NBA Trade Deadline

Game Winner...

Let's not forget about the team with LeBron James. The Lake Erie LeBron's made some solid trades to upgrade their roster, and perhaps more importantly, improve their locker room chemistry. Clarkson and Nance will help the Cavaliers on both sides of the ball, they have size at their positions and are more dynamic athletes. It's bittersweet to see Frye and Shumpert leave. (LA just shed a ton of money as they clear the decks to pursue free agents this summer and beyond.) Cleveland also acquired Rodney Hood and George Hill. Hood is an athletic wing who can provide more offensive punch than any of the players Cleveland sent out. Hill is another perimeter guy who can matchup better defensively on either guard position and shoot the three. This made-over roster looks more apt to compete. All of these acquisitions add length, athleticism and better compliment James, they also got a lot younger. Personally I'm excited to see how this team gels over the next 29 games or so. By the way, the Cavs and Wolves played one hell of an entertaining game the night prior to the trade deadline.

Houston looks legit

Elsewhere in the NBA; the two best teams I've caught (in a single game) this year are Houston and Oklahoma City. I was able to watch the Rockets absolutely destroy Cleveland. Chris Paul looked as good as he has all year and Harden did things only he's probably capable of. Houston's defense was solid and their hustle was how I wished every game looked; their role players are super solid. They won by 30 without Trevor Ariza or Eric Gordon. When Houston has Harden, Paul and Clint Capela, their record's insane. Cleveland's effort was lackadaisical to say the least, regardless, Houston showed them firsthand the competition that looms out West. The NBA has taken notice, so have I.

OKC is figuring it out

The Thunder went into Oracle and hung 70 on Golden State in the first half, eventually winning by 20. Russ was in attack mode from the jump. He puts so much pressure on a defense with his relentlessness, especially when he couples his ability to get the rim with high quality decisions. Paul George looked like the best two-way player in the NBA, guarding damn near every Warrior at some point. George's ability to play stellar defense while still dropping 30 is amazing. This game meant something to Oklahoma City, their tenacity was on full display, highlighted by their two stars; Russ and PG showed out in Oakland. Melo barely played due to a tweaked ankle. I'll go on record, Steven Adams is their third best player, dude's a beast. He owned the second half and no one on Golden State could guard him. The Thunder played exceptionally well on defense with tight, controlled rotations, that took away threes. It was a dominating win on both sides of the ball.

Only in the NBA,
eightychoices.

New Orleans | All-Stars

Game notes: These accounts of the 66th NBA All-Star Game will probably be biased, and that's OK, because everyone has a rooting interest when in comes to sports. I will however, try and make comments that are impacted by observation versus preference. 

Starters: LeBron and Giannis were the two most impressive guys on the court to start the game. Speaking of the court, I loved the Fleur de lis lane and the minimal use of graphics around each side's three point line. Bron Bron and The Greek Freak (does he even like that nickname?) both posses once-in-a-lifetime athletic ability and otherworldly builds. Combine those traits to their gifted skill sets and your left with two players the spotlight has to follow.

LeBron had some ridiculous highlight reel dunks. The lob and the shot-like skip-pass from Kyrie, the pass to himself off the glass, the two reverse slams, and a three from the half court circle; it's unexplainable, he's unexplainable, we are all witness.

19 minutes | 23 points

-----

Giannis has now ascended into the Russel Westbrook realm, he plays every game hard, knowing only one gear, all out. I love that he went for steals, made windmill dunks look like child's play and wanted to guard Durant for real. His flush on the lob from Kyrie and his rebound put-back dunk, both on Curry, were stank. The reactions of Green, Carmelo and Kyle Lowry, post-posterization were priceless? Antetokounmpo is moving beyond impressive.

