I talked with Cleveland starting swingman Anthony Parker prior to the Celtics-Cavs game tonight. Here is what the Bradley alum, who is averaging 6.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and a team best 2.4 assists per turnover, had to say.
1. From an outside perspective, what is your view of the Celtics, they are 9-9, but are they still an elite team?
Parker: You know, I think a lot of people had questions coming into this season with the condensed schedule and not a lot of time to prepare and everything, so does it favor them, does it hurt them? I think they are a veteran team that knows how to win, and regardless of injuries, you see now that they have the capabilities that come playoff team they are probably going to be a team that no one wants to see in the First Round.
2. How has the short preseason and limited practice time effected you guys? I think you've surprised some with your record to this point.
Parker: I think that it is something that everyone has had to deal with, everybody is on a level playing field. Coaches have done a good job of mixin in, getting in shape, and getting everyone after it, and putting in sets, but also knowing when we need a break. You know it's definitely something you have to teach on the fly, and there is a gradual chemistry and feel between the players that kind of evolves as the season goes on, but you know, everybody is dealing with it.
3. What kind of challenge is it for a player like you who has to guard both Ray Allen and Paul Pierce in the same night?
Parker: They are both great at what they do, and its completely different. And I think that is why they complement each other so well. Paul Pierce is really good on the ball, creating his own shot, and creating for other players, isos, and stuff like that. Ray Allen is just constant motion, players really look to screen for him, and he's one of the best are learning how to use the screens and getting his shots off. It's a different challenge, but equally tough.
4. How have the Cleveland fans been, now a full year removed from LeBron James?
Parker: Well I think last year the Cleveland fans have been great, this year they have been great. There is a new energy, a new hope, especially with the young guys we have in the organization now. I think this year we have kind of turned the corner, we haven't gotten as many questions about the last couple years. I know that is a sign of turning the corner and talking about the roster we have now.
5. I know he was the #1 pick in the draft, but are you surprised by just how quickly Kyrie has been able to come in and have success?
Parker: I mean the kid can play. And considering he missed most of his one year of college, he's only logged, I don't know how many hundreds of minutes since high school. So just his pace that he plays with, his ability, his natural talent and his feel for the game is far ahead of what I expected from him, his future is bright.
BONUS QUESTION
Who do you got, Pats or Giants in the Super Bowl?
Parker: (laughs) You know what, I'm a Bears fan. So one of the corny answers, I just want a good game. But either way, I think if Eli wins it, you know I'm happy for him in that market and kind of taking the beaten he's done. But then for Tom Brady to come back and win, what would it be, his 4th? (Keefe: Yeah, it would be his 4th win.) I think that would be awesome, and it would certainly cement him as being one of the elite quarterbacks of all time.
-Keefe
Showing posts with label Cavs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cavs. Show all posts
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, February 19, 2010
Look Out Cleveland!
1st place Cavs get Antawn Jamison (20.5 points, 8.8 rebounds) for what is likely going to be the 30th pick in the 2010 Draft. (Big Z will be back)
Celtics get Nate Robinson... but give up Eddie House and their 2008 Draft (Bill Walker/ J.R. Giddens.)
Great.
-Keefe
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Keefe's 2009-2010 NBA Preview: Eastern Conference
Yesterday I gave you the Western Conference from top to bottom, today it's the Eastern Conference. Tomorrow I will conclude my 2009-2010 NBA Preview with Awards, Conference Finals match ups, and of course the NBA Champion. To the East!
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Orlando Magic
4. Washington Wizards
5. Miami Heat
6. Chicago Bulls
7. Toronto Raptors
8. Indiana Pacers
9. Atlanta Hawks
10. Detroit Pistons
11. New York Knicks
12. Philadelphia 76ers
13. Charlotte Bobcats
14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. New Jersey Nets
1. Celtics
Who's Back: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Eddie House
Who's New: Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Sheldon Williams, Lester Hudson
Turns out Glen Davis is even a bigger idiot then we thought. The big fella who signed a 2 year $6.5 million dollar deal in the off season was messing around with a friend and broke his thumb, he is now out 6-8 weeks. Not good, when it would have been ideal to ease KG back from his injury. This is annoying, but I still think the C's are the best in the East when healthy.
2. Cavaliers
Who's Back: LeBron James, Mo Williams, Big Z, Boobie Gibson, Anderson Varejao, J.J. Hickson
Who's New: Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon
Everyone is talking about Shaq, but I think their best moves this off season were the signings of Parker and Moon. Two guys with some size at the 2-3 spot who can knock down the 3. Delonte West is an unknown, so suddenly those guys are even more important. And of course they have LeBron.
