The 70th NBA season is set to tip off tonight and there's reason to believe this could be one of the best; and most competitive. One of the reasons for this is the resurgence of the Eastern Conference, which is usually known for poor performances from a majority of its teams.
For the past few years the East has been LeBron Jame's kingdom. James has won the Eastern Conference the past five years but has only captured the NBA championship two of those years.
The East has improved this year. The Milwaukee Bucks are a up in coming young team with the return of Jabari Parker from injury. The Miami Heat have added Goran Dragic, Hassan Whiteside, and hope Dwayne Wade can stay healthy. The Bulls are expected to be competitive once again, but the health of Derrick Rose is always a question.
The real question is can any of these teams beat LeBron Jame's Cavs in the East four times?
Probably not, although I give Miami the best shot if Wade can stay healthy.
The Western Conference is a whole different story. In my opinion there are five teams that can legitimately come out of the Western Conference. The defending Champion Golden State Warriors, Los Angles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Houston Rockets.
Golden State is returning all of its core players so there's no reason to think they wont be a threat, especially with reigning MVP Stephen Curry leading the team. The Spurs added a double double machine in LaMarcus Aldridge and still have the ageless Tim Duncan at the helm.
Kevin Durant is returning for the Thunder to join his partner and crime Russell Westbrook. The Clippers added Paul Pierce to a already loaded roster and the Rockets are returning with good health and hunger for vengeance after losing in the West Finals a year ago.
Did I mention Kobe Bryant is returning in what could be his last season? The Lakers aren't expected to be much this year but they'll be watchable as long as Kobe is on the court.
Expectations for the season are high, and they should be. Competition should be fierce, games should be close and exciting, the NBA should have one of the best seasons yet.
Predictions: Cleveland Cavaliers vs Golden State Warriors in NBA Finals
Warriors in 7
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Thursday, October 23, 2014
The Resurgence of a Legend: Jeff Gordon in position to win 5th title
Last week at Talledega Jeff Gordon barley squeezed himself into the Eliminator round with a 26th place finish. With four races left in the season Gordon will be the flagman for Hendrick Motorsports. His teammates Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, and fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr did not qualify for the eliminator round.
The new NASCAR playoff format resets the points every three races so once again the points are at equal 4,000 for all drivers; Keslowski, Harvick, Newman, Edwards, Hamlin, Logano, Kenseth, and Gordon.
It's a even playing field. Everyone has a equal chance.
But were headed to Martinsville this weekend and the Big Bad wolf there is Jeff Gordon. Owning 8 grandfather clocks, Gordon is tied with Jimmie Johnson for the most wins at Martinsville. Last year Jeff Gordon won this race passing Kenseth with 21 laps to go. Kenseth led a race high 202 laps in the race but when it mattered most he couldn't keep Gordon at bay.
"Jeff's experience here got me, I'm just not that experienced running up front here" Kenseth said at the time. Gordon's driver rating of 119.9 is the best of all Chase drivers at Martinsville.
Look for Gordon to capitalize on that experience Sunday. He may not lead the most laps as was the case a year ago, but when it counts he'll be in the mix. At the end of the race when its Driver vs. Driver there's no one better at Martinsville than Jeff Gordon.
If Gordon can punch his ticket to Homestead with a win Sunday he'll be heading to a track where he has a history of showing of speed; he won there two years ago in 2012.
But this year his team is better, faster, and mentally stronger.
Out of all the drivers left in the chase Gordon is the best driver. That's why Brad Keslowski wrote a blog on why to win this championship, he has to beat Jeff Gordon.
Watch out world, Wonder boy can see the crown once again.
The new NASCAR playoff format resets the points every three races so once again the points are at equal 4,000 for all drivers; Keslowski, Harvick, Newman, Edwards, Hamlin, Logano, Kenseth, and Gordon.
It's a even playing field. Everyone has a equal chance.
But were headed to Martinsville this weekend and the Big Bad wolf there is Jeff Gordon. Owning 8 grandfather clocks, Gordon is tied with Jimmie Johnson for the most wins at Martinsville. Last year Jeff Gordon won this race passing Kenseth with 21 laps to go. Kenseth led a race high 202 laps in the race but when it mattered most he couldn't keep Gordon at bay.
"Jeff's experience here got me, I'm just not that experienced running up front here" Kenseth said at the time. Gordon's driver rating of 119.9 is the best of all Chase drivers at Martinsville.
Look for Gordon to capitalize on that experience Sunday. He may not lead the most laps as was the case a year ago, but when it counts he'll be in the mix. At the end of the race when its Driver vs. Driver there's no one better at Martinsville than Jeff Gordon.
