm-up for the Cavs and help Shaq get back in the flow. At least Del Negro will get a coaching gig for his tremendous work this season. Cleveland mercifully body bags Chicago in 5 games.
#3 Atlanta Hawks vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks
#3 Atlanta Hawks 53-29 Head Coach- Mike Woodson
The Atlanta Hawks took a major step in the amelioration of their young team. The 53 games they won is the highest total since the 1997-98 season. Atlanta reached the East Semi-Finals last year but were unceremoniously disposed of by the Cavaliers in 4 games. This time around, Mike Woodson and the Hawks want to go further. The Hawks had a stellar campaign, but since starting the season 23-9 Atlanta barley played above .500 ball the rest of the way.
The Hawks are led by the understated, uncelebrated Joe Johnson (21.3 ppg, 5 boards, 5 asst, 37 percent 3’s, 82 percent ft). Joey Buckets may constantly get napped on but he’s a borderline superstar with an abundance of killer shots in his arsenal and a certified buckaholic who has the ability to take over games down the stretch. Johnson has a size advantage over John Salmons, so look for him to shoot over the top of him as well as post the Bucks shooting guard up.
The main reason for the Hawks emergence as an Eastern Conference power is the addition of Jamal Crawford. Crawford led 6th men in scoring at 18 points per game. The former Michigan Wolverine is a firestarter who loves to pop his lethal pull-up jumper and can get blistering hot in no time. Crawford and Mike Bibby will need to do their best to keep Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings out of the lane and administering the tangerine to their shooters. Bibby had didn’t shoot well this year but he’s still a good shooter that can knock down open shots.
The Hawks biggest advantage is in the frontcourt. Marvin Williams, ridiculously athletic Josh Smith and all-star center Al Horford possess too much size, explosiveness and athleticism for the Bucks frontcourt to combat. It the Hawks control the glass it will open up their transition game where J-Smoove (Smith), and Williams really excel with ill highwire dunks. Atlanta would also be wise to frequently feed Horford the rock, although they rarely ever do. If Horford was better utilized he could realistically be a 20/10 guy.
#6 Milwaukee Bucks 46-36, Head Coach Scott Skiles
The Milwaukee Bucks came out of the woodworks this season. Predicted to finish dead last in the East by most hoop publications the Bucks astonished everyone with their overwhelmingly successful campaign. Intense tyrannical head coach Scott Skiles molded the Bucks into his image. A squad full of tenacious, defense-minded pit bulls who are unintimidated, and unwilling to back down to anyone.
The Bucks are led by rookie maestro Brandon Jennings (15.5 ppg, 6 dimes, 37 percent 3’s). The charismatic, flamboyant freshman may have cooled off from his torrid start, including a 55 point fricasseeing of the Golded State Warriors, but this generation’s Nate “Tiny” Archibald has played with poise and provided leadership well beyond his years. Jennings ability, as well as Luke Ridnour to get deep penetration, delegate the pill for open shots for Salmons, and Carlos Delfino, power forward Erwan Ilyasova will be critical if the Bucks hope to pull of the upset.
The most invaluable part of the Bucks playoff spot and integral addition was the midseason trade for John Salmons. Since being dealt from Chicago to Milwaukee Salmons has averaged 20 points a game on 47 shooting from the floor and 38 percent form treyland. “J-Sal in ya jaw” is a binge bucket getter, as evidenced by the way he toasted future hall of famer Paul Pierce in the last year’s playoffs. He has to have an enormous series for Milwaukee to have a chance.
Prediction
If the Bucks had a healthy Andrew Bogut they would have a legit chance of winning this series. But unfortunately the future all-star center suffered a dislocated elbow and is out for the year. The Hawks just have a little bit too much frontcourt athleticism for the Bucks. Hawks in 6.
