LeBron Going Back To Cleveland

LeBetrayl! http://t.co/DMgP4cawr7

— NBA GIFs (@TheNBAGif) July 11, 2014

This is the best. We've now seen LeBron in the nWo and now The Shield, two of the greatest stables of all-time.

Which Site Will Get More Hits Tonight?

LeBronJames.com

Or

SportsBrief.blogspot.com

Toss up, really.  He should get a boost with all this "where will he go" talk, but I have faith in our die hard fans. 

Thanks for making us #1*

*Hypothetically 

Big 4?

Big 3 could become the Big 4?  The fellas at ESPN think so.

How insane would this be?  Yes, they would need a lot to happen, opt outs, pay cuts, and everything else, but good Lord.  You thought people went nuts when LeBron, Wade, and Bosh teamed up, this will crush that.

In a weird, weird way, I want this to happen.   Don't get me wrong, I want Melo to play for the Celtics, but if he doesn't give me a hated villain.  The Heat are already the NBA's villain, can you imagine what it would be like if they add Melo?  Come on.

LeBron's Kryptonite

It wouldn't be fair if he was everything-proof. 

Dan Le Batard At His Best

NBA Conference Semis Picks

WIZARDS over PACERS in 6

HEAT over NETS in 7

TRAIL BLAZERS over SPURS in 6

THUNDER over CLIPPERS in 6

Jeff Green's Game Winner

Like it or not this was awesome.  I don't care if you want the Celtics to go 0-82, the face LeBron James makes after Green's buzzer beater was more than worth it.  For those of you who missed this on a Saturday night...

2013-14 NBA Season Predictions

The NBA season tips off tonight.  For the first time in 7 years the Celtics are not title contenders.  They're probably not playoff contenders, but here is how I think the whole thing shakes out.

Eastern Conference:
1. Miami Heat
2. Chicago Bulls
3. Brooklyn Nets
4. Indiana Pacers
5. New York Knicks
6. Atlanta Hawks
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
8. Detroit Pistons
---
9. Washington Wizards
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Toronto Raptors
12. Boston Celtics
13. Charlotte Bobcats
14. Orlando Magic
15. Philadelphia 76ers

Western Conference:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Houston Rockets
3. San Antonio Spurs
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Los Angeles Clippers
6. Memphis Grizzlies
7. Dallas Mavericks
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
---
9. Denver Nuggets
10. Los Angeles Lakers
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. New Orleans Pelicans
13. Utah Jazz
14. Sacramento Kings
15. Phoenix Suns

EAST: Heat over Nets

WEST: Thunder over Grizzlies

FINALS: Heat over Thunder

MVP: LeBron James, Miami Heat

Rookie of the Year: Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings

Defensive Player of the Year: Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

Most Improved: Worst Award Ever.

6th Man of the Year: Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau, Chicago Bulls

All-NBA 1st Team:
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
LeBron James, Miami Heat
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

All-NBA 2nd Team:
James Harden, Houston Rockets
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

All-NBA 3rd Team:
Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls


All-Rookie 1st Team:
Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Tim Hardaway Jr., New York Knicks
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons
Cody Zeller, Charlotte Bobcats

All-Rookie 2nd Team:
Michael Carter-Williams, Philadelphia 76ers
Anthony Bennett, Cleveland Cavaliers
Vitor Faverani, Boston Celtics
Glen Rice Jr., Washington Wizards
Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder


All-Defensive 1st Team:
Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
LeBron James, Miami Heat
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

All-Defensive 2nd Team:
Avery Bradley, Boston Celtics
Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks
Andre Iguodala, Golden State Warriors
Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets


Eastern Conference All-Stars:
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
LeBron James, Miami Heat
Kevin Garnett, Brooklyn Nets

Deron Williams, Brooklyn Nets
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
Roy Hibbert, Indiana Pacers
Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Greg Monroe, Detroit Pistons
Paul Pierce, Brooklyn Nets

Western Conference All-Stars:
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

James Harden, Houston Rockets
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

Anything else?

