My Virtual Scratch Pad

The 4 Types of Teams in the NBA

2009-11-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

The NBA. 30 teams, 6 divisions, 2 conferences. Arguably the most watched basketball league around the world. What's not to like? Every young baller's goal is to make it to the NBA and play for the most famous teams around the world. In this post, I'd just like to write one thing that popped into my mind this evening, which is the 4 types of teams in the league this season. You may not agree with some of my entries, but hey, it's a blog. Share yours if you disagree with mine.

Group A: The Contenders
This group is the group of the elite teams, the cream of the crop, the icing on the cake. These teams are legitimate contenders for the Larry O' Brien trophy come June. Teams in this group average 50+ wins a season, which is very tough in a league like the NBA. The players in this group are the real deal. They are the guys who get max contracts, personalized shoes, TV commercials, etc. Not only are the players good, but the front offices of the teams in this group gets the job done. The GM's of these teams are no pushovers. They are willing to go over the luxury tax just to sign players who they believe can help them win the championship. The point is, these teams set the bar for greatness around the league. If you can't beat these teams, it means only one thing: You don't deserve to contend for the title yet.

Teams in this group are:
Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe, Gasol, Artest, Odom, Bynum. What's not to like?
San Antonio Spurs - Duncan and Popovich will be in the Hall of Fame. Book it.
Boston Celtics - Allen, Wallace, Garnett, Pierce, Rondo. Best team on paper in the East
Cleveland Cavaliers - They've got the best player in the league today.
Denver Nuggets - 'Melo is having a career year.
Orlando Magic - 2nd deepest bench in the league today.
Dallas Mavericks - 3rd deepest bench in the league today.

Group B: We're not elite but we're getting there
This group are the new kids on the block. They're just waiting for the contenders to grow old and rebuild. They'll win 37 to 49 games this season, make the playoffs, only to lose at the 1st or 2nd round. Remember the cellar dwellers the previous 3 seasons? Here they are, new and improved. These guys know the system well, they've been together for some time, and they have played against the toughest of opponents. They're getting to the top, but they just need a bit more seasoning before they can contend.

Teams in this group are:
Portland Trail Blazers - Deepest bench in the league today. So many good players, so little playing time.
Atlanta Hawks - Very potent starting 5, solid 8 man rotation
Philadelphia 76ers - Lou Williams, Iggy, Speights, and Young are very talented young players. They'll be championship contenders after 2 more seasons. Book it.
Chicago Bulls - They've got Rose, Noah, and Salmons to build around. Maybe a veteran coach is all they need to get to the big stage.
Washington Wizards - Disregarding the injuries, this team looks ready to get back to the playoffs after last season's disaster. Good coach, solid 8 mand rotation.
Toronto Raptors - Finally, Bargnani is showing flashes of brilliance!
Houston Rockets - The T-Mac and Yao -less team play well together. Adelman is great, but 7th spot in the playoffs at best.
Phoenix Suns - Probably the last season they'll contend for the title. Offense has been great, but can they keep it up the whole 82 games?
Miami Heat - Wade's been tearing it up

Group C: I'm not sure what we're doing, but if we don't win we're screwed
These are the teams that have either made bad transactions or have just been inconsistent this season. These teams have failed to stand out among the pack and are in danger of being cellar dwellers in the upcoming seasons. Unless they get their act together, they'll be out of the playoffs and suffer 4-5 years of rebuilding and frustrations.

Teams in this group are:
Indiana Pacers - Danny Granger, now what?
Los Angeles Clippers - Kaman and Gordon are great, but can Baron Davis fit in?
Oklahoma City Thunder - Durant will be a beast. Just hope Westbrook, Harden, and Green may follow.
New Orleans Hornets - They've just been bad. West is not the same since 2 seasons ago, and Paul is getting frustrated already.
Utah Jazz - Deron Williams has not been big so far, Millsap and Boozer look bored, and Kirilenko can't wait to play for that Russian owner of the Nets.
Detroit Pistons - Overpaid Villanueva and Gordon, pissing off Prince and Hamilton. We'll see.

Group 4: Cellar Dwellers
These teams are awful. The bottom of the pack. The players play for stats, GMs don't want to spend, and the fans have turned their backs on them. These teams are in the dark ages, just rebuilding and rebuilding until they finally get the pieces that work together.

