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Monday, December 19, 2011

Finally! The 2011-2012 season!

Now Playing: Wounded Eyes by Blue Scholars

Well, it's been a long and pain stalking wait to see the NBA 2011-2012 delay its start due to the prolonged NBA lockout. Sure, it is not the first time that NBA experienced this type of drama (last was the '98-'99 season lockout). There was so much going on for the past 5 months: we saw jaw dropping trades, players opting to play abroad or go for small events just to stay fit and a few contorversies. The league somehow needs to thank its fans for staying with them and being patient after the lull that the CBA brought to the league.

Now, after the smoke has finally cleared, i'm sure hoop fans have now marked their calendars for the 25th of December, not for Christmas day, but because it's the start of the 2011-2012 NBA season.

Although, it is a short season, it still is a must see year for the league. I have listed my top 10 teams to see this season:

10. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Definitely the mood in The Big Easy will change a bit after losing their franchise player Chris Paul and with D-West going to Indiana. With the ownership and financial issue still looming over the team, don't worry NO fans, you still have something to look forward to this season and this one may be a sleeper for most of us. Please New Orleans, no need to follow the hate they once got going in Cleveland.


Come on Eric... Smile for Christ's sake!

Chris Paul was traded over to the Clippers and in exchange got Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Farouq Aminu. Now, if you're going to ask me, not a bad trade at all (well, okay, i get the point if you'll raise the ticket sales issue) and i'm sure that the loyal Hornets fans won't give up on their team (just yet, i hope). This trade actually solidifies their line up right away. Now you got a more potent Shooting Guard in Eric Gordon both on the defensive and offensive end. This will now be Eric Gordon's coming out party as he now is the expected leader for this team. When you go down to the low block, you now bring down Emeka Okafor in the 4-spot (which i feel is the best position for him) being able to concentrate more on the defensive end and helping out in the offense and bringing a more legit Center in Chris Kaman. You also got Jack, Aminu, Ariza, and Landry in their respective positions and can hold their ground against the rest of the league (well, let's hope Trevor raises his shooting percentage).

Now, Monty Williams may have his hands full but he has proven that he is definitely ready for the coaching spot and for me, he is the one that will determine how his Hornets thread the waters. If you're going to ask me, in terms of individual talents, the Hornets actually have improved this season compared to last season. I'm sure Williams is up to the task and will quietly make his opponents see that going to New Orleans won't mean an easy win.


09. INDIANA PACERS

Beefing up their line up by adding All-Star power forward David West, the future for Larry Bird's team is off to a nice start. David West expressed his intent to be traded during off-season and landing in Indiana was a good move for the 17-foot assassin.

They also got George Hill from a trade with the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for rookie Kawhi Leonard. I actually don't get the logic of this trade coming from both teams' side. It's not a trivia that Pop really liked Hill's playing style foe his system while he was in Texas so it was a surprise to see him traded off. In Indiana, they already got a solid starting Point Guard in Darren Collison, who proved his worth in his stint in The Big Easy when CP3 was down. So you have 2 good starting Point Guards in your list. It's really a double edged sword as it may make wonders for them in terms of solidifying the position regardless of who of the 2 comes off the bench or starts (Coach Frank Vogel may even play them both), or it may create a little crack in the rotation. I'm sure coach Vogel will make the most out of them though as he proved his wit last playoffs as they battled against the Bulls.

The team also got hard-nose Power Forward in Lou Amundson which adds hustle and energy coming off the bench.

And of course you have your All-Star 3-man in Danny Granger, that I hope stays healthy for his team as he will still lead this team no matter what. They also got solid players in Paul George, Dahntay Jones, A.J. Price, and Tyler Hansbrough. The real barometer for this team though would have to be Roy Hibbert. Last season's stats for the big man wasn't bad but I feel his team needs him more on the defensive end, grabbing more boards, defending the low block and bringing that toughness.

