InternetFM.com

Hand Curated Radio

You are here: Home / Archives for Miami Heat

Miami Heat

UNC-Duke, NBA Trade Deals – 2/19/2015

by

UNC's Nate Britt during a timeout. Courtesy: GoHeels.com
UNC’s Nate Britt during a timeout. Courtesy: GoHeels.com

The Weekend Sports Report with Packer Dave and Steve Leventhal

SRN’s own Phil Meyers joins us to talk about another amazing contest in the Carolina – Duke rivalry, Wednesday night the 92-90 OT thriller at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Plus, Ryan Horvat, also from SRN analyzes the NBA trade deadline deals, while Dave and Steve discuss news from around the NFL.

Hear interviews from Mike McCarthy, new Bears GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox, as well as Lions GM Martin Mayhew.

Don’t miss cameos from Dick Vitale, Bob Uecker, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

NBA New Year’s Resolutions Part 1 (Wants and Needs)

by

Lebron v paul georgeAs we say goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014, it is tradition to begin to think about our goals and aspirations for the New Year. We often formulate a list of resolutions, a plan of attack, for the upcoming year. I decided to team up with my good friend and fellow NBA addict Nolan Block to find what each NBA team’s top New Year’s resolution will be. In Part 1, we will look at the Eastern Conference from the bottom of the standings to the top.

Milwaukee Bucks- Lose at All Costs

Kevin– Despite widespread disdain for this approach, tanking is the best way to turn around a franchise’s fortunes. Milwaukee currently holds the worst record in the league at 6-23. They are statistically the worst offensive team in the league, scoring 95.8 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com. What’s more, they are flat out painful to watch. Unlike a lot of other teams in the “tank zone,” Milwaukee looks like they are trying, they just don’t have the pieces to get wins. Wouldn’t their best bet be to tank and hopefully land a franchise changing player in the upcoming draft? How much more interesting would the Bucks be if they could pair Jabari Parker or Andrew Wiggins with the Greek Freak?

