Ball or Nuthin' » NBA

Can Jeremy Lin Work His Magic on Melo and Amar’e?

T Lamont — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:07:38 +0000

If you’ve been hiding under a rock, then there’s a chance that you may not have heard about New York’s latest savior.

That’s right – the one not named Carmelo Anthony or Amar’e Stoudemire.

I’m referring to a 6’3″ guard from Harvard – yes, Harvard – by the name of Jeremy Lin.

You may be saying to yourself, isn’t it a travesty to have an NBA positional player from Harvard who outshines his peers in the same position from Arizona (Mike Bibby), Georgia Tech (Iman Shumpert), Florida State (Toney Douglas) and UCLA (Baron Davis)?

And I would say “yes.”

And perhaps I am being crass when I say this, but the Knicks can use a player that has attended such an esteemed academic institute. It may take an advanced scholar to get the talented New York roster to work together in harmony.

Lin has orchestrated three consecutive wins for the Knicks, a team whose fans display their affection in tune with the former Janet Jackson hit, “What Have You Done For Me Lately?”. While only one of the Knicks’ last three opponents has a winning record, the fact that Lin has not simply been a participant in the process says something. In addition, J-Lin outscored each Anthony and Stoudemire in the first of the three contest, then led New York to two wins without either of them. Please note that outside of ‘Melo and A-Stat, Mike D’Antoni has little to no offensive talent to speak of.

Can J-Lin provide us with an encore performance against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers?

Lin’s stats during this mini-run have bordered on unbelievable for someone with so little fanfare: 25.3 points on 58% FG and 8.3 assists.

How could someone with this type of potential have been overlooked? Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There remains more than half of the season to go, and three games is a small sample size by which to judge a player – especially a young one such as Lin.

But what should not be taken for granted is that he appears to be an immediate upgrade from any of the remaining four point guard alternatives on New York’s payroll. For now, let’s live with that fact and hope that Lin can prove to be a bridge over troubled waters – those waters being the lack of cohesion between New York’s two previous saviors.

And if he is triumphant in his next quest, he will have earned it – at the expense of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

Fans Make Predictable Picks For NBA All-Star Game

T Lamont — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:07:36 +0000

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How did the fans do with this year’s NBA All-Star voting?

Well, in reality they should receive about a “C” for their efforts.

But we’ve come to realize that NBA All-Star balloting has more to do with popularity than performance. And although that has always been the case, about seven of the ten selections are actual no-brainers, two are somewhat debatable, and the remaining one was missed by the voters.

Let’s start with the East:

Guards: Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade

There was no way that these selections could go to anyone else in the conference. Rose has given his usual one-man effort for Chicago. However, while there may be a sense that Wade’s presence has been missing (due to his injuries) for the Heat, ther’s no denying that he’s – at worst – the second-best guard in the East (if you happen to think that Rose is better, which is still a tough sell for me).

My Backups: Lou Williams, Deron Williams and Brandon Jennings

I know, I know…you’re thinking “no Joe Johnson!” Well, quite frankly, is about time that the JJ run comes to an end. He’s done nothing more spectacular than any of the three on my list. He hasn’t been an invaluable team player and crunch-time performer to the level that Lou Williams has; he hasn’t elevated a putrid offensive unit to one of respectability like D-Will, nor has he been the lifeline to a team struck with seemingly insurmountable injuries like Jennings has done.

Williams deserves his first All-Star nod as a member of the Eastern Conference.

Forwards: Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James

Regrettably, the fans only got half of this one right. LeBron James has been his normal, stat-stuffing self. But it is the guy who has been his running mate for the entire first half of this season who should have gotten the nod with him. Chris Bosh has done nothing but prove that he was – and still is – a superstar talent who does what is required of him on a nightly basis. Dwyane Wade’s absence wasn’t felt at all by Miami, thanks to his stellar play. Anthony’s play, to say the least, has been very disappointing – to the point that he’s questioned his role, which is a concept that superstars traditionally don’t have to consider.

My Backups: Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce and Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala is this year’s recipient of the ‘deserving player on a surprising team’ All-Star Award. He’s made big plays on offense and defense, and not just the one’s that we are accustomed to seeing on the highlight reels. Paul Pierce has contributed what we expect from him – 18, 5.5 and 5.5 – great all-around numbers for a Boston team that remains in the thick of the playoff picture.