08. DALLAS MAVERICKS

Okay, now that Dirk, Kidd, Terry, team owner Mark Cuban, Coach Carlisle and the rest of the Mavericks organization already got their first ring, you'ld be thinking that they are itching to get another crack at the title, right? Well... The latest move of the franchise of letting go Tyson Chandler wasn't a popular move, maybe, for most fans of the Mavs and got them scratching their heads.

The reason why I actually placed them on my 8th spot is to see how they'll cope with the drastic change and if their resiliency is still flaming red-hot. No doubt that most of the guys in the roster already proved their worth and resolve as winners with each one stepping up during last year's championship run. However, I feel that they actually removed 2 of their key guys in the defensive end. Chandler undeniably changed the identity of the team from an offensive machine to one hell of a defensive wall to mess with in the Western Conference. Not only can he block shots and cover the paint well, he also boosts their energy and is their vocal leader on the defensive end. We may not have seen Caron's worth since he got injured, but seeing him from the past years he played in the league, he is one tough guy in the 3 spot.

I hope that some of the guys push their effort and level a notch higher this season 'cause they'll badly need it, considering that you have young guns in OKC trying to slowly climb the top of the mountain. I'm sure Mark Cuban won't hang his cowboy hat yet. After all, no one expected them to reach and win the championship. Honestly though, they'll have a tough time.


07. CHICAGO BULLS

The Bulls made a statement last season that now, they have a new era to get crazy about in the Windy City. And why won't they? They got their best season since the 90s Bulls team. They have the youngest MVP and one of the stingiest defense in the league. Since 2000, i have not been a fan of how Chicago made their moves as far as acquiring players are concerned. They somehow got young players during that time, let them go to be traded or for free agency and eventually turned out to be good solid players after a few years. However, they stayed with their plan and it paid off.

I believe in the Bulls' system, specially on the defensive end. Coach Tom Thibodeau changed the mentality of the Bulls team and made them grow after one season. Discipline and toughness was now an engraved mentality while playing on court.

Now, for sure they now got their back with a huge "bulls"eye as most of the teams in the league will now consider them as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. They have a good core line-up already but they someone need to patch a gaping hole in the shooting guard position. So I was very happy while watching BTV to learn that they acquired Richard Hamilton. It's like giving them a Christmas gift, neatly packaged and tightly sealed.


Now, Rip is a winner. A disciplined, wise and tough guy hailing from the new school "bad boys of Motor City" team that toppled the Lakers early in the decade and won the championship. Learning from Larry Brown is also a plus. Rip now brings that steady mid range element that Chicago was missing last season (Mister Korver please stand up). He also adds a valuable piece in the defensive end and you know that he'll make the guys play harder and listen to him when needed to. The biggest contribution that I feel Rip will give the team is that added scoring option that the defense needs to consider running off screens and even, coach T may design, at times, crucial clutch plays for him. No doubt D. Rose will still be the main man in Chicago but he really needs help (as evident in their Eastern Conference finals match up with Miami). It will also benefit Chicago big time if Boozer can show up this season as he was really a non-factor last season (the only thing that he has going for him is he plays well along with Noah). I'm sure Noah and Deng will be solid in their respective positions.

I'm excited as hell to see how Chicago plays this season and I hope they make a great follow up to their magical season.

06. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Being the darkhorse last season, the Grizzlies proved that there is more to see in Memphis aside from Graceland. Eliminating the #1 seed Spurs last season was no small feat. Yeah, the guys from San Antonio may be aging, but everyone knows how good and tough they play come the playoffs... when it mattered the most.

Memphis showed heart and toughness during that season that somehow propelled them as one of the playoff contenders in the west. I was happy to know that they kept their core in tact and made sure Marc Gasol is still part of their line up (after getting a lucrative offer from the Rockets). With Zebo proving to be one hell of a presence down the block, Mike Conley being comfortable as the steering wheel of the troops and O.J. Mayo providing scoring off the bench, Memphis has a lot to be excited about this season.