The teams in this group are:
Memphis Grizzlies - You have a good lineup of young players (Gasol, Arthur, Gay, Mayo, Conley), then you trade for Randolph and sign a disgruntled Iverson
Golden State Warriors - 2007 team was great, then you trade Richardson and Harrington in 2008. Now look where they are now.
Milwaukee Bucks - Jennings is making waves for the ROY award, but until Bogut has a breakout year, and Redd remains healthy the Bucks will win not more than 30 games.
Charlotte Bobcats - Larry Brown is great, but this team just can't seem to win at a daily basis
New York Knicks - Wait for 2010. But for now, don't expect them to win much.
New Jersey Nets - They're just a pain to watch now. Aside from Lopez and CDR, nobody's doing well in this team.
Minnesota Timberwolves - Flynn is great, but Jefferson is a step slower this season
Sacramento Kings - Good lineup, but they just can't seem to win

Early thoughts on the 09-10 NBA Season.

2009-11-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

There have been plenty of surprises, as expected, 3 weeks into the 09-10 NBA season. Last season's contenders have struggled to find their groove early (Cavs, Spurs, Jazz), some teams have shown flashes of brilliance in their first 10 games (Thunder, Raptors, Bucks), and some teams have been just been very disappointing (Clippers, Warriors, Nets). Here are 5 of the things that have stood out, in my opinion, early in the season.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers?
First, they lose to the Celtics in their home opener. Alright, it's acceptable given that the Celtics have vastly improved during the offseason. But, 2 nights after the game, they lose to a new look Toronto Raptors team that was led by, OMG, Andrea Bargnani. They start 0-2, and as of Nov. 12, they are 4-3. Not the start for the team that was picked by many to win the conference this season. Perhaps they're just adjusting with Shaq in the lineup, but maybe the loss of Kuester during the offseason also affected the Cavs this season. They also lost 2 games at the Gund Arena after 7 games when last season, they were 40-2 at home.

2. Brandon Jennings for Rookie of the Year?
If the season ended today, book it. This guy has been phenomenal in 6 games. 18ppg, 4rpg, 4apg is amazing. He almost had a triple double in his first game when he scored 24 points, grabbed 9 boards, and dished out 9 assists. Everyone's been talking about Blake Griffin, Demar DeRozan, and Stephen Curry for the ROY award before the season, but Jennings is making a very clear statement.

3. 7 seconds or less, the rebirth of the Phoenix Suns
Nobody expected this, but the Suns are 8-1 and at the top of the Western Conference standings. The guys are having fun, everybody's playing hard, and Steve Nash is having fun. Alvin Gentry did an amazing job with the team that won 46 games and didn't make the playoffs last season. Christian Frye has been phenomenal for the Suns shooting lights out from the three point line, Goran Dragic is getting confident and is being a solid backup to Nash, and the suns are moving freely along up and down the court. We'll see if they can keep this up all season long, but the first 9 games have been amazing for Phoenix.

4. Ryan Anderson who?
This guy was just a throw in to the Alston and Co. to VC trade during the offseason. But during the preseason and the first 5 games of the Magic, this guy has stepped up, BIG. He is averaging 15ppg, 5rpg, and almost 50% from the three point line early this season and is making up for the loss of Rashard Lewis due to the suspension. Suddenly, everybody's forgotten about Hedo.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder
This team started 2-17 last season. Starting from 1-3, then falling to 1-17 before getting their 2nd win. This season however, they are at 4-4, which is a decent record in the Western Conference. Durant has been big for the Thunder, but he is getting plenty of help. Russell Westbrook has been great for the thunder at the PG position, although his assist-turnover ratio is still bad for a PG, he is doing what was expected of him during the offseason - to score and distribute. Jeff Green is also playing well, but the biggest surprise has been Thabo Sefalosha. He held Kobe to 9-22 on their first meeting, plus he's been making his three point shots during their first 8 games. If the Thunder manages to get 35 to 40 wins this season, they'll surely contend for the playoffs next season.

Let's Trade Stephen Jackson!