If Gordon can punch his ticket to Homestead with a win Sunday he'll be heading to a track where he has a history of showing of speed; he won there two years ago in 2012.
But this year his team is better, faster, and mentally stronger.
Out of all the drivers left in the chase Gordon is the best driver. That's why Brad Keslowski wrote a blog on why to win this championship, he has to beat Jeff Gordon.
Watch out world, Wonder boy can see the crown once again.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Just Let Kobe be Kobe
This week the internet universe exploded over the controversial publishing of a scathing article by ESPN's Henry Abbott who claims Lakers star Kobe Bryant is the cause of the teams recent slide over the past few years.
Too make a long story short, Abbott made claims that Bryant's ego was scaring away stars from playing in the bright lights of LA. Abbott sights various anonymous sources in the article which has come under some criticism. In his article he blames Kobe for driving away stars such as Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Paul George in the latest Free agency period for the NBA.
Paul George obviously doesn't agree with article tweeting "Now how crazy does that Kobe story sound to you? #MediaReachingAgain".
Well respected Bleacher reporter Kevin Ding tweeted "Don't like to criticize other's work, but many asked me on Henry Abbott's ESPN article. Entitled to opinion but so many facts wrong".
Red Hot Chili's pepper's Flea also took to twitter to defend the LA star. He tweeted "Henry Abbott your espn kobe article is absolute garbage and a blatant irresponsible attack". 11 time NBA head coach Phil Jackson backed the musician on social media as well saying "Go get em flea".
It's no secret Kobe rubbed his teammates wrong over the his career but that's just because of his uncontrollable desire to win.
Shaq and Kobe had many disagreements and fights. Shaq and Kobe also won three NBA Championships three straight years in a row. Andrew Bynum and Kobe often butted heads but they too popped champagne bottles to celebrate the back to back championships they won in 2009-2010.
Bryant expects greatness from his teammates and if he feels there not giving the best they can give he'll call them out on it. Maybe those the bright lights were too bright for Dwight after all?
Maybe ESPN was butt hurt and published this bogus article because Kobe called them idiots for ranking him 40th in there NBA rankings?
If anything Bryant's greatness has become his weakness as the stars body begins to fail him. His mind still wants to be the Kobe of old but perhaps that Kobe has passed away after 19 seasons in the NBA.
Or perhaps not.
As Kobe enters his final season in the league we should do more appreciating than criticizing.
Just let Kobe be Kobe.
Too make a long story short, Abbott made claims that Bryant's ego was scaring away stars from playing in the bright lights of LA. Abbott sights various anonymous sources in the article which has come under some criticism. In his article he blames Kobe for driving away stars such as Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Paul George in the latest Free agency period for the NBA.
Paul George obviously doesn't agree with article tweeting "Now how crazy does that Kobe story sound to you? #MediaReachingAgain".
Well respected Bleacher reporter Kevin Ding tweeted "Don't like to criticize other's work, but many asked me on Henry Abbott's ESPN article. Entitled to opinion but so many facts wrong".
Red Hot Chili's pepper's Flea also took to twitter to defend the LA star. He tweeted "Henry Abbott your espn kobe article is absolute garbage and a blatant irresponsible attack". 11 time NBA head coach Phil Jackson backed the musician on social media as well saying "Go get em flea".
It's no secret Kobe rubbed his teammates wrong over the his career but that's just because of his uncontrollable desire to win.
Shaq and Kobe had many disagreements and fights. Shaq and Kobe also won three NBA Championships three straight years in a row. Andrew Bynum and Kobe often butted heads but they too popped champagne bottles to celebrate the back to back championships they won in 2009-2010.
Bryant expects greatness from his teammates and if he feels there not giving the best they can give he'll call them out on it. Maybe those the bright lights were too bright for Dwight after all?
Maybe ESPN was butt hurt and published this bogus article because Kobe called them idiots for ranking him 40th in there NBA rankings?
If anything Bryant's greatness has become his weakness as the stars body begins to fail him. His mind still wants to be the Kobe of old but perhaps that Kobe has passed away after 19 seasons in the NBA.
Or perhaps not.
As Kobe enters his final season in the league we should do more appreciating than criticizing.
Just let Kobe be Kobe.
Monday, April 14, 2014
New Sheriff in the Sprint Cup garage
Eight races into the 2014 NASCAR season and it's clear who the best team in the garage is. Stewart-hass-racing.
Stewart hass has won 37.5% of the races so far with wins coming from kevin harvick at Phoenix and Darlington and a thrilling win from Kurt Busch at martinsville over 6 time champ Jimmie Johnson.