Nolan– I agree, tanking is the only possible approach for Milwaukee especially coming off of that horrendous trade at the tail end of last season to acquire J.J. Reddick. The Bucks really need to start playing their young guys.  Giannis Antetokounmpo looks like the steal of last years draft but just needs more minutes to get acclimated to the NBA game. Another piece I really like in Milwaukee is John Henson.  He has shown flashes that make him look like a potential star in this league at a position that just doesn’t have many. Pairing a dynamic SF from the draft with these two could be lethal.
arron aflaloOrlando Magic- Work on the Core
Nolan– One of the few cellar dwelling teams that has no immediate cause to tank is the Orlando Magic.  Sure, by tanking they will have a better chance at a top pick, but that’s all it is, a chance.  Besides, Orlando has a wealth of talent on their own roster.  Orlando is a young team with a plethora of talent at almost every position.  Between Tobias Harris and Nikola Vucevic down low and Victor Oladipo and Mo Harkless on the wings, the Magic have a solid core for the future.  The only thing missing is a floor general to make the operation run smooth.  The best point guard in the draft is Marcus Smart (who people seem to be forgetting about with this freshman class) and he may be available around the tenth selection in the draft.  Orlando has no need to tank and must continue to try and develop their young talent while competing for wins every night.
Kevin– I love the pieces Orlando has and I agree that a point guard like Smart or maybe even Dante Exum would take them to the next level. The one thing I wonder about with Orlando is if they could flip Arron Afflalo for a young big. Afflalo is having an awesome season (21 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.9 apg) and I think that selling high could net them a talented frontcourt player while creating more time for Oladipo, Harkless and Harris to play together.
Philadelphia 76ers- Let Michael Carter-Williams Take Control of the Team
Kevin– I was way off on MCW as pro. When I watched him at Syracuse, I saw a player that couldn’t shoot and wasn’t a great athlete. To my surprise, Carter-Williams has been dynamite in his rookie season. He is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game. He has also posted a true shooting percentage of 49.5%, per NBA.com. I love MCW’s game and I think Philly should run their offense through him and let him grow. Also, Philly is in a prime position to make moves. They could potentially move Spencer Hawes, Thaddeous Young and Evan Turner if they want to keep acquiring draft picks and future assets.
Nolan– Michael Carter Williams could add me to his list of doubters as well.  I did not see this coming. He is playing brilliantly for any point guard let alone a rookie.  That being said, I’m not sure if GM Sam Hinkie deserves an award or deserves to be fired.  Trading his All-Star point guard for uncertainty in MCW was a bold move that turned out very well for the Sixers so far, but what about using the sixth overall pick in the draft for Nerlens Noel?  Historically, drafting an injured big man has left many teams in a sizable whole in their futures.  How will Nerlens Noel pan out once he returns from injury?  That is the question of the future for the 76ers.
Jason KiddBrooklyn- The Experiment Failed, Blow it Up
Nolan– The aging superstar, young head coach approach has backfired in Brooklyn.  Not only is Jason Kidd’s hiring proving to be historically bad, but the Nets veteran core has been equally awful. The experiment of pairing Pierce, Garnett, Williams, Johnson, and Lopez together has failed miserably. The Nets are old, slow, and look extremely tired.  Did I mention they look old?  The Nets seemingly don’t have draft picks until 2086, eliminating the option of rebuilding through the draft.  They need to trade anybody they can for some picks and young talent.  Deron Williams could possibly still command a quality return and although Brook Lopez has broken his foot yet again, there has to be someone out there willing to take a chance on him.  Brooklyn is in a gigantic hole and there doesn’t seem to be much of a ladder to climb out.
Kevin– The Nets are terrible. Sitting through their game against the Bulls on Christmas made me physically ill. I like the idea of trading Deron Williams. What about this: D-Will and Mirza Teletovic for Omer Asik, Jeremy Lin and two future first round picks? The salaries match-up, Brooklyn would shake up its roster and get picks, and Houston would get a really good (when healthy) guard and a stretch four that they could pair with Dwight Howard. I like the trade. Make it happen, Brooklyn.
New York Knicks– Accept Reality
Kevin– As I have written in the past, the Knicks are an absolute mess. Through selfish play, poor coaching and a slew of injuries, they have limped to a 9-20 record. Still, they find themselves just 3 games out of the playoffs. Even if things break well for the Knicks and they make the playoffs, they have no chance of putting together a deep postseason run. What is important now is to remain calm and avoid making a panic trade. Unfortunately, Knicks Owner James Dolan is just the man to make such a move. While he has stated that no trades or coaching changes will be made in the immediate future, it’s hard to believe him. Watch for Dolan to make a trade that will make the Knicks marginally better this season while making the future even more bleak than it already is. Smart GM’s across the league will target Dolan to dump their overpaid veterans in return for future picks and young talent (i.e. Iman Shumpert).