2009-11-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that for the past few months that Captain Jack hasn't been a happy camper for the GS Warriors. After the miraculous playoff run in 2007, things have been going downhill for the franchise; from the departure of Jason Richardson, Baron Davis, and Matt Barnes (Main catalysts of the 2007 team), to the firing of GM Chris Mullin, to the stupid moped accident of Monta Ellis. I personally understand why Stephen Jackson wants out of Golden State. He's old (33? 34?), the team is rebuilding, and he wants an opportunity to play in the finals. So, enough of the drama. Here are the scenarios for S-Jax that I would like to see before the deadline.

1. GSW sends S-Jax and Brandan Wright to DAL for Josh Howard

For GSW: They get Josh Howard. A player whose style is very similar to S-Jax, he played for Don Nelson before so he won't have a hard time adjusting to his style, and he has a $10M contract that expires after the season.

For DAL: They get S-Jax. A multi-dimensional player that will give the Mavs a deeper bench. He can shoot the 3, he can pass, he can defend. What's not to like? Plus they get Brandan Wright, a PF with tons of upside. Dallas is set for the next 2-3 years, why not take a chance with Captain Jack? Plus his contract is cheaper @ $7M per year for 3 years.

2. GSW sends S-Jax to MIA for Quentin Richardson

For GSW: They add another 3 point shooter to their lineup, fits well with the Run and Gun offense (Remember the 04-05 Suns?), and carries a $8M expiring contract.

For MIA: They keep D-Wade happy by adding another versatile player to the lineup; a guy that could create his own shot, defend well, and put rebounds and assists on the board. Imagine, a lineup of JO, Beasley, Jackson, Wade, and Chalmers for the remainder of the 2009-2010 season. Not too shabby right?
3. GSW sends S-Jax to NYK for Jared Jeffries

For GSW: They get an athletic big man in Jeffries. He'll be able to play as soon as possible due to injuries to Biedrins and Turiaf.

For NYK: They get a very versatile wing player in Jackson. May not fall into their plans in 2010, but Jackson, at $7m a year for 3 years, is a pretty good deal. They can play small ball with the lineup of Harrington, Jackson, Galo, Hughes, and Duhon.

4. GSW sends S-Jax and Brandan Wright to DET for Tayshaun Prince

For GSW: You get rid of Jackson and add a versatile offensive player who doesn't need the ball to be effective.

For DET: They get a very good defender in S-Jax, additional offense because the guy can create his own shot, and an athletic Big in Brandan Wright.

5. GSW sends S-Jax to SAC for Andres Nocioni
For GSW: End of drama. Period.

For SAC: Additional Firepower, you get a guy who can create his own shot, lessen Kevin Martin's scoring load, and you get someone who could defend the other team's best player.

Well, feel free to post your comments on the comment box on my Facebook page. See ya!

NBA Preview : Atlanta Hawks

2009-09-22T02:04:00.000-07:00

The 2009-2010 NBA Season is just a few weeks away and most teams have completed their final rosters. Trades have also been made here and there, free agents have made a splash, and even the team staff have been revamped for the upcoming season.

As an avid basketball fan, I am very excited to see how the each team will perform this season. As the season approaches, I will post my season predictions of the 30 teams in the NBA. Feel free to post your comments as I am looking for people who share the same excitement for the upcoming season. Cheers!

ATLANTA HAWKS
Last Season (47-35, 4th in Eastern Conference)
Lost: Acie Law IV, Speedy Claxton,
Added: Jamal Crawford, Joe Smith, Jeff Teague

Potential Starters:
PG - Mike Bibby
SG - Joe Johnson
SF - Josh Smith
PF - Marvin Williams
C - Al Horford

The Atlanta Hawks were one of the more exciting teams last season. Their notable games include those against the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat. While they lost to the Cavs in the 2nd round of the playoffs, they've achieved more than what people have expected during the off-season, finishing 4th in the vastly improved Eastern Conference.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That is the objective of the 2009-2010 Hawks. They still have most of their core group (Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Joe Johnson), their veteran leader in Mike Bibby, and the promising rookie Al Horford. These guys are very familiar with each other and should continue to improve this season. This team will not crack the top 3 in the conference, but I expect them to hold on to the 4th spot.

