Dez Predicts the NBA Conference Finals

THE WEST

Golden State Warriors (1) vs. Houston Rockets (2)
I still don't know why The Houston Rockets are here. I was only able to watch the first several games in their series. The ones where the Los Angeles Clippers dominated. That was more about a collapse by the Clippers (and an exposed short bench) vs. The Rockets, I think. Anyway, glad they are there. My assertions remain: Dwight Howard will never win a championship and James Harden doesn't play defense. I think the Warriors' shooting prevails.
DEZ SAYS: Warriors in 6

THE EAST

Atlanta Hawks (1) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (2)
Still don't believe in Atlanta, and I think this is where their ride ends. Even without Kevin Love, even with Irving not at 100%, Lebron powers the Cavs through.
DEZ SAYS: Cavs in 7.

Dez's 2nd Round NBA Playoffs Predictions

Well, I got seven of the eight first round victors correct (that wasn't hard, it went as generally expected), and the one I got wrong went to Game 7 and came down to a single basket. What a series between San Antonio and the Los Angeles Clippers. Even the players were saying what a shame it was that this was a first round series. Either team could have won the West. Although I'm obviously a Spurs fan, I have no animosity towards the Clippers. Great team, class act. That Game 7 was everything you could have hoped for in a Game 7.

THE WEST

Golden State Warriors (1) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (5)
This could be an interesting series considering the completely opposite styles of play of these two teams, but the Warriors have been too good this season. So it probably won't be that interesting.
Dez says: Warriors in 5.

Houston Rockets (2) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (3)
This should be a fun one with dynamic players on both sides. Harden and Howard vs. Paul and Griffin (who has just taken his whole game to a new level this playoff season). Bench play will be crucial. Although the Clippers' bench is pretty weak, they still were able to beat the Spurs. Rockets have more rest. Injuries are key. The Rockets are without Beverly, but there is a question about Paul. He played out of his mind last night, but also had a hamstring issue. Will it be alright by tomorrow?
Dez says: Clippers in 6

THE EAST

Atlanta Hawks (1) vs. Washington Wizards (5)
I still don't believe in Atlanta. But they should beat the Wizards.
Dez says: Hawks in 6.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2) vs. Chicago Bulls (3)
I'm no Cleveland fan, but I think it really sucks that Kevin Love is out for the rest of the playoffs. And I agree with Love, it was a bush league play that took him out from some scrub on a crappy Boston team. I just would like every team to be at full strength in the playoffs. With Love, I think there would be little question that Cleveland would win this series. But with him out, it really could be a tough series. And dare I say that Derrick Rose is playing solid basketball at times. Although I still expect him to shatter in a million pieces on the floor whenever he drives to the basket. I say Lebron wills the Cavs to victory.
Dez says: Cleveland in 7.

Dez's 1st Round NBA Playoff Predictions

THE WEST

Golden State Warriors (1) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (8)
I know that Playoff basketball is a different animal from the regular season, and the Warriors are built more for the regular season. But the talent is so strong, and although only in his first year I think Steve Kerr will prove a fantastic NBA coach. They have to be a favorite to win it all.
Dez Says: Warriors in 5.

Houston Rockets (2) vs. Dallas Mavericks (7)
As a Houstonian always at heart and longtime supporter of The Rockets, I just have not warmed to this latest incarnation. The Beard is certainly one of the great talents of the league, but I find him selfish, and I don't like selfish players. And I DESPISE Dwight Howard. I love the Rockets, but I cannot root for Howard as a player (or a person). I stand by what I said when The Rockets got him: Dwight Howard will never win a championship. And now the Rockets are without their point guard. Still, it's just the Mavericks.
Dez Says: Rockets in 6.

Los Angeles Clippers (3) vs. San Antonio Spurs (6)
By far the most intriguing series of the first round. It is a real shame that one of these teams will be knocked out in the first round, because both could really contend for the title. Poor Clippers. You work hard all season and secure the three seed and you get...The Spurs in the first round. If the Spurs had won the final game of the season instead of losing it, they would have had the second seed. That is how crazy the West was this season all the way until the end. This will be a tougher series for whoever wins than the next round will be (winner will get Rockets or Mavs and defeat whichever one it is). The Spurs have made a pact with Lucifer at the crossroads, because year after year they are ready to go. This regular season they played even more half-assed and rope-a-dope than usual, but turned it on at the end when it counted. Tim Duncan is having his best season in years, and Kawhi Leonard has emerged as the superstar Spurs fans knew he would be.
Dez Says: Spurs in 7.

Portland Trailblazers (4) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (5)
Who cares? Both of these teams looked more formidable earlier in the season than they do now. Portland is only here because their division is so weak.
Memphis in 6.