Nolan– I can’t decide if the Knicks or Nets are in worse shape. The Knicks play no defense and have no offensive firepower outside of Melo. How is this the same roster from last year? Am I missing something? What’s worse for Knicks fans is that they have no hope for the future. Kevin Love is not going there. Rajon Rondo is not going there. LeBron James is CERTAINLY not going there. In my opinion, Melo is as good as gone.  Why would he stay? Think about all the assets they traded to the Nuggets for him! You’re right, it is a mess. Simply put, the Knicks are doomed for the foreseeable future.
Cleveland Cavaliers- Get Someone to Step Up as a Leader
Nolan– The pieces are there.  A veteran, defense-first coach is in place. An aggressive GM that is willing to make moves  runs the team. They have a young star in Kyrie Irving. So what the heck is wrong with the Cavs?  On paper, Cleveland looks like a top four or five seed in the East.  I thought taking a flyer on Andrew Bynum was genius and he is slowing rounding back into the player we saw in a purple and gold uniform.  Kyrie Irving will only continue to improve and I am not ready to give up on Anthony Bennett despite his historically awful start to his rookie season.  That being said, this team is severely lacking veteran leadership.  With guys playing uninspired basketball and Dion Waiters trying to punch out every guy wearing the same color jersey, this team has major chemistry issues.  The Cavs are going to need some outside help and I believe that could come in the form of All-Star swingman Luol Deng.  Giving up Waiters, who wants out already, and Varejo for Deng could be a move that vaults the Cavs into the playoff picture.  The only thing to consider would be if they could re-sign Deng in the offseason. Waiters is far too talented to give up for a half season rental when your team has no shot of a title, so locking up Deng is a must.
Kevin– I thought Cleveland was going to win around 45 games this season. I am subsequently working to delete that part of my preview article. Obviously, Mike Brown’s defensive message hasn’t gotten across to the team, especially to Irving who doesn’t even pretend to play defense. Moreover, they are terrible offensively. Cleveland scores 97.7 points per 100 possessions, tied with Utah for fourth worst in the league, per NBA.com. I like the pieces, but it just doesn’t seem like they make sense together. I think  the Deng trade makes sense and I would be willingly to move Waiters after his recent character issues.
Note: Despite having a better record than Chicago, Boston will be covered next. Nolan loves the Bulls and addressing their issues will be somewhat therapeutic for him.
SullingerBoston Celtics- Be Patient
Kevin– Boston is currently eighth in the East with a record of 12-17. They have played relatively well despite Rajon Rondo having not played a single minute yet this season. Rondo has begun practicing with the team again and is currently working on building up his stamina for game action. If he is able to come back at some point over the next three weeks, Boston could find itself as the fourth seed in the East come playoff time. Celtics fans can thank new Head Coach Brad Stevens for keeping the team in the hunt without Rondo. Stevens has the Celtics looking like the Butler teams he coached in college. Despite having inferior talent, he has carved out specific roles for players like Jared Sullinger and Jordan Crawford that have allowed them to play efficiently and effectively. The Celtics should keep their roster intact and see what happens when Rondo returns. I think Brad Stevens is a special coach and I wouldn’t be shocked if Boston’s rebuild came together much faster than people thought. Are you as high on Stevens as I am?
Nolan– With the young pieces the Celtics currently have, I am absolutely as high on Coach Stevens as you are.  He has done a tremendous job while coaching the collection of players nobody else in the league wanted.  I think Jared Sullinger has the stuff to be the real deal at this level.  His improved three point stroke combined with his nose for the ball make him a star in the making.  Boston needs to continue to develop the young talent they have and draft well in near future with the picks they have stocked these next couple of years.  One thing that shows me what Brad Stevens means to this organization; he has Jordan Crawford playing point guard and passing the ball. Passing the ball, I said.  I guess anything is possible, Mr. Garnett.
Chicago Bulls- Decide on Your Future Sooner Rather than Later
Nolan– Another year, another crushing heartbreak for a loyal Bulls fan.  I’m not sure how much more my basketball heart can endure.  With Derrick Rose sidelined for another season, Jimmy Butler missing games left and right, Luol Deng playing injured every game, and an overall lack of depth, the Bulls season is all but over.  It is time to start planning for the future.  Recent reports have said the Bulls are not going to trade Luol Deng, but I believe that would be a gigantic, franchise-crippling mistake.  Deng is a terrific player, he’s just not the guy the Bulls need anymore.  He is playing very well when he actually plays and now would be an opportune time to move him.  Also, the Bulls need to attract Spanish stud Nikola Mirotic over this summer at all costs.  The franchise needs some hope and that is exactly what he can bring  at the stretch four spot.  Mirotic, coupled with our own lottery draft choice (fingers crossed they miss the playoffs), and a possible first rounder courtesy of the Charlotte Bobcats could yield phenomenal returns in the future.  A decision must come soon for the future of the beloved franchise.
Side note here: the Bulls had the worst chance of winning the lottery the year Derrick Rose came out of college and they won it.  Rose hails from Chicago and went to Simeon Career Academy. If the season were to end now, Chicago would not be a favorite to win the lottery.  However, Jabari Parker, current Duke freshman phenom hails from Chicago and attended Simeon Career Academy.  I’m just saying.