Rudy Gay was out last season due to a separated shoulder but this didn't prevent Coach Hollins' guys to prove that they won't back down, even with the elite teams in the league. We all know that Rudy Gay still spearheads this team but due to the breakout season of Zebo, most critics say that the return of Rudy Gay may somehow cause a little change in the chemistry and play style of the Grizzlies. For sure, Coach Hollins will muster every ounce of basketball smarts in him to make sure both Rudy and Zach work in harmony together with the rest of the team... and won't that be one hell of a thing to see. I can imagine Zebo going down low and attracting the double team while Rudy Gay moves without the ball... probably cut to the basket for an easy finish or just moving around the perimeter and punishing the defense with a three.

Also, Rudy Gay was part of the USA "Redeem" Team that won the Gold Medal. Most of the players that was in that roster matured and led their respective teams big time. So sitting down the rest of the playoffs with an injury while watching his team go toe-to-toe with a team like San Antonio, i'm sure that Rudy Gay has enough fuel in him to push the Grizzlies for another run, and make sure his team stays happy, in tact and competitive. I feel that if his stats need to go down just for the sake of the team, he won't mind at all. However, I want to see this kid make it to the All-Star team.

Lastly, Memphis' bench is growing in a positive note with role players like Vasquez, Allen and Young proving to be a source of energy and push off the bench. The only crucial blow that they have for this season is the injury of Darrell Arthur that pushed him on the sideline for the rest of the season.

05. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Whenever I hear the Golden State Warriors, "offense" is the first word that comes to mind. Since the RUN TMC trio that they had back in the 90s, bay-area really never had anything to cheer for except their underdog story last 2007 when they beat the top seeded Dallas Mavericks ("We Believe" era). We all remember that facial tomahawk dunk that Baron Davis delivered to Andrei Kirilenko on that magical season (which by the way ended with them being eliminated by the Utah Jazz). After that run, the Golden State Warriors pretty much served as the bottom dwellers of the Western Conference.

Last season, they acquired the smooth sniping guard from Davidson, Stephen Curry. With a great acquisition from the 2010 NBA draft, things were starting to look good for SanFran when injury plagued them. They had a depleted line up and some say that Stephen Curry and flashy guard Monta Ellis can't work together. I beg to differ though, as there were hints of bright spots last season, even though their backs were against the wall... again.

The year started with rumors of Monta Ellis being traded. When you thought that it's another bad season for Golden State, Chris Mullin decided to sign Mark Jackson as head coach. We all remember Mark Jackson as the give-me-a-shimmy-after-a-nice-dish court general for the Indiana Pacers. Now, he is the sage-like voice that we here during game telecasts. However, Coach Jackson is no rookie when it comes to leadership, discipline and toughness. So... what's the difference, right? Defense.

Coach Jackson made a bold commitment to change the mentality of their team and mold them into one solid defensive unit. Which is really what this team needs. Golden State probably have the most potent 1 and 2 guard combo in the league with the slashing and helter skelter play of Ellis from that silky smooth smarts and long range bombs of Stephen Curry. That machine-gun like offense will always be there as long as they have this combo. However, the idea of having them playing defense still remains to be seen.

It's no rocket science that defense is not Monta's forte in his game and when Klay Thompson was drafted for this season, a lot wondered if it's time for Monta to take one last look at the Golden Gate Bridge. Thompson has both the inside-outside game, and has a decent defense fundamentals. I saw this first hand while watching him play for Washington during a rare few telecasts in BTV. However, Jackson made it clear that he wants Monta to stay and work with his defense individually and as a team. If coach Jackson is able to make Monta work and drop a few teeth on the defensive end, i'll automatically give him props for that.