Center: Dwight Howard

Sorry, but there are no other choices for this spot. End of story. But who will fill this spot if Howard heads out west after this season?

My Backup: Roy Hibbert

Hibbert has stepped up his game this year, providing Indiana with more of what is needed: traditional back-to-the-basket post offense. His long arms are hard to avoid on the defensive end of the floor, and have been a clear hindrance to the Pacers’ opponents. The only other viable candidate could be the Knicks’ Tyson Chandler, but his lack of offensive skill should be considered offensive for an All-Star game.

Howard and Hibbert should man the middle for the East.

Now, over to the left coast:

Guards: Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant

It really doesn’t get any better than this – a classic example of a premiere point guard and shooting guard. Paul and Bryant are top notch candidates for this year’s MVP award, and both are fully deserving of their spots in the starting lineup.

My Backups: Russell Westbrook, Steve Nash and Tony Parker

Looking around the Western Conference, there’s not a lot of real options for these spots. Those on the outside include Kyle Lowry (whose scoring prowess is a bit too sporadic), Kevin Martin (who does nothing other than score the ball), and James Harden (not quite at an All-Star level just yet). I’m confident with the consistency of the three point guards that I have chosen, each with the ability to beat the defense in entirely different, but effective, ways.

Forwards: Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin

Unlike the analysts who insist on over-evaluating everything, the selection of this duo is on point. There’s hardly any discussion over Kevin Durant, who has blossomed into a full-grown superstar at this point in his career. The conversation has centered around Griffin’s inclusion in the starting five, and whether Minnesota’s Kevin Love would have been the correct choice. I say “no.” Sure, Love is posting more points and rebounds than Griffin. Love is also a shooter with far superior range than Griffin. But Griffin is surrounded by a much better cast, and is only required to be a beast on the block and boards, which he is. If you really want to get into who’s better than who, put the two on a court with one basketball and see who wins. And, finally, and perhaps most importantly, ask yourself this: who would you rather see get the most minutes in an All-Star Game?

Kevin Love is getting plenty of love due to his statistical performance.

My Backups: Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul Milsap or Al Jefferson

Love has clearly earned his first All-Star selection, and Aldridge may have had more of a beef for the starting nod than Love. But selecting my third reserve wasn’t so simple. There’s Rudy Gay, Pau Gasol, and more…however, I got stuck on two teammates because of their relative importance to Utah’s early season success. Milsap and Jefferson are opposites in nature, but complement each other extremely well. Milsap is comfortable sticking 15-footers, and putting the ball on the deck to get where he needs to. Jefferson is more of a brute force on offense, and stays down in the paint on defense. Their stats are comparable, making this a true toss-up.

Center: Andrew Bynum

Bynum’s selection looks good right now, especially after his 20-20 game against the Sixers. But Memphis’ Marc Gasol could have possibly been a better solution due to his more refined, sharpened offensive skill set. In particular, Gasol is a crafty passer and knows how to use his body unlike any other big man in the Association.

My Backup: Marc Gasol

Memphis’ inclusion in the playoff picture hinges on the Zach Randolph’s return and Gasol’s continued production.

NBA: T Lamont’s Top 10 Teams – Vol. 1

T Lamont — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:16:08 +0000

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As we inch closer to the NBA’s mid-season point, it’s about time to attempt to separate the pretenders from the contenders. Granted, some of the teams below are not part of the usual postseason mix, and there won’t be any surprise to see some of these squads unseated in these rankings…even by next week.

Nevertheless, let’s look at who’s faring well at the moment:

10. Indiana Pacers- Frank Vogel’s team makes the cut based on a strong start to the campaign highlighted by effective play at home, as well as on the road. They’ve done it despite the struggles of two additions from which big things were hoped – guard George Hill and former All-Star, David West. Danny Granger has also struggled mightily (shooting 38% from the floor), but Indy has been lifted by the production from Roy Hibbert (who could be the second-best center in the East) and Paul George (who’s playing great defense and sticking over 46% from three-point land).