Kevin– So you’re saying there’s a chance?!? The Bulls need to land someone like Parker. The current core has seemingly run its course in Chicago and an infusion of new talent through Mirotic and the draft would be a welcome change. It makes me sad to watch the Bulls play this. They work so damn hard but you can tell deep down they know they can’t win. I’m also interested to see what happens with Thibs. His relationship with the front office has never been great and there are plenty of rumblings about him finding a new team to scream at next season.
Josh smithDetroit Pistons- Explore the Space
Kevin– Detroit took a chance this offseason by bucking the league trend of going small and instead putting together a frontcourt of Josh Smith, Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond. That approach has proved flawed in several areas. Detroit ranks in the bottom half of the league defensively and they are unable to space the floor offensively. Detroit has the second worst three-point shooting percentage in the league at 32.1%, per NBA.com. Thus, teams can pack the lane and totally clog Detroit’s offensive flow. This is especially damaging to players like Brandon Jennings and Smith who rely on drives to the basket for their success. If I’m Joe Dumars, I’m looking to move one of my bigs to get a shooter. Luckily, I have found the perfect trade! I would flip Greg Monroe and Kyle Singler for Arron Afflalo. The trade would benefit both teams with Orlando getting a young, talented big and Detroit getting a good shooter and creator. How am I not running an NBA team yet, Nol?
Nolan– I don’t like how Detroit plays. The Josh Smith signing wasn’t horrible in my opinion. What was horrible was trading for Brandon Jennings after that. A notorious chucker paired with another notorious chucker? That just doesn’t seem like a recipe for success. I love the Drummond/Monroe pairing and even though they just signed him, I think trading Josh Smith would be very beneficial for them. To me, trading Monroe to the Magic for Afflalo makes sense for the Pistons, however, the Magic don’t make that trade because  Monroe will be a restricted free agent this offseason and the Magic are not in the business of taking on rentals at this point.
Washington Wizards- Gain Some Playoff Experience
Nolan– The Washington Wizards are young. The Washington Wizards are explosive. The Washington Wizards are inexperienced.  The lack of experience on the Wiz is glaring. This team needs to get to the playoffs this year. They look like a fringe playoff team this season and if they want to compete in upcoming years, this is the year to gain some playoff experience. John Wall has been playing out of his mind this year. This is the kind of play one would expect from a number one overall pick. The backcourt of Wall and Beal will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. After this season, Gilbert Arenas’ max deal finally comes off the books. Washington will have some cap space to go after a big that can play with these young guns. As I mentioned, Monroe is a restricted free agent and played at Georgetown which is located in Washington, D.C. The Wiz should roll out the red carpet for Monroe and bring him back home.
Kevin– I completely agree. I also wonder if they might be able to put a scare in a team in the first round of the playoffs. As long as they finish sixth or higher, I don’t see them as a big underdog to anyone. God, writing that sentence just made me realize how bad the East is this year. I like how they are progressing defensively, especially Wall who has no reason not to be a perimeter stopper. Hopefully, Brad Beal’s knee injury won’t be too serious and their exciting backcourt will be able to play the entire season together.
Toronto Raptors- Just Stop Winning
Nolan– I am baffled by the Raptors. I know NBA players are professionals and are paid to try and win games, but come on. How much more perfect of a scenario do they need? A bad roster, a chance at a top pick, and Andrew Wiggins (who hails from Toronto people!) is going to be a top three pick in the draft. Stop winning games. Management is trying to make you lose. They traded one of their best players for next to nothing and management has said that nobody but young big man Jonas Valanciunas is untouchable in a trade. The Raptors need to call a team meeting and make their players stop playing so hard.  I hate saying that, but I think that is the only way they have a chance at a rebuild.
Kevin– Classic example of a team being hurt by being average. There is no reason for Toronto to be good. I’m sure GM Masai Ujiri is going to keep working on shedding Kyle Lowry and anyone else he has to to make Toronto bottom out. He is one of the smartest GM’s in the league and he knows that the best way to improve is through landing a top pick in the draft. If Wiggins goes to Toronto in the draft, I think the corpse of Steve Nash should automatically be traded to Toronto to revive basketball in Canada.
Charlotte Bobcats- Find a Way Not to Screw This Up
Kevin– Could it be that Charlotte has finally become a competent basketball team? They are currently 14-16 and holding the fifth seed in the East. Yes, the East is atrocious this season, but seriously, Charlotte is hovering around .500 and we’re past Christmas? Charlotte has relied on its defense to win games this season. They allow just 98.1 points per 100 possessions, good enough for third-best in the entire league, per NBA.com. That’s right, Al Jefferson is a member of the league’s third best defensive team. Like so many teams, Charlotte has to stay committed to the future. They need to avoid making stupid trades that will benefit them this season while hurting their future prospects. Keep this team together, add a few complimentary pieces, and see where the chips fall. Fortunately for Charlotte, Michael Jordan is running the show and is unlikely to make any dumb decisions. Plus, you have to factor in how much better the team will play when they switch their name back to the Hornets.