3. Magic
Who's Back: Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson, Marcin Gortat
Who's New: Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, Jason Williams (white one out of Florida, not the one who killed his driver or the one who ruined his NBA career wrecking a motorcycle.)
The East is clearly a 3 team race, and each team went out and tried to improve their club. Orlando is the defending Eastern Conference champions... which no one seems to remember. I like the addition of Vince, and Barnes and Bass were 2 guys I really wanted the Celtics to bring in. So even though they lose Hedo, I think the Magic are even better than they were last year. (Note: Rashard Lewis out the first 10 games after getting busted for roids.)
4. Wizards
Who's Back: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, DeShawn Stevenson
Who's New: Mike Miller, Randy Foye
If healthy this is a scary team, but of course, they are never healthy. Season hasn't even started and Jamison is already expected to miss the first 8-13 games. Gilbert played in only 2 last year, making it a lost year. When they go small thought look out: Arenas, Foye, Miller, Butler, Jamison... fun to watch, should be the highest scoring trio in the league too with Gilbert, Caron, and Antawn.
5. Heat
Who's Back: Everyone
Who's New: Q
D-Wade is the 2nd best player in the NBA in my mind. If he can get anything out of Jermaine O'Neal and Haslem up front, and if 2nd year players Beasley and Chalmers get better they should be a playoff team.
6. Bulls
Who's Back: Derrick Rose, John Salmons, Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas, Kirk Hinrich, Brad Miller
Who's New: James Johnson, Jannero Pargo, Taj Gibson
Ben Gordon is gone, but I expect Derrick Rose to be even better than his Rookie of the Year campaign a season ago. They still got Hinrich coming off the bench and a pair of 1st round picks (Johnson & Gibson) who should contribute. Normally this might not be a playoff team, but the East is weak.
7. Raptors
Who's Back: Chris Bosh. Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani
Who's New: Hedo Turkoglu, DeMar DeRozan, Marco Belinelli, Jarret Jack, Amir Johnson, and Sports Brief favorite Antoine Wright
If they put it all together this could be a tough team, but thats a big if. DeRozan may have been the best athlete in the draft, how will he develop? Is this Bosh's farewell season in Toronto? Does he go out with a bang or 1st round play off exit... again.
8. Pacers
Who's Back: Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert, Jeff Foster
Who's New: Dahntay Jones, Tyler Hansbrough, Earl Watson
Like in the West I had to go with a sleeper to make the playoffs. This pick is based soley on how good I think Danny Granger is. Because the East has only 3 dominate teams, I believe 1 elite player can get his team into the playoffs (See: Wade, Rose, Bosh... now Granger.)
9. Hawks
Who's Back: Everyone
Who's New: Jamal Crawford, Joe Smith
Yes Joe Johnson should be on the same list as Granger, Bosh, and Rose, but I have a feeling the Hawks fall off a bit this year. They've gotten better each of the last 4 seasons, however I believe they have hit a wall. How much further can they get with a core group of Bibby (aging), Johnson (legit), Marvin Williams (sucks), Josh Smith (all over the place), and Horford (above average rebounder)?
10. Pistons
Who's Back: Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey, Kwame Brown, Jason Maxiell, Will Bynum
Who's New: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox
Detroit forgot that all the good free agents were next off season and blew all of their money on Gordon and Villanueva this year. I just don't like this team. I wish a hardy goodluck to 1st year coach John Kuester.
11. Knicks
Who's Back: David Lee, Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington, Danilo Gallinari, Chris Duhon, Nate Robinson, Larry Hughes, Eddy Curry
Who's New: Darko!, Jordan Hill
Trivia question, who led the NBA in double-doubles last year? Answer: David Lee. Pretty ridiculous considering Lee plays in the same league as Dwight Howard. 1st round pick (8th overall) Jordan Hill has "a ways to go" according to head coach Mike D'Antoni, that sums up the entire squad I'd say. They'll score a lot and lose a lot. What happens if they don't get LeBron? Could Gallinari break out this year?
12. 76ers
Who's Back: Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Marreese Speights
Who's New: Jason Kapono, Rodney Carney, Jrue Holliday
Andre Miller is gone, meaning Lou Williams gets the job at point. What about 1st round pick Jrue Holliday? Well the guy who I said needed to return to school more than any other underclassmen, did not play in a single preseason game for Philly, and not because of injury, but rather he is so far out from the rotation. Nice.