By Riebeil Durley-Petty
The 2009-2010 NBA season was a very good and intriguing year. This season was full of unexpected twists and subplots. We saw the emergence of the Atlanta Hawks, claiming the 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. The exciting squad full of youthful thundercats Oklahoma City Thunder make an astonishingly quick turnaround, becoming a playoff team. The Phoenix Suns did the unfathomable and actually learn to play some semblance of defense. The Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers made big mid season trades and we saw veteran laden stalwart squads the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics slowly begin a decline from prominence.
But now the real fun begins. We’ve enjoyed our appetizers. Now it’s time to feast on the main course. This year’s playoffs is bound to be an off the milli, entertaining two and a half month hardwood series. Can Kobe Bryant and Los Angeles Lakers win consecutive titles? Can the Denver Nuggets advance past the first round and get the direction of George Karl they need to make a finals push? Can the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics discover enough juice in their drained batteries to make one last deep playoff run? Can the Orlando Magic get back to the NBA Finals? Will LeBron James finally erect his imperial dominion over the league establishing a championship empire? All these questions and more will be answered.
But later for the chatter. It’s time to get it popping like Orville Redenbuacker!
Eastern Conference
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #2 Chicago Bulls
#1 Cleveland Cavaliers, 61-21 Central Division Champions, Head Coach- Mike Brown
The Cleveland Cavaliers enjoyed another very prosperous season. Cleveland finished with the league’s best record, guaranteed themselves home court advantage throughout the playoffs, and became the first team in NBA history to register consecutive 60 win seasons since Jordan and Pip 95-97 Chicago Bulls squads. They also had the league’s second highest point differential (6.5) behind the Orlando Magic. But for LeBron James and the Cavs anything short of a title is a monumental disappointment. Cleveland had the NBA’s top record last season and they got bounced by the Orlando Magic in the East Finals. As the Shaquille O’Neal said upon his arrival last summer in C-Town, this year’s mantra is “Win a ring for the king.”
For the Cavs everything begins and ends with number 23. LeBron James complied another disgustingly resplendent year. The 25 year old supernova finished second in the league in scoring dropping 29 points a night. James ranked sixth in the Association in distribution, dropping 8.6 dimes a game while snatching 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and over a block a game. King James also shot over 50 percent from the floor. Michael Jordan and “The Big O” Oscar Robertson are the only other players to post at least 29 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists a night.
The Bulls don’t have anyone who can match up with Bron. Look for Bron to grill whoever has misfortune of guarding him like a cheese sandwich and for the Akron, Ohio product to drive to the cup for layups, as well as set up shooting pyromaniac Mo Williams (15.8 ppg, 5.3 asst, 43 percent three’s, 89.4 percent free throw), Anthony Parker (7.3 ppg, 41 percent three’s), Delonte West (8.8 ppg, 3 asst, 81 percent ft) and Daniel “Boobi” Gibson (6.3 ppg, 48 percent three’s). Bron should also spend a lot of time at the line.
The acquisition of power forward Antawn Jamison was a ginormous coup for Cleveland. The all-star composite forward (18.7 ppg, 8.7 boards) gives the Cavs offense another dimension. Jamison’s ability to bust jumpers to take opposing power forwards like the Bulls Daniel Gibson away from the lane, opening driving lanes for Bron. Jamison also alleviates pressure off Bron with his silky, unorthodox quick jump floaters and ability to manufacture his own shot.
The Cavs will have to make a concerted effort to keep Chicago’s cheetah fast blazer point guard Derrick Rose out of the paint. That individual assignment will go to Anthony Parker. At 6’6, 215 pounds Candace Parker’s older brother has the length to contest Rose, but will definitely need help because he doesn’t have the lateral swiftness to stay in front of the all-star floor general. Cleveland holds opponents to 95.6 points a game, 5th best in the league. Anderson Varejao (8.6 ppg, 7/6 boards, 57.2 percent field goal) and J.J. Hickson (8.5 ppg, 5 rebounds, 55.4 percent fg) will need to be in position to cut off Rose’s alleys to the paint and make him alter shots at the rim.
