The Sports Brief with Besse and Keefe: February 2012

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Top 20 NBA Players By Position

All-Star weekend is in the books and now all eyes turn to the March 15th Trade Deadline. Why not put together a list of the Top 20 Players By Position? All “Rankings” are always very debatable, and this is certainly no different. What makes one player better than another? A lot of it comes down to individual opinion. Also these rankings are based on what I expect for the rest of THIS season. Age, contracts, etc. have no value here. Simply I would want the guy ranked #1 over the guy slotted #2 and so on for the rest of the year. And for the “tweeners” I made the executive decision and placed the player in just one position.

Point Guards:

1. Derrick Rose, Bulls
2. Chris Paul, Clippers
3. Deron Williams, Nets
4. Russell Westbrook, Thunder
5. Rajon Rondo, Celtics
6, Tony Parker, Spurs
7. Steve Nash, Suns
8. Stephen Curry, Warriors
9. Kyle Lowry, Rockets
10. Brandon Jennings, Bucks
11. Ricky Rubio, Timberwolves
12. Tyreke Evans, Kings
13. John Wall, Wizards
14. Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers
15. Jeremy Lin, Knicks
16. Ty Lawson, Nuggets
17. Lou Williams, 76ers
18. Jeff Teague, Hawks
19. Mike Conley, Grizzlies
20. Raymond Felton, Trail Blazers

Right out of the gate you can see how difficult this task really is. The Top 3 is pretty much a lock, but after that? I’m not even that confident in Westbrook, although he has played extremely well as of late. I don’t like his shot selection or when he takes the game over and forgets he has Durant on his team. I have John Wall real low on my list knowing he could storm up the rankings at any time. He needs to not turn the ball over, plus he’s leading a terrible team. Lin? I think he is ranked just fine at 15… for now.

Shooting Guards:

1. Kobe Bryant, Lakers
2. Dwyane Wade, Heat
3. Joe Johnson, Hawks
4. Manu Ginobili, Spurs (injured)
5. Monta Ellis, Warriors
6. James Harden, Thunder
7. Eric Gordon, Hornets
8. Wesley Matthews, Trail Blazers
9. Kevin Martin, Rockets
10. Jason Terry, Mavericks
11. Jamal Crawford, Trail Blazers
12. Ray Allen, Celtics
13. Rodney Stuckey, Pistons
14. Paul George, Pacers
15. Arron Afflalo, Nuggets
16. DeMar DeRozan, Raptors
17. O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
18. Tony Allen, Grizzlies
19. Nick Young, Wizards
20. Anthony Morrow, Nets

Not a power house group right here. After the dominate Top 2 we see quite a drop off. Don’t love Joe Johnson at 3. Stuckey may be a point guard, but with Brandon Knight starting alongside him he’s been playing a lot of SG, and he actually lit up the C’s a couple weeks back.

Small Forward:

1. LeBron James, Heat
2. Kevin Durant, Thunder
3. Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
4. Paul Pierce, Celtics
5. Rudy Gay, Grizzlies
6. Gerald Wallace, Trail Blazers
7. Andre Iguodala, 76ers
8. Luol Deng, Bulls
9. Shawn Marion, Mavericks
10. Danny Granger, Pacers
11. Caron Butler, Clippers
12. Danilo Gallinari, Nuggets
13. Tayshaun Prince, Pistons
14. Nicolas Batum, Trail Blazers
15. Michael Beasley, Timberwolves
16. Jared Dudley, Suns
17. Carlos Delfino, Bucks
18. Hedo Turkoglu, Magic
19. Dorell Wright, Warriors
20. Kawhi Leonard, Spurs

I know that our own Brian Robb is going to be disappointed with my ranking of Luol Deng (8th). I understand his value, but I’ve just never been impressed by him. He certainly helps the Bulls a great deal, and does a lot of different things well. But he’s not elite.