THE EAST
Remember what I said about the Portland and Memphis series? It applies to most of the Eastern Conference. There are only about three real playoff teams in this whole damn Conference.

Atlanta Hawks (1) vs. Brooklyn Nets (8)
Sorry, I still don't believe in The Hawks. I like their Spurs-like team mentality and their streak was amazing. But they are not playoff tested. I've got to see them win a couple of rounds before I even consider them a threat for a championship. They should get through this round, though.
Hawks in 6.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2) vs. Boston Celtics (7)
Cavs in 5.

Chicago Bulls (3) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (6)
I'm glad I'm not a Bulls fan. The Derrick Rose saga would drive me nuts if I cared about the team. Fans keep hoping he will return to MVP form, but it ain't happening. He is out so much that the team gets really good without him, and then the Emperor With No Clothes returns and they've got to shake up their mojo. Then he gets hurt again. But the Bulls do have the ingredients to challenge.
Bulls in 5.

Toronto Raptors (4) vs. Washington Wizards (5)
SEE Portland/Memphis discussion above.
Washington in 6.

Fantasy Basketball 2014-15

Just had my draft for my fantasy basketball team. I've played in this league with this group of guys for, I don't know, 8 or 9 years now. I pay less attention to NBA basketball than I used to, but it is a way to stay in touch with some friends and it is still a good time. We play a rotissere (sp?) type of scoring with nine categories and 10 player positions with three bench spots. What all that means is that we score simply by adding up each category throughout the season to determine placing. So for instance, out of the 10 teams, if at the end of the season my team has accumulated the most rebounds, I get 10 points in that category. If I had the second most rebounds, then nine points, and so forth. Add all the categories at the end of the season and you have your placings. The categories are Shooting Percentage, Free Throw Percentage, Points, Three Pointers, Assists, Steals, Rebounds, Blocks and Turnovers (of course, you want the least amount of those). We have a Point Guard spot, Shooting Guard, another Guard, Small Forward, Power Forward, another Forward, two Centers and two Utility spots (any position).

My personal strategies include: in the first round, get the best rated player available. That's easy. Then get the best power forward and best point guard you can. That is because PF and PG are the key positions that offer the widest range of great stats. And I do not draft any Spurs. I love the Spurs, but while Popovich is a brilliant coach in keeping his players fresh for the playoffs, that means a stat killer for fantasy. Also, the more balanced and more they all share the load, the less likely you have fantasy studs stand out. In fantasy, the selfish players are often who you want. I also have an ever evolving 'do not draft' list.

With all of that out of the way, here is how the draft went. I got the 5th pick (out of 10 teams), and it snakes (so the 1st pick doesn't pick again until 20th, and then 21st and so forth).

Round One (in this order):

Lebron James
Anthony Davis
Stephen Curry
James Harden
Chris Paul (DEZ pick)
Kevin Love
Russell Westbrook
Carmelo Anthony
Serge Ibaka
Kevin Durant

Lebron 1st was a no-brainer. This round went relatively according to most of the draft magazines, websites, etc. Durant would normally compete with Lebron for the #1 spot, but the fact that he is injured and not expected back for almost two months explains his drop. I was wondering where he would go. I like my pick of Paul, although with him there are always injury concerns. But when healthy, he usually leads the league in steals and is up there in assists and also scores alot. Durant's injury also explains Westbrook's jump. I was a little surprised that Ibaka went so high. Anthony Davis is not exactly a superstar in real life, but fantasy sports is not about real life, it is about numbers. And most projections are that Davis will blow up, fantasy-wise, this season.

Round Two:

DeMarcus Cousins
John Wall
Al Jefferson
Kawhi Leonard
Blake Griffin
Chris Bosh (DEZ pick)
Damien Lillard
LaMarcus Aldridge
Kyrie Irving
Kyle Lowry

I drafted Kawhi last season (violating my No Spurs policy, and was disappointed because of what I stated above). Griffin will kill free throw percentage. I held my nose when I drafted Bosh, I can't stand him. But with Lebron out of Miami and Wade always having one foot in the ER, it is really Bosh's team. If you look at Bosh's numbers last season when Lebron was out, they approached his all-star numbers of old. Plus, he's got something to prove this season.

Round Three:

Joakin Noah
Nicolas Batum
Al Horford
DeAndre Jordan
Dirk Nowitzki (DEZ pick)
Goran Dragic
Mike Conley
Ty Lawson
Kobe Bryant
Derrick Rose

Interesting round. I wanted Batum bad, but he was taken a few picks before it got to me. I think Jordan will be a bust this season. Dirk in the middle of the third round is pretty damn good, I say. I know he's old, very old. But he is still reliable and hasn't really broken down much yet. Let's just hope this isn't the season when it happens. Most fantasy guides had him ranked higher, so I was glad to take him here. Kobe and Rose are the real wild cards here, though. They could both return to form and be the steals of the draft, but I was staying away from both this early. It is true that the Lakers this season are basically Kobe and the Staples Center janitorial staff, but he is old, coming off injuries he's never had...I'm just not feeling it. Could be very wrong, though.

