Rev Sports Blog

Surprise, Surprise

2007-11-28T05:16:00.000-06:00

After about 1 month into the NBA season, there are always feelings of the “same-old-stories,” but what has surprised people the most so far? The Celtics' raging start? Isaiah Thomas squandering the Knicks' off-season improvements? The southwest division being over-loaded?

Well honestly, the Celtics have only beaten 2 real playoff teams, Isaiah will always seem to confuse me, and no matter how you draw the division lines one division is always stacked.

So what really makes you stop and say “Hmm, that was unexpected?” Well, like Rasheed Wallace not getting a technical for a full month - here are the top surprising stories of the NBA so far.

1. A Skinny Durant Doesn’t Matter-

Being undersized is hard to pull off in the NBA, unless you have incredible speed or have a basketball I.Q. equivalent to 3 Hubie Browns. Yes, being skinny is quite difficult for an NBA player. However, Kevin Durant proves to be the anomaly to this theory. Although the Sonics are struggling to win, the bright spot of Durant’s play has brought a light to Seattle that would even make a young ‘Glove’ and ‘Reignman’ pause to take a look. Durant already has a nice all around game that can be developed a lot further - perhaps he should start with bench pressing? OK, that was low, but all he really needs are a few more young talented players to complement his game and a nifty nickname. I put my vote into “Slim Jim” so a few years down the line you can imagine announcers calling “Slim Jim for 3… SNAP!”

2. Lakers- from trade to made

Trade Kobe? What? Why? Who would ever do that? It’s almost nostalgic to think that Kobe really wanted to be traded from this team about a month ago. Now, he is giving high-flying body bumps to Jordan Farmar and lobbing up balls to Andrew Bynum in the lane. The Lakers start with an 8-6 record with impressive wins over the Suns, Jazz, Rockets, and Pistons. There is some young talent twinkling here and there. Ironically, the trade rumors really helped the team grow up fast to make a statement that they can be legitimate contenders in the near future. This can be seen by the uncanny bench point production from the first 15 games of the season- it has been so good you would think Kobe was coming off of it. If they bring in a consistent role player or if Lamar Odom becomes a greater force, then look for this team to make some noise (that is not whining) in the playoff picture.

3. Bulls’ Blunder

My hometown beloved Chicago Bulls… It is definitely true when someone says that there is a thin line between love and hate. First off, what really surprised me was the lack of moves that John Paxson made during the off-season. I think he is too accustomed to the mindset that the off-season is ‘break time’. So while many other teams got at least a step better, Paxson just sat on his draft pick (Joakim Noah) and thought that the Bulls would be fine. Sadly, this lack of management savvy is coming back and biting him in the… well ok, the Bulls, especially Paxson, need to concentrate on 2 lingering issues that have crippled them worse than Kenyon Martin’s knees. [1] No inside scoring – a problem since the Eddy Curry trade to New York, and as a result Aaron Gray is the best post player in the lineup. [2] No all-star – Luol Deng is the closest, but no cigar. It is a sheer naïveté to think that the Bulls can evolve into a championship team without any additions or fixing at least one of these problems. And if nothing evolves by the all-star break, Chicago may have to start rebuilding from rebuilding.

4. Miami- Party in the city where the heat is gone

OK, so they were without D. Wade for the first few games, and Shaq got called out for being lazy so now the diesel is trying harder. But overall, there isn’t that feeling of fear when playing this team like there was two years ago. That killer championship edge has been lost over the past year accompanying an early first round exit of last years' playoffs. Maybe it is the adjustment of Ricky Davis coming to the lineup, or maybe it is the lack of bench production that they have lost via free agency. Well, regardless of the issue, the Heat are now looking from the bottom of the barrel. This might be an issue later on since Shaq is accustomed to resting some games to be ready for the playoffs. This year does not seem like that luxury will be available. He’s either going to get no rest or an early vacation depending on how the season pans out.

5. New Orleans- Gellin’

The Hornets definitely have talent, and to be on such a solid start in the strongest division is admirable. But let's look at the team's makeup. Other than Chris Paul, the Hornets’ team does not scream playoff caliber. Actually, looking at the Hornets’ roster on paper you would initially think that this was a list of ‘NBA lost souls.’ However, fortunately for the Hornets, the players are being utilized to the fullest. Tyson Chandler found himself on team USA over the summer and has become a rebound machine. David West can hit 20’ jumpers with one hand on one foot with one eye open. Peja Stojakovic looks like the Peja of old draining 3-balls like nobody’s business. And Chris Paul… is Chris Paul. The Hornets are the top jump-shooting team in the NBA and probably will continue to be as long as Paul is setting them up for open looks. New Orleans is hosting All-Star Weekend this year, and the Hornets might be sitting pretty in that Southwest division. So with this nice core emerging from the bayou, there might be something to look forward to other than Mardi Gras this season.