9. Portland Trailblazers- This team clearly loses games that it shouldn’t. Portland is a physical team with length. What it lacks in speed and quickness, it compensates for with basketball IQ and hustle. The Blazers are one of those teams that can beat any team, and it wouldn’t be a surprise. LaMarcus Aldridge has blossomed into an All-Star, and will be the unquestioned centerpiece of the franchise for the foreseeable future. However, it’s Wesley Matthews who traditionally determines the team’s success. Matthews has been streaky so far this season, but when he’s on the Blazers are a tough bunch to beat.

Aldridge is hoping that Wesley Matthews can consistently have his back.

8. Atlanta Hawks- Yes, the Hawks are one of the NBA’s top 10 teams. Are they a serious contender. Not as long as Miami and Chicago are in their conference, unfortunately for them. Yet, they’ll have a good shot at securing first-round home court advantage in the playoffs – thanks in part to the inconsistency of perennial postseason stalwarts Boston and Orlando, as well as the intriguing demise of the Knicks. Just don’t expect them to do anything with it.

7. Denver Nuggets – How surprised is everyone that the Nuggets are doing better as a unit without Mr. Anthony? The players and moving, the ball is moving, and Denver is, in many respects, exceeding expectations. Denver has six players contributing double-figure points per game, and an astounding eight players posting 8 or more points per game. After an 0-2 start, the Nuggets responded to go 12-3 in their next 15 games. The resilience of this team has been nothing short of amazing with the obstacles put in its path – first George Karl’s cancer diagnosis, then the Anthony trade. Through it all, Karl keeps them focused on playing as a unit.

6. San Antonio Spurs- Father Time is making a hard run at the success of the Spurs, but it hasn’t caught up with them all the way. While he’s not the focal point on offense anymore, Tim Duncan has continued to man the middle courtesy of his brilliant basketball instincts. San Antonio definitely gets extra credit for hanging tough without the services of do-it-all workman Manu Ginobili.

Jrue Holiday and the Sixers are tied for the fewest losses in the Eastern Conference.

5. Philadelphia Sixers- Just when you think the Sixers are getting a reality check by losing three of five games, they come back to win four in a row – including victories over Orlando and Chicago. Philly is playing like a team that’s here to stay. They have truly embraced the team approach, which is critical for a team without one supreme individual talent. Their roster consists of eight players averaging 9 or more points, and their leading scorer is bench guard Louis Williams (15.3 ppg). And for those not paying attention, it’s been the steady hand and improved play of Jrue Holiday that has accelerated the growth of this team.

4. Chicago Bulls – Chicago is looking a lot like they did last year. Off to the good start at 17-4, the Bulls’ problems probably won’t appear until they reach the Conference Semifinals. Chicago’s consistency has been great. Of the six opponents to which they suffered defeats, only the Golden State Warriors project to miss the playoffs. Carlos Boozer is performing slightly below his normal scoring and rebounding pace, but Rip Hamilton is gibing the Bulls plenty of early offense by getting up and down the floor in a flash.

3. Miami Heat- It’s a fairly common sentiment that no one cares about what this team does…until the playoffs come around. Most mean this with a hint to sarcasm to imply that Miami has certain players (named, eh hem, James) that have to show up to play when it matters most. But, on the flip side, it’s inherently flattering when you figure that the boys from South Beach are routinely penciled in for home court advantage – at least until the Eastern Conference Finals (where they would project to face Chicago once again). While there remains much basketball to be played, that projection is accepted with a very high degree of confidence – and that says the most about this team’s level of talent. The most impressive part of their effort in the early going is their recent domination and success without the injured Dwyane Wade. Chris Bosh routinely takes heaps of criticism for being ‘soft’, but there has been absolutely nothing soft about his numbers with Wade out: 26.7 ppg on 63% FG in the Heat’s last six games without the perennial All-Star. But this team has to absolutely stop blowing 17-point leads to teams like Milwaukee (to whom they’ve suffered two defeats this season).

Despite 40 from LBJ, Miami found a way to lose - again - to the Milwaukee Bucks.