Nolan– Michael Jordan has taken a ton of heat for what he has done in his time with the Bobbies.  However, it seems as though some of the players he has reached for are starting to pan out.  The Al Jefferson signing looks genius.  The Kemba Walker pick looks like a steal.  I love Jeff Taylor and it is a shame that he is on the shelf for the rest of the season.  Kemba Walker is turning into one of the best scoring point guards in the league and reminds me of a young Allen Iverson.  It will be very interesting to see if Kidd-Gilchrist can develop into the player everybody imagined him being and if Cody Zeller can overcome the “Zeller Curse” and actually turn into a productive NBA big man, unlike the rest of the family.
korverAtlanta Hawks- Prepare for Mediocrity
Kevin– The Al Horford injury is a killer. Atlanta had been playing really well recently, going 7-3 over their last ten games. Atlanta seemingly had the third seed in the East wrapped up before Hoford went down. The Hawks thrived when Horford, Millsap, Teague and Korver were on the floor together, outscoring their opponents by 52 points, per NBA.com. Unfortunately, the Horford injury will bring Atlanta back to the pack. They should continue to be encouraged by Jeff Teague’s growth as well as Head Coach Mike Budenholzer’s creative use of Kyle Korver in offensive sets. If Horford is able to stay healthy next season, Atlanta will be an interesting team in the East.
Nolan– This Atlanta team has a lot of grit. It is unlike the Atlanta teams of old that always fold under pressure. You always hate to see a guy like Horford go out for an extended period of time, especially with the way he had been playing. This could, however, make the Hawks better in the long run. Let’s be honest, nobody is going to challenge the Pacers and Heat this year. The Hawks can continue to gel and develop some guys this season now and they have the option of swapping draft choices with the Nets, which looks more and more like it will be a top five pick. Watch out for the Hawks down the road folks.
Indiana Pacers- Prove You Belong
Nolan– They are the King’s jesters. A young team on the rise looking for some respect. Respect is earned in May and June, not November and December, Mr. George. Indiana plays with a lot of fire in the regular season. In my opinion, too much fire. What have they done to act like they do on the court? The best record so far this season? No, they don’t even have that. Whatever happened to just going out and playing basketball? Indiana either showboats while destroying mediocre teams, or pouts and makes excuses after losing to quality opponents. Indiana will not beat the Heat in the playoffs.  It just won’t happen. Roy Hibbert is not an elite big man.  Lance Stephenson is a glorified J.R. Smith. For as good as Paul George is, he isn’t LeBron, nor will he ever be. Indiana needs to look in the mirror, reevaluate themselves and go from there. The current recipe cannot work against teams like the Heat, Thunder, or Spurs. I expect the Pacers to remain jesters in the King’s court for as long as he reins in Miami.
Kevin– Well jeez. I’m a little higher on the Pacers than you are, specifically Hibbert. When he stays out of foul trouble, he gives Miami absolute fits. He is one of the few players in the league that makes LeBron alter his game. Their cockiness is annoying, but I think they need an “us versus the world” mindset in order to compete. I think that chip on their shoulder drives them and I feel as if Coach Frank Vogel knows exactly how to push their buttons. I believe they can and will give Miami a hell of a series. Which leads me too…
Lebron dunk faceMiami Heat- Focus on Health
Kevin– Miami has to feel like a soldier in the middle of a minefield. Everyone around them is dropping: Rose, Westbrook, Kobe, Horford, Lopez, the list goes on. The Heat have remained relatively healthy this season outside of a few games missed by Ray Allen and Birdman. Miami has also been extremely cautious with Dwyane Wade, resting him frequently throughout the season due to his past knee issues. The rest appears to be working, as Wade has looked explosive this season in the games he does play in. The Heat’s primary focus should be staying healthy for the playoffs. More specifically, they will need to keep everyone healthy for their inevitable showdown with the Pacers. The teams have traded blows in their first two regular season match-ups, each winning a game on their home floor. Is it possible to simulate the season until that point? Nevertheless, I would imagine the Heat would work in more rest-games for LeBron and Bosh as the season progresses. Miami knows that their legend will be determined by titles rather than regular season victories and they will not fret about dropping a handful of regular season games in pursuit of that mission.
Nolan. The Two-Time Champion Miami Heat. Does anybody really think the regular season means anything to these guys anymore? With a one or two seed all but locked up, the Heat front office needs to take a page out of the Spurs playbook and start resting their guys for the playoffs.  Keeping their players fresh is the number one priority in Miami in the regular season.  It looks to me as if the only team that can stop the Heat, is the Heat.
Look out for Part 2 of our New Year’s Resolutions where we cover the Western Conference next week