"Man, we need to get our acts together or Coach J will be on our ass this whole season"

Another weakness that Golden State has is their frontcourt. David Lee can surely hold his ground on the 4th spot and he may need to help in the scoring and remain consistent with his rebounding. But based on watching Udoh's preseason games, it seems he's been working hard to compete for the position. Anyways, if he comes off the bench, it will still do the GSW good. The Small Forward position may still be filled by Dorrell Wright which had a good 2010 season. In terms of the Center spot, I hope Andris Beidrins stays healthy and be able to adapt to the new defensive scheme Jackson has for them. Kwame Brown may be able to help but, sorry man, I'm not really one of your biggest fans.

Going back to Klay Thompson, I personally feel that he is a fail-safe option if in case in the future, they need to trade Monta (if things won't work out as planned). At least you have a stable rookie coming off the bench and may at times play with Ellis and Curry when they go small ball.

In all, I don't expect the Warriors to be a 5th or 6th seeder but seeing them in the playoffs will be a great start

04. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

The Lynx brought a gold last season when they won against the Atlanta Dream. Now it's their male counterparts turn to bring the honor back to Minnesota. Of course that's not an easy thing to do. But things are starting to look great for Minnesota.

Placing Rick Adelman as the new head coach is a great start. I think Rick Adelman is an underrated coach because he's not able to reach the finals. However, considering what he has done to the teams he's been in within the decade: whether building a championship caliber team in SacTown or still pushing the Rockets to be a solid playoff contending team despite the injuries and roster issues; Adelman is definitely a nice building block in changing a culture to team like the Wolves.

In paper, the roster looks exciting and great. Of course we have Mr. 30-30 Kevin Love. Now he's not really getting the love as far as reaching that mark is concerned. Most critics say that if he's placed in a winning team, he may not achieve this feat (which he proudly shares with the likes of Moses Malone). My retort is this -- he actually is a double-double type of player and at times, he actually reached 15-15 marks on some games consistently. Yeah he's not flashy but mind you that this guy is picked for the Redeem Team, which speaks a lot for his type of play and leadership. Kevin, I know Coach Adelman is happy in the position you are in and just play your stuff.

Then, there's the Point Guard position. You have a solid veteran in Luke Ridnour that can definitely orchestrate a team, they also have newly acquired guard fresh off the championship run --- J.J. Barea which I feel may start for this season. Oh! We almost forgot wonderboy from Spain Ricky Rubio. At first, I was wondering what's with the hype with Rubio. Sure he's one of the youngest player to ever play international-level type of basketball and is a solid point guard... but I was a bit off with him coming in to the NBA. I was wondering how he'll cope up with the physicality of the league and his offensive arsenal is not yet that good. However, after watching him play during the short preseason games, I was proven wrong (sucker punch smartass!). He is a great energy type of player off the bench, maybe, after he learns the game and develops his game.

Then there's the 2 spot. I hope that Wesley Johnson gets consistent in playing defense and commit to being a team player. No doubt he has the skills and he's got game, but maturity is a key factor for this man if Minnesota wants to start winning.

The small forward position is where all the fuzz is. Micheal Beasley and Derrick Williams. I want to see who gets the spot. For sure there's no moving over Kevin Love on the 4 spot (okay, at times he may play Center but he's undersized for that position), but it's a bit tricky for the team on who starts and who comes off the bench. It's no secret that Beasley had some issues off the court and it's good to see that he has a little competition in Derrick Williams. And when I say competition, it's really a fight for who gets the thumbs-up from Rick Adelman. Beasley needs to raise his game a notch higher as I've seen Williams play during the NCAA Final Four and live when they visited Manila, and man, this is a great pick for the Wolves. Versatile, strong offensive and defensive fundamentals, and is exciting to watch.

For the center slot, it would be great if Anthony Randolph starts for them and acts as a defensive anchor for them. Kevin Love may slide at times to the 5th spot, I think, when they play small ball. They have a bunch of big men that can solidify their 4 and 5 slot with the likes of Milicic and Brad Miller.