2012-13 NBA Season Preview

Picks you can rip. It’s that time of year again, here are my on the record for picks for everything this season. Playoff teams, the champion, and all the individual awards you can handle. Hopefully this helps you kill time before tonight’s Celtics-Heat game.


WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

2. Los Angeles Lakers

3. Los Angeles Clippers

4. San Antonio Spurs

5. Memphis Grizzlies

6. Denver Nuggets

7. Houston Rockets

8. Minnesota Timberwolves


EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS:

1. Miami Heat

2. Boston Celtics

3. Indiana Pacers

4. Chicago Bulls

5. Philadelphia 76ers

6. Brooklyn Nets

7. New York Knicks

8. Atlanta Hawks


WCF: Lakers over Thunder

ECF: Heat over Celtics

Finals: Heat over Lakers


Western All-Stars:

Chris Paul, Clippers

Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Kevin Durant, Thunder

Blake Griffin, Clippers

Dwight Howard, Lakers



Russell Westbrook, Thunder

Kevin Love, Timberwolves

Zach Randolph, Grizzlies

Tony Parker, Spurs

Steve Nash, Lakers

James Harden, Rockets

DeMarcus Cousins, Kings


Eastern All-Stars:

Deron Williams, Nets

Dwyane Wade, Heat

LeBron James, Heat

Carmelo Anthony, Knicks

Andrew Bynum, 76ers


Rajon Rondo, Celtics

Kevin Garnett, Celtics

Paul Pierce, Celtics

Chris Bosh, Heat

Monta Ellis, Bucks

Al Horford, Hawks

Joe Johnson, Nets


Rookie of the Year: Anthony Davis, Hornets

All-Rookie 1st Team

Anthony Davis, Hornets

Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers

Bradley Beal, Wizards

Terrence Jones, Rockets

Harrison Barnes, Warriors

All-Rookie 2nd Team

Jared Sullinger, Celtics

Perry Jones III, Thunder

Andrew Nicholson, Magic

Alexey Shved, Timberwolves

Kendall Marshall, Suns

6th Man of the Year: Jason Terry, Celtics

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Lakers

All-Defense 1st Team

Chris Paul, Clippers

Tony Allen, Grizzlies

LeBron James, Heat

Kevin Garnett, Celtics

Dwight Howard, Lakers

All-Defense 2nd Team

Rajon Rondo, Celtics

Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Andre Iguodala, Nuggets

Josh Smith, Hawks

Tyson Chandler, Knicks

Coach of the Year: Rick Adelman, Timberwolves

MVP: LeBron James, Heat

All-NBA 1st Team

Chris Paul, Clippers

Rajon Rondo, Celtics

Kevin Durant, Thunder

LeBron James, Heat

Dwight Howard, Lakers

All-NBA 2nd Team

Russell Westbrook, Thunder

Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Blake Griffin, Clippers

Kevin Love, Timberwolves

Andrew Bynum, 76ers

All-NBA 3rd Team

Deron Williams, Nets

James Harden, Rockets

Carmelo Anthony, Knicks

Zach Randolph, Grizzlies

Al Horford, Hawks

  -Keefe

The Future of the Miami Heat

Ok, first off, it is entirely too early to write off the Heat as they trail the Celtics 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals.  They started the series with 2 wins in a row and there is a chance they can finish with 2 straight.  However, I think the C's close it out tomorrow night in Game 6 and advance to the NBA Finals for the 3rd time in 5 seasons. 

I'll spend time on podcasts, shows, and articles discussing the future of the Celtics.  Does KG come back? What happens to Ray Allen?  What will the bench look like?  Will Brandon Bass want to return? Etc.  But right now let's take a quick look at the NBA's Super Villian: Miami Heat.

