It is time! The NBA playoffs are back! This year we have even more interesting match ups in the 1st round. I cannot wait for Saturday to get going with these games. Last year I did alright with my predictions, but there were a few surprises here and there. I've done a little more research this year and should be able to make better selections. Let me stop wasting time, here are my picks for the 1st round of the NBA playoffs.
Eastern Conference
1. Chicago Bulls vs. 8. Philadelphia 76ers: Bulls in 5
This will be a defensive series. Both teams are built on playing hard and having strong benches. Unfortunately for the Sixers, they have to play the Bulls. Derrick Rose is rested and has recovered from his back injury. It will be tough for Philly to handle him. I see the Bulls dropping one game on the road, but definitely holding serve at home and finishing this series early.
2. Miami Heat vs. 7. New York Knicks: Heat in 6
Hands down this is the best series of the 1st round. There is star power all over the court. Also, we finally get to see LeBron vs. Melo in a playoff series. Anytime you get big-time players matched up against each other in a series it should make for an intense battle. Ultimately I like the Heat to win this series, but not without being tested by those pesky Knickerbockers.
3. Indiana Pacers vs. 6. Orlando Magic: Pacers in 5
In my opinion this series has lost its luster since Dwight Howard will not play. I don't see how the Magic can win now. It's going to take a masterful job from head coach Stan Van Gundy. I don't see that happening because he's pretty much a dead man walking. The Pacers play hard and are a cohesive unit so I think they'll be able to move on with ease.
4. Boston Celtics vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks: Celtics in 5
This is a tricky series to gauge. The Celtics are the higher seed but the Hawks have the home court advantage. With that said, I believe the Celtics steal at least one of the first two games in Atlanta. Boston is playing their best basketball at the right time. Every year we say they're done, but I think these Celtics have one last run left in them.
Western Conference
1. San Antonio Spurs vs. 8. Utah Jazz: Spurs in 5
Welcome to Boringville, USA. This series has no spice to it. I probably won't watch any of the games to be honest. I hope the Spurs are able to advance as soon as possible so they can just get on to the next round. Sorry Utah, it's been a good run but your season is coming to an end.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 7. Dallas Mavericks: Thunder in 6
In a rematch of last year's WCF, the Thunder will take on the Mavericks. This time OKC has the home court advantage. Right now the Thunder have hit the wall it seems like. They aren't playing their best basketball right now which they cannot afford to do if they want to beat the Mavs. I think this will be a good series, but because Dallas lost some of their toughness from last year the Thunder will come out on top.
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 6. Denver Nuggets: Lakers in 5
The Lakers seem to be coming together as a team at the right time. If that's the case, the Nuggets are in trouble here. You bet Kobe wants to make one last run at a 6th championship and tie Michael Jordan. No team in the playoffs has two big men who can score and defend like the Lakers do. It's a huge advantage. Look for them to play lock down defense throughout this series and advance with ease.
4. Memphis Grizzlies vs. 5. Los Angeles Clippers: Clippers in 7
For the second year in a row, the 4-5 series is the most intriguing in the West. These are two teams that are potential dark horses to represent the conference in the NBA Finals. I expect this series to go the distance. Memphis has the home court, but I can see either team winning at each other's venue. The difference maker in this series will be Mr. CP3. His experience and leadership will propel Lob City to the next round.
Friday, April 27, 2012
DTTWSB 2011-12 Regular Season NBA Awards
Last night the lockout-shortened NBA season came to an end. It was a rapid season with teams having to play an enormous amount of games in a short period of time. It's been a strong comeback for the NBA after the nasty labor negotiations last fall. There have been some great individual performances this year and here is where we'll reward them. With all that said, here are my individual awards for the NBA regular season.
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James
Is this really even a question? If it weren't for his arrogant personality and poor showing in the NBA Finals last season, he would be the unanimous decision for the MVP award. Through the first half of the season he was playing as efficient as any player in NBA history. In my opinion he's the most complete player in basketball and the best basketball player in the world. Now if we could just get him to step up in the NBA Finals...
Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler
Chandler was a key defensive piece for the Knicks all season. One they signed him in the off season I thought it was a great pick up because they needed a defensive presence. Luckily he was my preseason DPOY. As a shot blocker and rebounder he makes things difficult for post players and guards as well. I think he's a slam dunk pick here.
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving
The first pick in the draft more than lived up to the billing. He was the catalyst for the Cavaliers all season long. As a team they didn't have great success, but having a guy like Irving is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm looking forward to seeing how good he can become.
Most Improved Player: Andrew Bynum
Even with all the headaches he gave Mike Brown and the Lakers, he's been their second best player all season long. He's always had the ability, but for some reason he couldn't stay healthy. Now that he was able to stay healthy he played the entire season and made the Western Conference All-Star team as a starter. He's now the building piece for the Lakers for years to come.
Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden
Like the MVP award, this should be another unanimous selection. James Harden can flat out ball. Last postseason he became one of my favorite players in the league because of his game. He can score, but I love the fact that he facilitates as well. True point guard for the Thunder. He creates shots for others around him and is a critical piece for the Thunder going forward.