Power Forward:

1. Kevin Love, Timberwolves
2. Blake Griffin, Clippers
3. LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers
4. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
5. Zach Randolph, Grizzlies (injured)
6. Pau Gasol, Lakers
7. Amare Stoudemire, Knicks
8. Chris Bosh, Heat
9. DeMarcus Cousins, Kings
10. Paul Millsap, Jazz
11. Kevin Garnett, Celtics
12. David Lee, Warriors
13. Josh Smith, Hawks
14. Luis Scola, Rockets
15. Serge Ibaka, Thunder
16. Greg Monroe, Pistons
17. Ryan Anderson, Magic
18. Carlos Boozer, Bulls
19. Kris Humphries, Nets
20. Antawn Jamison, Cavaliers

Real tough Top 20 right here. Perhaps the deepest position in the league, PG has a lot of elite talent, but check out 1-20 here, plus I’m sure I forget/left out a few solid guys. Most nights I believe Aldridge is better than Griffin, but then when it came time to fill out the list, I just couldn’t do it. Randolph hasn’t played all season. When he comes back, I expect him to be a Top 5 talent. You may think Cousins is ranked a little generously. I love this guy. He may be an immature head case, but he can play!

Center:

1. Dwight Howard, Magic
2. Marc Gasol, Grizzlies
3. Andrew Bynum, Lakers
4. Tim Duncan, Spurs
5. Tyson Chandler, Knicks
6. Al Horford, Hawks (injured)
7. Andrew Bogut, Bucks (injured)
8. Joakim Noah, Bulls
9. Al Hibbert, Pacers
10. Al Jefferson, Jazz
11. DeAndre Jordan, Clippers
12. Nene, Nuggets (injured)
13. Anderson Varajao, Cavaliers
14. Kendrick Perkins, Thunder
15. Marcin Gortat, Suns
16. Marcus Camby, Trail Blazers
17. JaVale McGee, Wizards
18. Samuel Dalembert, Rockets
19. Brendan Haywood, Mavericks
20. Tiago Splitter, Spurs

Definitely the league’s weakest position as these are the 20 best. Not too many crunch time players on this list. How many command a double team? The days of Olajuwon, Shaq, Robinson, Ewing, Mourning, and Mutombo are long gone. I know what you’re thinking, No Jermaine? He was 21.

-Keefe

Saturday, February 25, 2012

UFC 144 picks

Today I'm up in El Dorado Hills, California. My client, Lennar, is hosting a Grand Opening for their new home concept Next Gen(TM) - the Home Within a Home(TM). It comes w/ a completely separate private suite that's built into the home and monthly mortgage payment. A kid moves out, a kid moves back in, or maybe your parents come live with you. You could even use it for a "mancave" or private guest suite when friends and family come visit. To learn more, visit Lennar.com/Sacramento.

Apologies for the shameless plug, now onto the picks. Given that I have to be there for 11am, I'm keeping this short and sweet.

Main Event

Frankie Edgar defeats Benson Henderson via (T)KO (strikes) in the 5th round (2:48)

Co-Main Event

*Quinton "Rampage" Jackson weighed in 6lbs over and later disclosed it was an injury in training that led to the foul on the scales

Originally, I picked "Rampage" by KO (punch) in the 2nd round - it would have been his first since 2008 at UFC 92 vs. Wanderlei Silva. However, given the circumstances of yesterday, I'm switching my pick.

Ryan Bader defeats Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via (T)KO (strikes) in the 3rd round (3:19)

"Rampage" will announce after the fight that he wants one last fight vs. "Shogun" in Japan before retiring.

Main Card

Mark Hunt defeats Cheick Kongo via KO (punch) in the 1st round (2:26)

Yoshihiro Akiyami defeats Jake Shields via (T)KO in the 1st round (4:33)

Yushin Okami defeats Tim Boetsch via decision

Hatsu Hioki defeats Bart Palaszewski via decision

Joe Lauzon defeats Anthony Pettis via submission in the 2nd round (2:29)

I'm also taking part in a UFC pool at work. Five of us submitted picks only on the seven main card fights, with the result of the main event (method and time) being the primary tiebreaker. $5 a pop, so hopefully this will help pay for the dough I'm shelling out to watch this tonight.