-D.Choi

Kirk in Bewilderment

2007-11-21T07:57:00.000-06:00

"Oh. Am I supposed to be guarding him?!"

Wow, Kirk. Why are all your stats lower than last year? Every season, you've been improving ever so slightly. And for some reason, the one year we are supposed to be a favorite to win the East, you decide to have your career lows in everything. Your 3PT% is .172 ?!?! That's horrid. Grow some balls, Kirk. You used to jack up Js with no regard, but now you hesitate every time. Don't go Antoine Walker on us or anything, but give us something, man. You used to be more confident. You are white. You're SUPPOSED to be able to shoot 3s. Make Paxson proud. Make us long for hearing "Hinrich for three..... KABOOM!"

Quit staring at real guards and try to be one yourself.

this is bull

2007-11-07T15:29:00.000-06:00

Wow, its quite amazing to see a team considered by many to be this year's eastern conference champion start a season 0 and 4. Considering the competition the bulls faced thus far, a real contender should be atleast 3 and 1 right now. However, the bulls lost their fourth straight last night and its apparent the bulls have some glaring weaknesses.

Many experts considered the bulls to be contenders in the east because they claimed the "core" of this team would take "the next step." Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and Kirk Hinrich will finally mature and with their playoff experience lead the bulls to the nba finals. However, what I've seen thus far are the same mistakes these guys have been making since they entered the league and in my opinion, just aren't that good.

Now, I may anger some fans in chicago, but lets take an honest look at the bulls roster. Does anyone really scare you? Do they have an all star on this roster? I don't wanna hear maybes and ifs...this is not a hypothesis, do the bulls have an all star? My answer to that is no. The biggest problem for this organization has been that the general manager has fallen too much in love with his players. I cannot say enough how good character guys we have, but in the end, talent wins.
The bulls have a lot of young talent, but will they be enough to win a title?

John paxson said no to a possible deal with minnesota for kevin garnett. He also passed on pao gasol, jason richardson, and zach randolph. The belief was that the core would develop and a piece here and there would get the job done. What mr. Paxson failed to realize was that the other teams in the nba are doing the same thing. Mr. Paxson, did you think you're the only team that is developing young talent? Who are you kidding. Notice how all the teams in the east improved. The bulls need to adapt and change as well. Also mr. Paxson, where are those pieces that you're talking about? We are so close to getting over the hump you claim, but is joe smith
enough? Is joakim noah enough? Where is the big guard we need? Winning the past few years have disguised a lot of the bulls biggest flaws and weaknesses. Yet after this slow start, many around the league are starting to see how easy it is to capitalize on the bulls shortcomings.

To begin, lets begin with luol deng. I am a luol deng fan, but I am also an honest bulls fan. I never considered him to be much of a star. I thought he'd develop into a possible all star player, but not a sure fire star. Last year his midrange jumper was a major weapon. He was known league wide when he averaged 25 plus in the playoff series against the heat. However one major fact the media and bulls fans failed to see was that luol deng was never guarded by the heat. The
heat focusedl all their attention on the guards and dared luol deng to beat them. He eventually did, but once the pistons gameplanned on beating deng, he was a non factor. tayshaun prince showed deng he was the better version of deng by driving, passing, and defending three positions. Scouts and coaches are following the same gameplan and have forced deng to shoot his own shot instead of settling on a spot and letting him shoot. The biggest disappoint for deng this year has been his lack of defense. Iguodala, maggette, and yi jianlin all had big games against deng.

Ben gordon has shown this year his offensive game is not enough to cover up his defensive and ballhandling woes. If ben was like arenas or kobe where he can consistently score 30 to 35 a night, itd be ok. However for a guy who averages low to mid twenties and nothing more is deadweight.

Onto the other ben, mr wallace has been the biggest disappoint this year. He's the 15 million dollar man whom everyone thought would be a man downlow and be a force on the boards. To be averaging 3.32 rebounds a game is inexcusable for a center, becuase he should accidentally have atleast 7 to 8 boards a game. I won't go into his offensive game, enough said.

The next victim on my bulls hit list is kirk hinrich. The most overrated player in the nba, kirk hinrich has made chris duhon look like a star this season. Hinrich is known for his defense yet every opponent he's faced thus far has averaged a double double. Some defense kirk. So will u score then? No, his shots been off like his whole career, and he's averaging a whopping 6 points a game. Alright kirk, I guess you are dishing the rock then. No,he's averaging a whopping 4 assists a game. What???