Did you know that LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers, Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony, Shane Battier, James Jones, Norris Cole, and Ronny Turiaf (player option) are all under contract NEXT SEASON.  So if there is going to be turnover on the roster it will have to come via trades and buyouts.  That's 11 players, which would make it much easier said than done to "blow it up."

In my opinion, LeBron is still the best player in the game.  Wade is Top 10 but on the decline.  Bosh is the worst multiple time All-Star in the business (he doesn't suck, but let's not confuse him with the elite power forwards.)  Chalmers isn't bad, however there are so many talented point guards he's still in the middle of the pack, at best.  The rest of the supporting cast is trash; 3-point hopefuls (Miller, Jones, Battier) and big man du jour: (Anthony, Haslem, Turiaf, Howard, Pittman).  But perhaps the worst of the non Big 2.5 is Erik Spoelstra. 

Good news for Spo?  There are some great "Resume Builder" software out there on the web and it's free. 

The easy move for the Heat is to can the coach.  That will happen, but should they simply stop there?  In a word, no.

You're not trading LeBron James.  That would be insane.  Call him not clutch, afraid of the moment, not a leader, whatever you want, but you do NOT deal him.  In order to to really shake things up you then look to Wade and Bosh.  The fact is the Heat would be a better team centered on a nucleus of LeBron and Bosh instead of LeBron and Wade, but would Miami dare trade the best player in their franchise history?

A Chris Bosh + stuff for Dwight Howard + stuff might make sense.  The Heat get a dominant rebounder, some post presence, and an anchor on their defense.  But would Orlando give up 1-year of Howard for 2-years (plus some player options) of Chris Bosh?  Depending on the packages being offered to the Magic, they might have to at least consider it.  Miami would have a legit Big 3 (and another guy who's afraid of the moment.) 

If Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were Batman & Robin then LeBron-Wade-Howard would be the Joker-Two Face-Mr. Freeze (or substitute anyone you like, maybe Riddler, Penguin, Bane, Scarecrow, etc.  Batman really did have the best villains... and these three are the Top 3 villiains in the NBA.)

The ineffectiveness of LeBron and Wade playing together (overall) can not be overlooked.  Do these two really complement each other?  For every 90 foot alley-oop pass or Sportscenter Top 10 play, there is a 100 times where one will watch the other dribble for 10 seconds and force an off balance jumper.  Maybe having two of the best wing players on the same team isn't the best formula.  (The fact that they made the Finals last year and still have a chance this year, without having any sense of an offense and a crap coach speaks to just how talented these guys are.)

As crazy as LeBron-Wade-Howard would truly be, I think Miami is better off dealing the face of their franchise in Wade, and seeing what they can get to pair with LeBron-Bosh (and a coach with a clue.) 

Their season is not over.  But when it is (unless it ends in a title) it will be an unbelievably fascinating off season in Miami.  Dare I say, even more intriguing than the summer of 2010?

-Keefe

Will This Guy Be The Difference For The Heat?

NBA Awards 2011-2012 Season

I’ve been sitting on this for a little while and realized I better get this out before they give away all the awards. Gregg Popovich already won Coach of the Year and Tyson Chandler will be named Defensive Player of the Year, two that I was going to pick anyway. You don’t have to believe me, that’s fine. But here are the rest of my picks.


MVP

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Defensive Player of the Year

Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks

6th Man of the Year

James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder

Coach of the Year

Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs

Rookie of the Year

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

All-Rookie 1st Team

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers

Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves

Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets

MarShon Brooks, New Jersey Nets

Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks

All-Rookie 2nd Team

Brandon Knight, Detroit Pistons

Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Derrick Williams, Minnesota Timberwolves

Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento Kings

Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats

Honorable Mention:

Chandler Parsons, Houston Rockets

Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs



All-Defensive 1st Team

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder

Tyson Chandler, New York Knicks

All-Defensive 2nd Team

Avery Bradley, Boston Celtics

Iman Shumpert, New York Knicks

Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers

Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls

Kevin Garnett, Celtics


All-NBA 1st Team

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

LeBron James, Miami Heat

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

All-NBA 2nd Team

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers

All-NBA 3rd Team

Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs

Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns

LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers

Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics


-Keefe

2011-12 NBA Preview

The 2011-12 season tips off on Sunday, so now is the time to go on record with all my picks for the upcoming year. I'll take a shot at everything from MVP to All-Rookie 2nd Team to of course what team will be hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy this summer. Feel free to leave some of your winners in the comments section below. We'll start with team accomplishments followed by individuals awards.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Memphis Grizzlies
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Los Angeles Lakers
5. Dallas Mavericks
6. Portland Trail Blazers
7. San Antonio Spurs
8. Denver Nuggets

Western Finals: Thunder over Clippers

EASTERN CONFERECE:

1. Miami Heat
2. Chicago Bulls
3. Boston Celtics
4. New York Knicks
5. Indiana Pacers
6. Atlanta Hawks
7. Orlando Magic/ New Jersey Nets (whoever Howard plays more for)
8. Milwaukee Bucks

Eastern Finals: Heat over Celtics

NBA Finals: Heat over Thunder

Eastern Conference All-Stars

F - LeBron James, Heat

F - Carmelo Anthony, Knicks

C - Dwight Howard, Magic/Nets?

G - Dwyane Wade, Heat

G - Derrick Rose, Bulls

Reserves:

Deron Williams, Nets
Amare Stoudemire, Knicks
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Chris Bosh, Heat
Danny Granger, Pacers
Al Horford, Hawks

Western Conference All-Stars:

F - Kevin Durant, Thunder

F - Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks

C - Marc Gasol, Grizzlies

G - Kobe Bryant, Lakers

G - Chris Paul, Clippers

Reserves:

Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Rudy Gay, Grizzlies
Blake Griffin, Clippers
Pau Gasol, Lakers
Steve Nash, Suns
Kevin Love, Timberwolves
Eric Gordon, Hornets

Rookie of the Year: Kemba Walker, Bobcats

All-Rookie 1st Team:

Kemba Walker, Bobcats
Ricky Rubio, Timberwolves
Jimmer Fredette, Kings
Enes Kanter, Jazz
Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers

All-Rookie 2nd Team:

Derrick Williams, Timberwolves
Brandon Knight, Pistons
Iman Shumpert, Knicks
Kawhi Leonard, Spurs
JaJuan Johnson, Celtics

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Magic/ Lakers?

All-Defensive 1st Team:

Dwight Howard, Magic
LeBron James, Heat
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Serge Ibaka, Thunder
Dwyane Wade, Heat

All-Defensive 2nd Team:

Chris Paul, Clippers
Shawn Marion, Mavericks
Tyson Chandler, Knicks
Andre Iguodala, 76ers
Darren Collison, Pacers

6th Man of the Year: James Harden, Thunder

Most Improved Player: DeMarcus Cousins, Kings

Coach of the Year: Lionel Hollins, Grizzlies

MVP: Kevin Durant, Thunder

All-NBA 1st Team:

Kevin Durant, Thunder
LeBron James, Heat
Dwight Howard, Magic/ Mavs?
Chris Paul, Clippers
Dwyane Wade, Heat

All-NBA 2nd Team:

Blake Griffin, Clippers
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
Derrick Rose, Bulls
Russell Westbrook, Thunder

All-NBA 3rd Team:

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Amare Stoudemire, Knicks
Al Horford, Hawks
Deron Williams, Nets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers

-Keefe

Taj Gibson!

Bulls F Taj Gibson put Dwyane Wade in the 2011 NBA Playoffs Poster last night in Game 1 of the East Finals... and that may not have been his best dunk. Check out the two super highlights below.




-Keefe

Your 2010-11 Miami Heat!