With the Cavs easing “The Big Witness Protection” back in the mix after missing several weeks with a dislocated right thumb Zydrunas Illgauskas (7.4 ppg, 5.4 bounds, 47.8 percent three’s) will man the middle during Shaq’s ( indoctrination period. “Big Z” will be a more than adequate substitute against Joakhim Noah and Brad Miller. The Cavs won’t really need Shaq until the East Finals when they face Dwight Howard anyway.
# 8 Chicago Bulls 41-4, Head Coach- Vinny Del Negro
The word that best characterizes the Bulls season is tumultuous. Chicago dealt John Salmons to the Milwaukee Bucks for Hakim Warrick, Joakhim Noah missed 20 games with plantar fasciitis and then all hell broke loose. After playing Noah 2 minutes longer than prescribed by team physicians in a double OT loss against the New Jersey Nets in April 9th head coach Vinny Del Negro and Vice President John Paxson verbal altercation nearly became physical after Paxson challenged Del Negro ‘knuck if you buck’ like defunct rap group Crime Mob.
After a 10 game losing, constant internal friction and Del Negro almost getting axed midseason the Bulls amazingly surmounted the adversity and made the playoffs. Del Negro deserves big ups for maintaining his composure and keeping his team motivated despite being entrenched in an overflowing well of insanity.
The Bulls are led by all-star conductor Derrick Rose (20.8 ppg, 6 dimes, 4 rebounds, 49 percent fg). The explosive point guard who can supply crown royale banging on foes with grimy dunks and Nascar like acceleration elevated his game exponentially not only mathematically, but also from an intangible perspective. Rose has become much more adept at in his orchestration skills, as well as being able to decipher when he needs to delegate the rock and when it’s time to eat the opponent like a bowl full of pops. If the Bulls hope to have any chance of avoiding the broom, let alone pulling off a titanic popping the Chicago product will have to have the series of his life and duplicate his inaugural magnificent playoff performance when Rose dropped 36 points and 11 assists in the Bulls stunning win over the Boston Celtics last.
Combo guard Kirk Hinrich (10.9 ppg, 4.5 dimes, 4 boards, 37 percent 3’s) is a very cerebral player. The Kansas Jayhawk may only be 6’3 but he has the defensive versatility to guard point and shooting guards. Hinrich is one of the elite perimeter defenders in the game. He has the ability to handcuff whoever’s he’s checking. He’ll need to play solid defense on Mowill and not concede open triples to get him going cause Mowill can heat up with the quickness. If he does, the Bulls will get flambéed.
After missing last year’s epic thriller versus the Celtics Luol Deng returned to the Bulls starting lineup this season. Deng (17.6 ppg, 7.3 boards, 47 percent fg, 39 percent 3’s) had a strong campaign stats wise, but he really wasn’t the big second scoring option Chicago needed to supplement the departures of Ben Gordan and John Salmons. Deng has one of the best mid range games in the league. He’ll need to be aggressive and go at LeBron to make him work defensively. Deng isn’t known as a standout defender, so he’ll need major reinforcements of guarding Bron. For Deng, offense will be his best defense.
Joakim Noah (10.7 ppg, 11 boards, 1.56 swats, 50.4 percent fg) is the heart and soul of the Bulls. The third year gangly center is your prototypical hard working, tenacious overachiever. Noah may not be the most athletic, have the most bounce or be the most skilled but he has an unrelenting motor. Noah, rookie power forward Taj Gibson (9 ppg, 7.5 boards, 1.3 blocks), Brad Miller (8.8 ppg, 4.9 rebounds, 83 percent ft) and Hakim Warrick (9.6 ppg, 4.1 bounds) will have to be huge on the glass and put up resistance against the Cavs perimeter players, namely Bron.