Bulls Early Warning Signs?

by

Coach Thibs YellingThe Chicago Bulls improved their record to 2-3 after Friday’s win against the alarmingly horrific Utah Jazz. Utah presented the perfect opportunity for the Bulls to gain confidence and quiet some of the chatter about their slow start to the season. The reasoning behind Chicago’s poor start has been widely discussed: Derrick Rose is still getting back into form, his teammates are relearning how to play with him, the players are getting used to a new offensive style, etc. While these points are valid, a deeper look into some of Chicago’s recent struggles reveal long-term challenges the team may face.

1. The Bulls offense is playing too slow

One of the storylines of the offseason was Coach Tom Thibodeau’s new offense which emphasized speed, ball movement and utilizing the fast break for easy buckets. However, increased pace has been absent in the team’s offense. The Bulls rank in 23rd in pace and 22nd in points per game, per NBA.com. The beginning of Friday’s game against Utah offered a brief sample size of how potent Chicago’s offense can be when they push the game’s tempo. The Bulls scored 18 points in the first five minutes of the game, using Utah’s poor shooting and sloppy play to leak out in transition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hIO_DFS9RQ

A turnover-laden second quarter slowed the Bulls pace and offensive efficiency. The Bulls committed 10 turnovers in the second quarter and allowed the Jazz to pull back into the game. Four of the turnovers were committed by Rose, who at times appears to be trying to do too much on the court. While Rose will certainly cut down on his turnovers as he gets back into the flow of the game, the Bulls must make a conscious effort to play at a faster pace. Their defense is one of the stingiest in the league, ranking third in points allowed per 100 possessions, per NBA.com. They also feature two talented passing big men in Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer. These two strengths should be used to get out in transition following defensive stops and convert easy baskets on the other end.

2. The Bulls lack a consistent secondary ball handler

A game between the Clippers and Heat may have revealed one of Chicago’s biggest flaws. On Thursday, the Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 102-97. The Heat turned around a halftime deficit by taking the ball out of Chris Paul’s hands in the second half. The Heat trapped Paul on practically every pick-and-roll he ran, forcing him to get rid of the ball and limiting his playmaking potential.

The same strategy can be utilized on Derrick Rose and the Bulls. In crunch time, the Bulls use a lineup that features Rose and Jimmy Butler in the backcourt. Butler has certainly made strides in the offseason as a shooter and finisher around the rim. However, he is still not an adept ball handler. Watch in this clip as the Heat trap Butler on the pick-and-roll, leading to a turnover.

Kirk Hinrich is a solid backup point guard who can handle the ball and run the pick-and-roll. Yet, it is unlikely the Bulls will insert him into the lineup in close games over Butler. Therefore, Butler will need to develop in this area in order for the Bulls to have an answer against Miami’s trapping defensive style.

3. The Bulls don’t match up well with the Pacers

Excellent defense, physicality, tremendous size, a young superstar. These qualities not only apply to the Bulls, but also the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers have opened the season 7-0, including wins against the Bulls and Nets. The Pacers rank first in the league in both defensive efficiency and point differential, outscoring opponents by an average of 9.6 points per game, per ESPN. Indiana has the look of a team that is playing for the number one seed in the east.

In their regular season matchup against the Bulls, the Pacers frequently deployed Paul George on Derrick Rose. George is one of the league’s most dominant perimeter defenders and his length and speed were very effective against Rose. Chicago’s usual size advantage is also cancelled out against Indiana. Roy Hibbert, David West, Luis Scola and Ian Mahinmi present both depth and tremendous size in the frontcourt. Moreover, Indiana’s bench is far superior to Chicago’s. Whether the Pacers use Lance Stephenson or Danny Granger as their sixth man, each presents a more effective scorer than anyone the Bulls can turn to off the bench. One game against a team does not explain the outcome of a potential playoff series. Still, the matchups appear to heavily favor Indiana if the two were to meet in the playoffs.

 

 

NBA Storyline-A-Palooza Part 2

by

Can Miami Three-peat this season?
Can Miami Three-peat this season?

This week, I am unveiling the eleven questions whose answers will shape the upcoming NBA season. Here are questions 6-11.

Click here to view part one of this article.