2. Los Angeles Clippers- The Clip Joint has almost all of the key ingredients needed for postseason success. They have an interior rim protector (DeAndre Jordan), an athletic force (Blake Griffin) and a big-time playmaker (Chris Paul). With the way that he’s playing, Paul is forcing analysts to toss his name in the hat for the MVP race. In addition to that, reserve bruiser Reggie Evans has made his presence felt, and the scoring exploits of Mo Williams and Randy Foye have also been realized off of the bench. Caron Butler gives L.A. a great streak scorer, but it’s another veteran who would potentially put the Clippers over the top this spring. Chauncey Billups provides the team with a seasoned floor general who will make the right play in clutch situations. Once Vinnie Del Negro’s group refines its half-court offense – without relying on CP3 pick-and-rolls – bigger and better things could await this franchise.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder- This is not a campaign to suggest that the Thunder will walk away with the Larry O’Brien Trophy, but simply a memo to those who haven’t which team has the best trio of players right now. The exploits of Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant are no longer secrets, however, it’s the addition of the great play from Sixth Man of the Year frontrunner James Harden. He’s putting up nearly 17 ppg, contributing to an unbelievable 63 ppg for the young, energetic threesome. What may be overlooked about the bunch is the fact that they are babies in the NBA, but at the same time are extremely experienced after being subjected (twice) to the warfare that ensues during the postseason. They look focused and hungry. They did come up short in a pivotal matchup at the Clippers, but followed that up with a business-like win at Dallas.

Blake Griffin’s Monster Dunk

T Lamont — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:38:06 +0000

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Straight from the Clippers’ beatdown of the Thunder was this epic moment:

This is clearly the frontrunner for the NBA’s poster of the year.

It’s not very often that Kendrick Perkins gets bullied like that…so enjoy it.

On another note, it’ll be interesting to see how the Thunder rebound from their defeat at the hands of an opponent who they were up for. This matchup could very well be some sort of postseason preview, and Los Angeles certainly upstaged them this time around.

Why Clippers Are Better Than The Thunder

T Lamont — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:19:24 +0000

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Amidst the Thunder’s humbling loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, there were a few lessons that Oklahoma City should take away from their trip to Hollywood…

You can’t outscore every opponent in every game.

The Thunder have some of the league’s best young gunners on its roster – Kevin Durant, James Harden and Daquan Cook just to name a few. OKC connected on 9 triples in tonight’s contest, but one things that LAC does not lack is shooters. The home team knocked down 13 triples, including a late first half 12-0 run that saw them swish four bombs in 51 seconds.

The NBA’s best teams will be able to outscore a two-headed monster, even one that is the caliber of Oklahoma City’s. Scott Brook’s challenge will be to diversify his team’s offensive approach, and two resist some of their urges to launch those quick three-pointers.

For point guards, it’s better to give than receive.

This concept could not yield a more striking contrast than in tonight’s showdown in the Staples Center. Oklahoma City blur of a point guard, Russell Westbrook is one of the best players in the NBA. He plays the point guard position. However, it’s not hard to announce that he is not even one of the top ten point guards in the league. Westbrook uses his extreme quickness and athleticism to put the pressure on his opponents, often leading to lots of free throws…and about 25-30 points per game (on a good night).

But the Clippers quickly got out to a great start, thanks to perhaps the best floor general in the league, Chris Paul. Paul is one of the best at getting his own shot, but he is undoubtedly one of the top two in the Association at getting shots for others. His play allowed Caron Butler, Mo Williams, DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin to become integral pieces of a huge conference tilt. CP3 leveraged the talents of his cohorts to shift the game’s momentum and to extend Clipper runs as only a top-tier playmaker can do.

CP3 put in work tonight against the NBA team with the best record.

Oklahoma City feeds into the hype that they are the Durant-Westbrook show.

As Westbrook and Durant continued to boost the scoring totals late in the first half and early in the second half, the Thunder’s deficit grew. But the duo didn’t stop. They kept attacking, trying to preserve the chances for the visiting team to sneak away with a “W”.

But the two All-Stars are failing to comprehend an absolute truth as it relates to enhanced success – they will need the help of their other roster mates.

Sure, super-sub James Harden pitched in to contribute his usual aggressive play, but it remains to be seen if the dynamic duo will do something to dispel the notion that they are a two-man operation. It seems as if they are clearly buying into the hype surrounding their unbelievable talents, although it may lead to their ultimate demise come postseason time.