The Celtics face an 0-2 hole going into Game 3 on Saturday night to the hated Miami Heat. Some of the following clips have been posted on here before, but it really is a much needed reminder of what clowns, talented clowns, they are.

If 2 of the best 5 players in basketball are on the same team, can they win it all? We are going to find out. And another side note... this is no where near a "Big 3." Chris Bosh looks like he wants to poop himself. Start thinking of other nicknames like "LeWade" or "D-Bron," cause Bosh is clearly just another guy.









-Keefe

Thoughts from the Game 1's

I watched as much as I could over the weekend, and this is what I came up with.

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

#1 Bulls vs. #8 Pacers (104-99 Chicago, 1-0)

Shocking. Well as shocking as it can be without the #1 overall seed actually losing. Indiana was leading from start to almost the very end. Tyler Hansborough? Where did that come from? Looked like he was playing a Tuesday night game against Clemson for a few minutes.

I thought Danny Granger summed it up best by comparing Derrick Rose to a stalker ex-girlfriend, every time you turn around she’s there, at your door wherever. I think this game will wake up the Bulls and they will win in 4 or 5.

#2 Heat vs. #7 76ers (97-89, Miami 1-0)

Give credit to Chris Bosh, ok you don’t have too, but he played well and helped the Heat avoid a loss. For the Celtics sake let’s hope Philly can win a game, or two at home, so LeBron and company have to work rather than coast into the 2nd round. I have faith the 6ers can make them fight after watching on Saturday. Game 2 is tonight.

#3 Celtics vs. #6 Knicks (87-85, Boston 1-0)

Jermaine O'Neal! Watching that game was the first time all season when I actually had a JO in Indiana flashback. The way he narrows his body and gets all skinny when he shoots and it a pretty good shot blocker. Now I don't expect that to keep up the rest of the playoffs, but it was fun nonetheless.

The Celtics were lucky in the fact that Carmelo Anthony played well for 1 quarter, and they still nearly lost the game. Melo is going to be better, however if Billups misses a game or two or just isn't effective, it may not matter.

#4 Magic vs. #5 Hawks (103-93, Atlanta 1-0)

The Hawks don’t seem to like playing with each other and they certainly don’t enjoy coaching in general, but they stole home court from Orlando. Dwight Howard 46 points 19 rebounds… in a loss. Let the big man get his and take everyone else out. It worked once, will it work again? I’m going to stick with my pick of the Magic winning this series, the Hawks self hate will overcome.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

#1 Spurs vs. #8 Grizzlies (101-98, Memphis 1-0)

How about this one? Tony Allen starting for a contender? Ok contender is a bit aggressive, but they do present some tough match ups even without Rudy Gay. Memphis get its first playoff win in franchise history (0-12 coming in), and they follow that up by giving Zach Randolph a 4-year contract extension. And you know what? I like it. Sure he seems like the obvious, pay for play guy, 1-year, incentive deals, but go for it Memphis!

It’s the same team Chris Wallace led front office that dealt Pau Gasol for nothing (although Marc Gasol has turned out pretty nice) and drafted Hasheem Thabeet #2 overall, only to pair him with another 1st rounder to get Shane Battier… back.

Manu’s elbow could be the key to this series, however I still think San Antonio advances, but they sure seem ripe for the picking.

#2 Lakers vs. #7 Hornets (109-100, New Orleans 1-0)

I thought New Orleans was the worst Western Conference Playoff team, and the only one not capable of winning a series. Winning a game I figured would be a stretch, let alone at the Staples Center. Hats off to Chris Paul. Maybe he hasn’t been as explosive as we’ve seen earlier in his career, but can we ease up on Derrick Rose is waaaaaay better than CP3, and so is Deron Williams, maybe even Russell Westbrook. Chris Paul is still here folks.