13. Bobcats
Who's Back: Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Vlad Radmanovic, D.J. Augustin, Nazr Mohammed
Who's New: Tyson Chandler, Gerald Henderson
Still everytime I hear the name Bobcats or see their uniforms I have to convince myself it's an NBA team. Seems more like an NBDL or Arena Football or something. Raja Bell is putting off surgery, but if he reinjures his left wrist he could be out for good. Okafor out Chandler in, means less than their 35 wins from a season ago.
14. Bucks
Who's Back: Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, Luke Ridnour, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Who's New: Hakim Warrick, Brandon Jennings, Carlos Delfino, Kurt Thomas, Ersan Ilyasova
They lose Villanueva and Sessions from a 34 win team, of course Michael Redd played just 33 games due to injury. Speaking of injury former 1st rounder Joe Alexander (who sucks) is out 8-12 weeks. I do like Brandon Jennings a lot, and he is a reason to watch a Bucks game this year.
15. Nets
Who's Back: Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, CDR, Josh Boone
Who's New: Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, Skip to my Lou, Russian Owner
Like the Kings, Bucks, and T-Wolves, NJ should watch a lot of college basketball this year. There is a tremendous Freshmen class this year with the likes of Wall, Favors, Cousins, Henry, Sidney, and Stephenson. Goodluck Nets!
-Keefe
Enjoy the 1st Night of the NBA Season! Celtics/ Cavs, Wizards/Mavs, Rockets/ Blazers, and Lakers/ Clippers. I'll have all the awards and pick my NBA Champ tomorrow.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Orlando Magic
4. Washington Wizards
5. Miami Heat
6. Chicago Bulls
7. Toronto Raptors
8. Indiana Pacers
9. Atlanta Hawks
10. Detroit Pistons
11. New York Knicks
12. Philadelphia 76ers
13. Charlotte Bobcats
14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. New Jersey Nets
1. Celtics
Who's Back: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Eddie House
Who's New: Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Sheldon Williams, Lester Hudson
Turns out Glen Davis is even a bigger idiot then we thought. The big fella who signed a 2 year $6.5 million dollar deal in the off season was messing around with a friend and broke his thumb, he is now out 6-8 weeks. Not good, when it would have been ideal to ease KG back from his injury. This is annoying, but I still think the C's are the best in the East when healthy.
2. Cavaliers
Who's Back: LeBron James, Mo Williams, Big Z, Boobie Gibson, Anderson Varejao, J.J. Hickson
Who's New: Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon
Everyone is talking about Shaq, but I think their best moves this off season were the signings of Parker and Moon. Two guys with some size at the 2-3 spot who can knock down the 3. Delonte West is an unknown, so suddenly those guys are even more important. And of course they have LeBron.
3. Magic
Who's Back: Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson, Marcin Gortat
Who's New: Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, Jason Williams (white one out of Florida, not the one who killed his driver or the one who ruined his NBA career wrecking a motorcycle.)
The East is clearly a 3 team race, and each team went out and tried to improve their club. Orlando is the defending Eastern Conference champions... which no one seems to remember. I like the addition of Vince, and Barnes and Bass were 2 guys I really wanted the Celtics to bring in. So even though they lose Hedo, I think the Magic are even better than they were last year. (Note: Rashard Lewis out the first 10 games after getting busted for roids.)
4. Wizards
Who's Back: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, DeShawn Stevenson
Who's New: Mike Miller, Randy Foye
If healthy this is a scary team, but of course, they are never healthy. Season hasn't even started and Jamison is already expected to miss the first 8-13 games. Gilbert played in only 2 last year, making it a lost year. When they go small thought look out: Arenas, Foye, Miller, Butler, Jamison... fun to watch, should be the highest scoring trio in the league too with Gilbert, Caron, and Antawn.
5. Heat
Who's Back: Everyone
Who's New: Q
D-Wade is the 2nd best player in the NBA in my mind. If he can get anything out of Jermaine O'Neal and Haslem up front, and if 2nd year players Beasley and Chalmers get better they should be a playoff team.
6. Bulls
Who's Back: Derrick Rose, John Salmons, Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas, Kirk Hinrich, Brad Miller
Who's New: James Johnson, Jannero Pargo, Taj Gibson
Ben Gordon is gone, but I expect Derrick Rose to be even better than his Rookie of the Year campaign a season ago. They still got Hinrich coming off the bench and a pair of 1st round picks (Johnson & Gibson) who should contribute. Normally this might not be a playoff team, but the East is weak.