Perhaps the most impressive thing going for this team is their much improved bench. Their second stringers are very capable of maintaining leads while their starters have their rest. The acquisition of Jamal Crawford adds another scoring punch to a team that usually relies on Joe Johnson for 24+ points a night. Joe Smith will also provide the inside presence that the team needs when Horford is off the floor.

2nd Lineup:
PG - Jeff Teague
SG - Jamal Crawford
SF - Maurice Evans
PF - Joe Smith
C - Zaza Pachulia

The upcoming season looks bright for the Atlanta Hawks. With the core group from last season's playoff team still together, Mike Woodson as the coach, plus the additions of Crawford and Joe Smith, look for this team to make the playoffs for the 3rd straight year. With a vastly improved bench, these Hawks will not be pushovers come playoff time. I really do think this team is capable of upsetting the East's top 3 teams (Magic, Cavs, Celtics) in the playoffs.

Projected Finish (52-30, 4th in the Eastern Conference)

NBA Trade: Emeka Okafor to the Hornets for Tyson Chandler

2009-07-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

As of today, 28th of July, 2009 (11:42PM Philippine Time), ESPN Sports reported that the deal has been finalized. CHA sends Emeka Okafor to NOH for Tyson Chandler.

My initial reaction? I'm puzzled about the plans of the Hornets. I believe that they traded Chandler during the trade deadline (for Wilcox and Joe Smith) to slash payroll. Chandler has 10M+ for the next two years. If the hornets were looking to slash payroll, they'd look for expiring contracts, right? However, they chose to take in Okafor's contract (6 years, 72M) which runs through 2010-2011, when Chandler's contract is supposed to come off the books.

I think that this trade has something to do with the shrinking salary cap. New Orleans probably knew that Tyson wasn't planning on opting out of his 2010-2011 contract, the market for free agency during the summer of 2011 will be small, and they aren't willing to sign Chandler to an extension. Valid points, considering you gain a center who hasn't reached his full potential in Okafor.

What does this do for both teams? For the Bobcats, this gives them the inside defensive presence that Okafor couldn't really provide. Chandler is taller, more athletic, and quicker than Okafor when healthy. However, they lose the post offense that Okafor gave them, which is about 12-15 PPG.

Meanwhile, the Hornets gain another low post scorer in Okafor. With Okafor, the Hornets won't have to rely on David West for low post scoring. West can play along the baseline and shoot mid-range jumpers while Okafor can do the dirty work like rebound and score off put backs. Playing with Chris Paul may also improve his offensive game.

At the end of the day, I think that this trade will work better for the Bobcats. Chandler will be a good addition to the Bobcats because of his size and his defense. If this trade doesn't work, his contracts will come off the books in 2011, giving the Bobcats an opportunity to be flexible during that summer. Emeka Okafor will fit well with the Hornets, but his huge contract will affect extension talks with Chris Paul, David West, and possibly Rasual Butler.

Movie Review: The Hangover

2009-07-27T01:33:00.000-07:00

The movie follows the story of 3 friends one day after their bachelor party. They were drunk as hell, completely clueless on the events that happened the night before, and they lost a friend who's about to get married in 24 hours.

The premise was really simple. It's very similar to Dude, Where's My Car which starred Ashton Kutcher and Sean William Scott. It seemed like a lame idea at first, but I ended up enjoying the film very much!

The movie was really funny at most points. I really felt like I was in the same situation as the guys were. You never really get an idea on how they lost their friend at the beginning. But as the movie continues, you begin to understand what they did during their bachelor party, and it was pretty damn funny. The scenes that I really enjoyed were the tiger in the bathroom, the masturbating baby, and the one with Mike Tyson.

If you're looking for a good laugh, try to watch this movie. This is a pretty good film and you won't be disappointed.

4.5/5

First Post

2009-07-27T00:58:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this blog right now, I'd like to greet you with a simple hello and I hope that you will continue to visit this page in the future.

I can't seem to figure out what I wish to say for my first entry, so please bear with me. I promise that I will do my best to provide you with substantial entries next time. Most of my entries will consist of movie reviews, video games to watch out for, sports updates (NBA, UFC, and Boxing), and some other events that I find interesting.

Well, not so much for my first entry, But I hope this entry will make you consider following my blog as soon as I post more substantial stuff.

Thanks!