When StewartHass courted Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch they sold them
On the idea of being in Hendrick equipment. Hendrick chassis. Hendrick
Engines.
Harvick and Busch are already proven talented drivers in NASCAR, Kurt bush is even a champion. Due to some self image issues, some
Behavior issues, and self control issues Busch lost his ride at Penske and bounced around with some
Low funded teams. He even made the chase last year with Furniture Row Racing show casing what a talent he is. So when the call came from Gene Hass to drive at Stewart hass he jumped at it because he knew what he could do to in good equipment. Then he went out and beat Jimmie Johnson who he called along with jeff Gordon the "king at martinsvile". Hendrick engines. Hendrick chassis.
Harvick had a different path to SHR. He proved his talent and succes with Richard Childress winning races and competing for championships. But it seemed he could never get over the hump. Until now. Harvick has two wins already and has been fast every race. Without some mechanical issuess who knows how many wins he would have 3, 4? He is the best car in the garage right now and it's no contest.
It seems there is finally a team to
Compete with the Hendrick "pretty boys" as Kurt has called them in the past. Hendrick has only one win this season, Junior's Daytona 500 win. Jeff Gordon leads the points and has been surprisingly fast at many tracks,but he is winless.
Johnson has been fast but not as fast as he usually is and he hasn't won a race either. Kasey Kahne has been mediocre alll year who knows when he'll win. Rick Hendrick is getting beat at his own game.
He should be worried. The Hendrick pretty boys are being outrun.
Did I mention Tony Stewart hasn't won yet? God forbid when he does and he will win.
There's a new sherrif in the NASCAR garage. It's SHR. Get used to it.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Broncos or Patriots?
I've been going back and forth with myself debating this game all week.
Trying to Decide who I should pick to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 48 has been equivalent to Archie Manning trying to decide which son he loves more. Its like the football gods decided to treat the world by matching up two of the all time great Quarterbacks in Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
Football heaven.
After listening to analysts, radio talk show hosts, and even friends I've decided to make this pick.
The New England Patriots will represent the AFC in Super Bowl 48. As much as I want to be sold on all this "Peyton Manning will get over the hump this year" talk I just ain't buying it. The bottom line is I don't trust Peyton Manning in the big games anymore. I used too, but not any more. Peyton Manning hasn't gotten the job done since 2006. EIGHT years ago. Brady has won 10 of 14 match ups against Manning including a 2-1 record in the postseason.
Lets not forget the patriots rallied from 24-0 deficit to defeat the Broncos the season. Now don't get me wrong I've got nothing against Peyton Manning. He is one of the three best quarterbacks in NFL history. If he does get it done I'll be one of the first to congratulate him on capping off his record breaking year with a Super Bowl appearance.
Ali-Frazier, Palmer-Nicklaus, Larry Bird-Magic Johnson, and now Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. A showdown of the best of the best. History will made. Legendary careers for one of these Quarterbacks will be even more solidified. Broncos-Patriots. Brady-Manning.
Cant wait till Sunday.
Trying to Decide who I should pick to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 48 has been equivalent to Archie Manning trying to decide which son he loves more. Its like the football gods decided to treat the world by matching up two of the all time great Quarterbacks in Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.
Football heaven.
After listening to analysts, radio talk show hosts, and even friends I've decided to make this pick.
The New England Patriots will represent the AFC in Super Bowl 48. As much as I want to be sold on all this "Peyton Manning will get over the hump this year" talk I just ain't buying it. The bottom line is I don't trust Peyton Manning in the big games anymore. I used too, but not any more. Peyton Manning hasn't gotten the job done since 2006. EIGHT years ago. Brady has won 10 of 14 match ups against Manning including a 2-1 record in the postseason.
Lets not forget the patriots rallied from 24-0 deficit to defeat the Broncos the season. Now don't get me wrong I've got nothing against Peyton Manning. He is one of the three best quarterbacks in NFL history. If he does get it done I'll be one of the first to congratulate him on capping off his record breaking year with a Super Bowl appearance.
Ali-Frazier, Palmer-Nicklaus, Larry Bird-Magic Johnson, and now Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. A showdown of the best of the best. History will made. Legendary careers for one of these Quarterbacks will be even more solidified. Broncos-Patriots. Brady-Manning.
Cant wait till Sunday.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Bears crumble late vs Packers; lose division
With the return of Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, and news that Eddie Lacy would play on his bum ankle it seemed that all signs were pointing to a easy win for the Packers in Sunday's NFC North championship.
It was far from that.
After starting the game with a three in out the Bears offense caught fire. Matt Forte played a huge role in the game rushing for 110 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 47 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.