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau
Yes, Thibodeau won this award last year, but I actually think he deserves it more this season. To not have last years MVP Derrick Rose for the majority of the season and to still earn the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference is very impressive. The coaching job he's done with the bench has been phenomenal. Will he win it? I'm not sure. All I know is that he deserves it.
All-NBA 1st Team
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Dwight Howard
All-NBA 2nd Team
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Andrew Bynum
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James
Is this really even a question? If it weren't for his arrogant personality and poor showing in the NBA Finals last season, he would be the unanimous decision for the MVP award. Through the first half of the season he was playing as efficient as any player in NBA history. In my opinion he's the most complete player in basketball and the best basketball player in the world. Now if we could just get him to step up in the NBA Finals...
Defensive Player of the Year: Tyson Chandler
Chandler was a key defensive piece for the Knicks all season. One they signed him in the off season I thought it was a great pick up because they needed a defensive presence. Luckily he was my preseason DPOY. As a shot blocker and rebounder he makes things difficult for post players and guards as well. I think he's a slam dunk pick here.
Rookie of the Year: Kyrie Irving
The first pick in the draft more than lived up to the billing. He was the catalyst for the Cavaliers all season long. As a team they didn't have great success, but having a guy like Irving is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm looking forward to seeing how good he can become.
Most Improved Player: Andrew Bynum
Even with all the headaches he gave Mike Brown and the Lakers, he's been their second best player all season long. He's always had the ability, but for some reason he couldn't stay healthy. Now that he was able to stay healthy he played the entire season and made the Western Conference All-Star team as a starter. He's now the building piece for the Lakers for years to come.
Sixth Man of the Year: James Harden
Like the MVP award, this should be another unanimous selection. James Harden can flat out ball. Last postseason he became one of my favorite players in the league because of his game. He can score, but I love the fact that he facilitates as well. True point guard for the Thunder. He creates shots for others around him and is a critical piece for the Thunder going forward.
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau
Yes, Thibodeau won this award last year, but I actually think he deserves it more this season. To not have last years MVP Derrick Rose for the majority of the season and to still earn the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference is very impressive. The coaching job he's done with the bench has been phenomenal. Will he win it? I'm not sure. All I know is that he deserves it.
All-NBA 1st Team
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Dwight Howard
All-NBA 2nd Team
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Andrew Bynum
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
DTTWSB 2012 Top 10 NFL Mock Draft
Oh baby, the NFL Draft is less than 48 hours away! I cannot even express how pumped I am for it to start. After months of breaking down tape, watching the combine and paying attention to the pro days, the draft is now here. We're going to get to see where the stars of tomorrow will be playing their football careers. I've never published a mock draft before so I thought I'd just do a mock for the first 10 picks of the draft. There are a lot of talented prospects this season; some who can make impact immediately while others who have the potential to be superstars. My only disclaimer is that I can't predict trades so this mock draft has in mind that nobody trades into the top 10 which is unlikely in my opinion. So without further ado, here is my first ever mock draft.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck
We've knew Luck was going to the Colts ever since they clinched the top spot all the way back in late December. Now that Peyton Manning has moved on, the Colts seem to have found their heir apparent to the throne. The Stanford quarterback is an excellent choice and is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning, if not John Elway in 1983. They'll be using their time to think about what they want to do in the 2nd round.
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III
They showed their hand here once they gave up a king's ransom to move up to the 2nd overall pick. I don't think the Redskins have had a franchise-caliber quarterback since Joe Theisman! This makes way too much sense here. RG3 will do wonders in Mike Shanahan's bootleg-heavy offense where he'll be able to show off his mobility. Don't get it twisted though, he's a pocket passer at heart and probably has the most potential of any player in the draft.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil
The past couple weeks we've started to hear that the Vikings have fallen in love with LSU corner back Morris Claiborne. In my opinion it's all smoke screen. If you're the Vikings and you believe Christian Ponder is your franchise quarterback then you have to be able to protect him. Kalil makes too much sense here. He's got all the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler and will be a top notch left tackle for the next 10-12 years.
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson
If you look at the tape, you'll probably come away thinking that Richardson is the best overall player in the draft. There's nothing this guy can't do on the football field. It doesn't sound like Cleveland is giving up on Colt McCoy so they need to get him a running game. Especially after losing Peyton Hillis. Richardson is as good a running back that has come out since Adrian Peterson in 2007. This is a no brainer.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne
The first corner back to go off the board will be Claiborne. When you look at the tape you can see a clean prospect who will translate to the next level. Tampa Bay has a pressing need at the position because Ronde Barber is on his way out the door and you never know what to expect from Aquib Talib. Even though he scored a 4 on his Wonderlic test, I believe he'll fit in nicely with this young team.