Enjoy the fights!

-Besse

Friday, February 24, 2012

Audio: Quinton "Rampage" Jackson

Rich Keefe talked to former UFC Light Heavyweight Champ Quinton "Rampage" Jackson prior to his fight against Ryan Bader at UFC 144 in Japan. The two discussed Rampage's return to Japan, Jon Jones, and his acting.

Audio: UFC Lightweight Champ Frankie Edgar

Rich Keefe talked to UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar prior to his title defense against Benson Henderson at UFC 144 this Saturday night in Japan. The two discussed his opponent, the Lightweight division, and the Jersey Shore.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

5 Questions With Greg Monroe

I talked with Detroit star forward Greg Monroe prior to the Celtics-Pistons game on Wednesday night. Here is what the 2nd year big man out of Georgetown, who is averaging 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists per game had to say.

1. Just your 2nd year in the league, but playing so well, were you disappointed at all not to make the All-Star team?

Monroe: No I wasn’t. Because those guys who made it, definitely deserved it. I’m just trying to get better. If I get better maybe my time will come. But I’m not worried about that right now. I’m in my second year, I’m gonna focus on making sure I get better each year and make sure I help this organization get more wins.

2. You already have gotten much better from Year 1 to Year 2, is there a specific reason for why you think that is?

Monroe: No, I think I’m just more comfortable and confident, I’d think that’s about it. I definitely worked on my game I think I got better, during the summer and the lockout. But you know, just being more confident and more comfortable. The more time you play in this league the more settled you’ll be and better you get.

3. You will be playing in the Rookie-Sophomore game on All-Star Weekend, I think the draft is tomorrow, do you care who picks you, Shaq or Barkley?

Monroe: Umm, nah I don’t acutally. I’m just honored to be in the game, hopefully I’m one of the first guys pick (laughes), that’s probably about it.

4. What’s it been like for you matching up with Kevin Garnett the few times you’ve faced him in your career?

Monroe: It’s been great. Just like I said, the first time it’s kinda surreal, someone you looked up to a whole lot growing up as a young basketball player, then being on the court with him, it’s a little surreal. But then you got to compete, you know he’s gonna compete, so you got to come out hard and try to compete, that’s what I try to do.

5. Have you been following the whole Jeremy Lin thing?

Monroe: I mean everybody is following it man. You can’t ignore it. He’s definitely having a good run. He’s playing at a very high level, I’m happy for him. You know it’s one of those great stories, one of the good things about the NBA, is that situtaions like that can happen. He got his chance, he’s taken huge advantage of it, he;’s playing well. I wish him the best, unless he’s playing us. Just one of those things that makes this league, and professional sports period special. There are a lot of guys who have stories like that and its good to see anyone like that be successful.

BONUS QUESTION:

What are your thoughts on your rookie point guard Brandon Knight, seems like it could be a bright future with you two.

Monroe: Yeah, he’s going to continue to get better. I know he’s been good for us this year and he’s going to continue to get better. I see big things for him in the future as long as he keeps working I know that’s something he’s going to do.

-Keefe

Sunday, February 12, 2012

5 Questions With Ronnie Brewer

I talked with Chicago starting guard Ronnie Brewer prior to the Celtics-Bulls game on Sunday. Here is what the 6th year man out of Arkansas who is averaging 7.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists had to say.

1. You guys have a lot of the same players back from last year’s team which was the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Do you feel that you are better this year?

Brewer: We have a year under our belt, to gel, build chemistry, comradery, another year under Thibs’ system. So I think overall we are getting better. Last year we had a lot of injuries, this year the same thing, so we are learning how to play with injuries, and overall just get better as a team.