23 minutes | 30 points

-----

John Wall is a stud. He may be the fastest player with the ball, he has the ability to finish with either hand and he can straight rise in hurry. Those lefty dunks aren't easy. I came away thinking, what a gamer, he wants to win. I believe Wall knows how good he is; he's been making others around him better all year in D.C. And another thing, I think John Wall is one of the three to five best athletes among the NBA's elite players. In no particular order: LeBron, Westbrook, Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, John Wall.
----- 21 minutes | 12 points | 6 rebounds | 4 assists | 4 steals -----

Russel Westbrook for president in 2020. If you like sports, especially hoops, you have to like Westbrook. You don't have to root for him (I do), but you should respect how he exerts himself physically. Hell, he forces his will onto the opposition (aka: the obstacles in his path to destroying normal humans and thus, leading his group of real life hybrid super-human/X-Men into the future). I loved that he warmed up on his own hoop before the game...then Harden and some others joined him. He didn't have to start in order to flex is Alpha-dog might. The entire West squad was obviously hooking up the host star with heaps of love. Capturing MVP, Davis scored 52 and broke Wilt's record by ten. Regardless, Russel stole the show, mixing snarls with smiles. Westbrook Jedi'd the in-game call guy into announcing that he had scored a three, even though Harden sunk the failed lob attempt. Former NBA star and now announcer, Chris Webber declared, "he only knows one speed, aggression." Russy accelerated his way into every particle of the game like a hadron collider. When he dropped four straight 3's and then quickly added another, or when he passed that laser beam off the back board to DeAndre Jordan, all I could mentally conjure was, Damn! Sure the lob from KD was fun too; Russel pointed toward him after they converted the give and go. Big ups to the West bench for breaking the ice as they headed toward a TV timeout. Westbrook played this game like every other—Damn!

20 minutes | 41 points

-----

One of my favorite moments of the game was the conversation between Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker during a mic'd up segment. The first-time All-stars (I'm a big fan of both) were chilling next to each other chatting about their handles and such. The way the two of them interacted made me remember all the great encounters I've had throughout life on a basketball court.

eightychoices.

ps. TE4M

Halfway in the NBA

NBA Midseason Report

Where has the time gone? It's 2017, duh, and the NBA's regular season is pretty much at its halfway point. Most teams have played roughly 40 games at the time I was typing this. Before the start of the NBA calendar I made predictions as to which teams would end up in the top eight spots from each conference. Reviewing those selections is an obvious way to see how my potential playoffs seeds look. I'll also discuss some other NBA topics; who doesn't love the Association? Don't answer that...

In the East I had:
1. Cavs 2. Raptors 3. Celtics 4. Hornets 5. Pistons 6. Pacers 7. Knicks 8. Bucks
In reality the standings look like this...
1. Cavs 2. Raptors 3. Celtics 4. Hawks 5. Pacers 6. Wizards 7. Bucks 8. Hornets

Out West I had:
1. Warriors 2. Spurs 3. Clippers 4. Blazers 5. Jazz 6. Grizzlies 7. Thunder 8. Wolves (ouch)
In reality the standings look like this...
1. Warriors 2. Spurs 3. Rockets 4. Clippers 5. Grizzlies 6. Jazz 7. Thunder 8. Blazers

...So, I hit the top two teams from each conference (not the toughest call). I also had the Celtics in the right place. The Knicks are turning into the dumpster fire I feared they would. Derrick Rose went AWOL and lacked every shred of professionalism. I hope Darth Triangle buys Rose out like SVG did to Josh Smith in Detroit. Rose isn't worth the coin whatsoever. He may also not be capable, both on and off the court. The Pistons and the Dumpster Fires are two teams I had in, who are currently out, which probably won't change. Six of the squads I picked in the East would be in the playoffs. Regardless of seeding, does it really matter after the Celtics? My apologies to the Hawks and Wizards. The ATL was shedding contracts; they definitely helped an in-conference foe, now they seem reluctant to trade Millsap. We'll see what else shakes out leading up to the trade deadline on February 23rd. John Wall is the engine that drives it in the District. The best players find ways to push their team into the playoffs.

If you were betting with me, the West looks pretty solid. I obviously underestimated the revamped Houston Rockets. Holy Shit does James Harden look good in his new offense with systematic position players Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson. It's The Beard or Westbrook for MVP at this point—you can always put LeBron in the conversation as well. I was way to over-zealous on the Wolves, sheesh, they just rip your soul out if you're a fan. I'm actually fearful that Thibodeau's personality and continuous barking is not what the young guys in Minneapolis need/want/respond to. Maybe the Wolves will be players in the trade-market (Rubio anyone?). Portland might need to make a move too. Other than my exclusion of Houston and my T'Wolves inclusion, I'm doing pretty well out West. The playoffs are going to be awesome on this side of the bracket.

