Ok, now that theNFL season is over, it’s time to focus on the second half of the NBA season. We are approaching the All Star break and in case you haven’t paid attention, I will give you my recap of the first half of the season as best I can. I may not know much, but I do know this….
The Los Angeles Lakers are a train wreck. Shame on you Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak – your choice of coaches this season have been as bad as Mike Vick’s choice of hobbies while with the Falcons. Mike Brown. Mike D’Antoni. Is this Mike on? Oh, it’s on. You are just getting horrible feedback. Dwight Howard needs to find the yellow brick road in Los Angeles, because that dude needs some heart. I honestly don’t believe that guy has the passion and desire. The game is fun to him. Kobe doesn’t do fun. Kobe does intensity.
As for the other team that plays in the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Clippers – they are clearly the deepest bunch (and bench) in the league. Their second unit is filled with guys that would undoubtedly start on most of the bottom feeder teams in the league. Any time you can bring in off the bench a Jamal Crawford, Eric Bledsoe or Lamar Odom, you have a chance to outlast and outscore your opponent. Makes you wonder how different things would be in Los Angeles today had David Stern not blocked the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers.
Up the coast in the Bay Area, the Golden State Warriors have become one of the league’s pleasant surprises this year. The future is definitely bright with a young core nucleus of guys like Steph Curry and Harrison Barnes. Mark Jackson is a helluva coach too. Keep an eye on this team, as they are a lotta fun to watch.
The Spurs are the Spurs. Fundamental. Smart. Greg Popovich is the best coach in the NBA. End of discussion. The Spurs are the Dick Clark of the NBA. They don’t ever age. They have the best record in the NBA as I write this column. This team reinvents themselves more than Betty White. It’s as impressive as anything we’ve seen in the NBA the last 15 years, considering they never end up in the NBA lottery. By the way, is “Hot in Cleveland” still on the air?
Oklahoma City continues to roll. Kevin Durant is 1A right now to King James. Sure, Russell Westbrook is good for a stinker game once every 10 days, but his killer instinct is what makes him so dangerous. He will keep shooting until he gets out of a slump. If they end up with home court throughout the playoffs, it might be a wrap out West. That arena is the closest thing to a college atmosphere in the NBA.
Let’s head out East where the contenders can be counted not on one hand, but one finger – The Miami Heat. They will be in the NBA Finals again. The only question is who in their conference will aggravate them by extending a series past five games.
The Knicks are a nice story, but I’ve seen this Mike Woodson movie before. Good regular season, can’t get past the 2nd round in the playoffs. The Knicks are filled with more one-on-one guys than any team in the league. And I don’t mean that in a good way. Carmelo has a tendency to play selfish and go for volume of shots over quality. JR Smith – kind of reminds me of the old Keyshawn Johnson book, “Just throw me the damn ball.” Yeah, they have had the Heat’s number during the regular season, but come playoff time, come crunch time, I fully expect the Heat to brush the Knicks aside.
Over in Brooklyn, it’s been mixed results. Fancy new arena, hats and jerseys flying off the shelves. Jay-Z creating an entertainment experience for the fans. And Joe Johnson. Take a giant balloon and insert pin. The Nets wanted to bring in a star for their new season in their new arena. Unfortunately for the fans, they got Joe Johnson instead. 16 points per game. 3 rebounds. 3 assists. You know who averages 16 points per game? Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors. Who? Exactly. How about Arron Afflalo of the Orlando Magic? Yep. There are rumors the Nets want to make a push for Atlanta Hawks forward, Josh Smith. Yeah, that combination is about as dumb as ketchup flavored ice cream. Good luck you wacky Russian billionaire. Ask Daniel Snyder how things turn out when you run your franchise like you’re in a fantasy league.
Final quick hits:
- Kyrie Irving is the best player in the NBA nobody sees play.
- Toronto is better today than they were yesterday by getting Rudy Gay. Good trade.
- Kemba Walker is quietly averaging 17 ppg and 5 assists in Charlotte.
- The Indiana Pacers are well coached by Frank Vogel. Roy Hibbert – horrible contract.
- Since John Wall has returned, the Wizards are playing respectable ball.
- The Celtics are old and have been winning in spite of Rajon Rondo.
- The Bulls are doing their best to hang on until Derrick Rose returns.
- I haven’t seen 2 minutes of Anthony Davis this year in New Orleans.
- If you haven’t seen Damian Lillard play in Portland, please do so. Hands down Rookie of the Year.
- What happened to Tyreke Evan’s blossoming career?
- I don’t know who coaches the Orlando Magic or the Utah Jazz.
- Doug Collins needs to do us all a favor and go back into broadcasting.
That’s all I have right now. Enjoy the second half of the season. My prediction is we see an NBA Finals rematch between the Heat and Thunder. LeBron and Durant for a 7 game series? Yes please.
Heat win it again and Ray Allen puts his 2nd ring on his middle finger and shows it to Rondo.
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