I wish to see the Wolves get back in playoff contention and prove naysayers wrong. I think the only thing that this team needs is their identity and that "one" leader.




03. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Okay, after the new CBA, drama started in LALA land befitting the glitz and glamour of the town. There is Lamar Odom going to their rivals in Texas and the rumored three team trade that will send CP3 to the Lakers. When I first heard Chris Paul's intent to be traded to the Lakers I was in awe. I really don't like the Lakers and Kobe Bryant for that matter. Yes, he is arguably the greatest 2 guard of his generation but I just am not a fan of #24. I just hate the idea of Chris Paul selling his soul to the devil in trade for a chance at the championship. I'm a big Chris Paul fan, and I can brag that. He definitely deserves to be in a winning basketball team, let alone, a championship caliber team. Maybe, part of the reason why I hate the idea of him being traded is the implications it has to New Orleans, considering the financial and management issues that they have. After the smoke has cleared the trade was rescinded and Chris Paul was left hanging wanting to be moved in a winning team.

Just when I thought that CP3 will start for the Big Easy, Paul was traded over to the "other" Los Angeles team -- The Clippers, via a trade that sent Gordon, Kaman and Aminu to New Orleans. "Hey! There is still another L.A. team waiting for a huge trade suckers.". This IS the trade Chris Paul needs, not only in the current status that he has but also it works for the team as well. Now, they have a solid all star guard that will steer them in the right direction. No doubt he'll help the team in a lot of ways: defensive intensity, offense, leadership and guidance. To think that CP3 was able to bring NO to the playoffs, with the type of personnel that they have, the possibilities are endless now that he's with the Clippers.


Oh yes! There's also Must See BG! Blake Griffin. Apart from being in the top 10 plays of the week for... well, almost every week, he's also starting to be solid in his position. I just want to see Blake expand his game each year. Post moves, mid-range shot, passing ala-Webber down low... there is no doubt he can do these.

The Clippers also got Chauncey Billups which is a proven winner and leader. I'm a bit worried how he'll hold up as a combo guard but knowing Mr. Big Shot, he'll take it as a challenge. They also acquired Caron Butler which is excited to start the season after coming off an injury riddled season. Also, you have DeAndre Jordan in the Center position which gives Chris Paul and Chauncey to green light to throw all the alley-oop pass they can with the frontcourt that they have

The thing that I think the Clippers needs to work out is their defensive mentality and a solid legitimate shooting guard as most of their guards have played (or is comfortable) in the point guard position. We may see a trade once the season starts... we'll see (err...Mo Williams).

This is a season where the Clippers wants to make a statement: WE are the real Los Angeles team.

02. NEW YORK KNICKS

The Kings of Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks. Well, we all know the history that the team has and what it has gone through for the last few seasons. You can also throw in the love-hate relationship that the fans have for their franchise (I can still here the boos thrown when David Lee was drafted by NY. haha.).

For a big stage and state such as New York, they have been in the trenches for quite sometime now and they have been aching to cheer for their team, not for one game only, but for one whole solid season. And New York, your 5 boroughs can start bouncing fresh.

New York got a gold when they landed champ Tyson Chandler from free agency. Obviously, now they have a solid center that can anchor the defense for.... what? Defense? our Coach is Mike D' Antoni right? Are you sure we're talking about defense?

Yes we are. This is probably the biggest challenge the Knicks has to face. Getting Tyson Chandler won't pimp out your defensive scheme right away. Yes, he is a great defensive player but without a solid system to play to... he's just another playing waiting for things to happen in the big apple. Knicks' coaching staff needs to make sure that they get the most out of Chandler and they can only do this with a well planned defensive scheme. With the winning attitude, resiliency, energy and leadership that Tyson brings to the table, they need to make sure that they maximize this night in and night out. They need to bring that defensive mentality and discipline and make it work for the short 2011-2012 season. The coaching staff have their hands full on this task and need to make things work. So far, the preseason games looks good.