I'll dish on some hoops throughout the rest of the season, including some college hoop nuggets along the way. Before the start of the playoffs I'll review the standings one last time. Until then, only in the NBA.

eightychoices.

NBA Basketball is Back

NBA 2016-17

Tomorrow marks the start of the NBA season, proving that time does fly. Four months ago the Cavs did the unthinkable and became the first team ever to come back from a 3-1 deficit in The Finals. Has anyone seen Curry's mouth guard? There's no better ceremony than the raising of a championship banner. The Association tips off with a triple header. Cleveland hosts the Knicks in the first of two nationally televised games. San Antonio heads to Oakland (aka The Death Star) in the later game. Rip City hosts the Utah Jazz in the other matchup on opening night.

Not too long ago I posted my thoughts on who would make the playoffs and which teams might be the most interesting or fun to watch. Today's rant will focus on players who could snare the MVP, obvious or otherwise...

Kyrie Irving -

If Cleveland chooses to bludgeon the East they may end up with two candidates. The first and most obvious is LeBron James. He more than most understands legacy and his place in history. Only Kareem, Russel and Jordan have been awarded more MVP's than James. If the best player of this generation sets out to destroy, who I am to bet against him. After all, he's attempting to make it to seven straight Finals... His point guard, Uncle Drew, also has a chance to capture the league MVP. If LeBron plays in less games or logs less minutes, thus inducing Kyrie to go ballistic. There's a chance his numbers could get insane, especially in the scoring department. If leadership skills begin to develop as well, voters would have to take notice. Kyrie might also need to play in 80+ games to further cement those potential votes. There's also a chance that they cannibalize each other's votes. But in a year coming off of the greatest shot he's ever taken and made, it might just be his turn to take the regular season torch, he's more than capable of scorching opposing perimeter players. He out-dueled the unanimous MVP in The Finals. That alone is a pretty impressive feat to build upon.

Russel Westbrook -

I can hardly wait to watch Russel Westbrook nuke opponents this year. The energy and emotion with which Westbrook plays is unmatched. Fueled evermore by the cupcake decision of his past running-mate and the continued blathering by that same former teammate (though he'll never admit that). I expect Russ to morph into some type of hybrid X-Men basketball hero. He might even spontaneously combust, or shoot laser beams from his eyes and melt opponents. Either way, he's going to stuff the stat sheet. The Thunder are his team now. If OKC can grab a top four seed it will be the result of Westbrook's abilities, both physically and psychologically. I believe he can make others better. And if all that happens, he's a legit MVP candidate. Go Russ go.

Damian Lillard -

Coach Steve Kerr is quoted as saying, "...Damian Lillard wins the election. That's my forecast." I  agree with him. Dame has a purely unique identity and team, the competitive-motor runs high collectively. Last year he proved he's a leader. Rip City made their way into the second round of the playoffs after losing four starters. Other than game 1, the Blazers held the lead for 137 minutes against the Warriors in the rest of that series. He's a top three point guard that has no problem sharing the limelight with others. He'll continue to put up numbers as the trailblazers battle for a home seed out West. Portland has continuity coming into this season and they have Dame DOLLA. The stars could align.

Despite all of the juicy subplots that incubated during the off season, the players still have to play the games. Thanks for checking in. Now we can fix our attention to the NBA.

eightychoices.

All Russ | All Day

Russel Westbrook | AJXXXI

Initial Jordan hype for Russel Westbrook's assault on the NBA. "Some run, some make runways."

eightychoices.

5 NBA Teams to Watch

Wolves ready to Howl

The 2016-17 NBA season should be FANtastic. There will be plenty of storylines and some amazing teams to watch for this year. Beyond the obvious two, the defending champs and the death star, there are some intriguing teams in the NBA, if not entertaining. You're probably thinking this is too soon, you're probably right. I am here furthering my confessed loved of hoops. Below is a list of the five teams I'm most interested in watching coming into the much hyped NBA season. Explanations are as given, along with two honorable mentions.  