2. How are you guys dealing with this season, obviously a young and athletic team you’re set up well, but with not a lot of practices how is that?

Brewer: You have to learn quickly, make adjustments in walk-through and film and test it in games. We have a lot of guys on this team who can do a lot of different things, and I think that helps to our advantage. When some guys who aren’t having great nights we have other guys who step up and make up for it.

3. What’s it like guarding Ray Allen?

Brewer: I mean he’s a tough tough assignment. He comes off two or three screens, has a quick release, one of the best shooters to ever play the game. It’s definitely a tough test for me individually and our team as a whole.

4. How is it with Coach Thibodeau, you mentioned having a year under your belt now, but how was that adjustment, just how defensive minded he is?

Brewer: Man, to me, that’s what allows us to win. He expects greatness on defense, get stops. You can really tell on our team, when we’re successful, we’re defending, we’re rebounding, and that leads to easy baskets. So the adjustment for some guys who were defensive minded was pretty easy, but we’re still learning to get better.

5. How has the addition of Rip Hamilton helped you, a veteran guy who plays the same position?

Brewer: Yeah man, he’s a tremendous addition to this team. He’s only going to make us better. For a vet like him he’s very opened minded you can ask him anything he’s open to tell you what’s helped him be so successful for so many years. He’s huge for us, we’re definitely hurting and missing him right now.

-Keefe

Thursday, February 9, 2012

5 Questions With Josh McRoberts

I talked to Los Angeles back up big man Josh McRoberts prior to the Celtics-Lakers game Thursday night at the Garden. Here is what the former Duke Blue Devil, who is averaging 2.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in his first year in LA had to say.

1. How have you guys been able to deal with all the trade rumors, it started before the season with the deal that got vetoed, and it seems like ever sense there has been trade rumors, how do you deal with it?

McRoberts: When that first one happened, I wasn’t even here, I wasn’t around. That’s part of the profession. I was involved in a deal last year that didn’t go through at the deadline, and some rumors this summer when I was a free agent even, so it’s all part of the territory.

2. How have you been accepted by your teammates, I mean you are coming in to a team with guys like Kobe, Fisher, Gasol, who have been here awhile and won titles together?

McRoberts: They’ve been great. It’s a good group of guys. Any time you come to a team like this, that knows how to win. That’s the most important thing, so they’re going to welcome you as long as you are on the same page as them. And that’s all I’ve ever cared about is winning basketball games so they’ve been very accepting.

3. What is Coach [Mike] Brown like?

McRoberts: He’s a very detailed oriented. We’ve had to put in a lot of new things here offensively and defensively, with everyone being new, it’s a new system for everyone. He’s a hard worker, I don’t think the guy ever sleeps. I think he is always watching film and we know that he’s going to be ready every night.

4. How would you describe your role on the team? Energy guy, defense first?

McRoberts: Yeah I think they want me to try to bring energy to the team and rebound the basketball. I think I can do a lot of things that will help us out and a lot of little things that maybe won’t show up in the stat sheet every night.

5. Have you had a chance to watch Duke at all this year with Austin Rivers?

McRoberts: Nah, I haven’t watched at all. I saw the highlight of him last night hitting the big shot against Carolina, but I haven’t seen any games.

-Keefe

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

5 Questions With Kemba Walker

I had a chance to talk with Bobcats rookie Kemba Walker prior to the Celtics game against Charlotte on Tuesday night. Here is what the UConn star, who is averaging 12.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game had to say.

1. How much communication have you had with Michael Jordan this year?

Walker: Not much. I mean when we are at home he is around. We see him then, but he’s busy, so not much really.

1a. Has he talked to you individually at all?

Walker: No.

2. You were a scoring point guard in college, how difficult is that to bring into the NBA, trying to set up guys but also get your points with a group you haven’t been able to play with much?

Walker: I think I’ve actually done a pretty good job. We talk with the coaches and watch film, try to get better. But I think I’ve done pretty good.