The offense is already there for them with Melo and Amare as their 1-2 punch. In fairness to Meloman, I've seen him mature from being a blackhole to a team player and leader, being able to involve his teammates when needed and take things into his hands in clutch (and Melo is on the top of the food chain when it comes to clutch). Melo can get his points when needed and wherever in the floor. The idea that he likes playing for New York is another thing he has goinf for him. Then you have a solid post presence in Amare. He will always be a beast in the paint, but I hope STAT raises his rebounding stats, remains consistent with his swatting abilities and play on a "team defense" concept.

The bench also has to step up if the Knicks wants to move past the 1st and the 2nd round. They need to make a push once their stars hit the bench. I have my eyes on rookie Iman Shumpert, Tony Douglas and Bill Walker to see how they'll help their own big three. Acquisition of veteran guards Mike Bibby and Baron Davis will be a big help for them.

Personally, I think NYC's "big three" will make an immediate impact and is definitely something to look out to in the East. They have the talent, the toughness and the maturity they needed to lead their team as the 4th or 5th seed in their conference. They already have the love from their fans. Maybe it's time for the Knicks to stand proud again.

01. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER


And then, there's one. Power in the Western Conference is now turning tides. After reaching the Western Conference finals, the Thunders made a solid statement: "We are ready to battle". Of course, it is easier said than done, considering the type of team the west has for the past couple of decades. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder has a solid core that grew together and has pieces that already know what their roles are.

Despite the drama that the CBA and the trades around the league, Oklahoma City kept it quiet and had their minds set for the new season. Now that you'll think of it, what can a short season do to the explosive duo of Durant and Westbrook? Well, these guys are young, relentless and hungry so to have that luxury to have a short season, I am thinking that they'll go 110% each time they hit the hardwood.

Definitely, Scott Brooks has some minor adjustments to make when it comes to the system. Overall though, they are in good condition and just needs to set their eyes on the goal. No doubt the offense will still go around Durantula and Westbrook. It is exciting to see though to see James Harden get more minutes. No doubt, it works for the team if he comes off the bench and provide that spark. Sefalosha is a solid defender and served as a good role player beside their team's dynamic duo. However, it may not hurt to give Harden more minutes and play longer to give that added punch. When you sub Harden for Sefalosha, defense is not compromised as Harden can hold his ground with the best of them. In short, give other teams to Fear the Beard more.

I also want to see Kendrick Perkins be more mobile and be the presence that he is in the block when he was in Boston. Serge Ibaka's basketball exposure playing in Europe during offseason will be a crucial factor this season, adding a little post move and sharpening his mid-range shots.

The usual hit that OKC has is against Russell Westbrook. Most critics say that at times needed or in game-winning situations, he usually takes it strong to the hop instead of distributing for a fluid offense or give it to their go to guy #35. There are also comments on how he is as a point guard. Let me remind you though that Westbrook didn't start his career as a point guard. He was placed as the court general when he entered the NBA and he took the challenge. That speaks a lot because playing a position you're never used to, specially as a point guard, is not an easy thing to do. I guess that Westbrook can't please everyone. I give him props for his guts and being a tough guard he is. Playing alongside the likes of KD is also not easy. Still, he held his own. I guess experience will be the greatest ally Russell has in his battle against criticism. I'm sure he knows what to do, when to do it and how to do it when the situation presents itself. OKC, you have a great point guard in this man.

Oklahoma City is a good example on how to build a solid unit. Without a doubt they do not have the luxury and the lucrative pull to players that big cities like New York, LA, or Chicago has. When they started, they actually don't have that large amount of money to spend for operations, trades and other expenses. They just made right decisions, picked the right guys cut out for the team that they want to build and kept it low and quiet when needed. This is why Oklahoma City for me, deserves its rightful claim as one of the league's powerhouse team.






*updates roster details from NBA.com