6. Who will have the ball at the end of games for the Nets?

Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov wants a championship and is willing to dip deep into his own pockets to get one. The Nets are reportedly around $30 million over the salary cap and will pay nearly $90 million in luxury tax penalties this season. The Nets tax is astronomically high due in part to several roster moves they made this summer, including a trade with the Celtics that brought back Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry. In addition, the Nets signed Andrei Kirilenko to a mini mid-level exception deal. The Nets  veteran roster is loaded with talent, but it also features a handful of players who like to have the ball in their hands at the end of close games. Last season, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams both liked to isolate in these scenarios. Paul Pierce is another player who likes to take the last shot, often pulling up for a jumper from the right elbow in the closing moments. It will be up to first year Coach Jason Kidd to diagram late game offensive sets that take advantage of his roster”s propensity to make clutch shots. Look for Kidd to put the ball in Williams” hands while utilizing Garnett”s ability to set effective (and often illegal) screens off the ball to free up Johnson and Pierce for open shots.

7. Can the Clippers win a title with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan as their starting frontcourt?

The addition of Doc Rivers as Head Coach has brought a sense of legitimacy to the Clippers title chances. While Rivers is certainly an upgrade over Vinny Del Negro, the Clippers face glaring problems in their frontcourt that could keep the team from advancing deep in the playoffs. The Clippers frontcourt of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan will certainly produce a number of highlight dunks this season due to their freakish athleticism. However, the two have not utilized their athleticism to become dominant all-around players. Both Griffin and Jordan average under 8.5 rebounds per game, with Griffin”s rebounding totals having dropped each of his three seasons in the NBA. Defensively, Jordan struggles on pick-and-rolls while Griffin has failed to average a single block per game in any season.

On the offensive end, Griffin and Jordan are limited outside of plays at the rim. Jordan”s offensive game is non-existent, as he attempts under 1.5 shots per game outside of three feet. Griffin”s lack of offensive growth is especially frustrating. Teams consistently sag off defensively and allow Griffin to shoot from mid-range. To this point, Griffin has been unable to develop a consistent shot, shooting just 34% on shots further than fifteen feet, . Finally, both Griffin and Jordan struggle mightily from the foul line, shooting 66% and 38.6% respectively. These frighteningly low numbers make playing the two in close games difficult as opposing teams are comfortable fouling either one. Griffin and Jordan will have to make major strides in every facet of the game in order for the Clippers to compete for the title.

8. Who will most blatantly tank this season?

One could argue that the 76ers have already sealed up this contest. Philadelphia traded away its best player in Jrue Holiday, and decided to wait until August to hire its head coach. However, teams like the Jazz and Suns have refused to make it easy for the Sixers, constructing teams that will battle for the league”s worst record. These teams are looking to be bad, really bad, in order to lockup a top pick in next year”s draft. The talent in the upcoming draft has been well documented, with potential stars such as Andrew Wiggins, Julius Randle, Dante Exum, and Jabari Parker likely to enter the NBA. Wiggins is considered the number one player and has been discussed as the best prospect since LeBron James. Watching YouTube videos of the Canadian prodigy reveals why. The worst place to be as an NBA franchise is consistently hovering around .500. Tanking a season to land a top pick, especially in the upcoming draft, is the best way to turn around a franchise. Consequently, we could see plenty of random “injuries” for players on struggling teams this season. It will be enjoyable to check the standings each week to see which team is winning the battle for inferiority.

9. How will injured stars look in their return?

Injuries are a part of every season. However, there seemed to be more injuries to star players last season than in recent years. The list of injured players reads like an All-NBA Team: Bryant, Rondo, Love, Westbrook, Rose (technically injured two seasons ago, but missed all of last year), Granger, and Bynum just to name a few. All of these injuries had a significant effect on their respective teams, but Rose and Westbrook appeared to be the biggest losses. Both the Bulls and Thunder were positioned to compete for an NBA championship. While both teams battled, they were each unable to overcome the absence of their star point guards. Rose has had the longest recovery period out of the players mentioned above and is seemingly back and better than ever. On the other hand, Westbrook will likely miss the first six weeks of the season as he recovers from knee surgery. How these fallen stars return from injury will have a definite impact on the NBA landscape.