1. Minnesota T'Wolves - Karl Anthony-Towns (the most un-tradable player in the NBA due to his potential and being on a rookie contract) is the main reason all Wolves fans should be drooling, perhaps even howling. If you watched him play last year than you know what I'm talking about. Kris Dunn will hopefully fleece Rubio and steal his milk money for good. Wiggins ascension is vital, please be working on that outside game. Lavine's bounce has been put on blast but none other than Dr. J. Will the two-time dunk champ push Wiggins, or maybe win a sixth man award if he comes off the bench? Personally I'm a fan of him starting. Please say adios to Rubio &/or Pekovic if the youth movement whips into shape via the new mastermind. Either that, or they help to solidify the second unit. How will the Wolves utilize Muhammad & Dieng? Then there's Thibodeau, one of the top 5 to 7 coaches in the NBA, taking over a talented young team craving the playoffs. Roster

2. Utah Jazz - Defense, youth, length, a good coach who is modern and intense, mad depth, coupled with a smart franchise, equals a continued rise in the Western Conference standings. They're basically made to defend the small ball spread pick and roll. Hayward, Favors, Gobert, Hood & Burks, plus a healthy Exum,  equal one of the best young rosters in the Association. How will Diaw and Joe Johnson mesh into the mix, along with George Hill and the rookie additions? One's thing's for sure, Utah will play hard, play D and their fans will always fill the arena. Dare I say they're a lock to make the playoffs? I believe they will. Roster

3. Milwaukee Bucks - Freakish upside & length easily sums up the Bucks future. The Greek Freak, aka Giannis, whom I saw last year and was utterly impressed by—he was the best player on the court at times when I watched him at Golden State. Jabari has offensive skills but will he transform into a defender. Or be traded before we see him gel in Milwaukee? Is Thon Maker for real? Is Malcolm Brogdon for real? J. Kidd re-upping and getting to truly put his fingerprints on the team should help them reestablish the magic that took them to the playoffs in his first year there. Will MCW be a switch-everything perimeter stopper or a Shaun Livingston 2.0 off the bench? The Bucks could compete in the East and I haven't even mentioned the highly coveted Kris Middleton, or the trade bait that is Greg Monroe. Plus they signed Dellavedova, I loved him in Cleveland. Roster

4. Charlotte Hornets - Kemba will be fully unleashed now that Lin is gone. I love me some Kemba. MKG will be back and is bound to play his brand of tough-nosed defense and all-out hustle. Hopefully his jumper has been getting smoother, if not a bit more trust-worthy. The Hornets brought most of the roster back and will try to build on their momentum from last year. Batum got paid, Belinelli was brought in, psycho T returns to Carolina, Hibbert replaces big Al, and Steve Clifford is easily a coach on the rise. Plus this is MJ's team. And the East is wide open, other than the fact the LeBron plays in the same conference. Roster 

5. New York Knicks - Come on. Melo, The Zinger, D. Rose & his old pal Noah, Brandon Jennings off the pine/starting, coupled with the acquisitions of Courtney Lee (whom I like) & Tony Wroten, make the Knicks an early season must-watch. Even if I'm tuning in just to see how it all works (it could also be a hot mess of a dumpster fire). Holliday showed flashes last year and O'Quinn will do some dirty work. Really I just want to see Wichita State 2.0 in the pros mixing it up with the Zinger. Maybe the Zen Master could unleash Ron Baker and Cleanthony Early, all those guys did was win at the collegiate level with hard work, determination and real basketball skills that translated into team ball. Oh yeah, I forgot, Phil doesn't think modern players have the proper skills, patience or acumen to succeed in the triangle. Guess what Zen Master? You don't have Jordan and Pippen or Shaq and Kobe and now the NBA allows zone-like defenses—maybe you need to update your Windows '96. Jeff Hornacek coaching in the Big Apple with a former foe as his boss should also be fun to keep an eye on. Two important questions: Will Melo waive his no trade clause to join LeBron? And when will the Knicks realize their highest paid players could have competed for a championship in 2010-11? It's time to start playing the youngsters and build around Porzingis. Roster

Westbrook Snarl

Honorable Mention 
OKC Thunder - Two words: Russel Westbrook! Please basketball gods, keep Russ in a Thunder jersey so I can witness him ripping the NBA a new one. He'll be a triple-double machine, resembling something like an unstoppable mutant X-men alien.

Boston Celtics - They have the best young coach in the NBA (Brad Stevens). They have the most daring and draft stashing master GM (Danny Ainge). And they landed the second best free agent of the summer (Al Horford).



eightychoices.