3. You guys have a lot of injuries right now, will this help you in the long run, getting all this playing time?

Walker: Yeah I think so. I think so. I was on and off, having some ups and downs during the course of the season. But yeah, me playing a lot will definitely help. For me, Bismack, and Cory, us being rookies that’s going to help a lot, especially when those guys come back. I think we’re going to be a much better team, because I know what to do more when I’m out on the floor more with the second group. So yeah, it’ll be a lot better.

4. Are you already the leader of this team?

Walker: No, I’m not the leader.

4a. Who is the leader?

Walker: (long pause): Well, yeah right now maybe I am the leader, with all the guys out. I’m the point guard, floor leader. But D.J. [Augustin] and Corey [Maggette] are the leaders. It’s D.J.’s team.

5. Any extra motivation playing against an All-Star point guard in Rajon Rondo, measuring stick kind of game?

Walker: Nah man, not really I just played Steve Nash the other night, I got Chris Paul. (Seems like every night in this league right?) Basically it is. Bascially you just got to go out there and play basketball. Play hard and try to win, that’s all you can do.

-Keefe

Sunday, February 5, 2012

5 Questions With O.J. Mayo

I talked with Memphis guard O.J. Mayo prior to the Celtics-Grizzlies, Super Bowl Sunday game at the Garden. Here is what the 4th year man out of USC, who is averaging 12.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game had to say.

1. You started every game your first two years in the league, last year and this year you’ve been coming off the bench. Are you more comfortable with one role, which do you see yourself doing in the future?

Mayo: Whatever the team needs. Just a ball player, gonna give 110% whether I start or come off the bench.

2. You were a point guard in high school and college, do you think you could be a point guard for a full season in the NBA?

Mayo: Yeah, yeah, one day. It’s all about being a complete guard. People put so much emphasis on if you are a 1 or a 2. Thing is if you are a complete guard you can help a lot of teams, and right now being a complete guard is helping the Memphis Grizzlies.

3. You are a restricted free agent after this year, could you see yourself playing in a place like Boston?

Mayo: Yeah sure. If there is an NBA team I’d be happy to play there. But right now my main goal is to play for Memphis and hopefully help get them their first NBA Championship.

4. Is there any stigma about Boston? In the past not all athletes have wanted to play in Boston, it took KG some convincing. Does that still exist?

Mayo: I’ve never heard of that. It’s always been one of the top organizations in basketball. Ever since you were a little boy start playing basketball you always heard about the Boston Celtics and Larry Bird, all the great players, it’s always been a great organization.

5. You guys play well when Rudy Gay is healthy and Zach Randolph is out and vice versa, but when both are playing you are only a couple games over .500. Any idea as to why that is?
Mayo: I think our team focus level rises when one of the other is out, because we know how big they mean to the team and when they are out we feel like we may get doubted as to how great we can be, and we try to prove the naysayers wrong. But when they both get healthy I think we will be even a tougher team to deal with.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

What are the challenges for someone like you who will likely have to guard Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo in the same game, guys who play completely different?

Mayo: You know you just got to know your scouting report, and trust your scouting report. Obviously Rondo is a great point guard, great in transition and even better in the half court as far as making other players around him better. And Ray Allen is a great shooter, never stops moving, and comes well off screens. You just got to know the scouting report and make them play the other end honest as well.

Who you got in the Super Bowl today?

Mayo: I got the Giants.

You going to be able to watch it?

Mayo: Yeah we will be back in town.

-Keefe

Saturday, February 4, 2012

UFC on Fox 2 Thoughts and 143 Predictions

Before I get into my breakdown and picks for tonight's UFC 143 PPV card, I want to start with a quick op-ed on the 2nd installment of the UFC on Fox series.

I didn't watch the fights live. I was in San Diego for an engagement party, so I set the DVR and followed the action on my Twitter feed the entire night. I wasn't surprised by the results, but I was more surprised about some of the opinions that flooded Twitter in regards to performances, particularly the Sonnen-Bisping fight.