Prediction
The Bulls should be proud of the mere fact they made the playoffs with all the friction that’s belied the organization. They split the season series with the Cavs (although Bron sat out the last game), but unfortunately for them they won’t be able to recapture the magic of last year’s exhilaratingly raw classic against the Celtics. This series will serve as a nice warm-up for the Cavs and help Shaq get back in the flow. At least Del Negro will get a coaching gig for his tremendous work this season. Cleveland mercifully body bags Chicago in 5 games.
#3 Atlanta Hawks vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks
#3 Atlanta Hawks 53-29 Head Coach- Mike Woodson
The Atlanta Hawks took a major step in the amelioration of their young team. The 53 games they won is the highest total since the 1997-98 season. Atlanta reached the East Semi-Finals last year but were unceremoniously disposed of by the Cavaliers in 4 games. This time around, Mike Woodson and the Hawks want to go further. The Hawks had a stellar campaign, but since starting the season 23-9 Atlanta barley played above .500 ball the rest of the way.
The Hawks are led by the understated, uncelebrated Joe Johnson (21.3 ppg, 5 boards, 5 asst, 37 percent 3’s, 82 percent ft). Joey Buckets may constantly get napped on but he’s a borderline superstar with an abundance of killer shots in his arsenal and a certified buckaholic who has the ability to take over games down the stretch. Johnson has a size advantage over John Salmons, so look for him to shoot over the top of him as well as post the Bucks shooting guard up.
The main reason for the Hawks emergence as an Eastern Conference power is the addition of Jamal Crawford. Crawford led 6th men in scoring at 18 points per game. The former Michigan Wolverine is a firestarter who loves to pop his lethal pull-up jumper and can get blistering hot in no time. Crawford and Mike Bibby will need to do their best to keep Milwaukee point guard Brandon Jennings out of the lane and administering the tangerine to their shooters. Bibby had didn’t shoot well this year but he’s still a good shooter that can knock down open shots.
The Hawks biggest advantage is in the frontcourt. Marvin Williams, ridiculously athletic Josh Smith and all-star center Al Horford possess too much size, explosiveness and athleticism for the Bucks frontcourt to combat. It the Hawks control the glass it will open up their transition game where J-Smoove (Smith), and Williams really excel with ill highwire dunks. Atlanta would also be wise to frequently feed Horford the rock, although they rarely ever do. If Horford was better utilized he could realistically be a 20/10 guy.
#6 Milwaukee Bucks 46-36, Head Coach Scott Skiles
The Milwaukee Bucks came out of the woodworks this season. Predicted to finish dead last in the East by most hoop publications the Bucks astonished everyone with their overwhelmingly successful campaign. Intense tyrannical head coach Scott Skiles molded the Bucks into his image. A squad full of tenacious, defense-minded pit bulls who are unintimidated, and unwilling to back down to anyone.
The Bucks are led by rookie maestro Brandon Jennings (15.5 ppg, 6 dimes, 37 percent 3’s). The charismatic, flamboyant freshman may have cooled off from his torrid start, including a 55 point fricasseeing of the Golded State Warriors, but this generation’s Nate “Tiny” Archibald has played with poise and provided leadership well beyond his years. Jennings ability, as well as Luke Ridnour to get deep penetration, delegate the pill for open shots for Salmons, and Carlos Delfino, power forward Erwan Ilyasova will be critical if the Bucks hope to pull of the upset.
The most invaluable part of the Bucks playoff spot and integral addition was the midseason trade for John Salmons. Since being dealt from Chicago to Milwaukee Salmons has averaged 20 points a game on 47 shooting from the floor and 38 percent form treyland. “J-Sal in ya jaw” is a binge bucket getter, as evidenced by the way he toasted future hall of famer Paul Pierce in the last year’s playoffs. He has to have an enormous series for Milwaukee to have a chance.
Prediction
If the Bucks had a healthy Andrew Bogut they would have a legit chance of winning this series. But unfortunately the future all-star center suffered a dislocated elbow and is out for the year. The Hawks just have a little bit too much frontcourt athleticism for the Bucks. Hawks in 6.
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