The rest of my team (in order of drafting): DeMar DeRozen, Thaddeus Young, Trevor Ariza, Brook Lopez (actually a mistake, my computer disconnected and I had someone else queued up), Patrick Beverly, Luol Deng, JJ Reddick (happy to get him, I had him last season and before his injury, he was a three point monster), DeMarre Carroll, JR Smith (kind of a joke, but it was late in the draft and this is a bench spot) and Andrew Bogut.

#5 May Be the Sweetest of All

Congratulations to the San Antonio Spurs for winning their 5th NBA title in 15 years. Congratulations to The Spurs for setting the record for highest point differential in Finals history. After last year's devastating loss to Miami in a seven game series (where the Spurs were 28 seconds from victory in Game 6 with a five point lead), they wanted this probably more than any of the other championships. They also wanted this team, Miami. They not only won, they completely dismantled them. Congratulations to a team that understands, in the words of Miami's coach, "exquisite team basketball" vs. hero ball. Lebron James is clearly the best player on the planet right now, but this Finals showed that you still need a team. Not just a star. I think James understands that too, so it will be interesting to see what his next Decision will be as far as where he wants to go. Since Gregg Popovich's Spurs have beaten him in two of his three Finals losses, I bet he wouldn't mind playing for Pop. I know they admire each other greatly. We'd take him.

ABOVE: The "Big Three" of the Spurs. Why has this team been so successful for so long? Tim Duncan took a pay cut in order to free up some money to bring in quality role players (attention Kobe Bryant). Manu Ginobilli is a great player, but has agreed to come off the bench leading the second unit, helping to make the Spurs bench the most potent in the league. When the Spurs second five are in, there often is no drop in production vs. when the starting five are in. These and other reasons are why Duncan has five rings now, and Parker and Ginobilli have four.

ABOVE: I have to apologize to those basketball fans who are sick of The Spurs always being one of the best in the league. It won't change for awhile. Duncan, Parker and Ginobilli all may be on the verge of retirement, but emerging superstar Kawhi Leonard, along with dynamic point guard Patty Mills, Danny Green...this new young generation is the core of the Spurs future for the next decade or so. Kawhi Leonard shut down Lebron James at times, and was simply amazing offensively during those last three games. Popovich has called him "the future of the franchise." Winning the Finals MVP last night at the age of 22, the Spurs future looks bright indeed with Leonard.

Rematch

Rarely in life do you get a do-over of one of your most crushing disappointments. But one such opportunity is now in front of the San Antonio Spurs, as they prepare to face the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals (starting this Thursday) in a rematch of last year’s thrilling seven game Finals. A series in which the Spurs were 28 seconds away in game 6 from winning the championship (but for a miracle three from miracle three specialist, Ray Allen). This was the first Finals loss for the Spurs in franchise history, winning the other four times they got there in the Tim Duncan era. So it was a new experience for the team and its fans, and even worse to be so close.

Now we are back. What is the same? What is different? The Heat still have the best player on the planet in Lebron James. No dispute there. Basketball is such a team sport, but Lebron is one of those rare players who can singlehandedly win you some games in a series. They also have the second best player on either team in Dwayne Wade. And Wade is much healthier this year than last. “The Big Three” thing is a misnomer, Bosh was never that great. He was a star at one point, but is not now. So it is more the “Big 2 and ½.” The Heat this season, though, are not quite as deep beyond their starters.

And depth is where San Antonio is much better than they were last season. This is the deepest team I can remember in San Antonio. Their second unit, led by Manu Ginobili (the confidence of a guy that good who willingly comes off the bench is rare), can beat many other team’s starting five. And then there are solid guys even in the third unit. In Game 6 of the Spurs-Thunder series that just ended, the leading scorer was Boris Diaw with 26 off the bench. If you have followed San Antonio throughout the season, that has been the case. Any given night, it will either be Diaw, rising star Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills, Marco Belinelli…someone else who shines alongside the three aging established stars (Duncan, Tony Parker and Ginobili). That has been the difference, the depth has allowed Coach Gregg Popovich to give crucial rest and limited minutes during the season to keep the team fresh. While still locking up the #1 spot. The Spurs have The Heat on depth, Popovich is widely regarded as the best coach in the NBA, and most importantly, San Antonio has “The System.”