After watching the fights on DVR last night, I have to say that I don't disagree with the judge who scored it 30-27. The first two rounds were razor-thin close. And just because a fight is scored 30-27 doesn't mean it was a dominant performance by one fighter. S/He could have barely won all three rounds, but won them nonetheless. I think that was the case with Sonnen.

The first round was closely fought, particularly in the 2nd half when Bisping started to control the clinch against the cage. But by control, I mean position only. He mounted little offense, as he just kept Sonnen up against it. I thought Sonnen's work early in the round gave him the nod. He scored two takedowns and mounted some offense on the first one in particular, landing solid shots to Bisping's grill.

The second round was the closest of the match and could have gone either way. You wanna give it to Bisping? I won't complain. But I thought Sonnen landed the more effective strikes and seemed to have more of an impact when on the offensive. Bisping defended the takedowns well, but I just never really saw him land any effective strikes. But again, closest of the fight.

In the third, Sonnen shifted the momentum in his direction, scoring the most dominant round of the fight. He landed a beautiful double right out of the gate, landed in the mount, took Bisping's back, and found himself in dominant positions that swayed the round in his favor. Solid round. I probably would have scored it 29-28 Sonnen, but again, I didn't disagree with the 30-27.

Takeaways from the fight were that Sonnen will need to be more effective on the feet if he plans to have a chance against Silva. Landing that big shot early in their first fight gave Silva something else to think about and opened up the takedowns for Sonnen throughout. But against Bisping, while his takedowns were crisp, his striking was sloppy. He came forward with no regard for Bisping's power - perhaps part of his strategy given Bisping hits with little mittens - and he won't be able to do that against Silva. But props to Bisping. Great performance. I'd like to see him fight Munoz next after Munoz recovers from injury to determine the next guy in line to fight the winner of Silva-Sonnen II.

The Evans-Davis fight was a showcase of how much better Evans is, and solidified him as the #1 contender. Davis' striking was ineffective and he looked timid and overwhelmed in such a high-profile fight. Evans, meanwhile, did his job, got the win, and now moves on to take on Jon Jones in what has become a budding rivalry. Should be a great event at UFC 145 in Atlanta.

Now onto UFC 143...

Nick Diaz vs. Carlos Condit

Diaz-Condit will fight for the interim welterweight crown as champion Georges St. Pierre recovers from a blown-out knee. This fight should be exciting, as both guys are high-volume fighters that bring it every time they step out there.

The cardio and pace of Diaz is stuff for legends, particularly in the latter part of his career where we've seen him wear down opponents, drag them into deep waters and impose his will late in the fight when his opponent is broken down and unable to sustain any success because of the beating they've taken, rendering them useless. Most recently, it was BJ Penn, who had success in the 1st round but was worn out from the activity of Diaz in the 2nd and was lucky to survive in the 3rd. Diaz's boxing is, in my opinion, the best in MMA. He's active, effective, and benefits from power through volume. In other words, the sheer volume of punches that he lands eventually take their toll and make him more powerful later in the fight, when he's still strong and his opponent is not. The body punches break down the defense, leaving openings up top where he can capitalize with multi-punch combinations.

On the ground, his Gracie black belt in jiu-jitsu looms. And his submissions are tight. Pick your poison with Diaz. Wherever the fight goes, he's going to be a handful.

Condit, meanwhile, is a diverse striker with knockout power, great kicks and knees. He's got more highlight reel knockouts on the feet than Diaz, including his last couple victories: a KO win over brawler Dan Hardy and a brutal KO via flying knee against Dong Hyun Kim. The win over Hardy was shocking, as both men landed simultaneous punches, with Condit's landing on the button of Hardy, putting him down and eventually out via final blows on the ground. The victory over Kim, however, was just as impressive as Condit landed a flying knee then sent Kim into a quick coma with strikes as Kim was pressed and trapped up against the cage with nowhere to hide. Brutal.