6. St. Lous Rams: Fletcher Cox
Throughout the entire draft process people have said it's almost a certainty that the Rams select a wide receiver with their first pick. Knowing the type of coach Jeff Fisher is, I can't see him passing up on fixing the trenches. Especially if Fletcher Cox is still on the board. Cox is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He's young, athletic and has a motor like no other. He's going to be a disruptive force in this league for years to come.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Stephon Gilmore
For the first reach of the draft, I have the Jaguars taking Stephon Gilmore. Ideally Jacksonville would like to trade down from this spot, but if they can't find a partner they'll go ahead and take the best player available on their draft board which is Gilmore. I think Gilmore will be a good corner back in this league, but not one who merits being taken in the top 10. He has iffy ball skills and is a little tight in the hips.
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill
Miami has not had a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired. I believe they find their guy at pick 8 when they select Tannehill. Many draft experts believe he's a guy who doesn't deserve to be picked in the top 10, but in my opinion if you believe a guy is a franchise quarterback then there's no such thing as reaching for him. Tannehill is still raw so he'll need to sit behind a veteran for the next couple of years.
9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Floyd
A lot of people have the Panthers taking a defensive tackle, which is a huge need for them, but I think they get enamored with the big play ability of Michael Floyd make him the first wide receiver off the board. Floyd is a little bit of a knucklehead, but you can't deny his talent. In my opinion he's the best receiver in the draft because of what he's able to do down the field. He'll make the Panthers offense that much more explosive.
10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff
At the 10 spot I have the Bills coming away with a good left tackle. On tape Reiff doesn't look like an elit prospect, but he does show signs of a guy who has the ability to protect the passer and run block as well. Buffalo needs to sure up their offensive line and protect Ryan Fitzpatrick; I believe they take a step in the right direction by taking the left tackle from Iowa.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck
We've knew Luck was going to the Colts ever since they clinched the top spot all the way back in late December. Now that Peyton Manning has moved on, the Colts seem to have found their heir apparent to the throne. The Stanford quarterback is an excellent choice and is the best quarterback prospect since Peyton Manning, if not John Elway in 1983. They'll be using their time to think about what they want to do in the 2nd round.
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III
They showed their hand here once they gave up a king's ransom to move up to the 2nd overall pick. I don't think the Redskins have had a franchise-caliber quarterback since Joe Theisman! This makes way too much sense here. RG3 will do wonders in Mike Shanahan's bootleg-heavy offense where he'll be able to show off his mobility. Don't get it twisted though, he's a pocket passer at heart and probably has the most potential of any player in the draft.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil
The past couple weeks we've started to hear that the Vikings have fallen in love with LSU corner back Morris Claiborne. In my opinion it's all smoke screen. If you're the Vikings and you believe Christian Ponder is your franchise quarterback then you have to be able to protect him. Kalil makes too much sense here. He's got all the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler and will be a top notch left tackle for the next 10-12 years.
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson
If you look at the tape, you'll probably come away thinking that Richardson is the best overall player in the draft. There's nothing this guy can't do on the football field. It doesn't sound like Cleveland is giving up on Colt McCoy so they need to get him a running game. Especially after losing Peyton Hillis. Richardson is as good a running back that has come out since Adrian Peterson in 2007. This is a no brainer.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne
The first corner back to go off the board will be Claiborne. When you look at the tape you can see a clean prospect who will translate to the next level. Tampa Bay has a pressing need at the position because Ronde Barber is on his way out the door and you never know what to expect from Aquib Talib. Even though he scored a 4 on his Wonderlic test, I believe he'll fit in nicely with this young team.
6. St. Lous Rams: Fletcher Cox
Throughout the entire draft process people have said it's almost a certainty that the Rams select a wide receiver with their first pick. Knowing the type of coach Jeff Fisher is, I can't see him passing up on fixing the trenches. Especially if Fletcher Cox is still on the board. Cox is one of my favorite prospects in the draft. He's young, athletic and has a motor like no other. He's going to be a disruptive force in this league for years to come.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Stephon Gilmore
For the first reach of the draft, I have the Jaguars taking Stephon Gilmore. Ideally Jacksonville would like to trade down from this spot, but if they can't find a partner they'll go ahead and take the best player available on their draft board which is Gilmore. I think Gilmore will be a good corner back in this league, but not one who merits being taken in the top 10. He has iffy ball skills and is a little tight in the hips.
8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill
Miami has not had a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired. I believe they find their guy at pick 8 when they select Tannehill. Many draft experts believe he's a guy who doesn't deserve to be picked in the top 10, but in my opinion if you believe a guy is a franchise quarterback then there's no such thing as reaching for him. Tannehill is still raw so he'll need to sit behind a veteran for the next couple of years.
9. Carolina Panthers: Michael Floyd
A lot of people have the Panthers taking a defensive tackle, which is a huge need for them, but I think they get enamored with the big play ability of Michael Floyd make him the first wide receiver off the board. Floyd is a little bit of a knucklehead, but you can't deny his talent. In my opinion he's the best receiver in the draft because of what he's able to do down the field. He'll make the Panthers offense that much more explosive.
10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff
At the 10 spot I have the Bills coming away with a good left tackle. On tape Reiff doesn't look like an elit prospect, but he does show signs of a guy who has the ability to protect the passer and run block as well. Buffalo needs to sure up their offensive line and protect Ryan Fitzpatrick; I believe they take a step in the right direction by taking the left tackle from Iowa.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