Everyone from Duncan down to third string bench warmer buys into the Spurs System, which is why they have had the highest winning percentage of any team in the four major league American sports (basketball, football, baseball, hockey) over the last 15 years. If you do not buy into this system and you cannot obey the decrees of Popovich, you simply cannot be a Spur. Whoever you think you are. Just ask Stephen Jackson. Which is why if Tony Parker has to leave a game in the middle of the 2nd quarter, Cory Joseph and Mills can be plugged in and the Spurs can still win the Western Conference series in Oklahoma City. It is The System. But that buy-in is the real key. Duncan, Parker and Ginobili are rare in that they are stars who keep their egos in check and give their head coach real authority. Popovich will tear into Duncan in front of the team if necessary, and he takes it. That attitude flows downhill. If Tim Duncan accepts that, then I better listen to Pop too, says the bench warmer. Which is why someone like Kobe Bryant could never play for Gregg Popovich.

Miami is a good organization too. There is buy-in there as well. They have looked absolutely dominant so far in the playoffs, but it is important to take into account the difference between the Western and Eastern conferences. I honestly think that any of the top eight Western teams could have run the gauntlet that Miami ran and made it to a Finals. The West is just that much better than the East outside of The Heat.

Prediction? I might copout like Shaq did the other night when he was asked on TNT after the Spurs victory, I really don’t know. I think the series will go seven again. And another crucial difference from last year, The Spurs have home court. Miami had it last year. For the Spurs, especially, home court has made a big difference for them during this playoffs. And the Spurs have more motivation. 28 seconds.

Since I do think it is a toss-up and I do think it will go seven, I might as well go with the home team. So I will say Spurs in seven.

What do you think?

28 Seconds

That is how far the San Antonio Spurs were away from a fifth NBA title. Not last night. A couple of nights ago in Game 6, the "one that got away." They were up five points with 28 seconds left in the game. A quick two and then Ray Allen hits the three that saved Miami. It will "haunt" these Spurs, as Manu Ginobili said last night at the podium (that for some reason they also make the losers sit at and answer questions; did you see how devastated the usually stoic Tim Duncan was when the reporters kept throwing him the inane "what if" questions?)

All of that aside, The Spurs legacy is still secure as one of the greatest franchises in all of sports, with four championships and playoff appearances every year since 1999. The Heat had more at stake, frankly, if they had come up short of the championship I am not sure this whole experiment would have lasted. And in this truly epic seven game Finals, The Heat were the better team. Lebron proved why he is the greatest player on the planet. I congratulate the Miami Heat (except for Chris Bosh).

Dez Predicts the NBA Finals

This should be a fantastic NBA Finals. At the beginning of the playoffs I would not have said that, even if you told me it would be the Miami Heatles vs. the San Antonio Spurs. I have said all year that the Miami All-Stars would run away with the title. Now, I'm not so sure. The Heat have looked surprisingly vulnerable, last night's pulverization of the Pacers aside.

And The Spurs have to be the feel good story of the season. Conventional wisdom (including here in San Antonio, by the way) was that their time had passed. But they have been nearly unstoppable in these playoffs so far, losing only two games on their way to the Finals. Tony Parker is playing as good as he has ever played, Tim Duncan looks about five years younger (which is ten years in basketball years) and has played like a man possessed in pursuit of his 5th ring. This team is as deep as any of their other championship teams. Crucially, they have also had about ten days off waiting for the results of the Eastern Conference Finals. I know there is the issue of rust vs. rest, but for The Spurs rest is most important. They should be good to go. I also think Gregg Popovich is the savviest coach in the NBA.

These two teams haven't really played against eachother all year. When the Spurs went to Miami, Pop sat Duncan, Parker, Ginobili and Leonard (no, he actually put them on a plane and flew them home ahead of time), The Spurs bench still almost beat Miami's starters in a very close game, and Popovich got fined. In return, when Miami came to SA, the Heat cheekily held Wade and Lebron out, Miami beat The Spurs in a very close game. Point is, these teams have not faced eachother full strength.


ABOVE: Lebron James has proven to be the best player in the NBA. On the planet. In the universe. He could go to Krypton and take on Superman one on one.

Yes, The Heat have the best player on the planet in Lebron. But Wade and Bosh are not 100% and last night aside, they have not been strong these playoffs. The Spurs have the advantage in the middle (The Heat's weakness, as The Pacers exposed). The Spurs have arguably the best point guard in the league in Parker (at least how he has played in the playoffs, and how he played in the first third of the season prior to an injury). The Spurs also have the depth advantage and coaching advantage. But then there still is Lebron.


ABOVE: One more time?