7. Raptors
Who's Back: Chris Bosh. Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani
Who's New: Hedo Turkoglu, DeMar DeRozan, Marco Belinelli, Jarret Jack, Amir Johnson, and Sports Brief favorite Antoine Wright
If they put it all together this could be a tough team, but thats a big if. DeRozan may have been the best athlete in the draft, how will he develop? Is this Bosh's farewell season in Toronto? Does he go out with a bang or 1st round play off exit... again.
8. Pacers
Who's Back: Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert, Jeff Foster
Who's New: Dahntay Jones, Tyler Hansbrough, Earl Watson
Like in the West I had to go with a sleeper to make the playoffs. This pick is based soley on how good I think Danny Granger is. Because the East has only 3 dominate teams, I believe 1 elite player can get his team into the playoffs (See: Wade, Rose, Bosh... now Granger.)
9. Hawks
Who's Back: Everyone
Who's New: Jamal Crawford, Joe Smith
Yes Joe Johnson should be on the same list as Granger, Bosh, and Rose, but I have a feeling the Hawks fall off a bit this year. They've gotten better each of the last 4 seasons, however I believe they have hit a wall. How much further can they get with a core group of Bibby (aging), Johnson (legit), Marvin Williams (sucks), Josh Smith (all over the place), and Horford (above average rebounder)?
10. Pistons
Who's Back: Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey, Kwame Brown, Jason Maxiell, Will Bynum
Who's New: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox
Detroit forgot that all the good free agents were next off season and blew all of their money on Gordon and Villanueva this year. I just don't like this team. I wish a hardy goodluck to 1st year coach John Kuester.
11. Knicks
Who's Back: David Lee, Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington, Danilo Gallinari, Chris Duhon, Nate Robinson, Larry Hughes, Eddy Curry
Who's New: Darko!, Jordan Hill
Trivia question, who led the NBA in double-doubles last year? Answer: David Lee. Pretty ridiculous considering Lee plays in the same league as Dwight Howard. 1st round pick (8th overall) Jordan Hill has "a ways to go" according to head coach Mike D'Antoni, that sums up the entire squad I'd say. They'll score a lot and lose a lot. What happens if they don't get LeBron? Could Gallinari break out this year?
12. 76ers
Who's Back: Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Marreese Speights
Who's New: Jason Kapono, Rodney Carney, Jrue Holliday
Andre Miller is gone, meaning Lou Williams gets the job at point. What about 1st round pick Jrue Holliday? Well the guy who I said needed to return to school more than any other underclassmen, did not play in a single preseason game for Philly, and not because of injury, but rather he is so far out from the rotation. Nice.
13. Bobcats
Who's Back: Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Vlad Radmanovic, D.J. Augustin, Nazr Mohammed
Who's New: Tyson Chandler, Gerald Henderson
Still everytime I hear the name Bobcats or see their uniforms I have to convince myself it's an NBA team. Seems more like an NBDL or Arena Football or something. Raja Bell is putting off surgery, but if he reinjures his left wrist he could be out for good. Okafor out Chandler in, means less than their 35 wins from a season ago.
14. Bucks
Who's Back: Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, Luke Ridnour, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Who's New: Hakim Warrick, Brandon Jennings, Carlos Delfino, Kurt Thomas, Ersan Ilyasova
They lose Villanueva and Sessions from a 34 win team, of course Michael Redd played just 33 games due to injury. Speaking of injury former 1st rounder Joe Alexander (who sucks) is out 8-12 weeks. I do like Brandon Jennings a lot, and he is a reason to watch a Bucks game this year.
15. Nets
Who's Back: Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, CDR, Josh Boone
Who's New: Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, Skip to my Lou, Russian Owner
Like the Kings, Bucks, and T-Wolves, NJ should watch a lot of college basketball this year. There is a tremendous Freshmen class this year with the likes of Wall, Favors, Cousins, Henry, Sidney, and Stephenson. Goodluck Nets!
-Keefe
Enjoy the 1st Night of the NBA Season! Celtics/ Cavs, Wizards/Mavs, Rockets/ Blazers, and Lakers/ Clippers. I'll have all the awards and pick my NBA Champ tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Cleveland Rocks?
Well LeBron James is already in the 2nd round and looks ready to make a trip back to the NBA Finals, and the Indians snapped the Red Sox 11 game winning streak (with a big assist to the dreadful Julio Lugo), but those teams are still in Cleveland. Enjoy this:
-Keefe
Oh and for the record, how good are Pierce and Rondo? And what a series. I would write about it, but everyone else is, not sure what to add, except wow.
-Keefe
Oh and for the record, how good are Pierce and Rondo? And what a series. I would write about it, but everyone else is, not sure what to add, except wow.
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