#3 Mavericks vs. #6 Trail Blazers (89-81, Dallas 1-0)

This could be a classic case of everyone picks the “underdog,” making them not the underdog any longer, and they end up losing to the original favorite. Teams 5-8 in the West were hoping to get Dallas. Well Portland did, what can they do with them? As Bill Simmons pointed out in his recent podcast, the Mavs have the best player in this series (Dirk) but Portland might have the next 4 (Aldridge, Wallace, Miller, Camby?) It’s debatable.

Wes Mathews is a good player who had a poor Game 1. Brandon Roy is a total wild card. His injuries knocked him down from a potential Top 10 player, to the team’s 7th man.

As poor as Dirk’s supporting cast is, I believe in this series, he can win 3 games while his supporting cast can take 1. Hey J. Kidd had 24 points in Game 1. Jason Terry is capable of 30 one night, and I’m probably the only person in the country that thinks Shawn Marion could slap up a 20-12 in one of these games.

#4 Thunder vs. #5 Nuggets (107-103, OKC 1-0)

This is the series (outside of Boston-New York obviously) that I am the most interested in watching, and will find ways to be in front of the TV for every minute.

Funny how the 4 playoff teams that really changed at the deadline are involved in 2 series. The Nuggets made a franchise altering deal with the Knicks, and the Celtics shocked their own fans… and players, by trading with the Thunder. A couple months later and you get Celtics-Knicks and Thunder-Nuggets.

I like watching Perkins play. I never, ever, thought I would say that. I yelled at every moving offensive screen, every time he put it on the floor near the basket and did his infuriating “gather move.” But now that he’s gone, I’m like, “Wow look at that screen! Did you see that board? There’s the scowl!” The question remains with OKC, how far can Durant-Westbrook carry them as their only offensive options?

As for Denver, it’s amazing how they don’t have a single star player but can still go a legit 11 deep with each guy bringing their own flavor. George Karl has them meshing well, but you got to wonder if it’s just a fun regular season team that surprised, only to bow out in the playoffs.

If the first weekend is any indication of how the rest of the 2011 post season is going to be, we are in store for one of the all time greatest. I’ll be back throughout the playoffs with scattered thoughts.

Playoff Rotations: Eastern Conference

The trade deadline has passed in the NBA and now players who reached buyout agreements are talking to and signing deals with playoff teams. There are 6 contenders in the East. I think it's a clear Tier 1 (Celtics, Heat, Bulls) and Tier 2 (Magic, Hawks, Knicks). The 76ers are above .500, good for them, they can have Tier 3. But I will breakdown the 6 best teams in the East with what their likely playoff rotation will be. You tell me who is best equipped to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

TIER 1

Celtics:

• Rajon Rondo
• Ray Allen
• Paul Pierce
• Kevin Garnett
• Shaquille O'Neal
• Glen Davis
• Jeff Green
• Delonte West
• (Nenad Krstic/ Troy Murphy when needed)

Heat:

• Mike Bibby
• Dwyane Wade
• LeBron James
• Chris Bosh
• Center X
• Udonis Haslem
• James Jones
• Mike Miller (he can still shoot right?)
  
• Mario Chalmers (if Bibby & James foul out)
  

Bulls:

• Derrick Rose
• Keith Bogans (he'll start and that's about it)
• Luol Deng
• Carlos Boozer
• Joakim Noah
• Taj Gibson
• Kyle Korver
• Ronnie Brewer
• Kurt Thomas
• (Omer Asik depending on match up)
• (Brian Scalabrine for a victory lap)

TIER 2

Magic:

• Jameer Nelson
• Jason Richardson
• Hedo Turkoglu
• Brandon Bass
• Dwight Howard
• Ryan Anderson
• J.J. Redick
• Gilbert Arenas

Hawks:

• Kirk Hinrich
• Joe Johnson
• Marvin Williams
• Josh Smith
• Al Horford
• Jamal Crawford
• Zaza Pachulia
• Jeff Teague (maybe)

Knicks:

• Chauncey Billups
• Landry Fields
• Carmelo Anthony
• Shawne Williams
• Amar'e Stoudemire
• Toney Douglas
• Bill Walker
• Anthony Carter
• Ronny Turiaf

Unless he goes to the West, it appears that Corey Brewer will likely join one of these teams (specifically Tier 1). Each team has at least 1 All-Star. The Celtics have 4, Heat 3, Bulls 1 (but it's the MVP), Magic 1 (2-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year), Hawks 2, Knicks 2 (both started in the game.)