I think this thing could easily go seven and it is a toss-up, and I still hate The Heat. I like the slogan I saw on signs in Indiana, "built, not bought." The Spurs have also been carefully constructed to be one of the most successful sports franchises in history (look at winning percentage and playoff success over the last 15 years). Every time I might soften my stance on Miami, I then remember their championship celebration before Lebron, Wade and Bosh had even played a game together. The smoke, the rising platforms, the dancing. Lebron smugly guaranteeing five to six championships. Therefore, since it really is a toss-up, I guess I'll be a homer...

Dez Says: San Antonio in seven.

I Am Glad That I Was Wrong

Unfortunately for me, I haven't posted enough new posts to get my Conference Finals predictions off of the page yet. But I will own up to the fact that I vastly overestimated the Memphis Grizzlies. Perhaps it is just bad memories of a couple playoffs ago. Anyway, I predicted a Grizzlies victory in seven grueling games, instead the San Antonio Spurs coasted in a sweep to await the winner of Miami-Pacers (Miami) in the Finals. Better yet, they get some much needed rest. I'll give you a full analysis and prediction when it becomes official (that is, a Spurs-Heat Final), but suffice it to say that it is fitting that in David Stern's last Finals as Commissioner his nemesis Gregg Popovich gets to coach in the series. While Stern would undoubtedly like to see a team from the West advance from a bigger market with more flash, real basketball fans couldn't ask for a better Finals this year than a fully healthy and playing at their peak Spurs and the Miami All-Stars. Congrats Spurs, and you have once again surprised everyone even though they shouldn't be surprised.

ABOVE: David Stern: "Wait, the Spurs are in another final? #@&!"

Dez's NBA Conference Finals Predictions

The East: Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers or New York Knicks

Yes, I know that as of this posting Indiana and New York have not finished their series (I pick Indiana, by the way). But, does it really matter which of these teams moves on as the sacrificial lamb for the Miami Heat to slaughter? No. Indiana doesn't have the depth, and New York doesn't have the maturity.

Dez Says: Miami in 5 against either team.

The West: San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Now, this will be a hell of a series. Not one that David Stern particularly wanted (you know, no flashy stars or glitz, just fundamental and gritty basketball with brutal defenses). As a Spurs fan, Memphis scares me even more than Oklahoma City did at full strength. (Memphis is the only team, by the way, that I give a chance against Miami in a Finals, because their strength is Miami's only weakness). This will be a series of a dying breed, the big men in the middle. Memphis' Randolph and Gasol vs. The Spurs' Duncan and Splitter. I hope I'm wrong, but...

Dez Says: Grizzlies in 7.

NBA Playoff Predictions: Round 2

I did alright predicting the winners in the first round. 6 of the 8. Also called the Chicago/Brooklyn series going seven. How things can change during a round, though. My Houston Rockets fought valiantly and did my San Antonio Spurs a tremendous favor by knocking OKC's Russell Westbrook out for the playoffs. With Westbrook out, you have to say that The Spurs are now the favorite team out of the West to lose to The Heat in the Finals. My predictions for this round...

The West

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Clippers learned what most teams already know. You don't want to face Memphis. They are gritty and tough. I would not have predicted this before Westbrook went down, but now I've got to call...
Dez says: Memphis in 6.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors
This will be a fun series, as these teams have different styles in some respects. I really enjoy Golden State. But the Spurs are firing on all cylinders again at the right time.
Dez says: SA in 6.

The East

Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls
You've got to admire Chicago's grit in the face of their injuries and their wuss of a star, the forever recovering-even-though-he's-been-cleared-to-play-for-months Derrick Rose. Chicago will get one out of toughness.
Dez says: Miami in 5.

New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
The talented Knicks showed that they still have some growing up to do in the series against Boston. But their talent should still see them through this round.
Dez says: NY in 7.

Thoughts?

NBA Playoffs: 1st Round Predictions

Miami wins it all. We know that. The only question is how do they get there. Here are my bold first round predictions...

THE WEST: or, the race to see who gets to lose to The Heat

Oklahoma City (1) vs. Houston (8)
I would like to say that my Rockets have a chance, but they don't. As if The Thunder didn't have incentive enough, sticking it to James Harden gives them even more.
Dez Says: OKC in 5.

San Antonio (2) vs. L.A. Lakers (7)
The sports media is paying more attention to this series than it deserves because it's the Lakers. And a Kobe-less Lakers at that. D'Antoni is a fool of a coach.
Dez Says: S.A. Spurs in 6.

Denver (3) vs. Golden State (4)
Two fun teams to watch. I wish Denver were at full strength, they are my favorite type of team, no big stars but just a real cohesive unit that fights hard and works well together.
Dez Says: Denver Nuggets in 6.

L.A. Clippers (4) vs. Memphis (5)
Experts say The Clippers are not built to go too far in the playoffs, but I'm not so sure.
Dez Says: Clippers in 5.