The ground game of Condit is solid and competent. Perhaps not on the level of Diaz, but if the fight goes there, it will be fun to watch. Condit has 13 submissions wins to Diaz's 8, but I still give the edge Diaz there. But again, to talented practitioners of jiu-jitsu on the ground should be fun to watch.

For my pick, I'm going 3rd round (T)KO to Diaz. I think the first couple rounds will be competitive, as both men will have their moments. But late in the 2nd Diaz will start to shift the momentum in his favor, peppering Condit with punches to the body and head. In the 3rd, Condit will start to wear down, and halfway through the round Diaz will body-head combination that forces Condit to keel over at the waste, leaving an opening for Diaz to pepper the head and take Condit out for the stoppage and interim title.

Pick: Diaz over Condit via 2nd round (T)KO due to strikes (3:49)

Additional picks:

Roy Nelson over Fabricio Werdum via 2nd round KO (punch)

Josh Koscheck over Mike Pierce via decision (lay & pray)

-Bess

Friday, February 3, 2012

5 Questions With Landry Fields

I talked with New York starting guard Landry Fields prior to the Celtics-Knicks game at the TD Garden. Here is what the 2nd year man out of Stanford, who is averaging 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists had to say.

1. I’m sure you guys are frustrated with your record to this point of the season (8-14), but do you feel that you’re close to putting it all together?

Fields: I do. I think as of late it’s been good, we’ve been playing hard and learning from our mistakes and film and getting with our coaches, I think it’s been good as of late.

2. What’s it like playing without a true point guard? I know Shumpert has come in and started a bunch of games, Carmelo has had to run the offense a lot through him, so how does it change things?

Fields: It’s different in some regards, but I think they’ve done a great job. I think Shump’s been doin the best he can in his first year. I’m sure whatever can be cleaned up will be by the coaches.

3. Is there a Knicks-Celtics rivalry, like the other New York-Boston team rivalries?

Fields: I mean, you know, a lot of time yeah, but right now all the games are important.

4. What’s it like guarding Ray Allen, having to chase him around all night?

Fields: It’s tough, but it’s something you got to go out there and do. Watch a lot of film on it, so go out there and do my best.

5. You have to pick the Giants because you’re in New York?

Fields: Yes, I have to pick the Giants because I’m in New York.

Did you have a team growing up?

Fields: Not really, so I’ve adopted the Giants.

-Keefe

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

5 Questions With Jerryd Bayless

I talked with former lottery pick and Toronto guard Jerryd Bayless prior to tonight’s Celtics-Raptors game at the TD Garden. Here is what the 23 year old Arizona product had to say.

1. With Bargnani being out, and you being healthy now, do you feel like this is an opportunity to establish yourself more as a scorer?

Bayless: I’m actually not starting tonight, but it was. It’s just different. I think at times we’ve had trouble scoring without Andrea, and coach wanted to put me in to try and put a couple more points on the board.

2. Is that frustrating, starting some nights then coming off the bench. Would you rather have a more defined role?

Bayless: It is what it is, I got to play through and do whatever I can to help this team. You know whatever that is, I’m willing to do.

3. You came up with an incredible high school class and you were one of the best, everyone knows you have the talent. Do you see the success of guys like Derrick Rose, Kevin Love, and Eric Gordon, and think that if you were in a different spot you’d have the same success?

Bayless: I couldn’t be happier about where I am right now. I love being in Toronto. I’m just happy to be here. Everything happens for a reason, and whatever happens, happens.

4. You more comfortable in the NBA playing the point or off the ball?

Bayless: I am 100 times more comfortable playing the point. Playing off the ball is different for me.

5. What is like matching up against Rajon Rondo?

Bayless: Rondo is a really good player. You got to try to keep him out of the paint, he makes everyone around him better, and that’s the hardest part about it. But you got to try and just do the best you can.

BONUS QUESTION

Who you got in the Super Bowl?

Bayless: Patriots.

-Keefe