With all eyes on Jay Cutler to step up to the challenge and play a great game he did. He threw for 226 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and had a quarter back rating of 103.8.
He did throw 1 interception but that was the hail marry throw at the end of the game.
Jay Cutler stepped up and played well, Matt Forte played great, so whose to blame for the Bears heartbreaking loss? Its the same issue the Bears have been dealing with all season.
Defense.
The Bears offense has never been the problem this year, they average 29 points per game second best in the NFL only behind the Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos. However the Bears defense has cost them all year.
The Bears finish the season with the worst rushing defense in the league allowing 161.5 rushing yards per game. Over all the Bears had the 29th best defense in the NFL this year allowing 26.7 points per game.
There are 32 teams in the NFL.
It was the defense that cost the Bears this game allowing Aaron Rodgers to find a WIDE OPEN Randall Cobb for a 48 yard yard touchdown pass in the final minute to put the Packers up for good.
Bears fan's often point to there offense and quarterback Jay Cutler for the source of the failures on the field, but this year all fingers should be pointed at that laughable pathetic defense.
Hopefully the Bears fix there defensive issues for the next years season because if they do they can be a Outstanding football team.
Beardown.
It was far from that.
After starting the game with a three in out the Bears offense caught fire. Matt Forte played a huge role in the game rushing for 110 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 47 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.
With all eyes on Jay Cutler to step up to the challenge and play a great game he did. He threw for 226 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and had a quarter back rating of 103.8.
He did throw 1 interception but that was the hail marry throw at the end of the game.
Jay Cutler stepped up and played well, Matt Forte played great, so whose to blame for the Bears heartbreaking loss? Its the same issue the Bears have been dealing with all season.
Defense.
The Bears offense has never been the problem this year, they average 29 points per game second best in the NFL only behind the Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos. However the Bears defense has cost them all year.
The Bears finish the season with the worst rushing defense in the league allowing 161.5 rushing yards per game. Over all the Bears had the 29th best defense in the NFL this year allowing 26.7 points per game.
There are 32 teams in the NFL.
It was the defense that cost the Bears this game allowing Aaron Rodgers to find a WIDE OPEN Randall Cobb for a 48 yard yard touchdown pass in the final minute to put the Packers up for good.
Bears fan's often point to there offense and quarterback Jay Cutler for the source of the failures on the field, but this year all fingers should be pointed at that laughable pathetic defense.
Hopefully the Bears fix there defensive issues for the next years season because if they do they can be a Outstanding football team.
Beardown.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Tony Romo done for Season
Dallas Cowboy's overpaid quarterback Tony Romo will miss the rest of the season due to a back injury, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Another source told ESPN Senior NFl Insider Chris Mortenson that Romo has herniated disk in the lumbar region and needs surgery. Although he hasn't examined Tony Romo himself, Dr. Michael Kaplan said surgery on a injury of this nature has "95 % predictable" with a 3-4 months recovery time span.
Head Coach Jason Garret was quick to not completely rule out Tony for Sunday's must win game vs the Eagles.
"We have not made that determination at all at this point," Garret said. "Like any other player, the day after a game you just want to see what the injury is and we've done that with Tony and we want to get him involved in treatment as quickly as we can and we started that process."
The Cowboys will turn to Kyle Orton at the quarterback position who has 69 career starts with a record of 35-34. However he hasn't started a game since 2011.
Deja vu all over again? Last year Romo hurt his Ribs in last year's season ending loss to the Redskins which kept the Cowboys from making the playoffs. In the exact same situation as last year Romo could be on the sidelines. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be for the Cowboys.
Then again, when is it ever?
Another source told ESPN Senior NFl Insider Chris Mortenson that Romo has herniated disk in the lumbar region and needs surgery. Although he hasn't examined Tony Romo himself, Dr. Michael Kaplan said surgery on a injury of this nature has "95 % predictable" with a 3-4 months recovery time span.
Head Coach Jason Garret was quick to not completely rule out Tony for Sunday's must win game vs the Eagles.
"We have not made that determination at all at this point," Garret said. "Like any other player, the day after a game you just want to see what the injury is and we've done that with Tony and we want to get him involved in treatment as quickly as we can and we started that process."
The Cowboys will turn to Kyle Orton at the quarterback position who has 69 career starts with a record of 35-34. However he hasn't started a game since 2011.
Deja vu all over again? Last year Romo hurt his Ribs in last year's season ending loss to the Redskins which kept the Cowboys from making the playoffs. In the exact same situation as last year Romo could be on the sidelines. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be for the Cowboys.
Then again, when is it ever?
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