That's impressive. Throw in the fact that 4 of these teams will be matched up against each other in the 1st round, and you just know its going to be a great post season. I'm also pretty sure that all the teams dislike each other as well. Everyone hates the Celtics and the Heat. The Knicks can't be liked in the league, and they got an edge once again. I'm excited for April.


-Keefe

The NWO Rolls Thru Cleveland

LeBron James ripped the heart out of the Cleveland fans a few months ago, and last night brought out the Mortal Kombat like finisher. (For the record, I don't blame LeBron for leaving, just how he did it was awful.)

Let's look back at how this Miami Heat team was constructed...

-Keefe

Look Out Bosh! Here Comes Rondo!

Heat F Chris Bosh shows his toughness in this beauty from last night's Celtics-Heat game. Not only does Bosh not score or rebound as much as he used to, but he is just flat out embarrassing on the defensive end. Here is the best player on your biggest rival, on your home floor, who is 6'1'', and you watch as he slices to the basket and throws down a dunk on your face.

There are no Big 3's in the NBA. Fact. The Celtics have a Big 4 and the Heat have a Big 2. Facts.

Check out this Player Comparison on the season:

Chris Bosh = 14.8 points, 6 rebounds.

Taj Gibson = 15 points, 6.3 rebounds.

Love it.

-Keefe

2010-11 NBA Predictions

Yes, 3 games are in the books, but I still am going to release my 2010-2011 NBA Predictions. Proof that I came up with this list prior to last night, I have the Heat winning the East. Here are the playoff teams and winner of each conference, a finals winner, MVP, 6th Man, Rookie of the Year, D-Player, Most Improved, All-NBA 1st-3rd teams, and All-Rookie 1st and 2nd teams.

Eastern Conference Finish:

1. Miami Heat
2. Orlando Magic
3. Boston Celtics
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Atlanta Hawks
6. Milwaukee Bucks
7. Charlotte Bobcats
8. Indiana Pacers

Heat over Celtics

Western Conference Finish:

1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
3. Utah Jazz
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Portland Trail Blazers
6. San Antonio Spurs
7. Houston Rockets
8. Los Angeles Clippers

Thunder over Lakers

Finals: Thunder over Heat

Individual Awards:

MVP: Kevin Durant, Thunder

6th Man: Jason Terry, Mavericks

D-Player: Dwight Howard, Magic

Most Improved: Jrue Holiday, 76ers

Rookie: Blake Griffin, Clippers

All-Rookie 1st Team:
Blake Griffin, Clippers
John Wall, Wizards
DeMarcus Cousins, Kings
Landry Fields, Knicks
Jordan Crawford, Hawks

All-Rookie 2nd Team:
Evan Turner, 76ers
Wes Johnson, T-Wolves
Derrick Caracter, Lakers
Xavier Henry, Grizzlies
Greg Monroe, Pistons

All-NBA 1st Team:
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Deron Williams, Jazz
Kevin Durant, Thunder
LeBron James, Heat
Dwight Howard, Magic

All-NBA 2nd Team:
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Dwyane Wade, Heat
Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Pau Gasol, Lakers

All-NBA 3rd Team:
Derrick Rose, Bulls
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets
Tim Duncan, Spurs
Al Jefferson, Jazz

Enjoy what should be a great NBA season.

-Keefe