THE EAST

Miami (1) vs. Milwaukee (8)
This will be a nice warm-up for Miami before they hit a serious opponent in the second round.
Dez Says: Heat sweep.

New York (2) vs. Boston (7)
Even if Boston were at full strength, the Knicks would still win this. Boston will take a couple on grit alone.
Dez Says: New York Knicks in 6.

Indiana (3) vs. Atlanta (6)
Boring teams. Boring series. Boring cities, boring states. Who cares.
Dez Says: Indiana Pacers in 6.

Brooklyn (4) vs. Chicago (5)
I know the Nets won the first game, and I know the Nets have the better record. And I know Chicago is without its wuss of a star, Derek Rose. I don't care, Chicago will still take it.
Dez Says: Bulls in 7.

Disagree? Explain yourself.

Are You Up For the Scallenge?

Anyone remember Brian Scalabrine? Most NBA teams (or any professional sports team) have a couple of these guys, perennial bench warmers who get to play in the last 2 minutes or so of blowout games. The ultimate role players who are willing to do the dirty work, play in garbage time, get some Gatorade for the stars…basically happy to be on the roster. Also usually tall white guys. These are guys who you see playing on TV, and from the comfort of your Laz-E Boy you say, “I could take that guy on.” Scalabrine was a particularly genial bench warmer, and became a fan favorite during his 11 years in the NBA, although not due to his on court prowess. (In Chicago he was referred to by fans in jest as “the White Mamba,” in contrast to Kobe Bryant’s more intimidating “Black Mamba.” He was also referred to as “the human victory cigar.”) Scalabrine has since retired and is now a broadcaster on a New England station.

ABOVE: Scalabrine surveys the action on the court from his throne (the bench)

ABOVE: The White Mamba shows off his championship ring that he "earned" with the Celtics in 2008. He averaged 1.8 points and 1.6 rebounds that season. He didn't play in the playoffs. But he does have as many rings as Lebron James.

Having had enough of being an NBA punchline, he agreed to take on Boston’s best amateurs, one on one, to once and for all shut up his detractors. A local radio show sponsored the event, and his potential opponents had to send in videos demonstrating their hoops skills (and also talking the requisite trash to the White Mamba). Check out the link here for footage of the challenge, or the “Scallenge,” as it was called. He took on four of Boston’s best amateurs, one of whom was on the Syracuse roster last year. The results? Maybe it ain’t so easy to make it in the NBA after all, even as a bench warmer. The White Mamba dominated the Scallenge, doing what he never was able to do in the NBA, throwing down Blake Griffin-like dunks and shooting Jordanesque jumpers over the heads of the competition, absolutely crushing them. The final results were a combined 44-6 in favor of Scalabrine (one point per basket in one on one), with two of the games being shut-outs. So even the NBA scrubs are much better than pretty much anyone else in the country.

Message From the Grave

From an obituary in the Kansas City Star:

"Loren G. "Sam" Lickteig passed away on Nov. 14, 2012 of complications from MS and heartbreaking disappointment caused by the Kansas City Chiefs football team."

NBA Fantasy Draft

Had my NBA fantasy draft last weekend. I've been in this league with these guys for about 7 or so years now, so I do look forward to it each year. We usually have about ten teams, with a solid core of guys who return each year and a couple of newbies who rotate in and out.

For those of you who know fantasy sports, this league is a rotisserie style system, where we use points scored, shooting %, free throw % (weighted for how many free throws attempted), 3-pointers made, rebounds, blocks, assists, steals and turnovers. We draft a Point Guard, Shooting Guard, another Guard slot, Small Forward, Power Forward, another Forward slot, two Centers and two Utility slots (any position), with three Bench slots.

Out of ten teams, I randomly got the 5th pick in this year's draft. What made it difficult was that the two players that would be most likely picked in that slot are both injured (Kevin Love out for a month, Dirk Nowitzki out through December). The picks before me in the first round went Lebron, Durant (I would have picked Durant first, by the way), Paul and Westbrook (a bit high for him methinks, but it was The Ignorant Masses picking, afterall). Love and Nowitzki were out for me, so I went with Deron Williams as my first pick. Not a huge fan, but he is an elite PG and the star of the new Brooklyn Nets, and I subscribe to the theory that the key to fantasy basketball success is strong PG's and strong PF's. The rest of the first round went Wade (no freakin' way I'd touch Wade this season, he is way too injury prone and there is only one basketball on the court and he's on a team with Lebron), then Josh Smith, Bynum, Love (this guy couldn't make the draft, so he got stuck with the autopick by Yahoo, he also got Nowitzki through autopick and Dwight Howard, which means he is guaranteed last place in Free Throws) and Al Jefferson.