10. How big is the gap between LeBron James and Kevin Durant?

LeBron James is the best basketball player in the world. Over the last two years, James has won two NBA championships, two Finals MVPs, two regular season MVPs and a Gold Medal. There is no room for argument on the issue. What can be argued is how big the gap is between James and the league”s second best player, Kevin Durant. While LeBron dominated the NBA last season, Durant became just the sixth player in league history to post a 50-40-90 season (shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the foul line). In addition, Durant made significant strides as a distributer, increasing his assist totals from 3.5 in 2011-12 to 4.7 in 2013-14, . Durant also developed defensively, using his increased strength and supernatural length to improve as both a one-on-one and help defender. James is four years Durant”s senior and is considered at the peak of his powers. However, if Durant continues to add to his game offensively and defensively, the gap between the two may begin to narrow. While Durant may not surpass James as the NBA”s best player this upcoming season, he may very well take that moniker within the next few years. Not only will the battle between the two for league dominance be a treat for basketball fans, but it will also likely shape the future of the NBA.

11. Can anyone beat the Miami Heat in a seven game series?

Over the past three seasons, the Heat have lost one playoff series. That series loss resulted from LeBron James shrinking in big moments. That problem appears to be a thing of the past and the Miami Heat come into this season as overwhelming favorites to three-peat as NBA champions. The biggest question facing the Heat is health. Their rotation is made up of veteran players who have logged some serious mileage including Ray Allen, Shane Battier, and Chris Andersen. Moreover, Dwyane Wade”s knee issues seem to be a problem that will plague him the rest of his career. In the offseason, the Heat made some minor adjustments to their roster. The additions of Michael Beasley and Greg Oden are low-risk, high-reward signings that could provide a spark to this Heat team. If healthy, Oden adds size that Miami will use to match up  against teams like Indiana and Chicago.

The Heat will likely coast through the regular season, limiting the Big Three’s minutes and resting older players like Allen and Battier. Miami has nothing to prove in the regular season and the thought of a 27-game win streak seems farfetched. The East will be a top heavy conference this year, with Indiana, Chicago and Brooklyn likely to emerge as legitimate threats to the Heat”s reign. These teams will each have to prove that they have overcome issues that have prevented them from beating Miami in the past. The Bulls will need a consistent secondary offensive option outside of Derrick Rose to emerge. The Pacers will need improved bench play and continued growth from Paul George. The Nets, while showcasing a new look roster, will need to remain healthy and learn to play with one another. If these teams can do this, they have a chance. Still, it remains difficult to imagine a team beating Miami four times in seven games. Not with their experience, not with their defense, and not with LeBron James leading the way.

 

Dorf on Sports – 6/6/12

by

with Andy Dorf and Fred Wallin

On this edition or Dorf on Sports Andy Dorf and producer Wayne Robinson talk about the huge win for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Spurs. Now that the young guns of OKC have made it to the finals, can they win it all? Boston has a chance to end Miami’s season with a game 6 win. If not, its back to Miami for a winner take all game 7. Lastly, add in calls from the listeners at 866-536-1100. To be a part of the show check it out online at 1100kfnx.com Wednesday nights from 9-10 pm AZ Time.

[ti_audio media=”4337″]

 

Dorf on Sports – 5/2/12

by

with Fred Wallin and Andy Dorf

On this edition of Dorf on Sports Fred and Andy discuss the NBA playoffs. Now that Derrick Rose went down with a torn ACL, can anyone stop the Heat from getting out of the East? In the West it seems to all about the Thunder and the Spurs. Comedian Rodney Perry calls in. He will be who performing at the Tempe Improv this weekend. That plus listener calls and you have a jam packed hour of sports talk and entertainment. Listen to the show Wednesday nights from 9-10pm AZ time, at 1100kfnx.com. Callers can reach the show at 866-536-1100.

[ti_audio media=”3779″]

 

Bulls Beat the Heat without Rose (including audio)

by

With the help of John Lucas III and his team high 24 points, the Chicago Bulls overcame the absence of Derrick Rose and 71 combined points from Dwyane Waade and LeBron James to defeat the visiting Miami Heat 106-102.

Lucas made 9-12 shots, including 3 three-pointers as Chicago held off a late Miami rally, which included two clutch treys from the Heat’s James Jones.

Six Bulls players scored in double figures, and two others finished with eight points each.  Chicago’s rebounding advantage of 50-34 helped the Bulls build a lead the grew to as much as 17 points.

After the game, both Wade and James answered questions from the media.

[ti_audio media=”2983″]