The draft snakes, meaning that the 10th pick also gets the 11th pick and then Round two counts down (meaning 1st pick doesn't pick again until 20th). For me, being 5th, the snake doesn't really matter. Sticking with my PG/PF formula, my 2nd pick was Pau Gasol. With Nash at the helm in L.A., Gasol should really benefit. I am optimistic that Gasol could have his best year (but the "only one basketball" issue also applies to the All-Star Lakers team, and I'm not too sure that Kobe will suddenly become a selfless team player). I've got a history with Gasol, this will be my third season with him on my fantasy roster. My third round pick I am really excited about, he could contribute in every category and is poised for the breakout year experts have been predicting. Nicolas Batum in Portland. Not exactly a household name, but should be a fantasy beast. My friend Paul was quite upset that I snagged him before he could get to him. Batum could be the key to my fantasy triumph.

ABOVE: Nicolas Batum should help me prevail over The Ignorant Masses and the other roadkill that make up my fantasy basketball competition this season

Another breakout candidate is Paul George, and I really wanted him, but he was snagged in the 4th Round three picks ahead of me. Those of you who have done fantasy drafts know that sinking feeling when one of your prime targets is snagged just ahead of you. So I picked up Stephen Curry of Golden State. He is a fantasy monster when healthy. But "when healthy" is the key. The guy's a walking china plate.

The rest of my draft went David Lee (I needed to start grabbing some Centers), Jeff Teague (more PG firepower), Kenneth Faried (lots of potential, prime breakout candidate), Michael Beasley (his career has been a bust so far, but he's in the best place for him to finally reach his potential - Phoenix), Sam Dalembert, O.J. Mayo (with Dirk out in Dallas until 2013, the rest of that team is wide open for fantasy production), Jonas Valanciunas (purely a fun long shot breakout prospect who will sit on my bench until he proves he's the real deal), Greivis Vasquez (hey, we're into the 12th round here) and Byron Mullins.

I like my team, but honestly I'm not super-excited (last year I had the first pick and rode Durant to 2nd place). But we'll see.

Those of you who know basketball, thoughts?

Fine. Congratulations.

Ok, you can scratch off "not having the heart of a champion" or "not being clutch" off the list of my reasons for disliking Lebron. There is no denying his epic performance during the playoffs this season. One of the best of all time. But my other reasons still stand. The statute of limitations has not run. But perhaps hate has faded to mere dislike.

Why The NBA Finals Matter (For Basketball)

I had hoped to be writing this about the Spurs vs. Heat, but it is just as relevant in a Thunder vs. Heat series. There is a lot at stake this NBA Finals. It will have some long term consequences for the sport, I think, at least at the professional level. It should be an exciting series regardless, with plenty of star power (Lebron, Durant, Wade, Westbrook, Bosh). But what really makes it interesting is that it will be a clash of philosophies. Can you build championships around a few egotistical superstars and scrubs (The Heat), or do you still need a true team mentality to go all the way (The Thunder). I say this works with the Thunder as well as The Spurs because The Thunder have been modeled after San Antonio's organization. Several of its top brass worked their way up through Popovich's system, and they are trying to recreate it in OKC. From an unselfish superstar (Durant) to having a minimum of drama and smartly keeping that "we're a small market" chip on their shoulder, OKC is SA Jr. Will Miami be the model, or will it be OKC? The Mavericks went a long way last season in proving that it takes a team, and a second trouncing of The Heat this season will take the point even further.

Of course I can't stand The Heat. From Lebron's classless prime time exit from Cleveland (and for being tone deaf to the criticisms for months afterwards) to the garrish pep rally The Heatles threw for themselves, guaranteeing multiple championships, as Stan Van Gundy commented, "before they even practiced together." There is so much to hate, they made it easy. It was a Yankees or Cowboys level of arrogance and entitlement, but without the history to fall back on. OKC, on the other hand, prides itself on team play. Durant and Westbrook know they can't do it alone, and so they rely on their excellent role players like Serge Ibaka. And any team with the 6th Man of the Year is indicative of a team that understands the importance of depth (again, Harden can be paralleled with 6th man Spur star Ginobili in many ways, both are good enough to be starters, but instead relish their roles as deadly leaders of the second unit).

So I will be rooting for the Thunder because I really like them. But also, because I love basketball. Because I appreciate the game as a team sport, not as an individual endeavor. And I appreciate humility.

Prediction: Thunder in 6.

NBA Conference Finals Quick Picks

I know one game has already been played (and it was a thriller, bodes well for a great series), but its outcome does not change what I would have predicted anyway.

The West
The Spurs and The Thunder are the best teams in the NBA. Whoever wins this will be the ultimate champion. The Thunder are like a younger Spurs in many ways. The team, especially in its organization, is trying to emulate SA's winning ways. But they don't have a Popovich. This Spurs team has surprised everyone, they are deeper than any of the previous championship Spurs teams. Spurs in 7.

The East
I dislike Boston, but I hate Miami. I root for anyone playing Miami. But I predict Miami in 6.

Round 2 NBA Playoff Predictions

I hate it when they start the second round while there are still round 1 series to be decided. But I need to get my predictions up now since the round 2 games start later today.

So first, I guess I should predict the outcomes of the two Game 7's today and tomorrow. Due to the injuries of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul (although both are still playing), and the overall tenacity and nastiness of The Grizzlies, I've got to give The Griz the series. Plus, it's the Clippers.

As far as that other L.A. team, what are they called again? Oh yeah, The Lakers. Denver has fought mightily to bring it to a Game 7, but I've got to think that experience, Kobe's competitiveness and the return of Metta Ron World Artest Peace take over and The lakers make it through.

So how did I do in Round 1, assuming my Game 7 predictions are also true? If my predictions here come to pass, I will be 6-2 on predicting the outcomes, and I also predicted the Heat sweep.

On to Round 2...

Spurs vs. Grizzles: As great as The Spurs are, I shudder at the thought of facing the Grizzles again. Recall last season, The Spurs were also a one seed and the Grizz were 8. They met in the first round, and the Grizzlies defeated them, in large part due to an advantage in the paint. The Grizzlies still have that advantage. But, Ginobili was hurt and this is a much better Spurs team than last season. It will be a tough fought series, but the Spurs win this time. Spurs in 6. (And if their opponent turns out to be The Clippers, I would still give it to the Spurs in 6).

Thunder vs. Lakers: I think the time has passed for The Lakers (at least in this configuration) and the time has arrived for The Thunder. Thunder in 6. (And if the opponent turns out to be Denver, then Thunder in 5).

Heat vs. Pacers: The Pacers are one of those lower seeds that nobody wants to face in a series. Still, Miami's path to The Finals is fairly clear now that the hobbled Bulls are out of the picture. Heat in 6 (The Pacers will genuinely win one and The Heat will give one away because that is what they do in each series they play).

Celtics vs. 76ers: The 76ers just aren't a good team. They beat a Bulls team that had lost its two best players and its mojo. Celtics in 5.

Thoughts?

Dez's NBA Playoff Predictions: First Round

After a very strange NBA season (I came in 2nd in my Fantasy League, which is the strangest thing of all), the playoffs are finally upon us. With the shortened season, it really is like a second season. My bold predictions for the first round...

The West

San Antonio Spurs (1) vs. Utah Jazz (8)
The Spurs shocked everyone this season. Most people in the know (and in this city) assumed that the window had closed for them, but they boldly grabbed the top seed in the West (for a second year in a row). But unlike last year, Ginobili is healthy, Duncan is playing like he is ten years younger, Parker is playing at an MVP level and they have the deepest team in recent memory, with a potent mix of solid verterans and exciting youngsters. Not only am I predicting they make it out of the first round (unlike last season), but I predict they make it to the Finals and possibly win it all.
Spurs in 5.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2) vs. Dallas Mavericks (7)
The Mavs don't look like repeat champions. OKC are the Spurs's biggest obstacle in the West.
OKC in 6.

L.A. Lakers (3) vs. Denver Nuggets (6)
Never underestimate a team with Kobe on it. Losing Metta World Peace (he looked more like Ron Artest last week when he clocked Harden) to a seven game suspension really hurts the Lakers.
Lakers in 6.

Memphis Grizzlies (4) vs. L.A. Clippers (5)
Never thought I'd say "Clippers" in discussing playoffs, and never thought the bastard step children Clippers would be more entertaining to watch than the Lakers. But they are. But the Grizz are tough.
Clippers in 7.

The East

Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (8)
I was impressed by The Bulls's play this season with last year's MVP Derrick Rose being injured for over 20 games.
Bulls in 4.

Miami Heat (2) vs. New York Knicks (7)
I hate Lebron and his Heatbitches. I never want him to win a title. But Carmelo Anthony ain't gonna stop them.
Heat in 4.

Indiana Pacers (3) vs. Orlando Magic (6)
Without the Dwightmare (and I don't mean that as a compliment to Howard), the Magic are almost a D-League team. They are the dream draw for any team in the First Round.
Pacers in 6.

Boston Celtics (4) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)
Boston still has a lot of fight in them, and the Hawks always become wussies in the playoffs.
Boston in 6.

Your predictions?

Addendum: I posted this last night, and now in Game 1 Rose got injured and is out for the playoffs. I still think Chicago advances, but it probably won't be a sweep.