What do you do kirk hinrich? For a 50 million dollar man yourself. You sure bring a lot of garbage to the court. Kirk hinrich needs to work on driving to the basket. Teams are playing the bulls in a zone. If kirk can penetrate and draw a foul or kick out once in a while, maybe we won't have to shoot so many jumpshots. Kirk consistently gets driven backwards. He dribbles way too long, and his shot selection is horrendous. The most amazing this is, he's been doing all this bad work in about 25 minutes per game, cuz he's usually on the bench most of the game for being in foul trouble. Now most of that comes from guarding ben gordon's guy which puts him in bad positions. So I won't knock on kirk too much about his foul troubles, but paxson should be aware that his backcourt needs a change. How long can u go with these two guys who can't complement
each other???

So what should we do?

I know I painted a gloomy picture of the bulls roster, but in all fairness its not that bad. They have good pieces and all players mentioned above are all well above average. However one thing we lack is the stud who we can count on every night. Even teams like the pistons who didnt have the quote unquote star won titles, because they could depend on billups and hamilton to bring it every night. Who do the bulls have?

I know paxson doesn't wanna hear this right now, but he needs to break up this core and get kobe bryant. People argue giving up too much will hurt this teams chances of goin to the finals. The way I see it, this roster won't win the finals as is. Kobe with a depleted team won't win a finals either. However, at the end of the day, the bulls now have kobe to build around. Now that's a player you can add a few pieces here and there,and say you can win a title, mr. Paxson.

- Mr. Hook

THE "SLEEPER" CONFERENCE

2007-10-15T16:20:00.001-05:00

As useful as arguing which team will Kobe be traded to, comes the heated debate: what team will rise up in the Eastern Conference. The reality of it is that Spurs or the Suns will take it to the ship next year, so to make things interesting let’s take a step closer to the NBDL and examine in some detail the east- or as I like to call it, The Sleeper Conference.

Top 5 of the sleepers

1. Cleveland Cavaliers-

Yes, you are reading right. I decided to not join the Boston Bandwagon, and to stick with a trend that has become legit which is Lebron James. Although Cleveland celebrated and rioted for their 15 minutes of fame in 2006, they’ll realize… that it was just that - 15 minutes. At least they are no longer branded as the team with Craig Ehlo getting faded by Michael Jordan in the waning seconds of a Gatorade commercial, but now they have probably the best player [especially for his age] in Lebron.

If Lebron has taught me something about himself and what he does for others is that he will always live up to the hype-haters. In 2003, it was that “he won’t be able to compete in the NBA.” In 2005, it was that “he won’t be able to make the playoffs.” In 2006, it was that “he cannot win the Eastern Conference.” So far it is Lebron 3, Haters 0. Now it’s 2007, and the NBA community shakes their heads as they say “he cannot win a NBA ring.” I think I might feel a sweep coming. The chemistry of the Cavs has definitely developed in the last few years with key big-man pieces in Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden. Along with a few shining moments from surprise heroes like Daniel Gibson, but the fact remains that this is Lebron’s team. And King James seems to hear the muttering of the people watching at home. All I’m waiting to see is if he’ll run for office in 2008.

2. Boston Celtics

Yes, you are still reading right. The last team in the NBA becoming a contender the following season... Did they get Greg Oden & Kevin Durant in the draft? No. Sadly, they got neither. Instead they got the all-veteran-over-30 all star team. Not a bad response. I think Danny Ainge played NBA Live ’07 a tad too much to make this trade, but it probably is the best move the Celtics made since… So anyways, you now have a starting line-up of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and two guys winning a raffle from the Garden’s stands (Just kidding Kendrick Perkins, nothing but love) .

So here is the analysis of the “recycling-conscious Celtics” I have no doubt that the Celtics will be good, but to repair a team from last to first takes more than just losing 5 young players for 2 accomplished players. Besides, these two players although elite, have never really done too much damage in the playoffs. I would not be surprised if KG, Ray & Paul take the best season record in the East, but I am not convinced of their ultimate chemistry and playoff caliber. There are always certain players that just beam playoff aura in them, and I think that this will still be lacking in the Celtics. I hope they prove me wrong, because it would be great to see all these guys get rings [especially KG] but reality still sits in. But I have this weird feeling that the Lakers tried to do something like this a few years back.

3. Chicago Bulls

My hometown Chicago Bulls. The lack of ambition in the off-season to help fill the scoring vacuum in the middle of the court might have drowned any chance of a championship run for the Bulls. However, legitimacy still sides with the Bulls. Even though I would have wanted to see a trade to pick up a scoring big man in someone like Zach Randolph to help appease the guards’ scoring load, Paxson sat on his hands and kept the mediocre wild-card in Joakim Noah. I don’t think it will pay off. The stench of a bad sports year is lingering from the Cubs getting swept in the first round, to the Bears starting off 2-4. What will the Bulls do? I’m afraid not much. Sure they will make it to the playoffs, but once they face a team like the Cavs, Pistons, or the Celtics, the same tune will be sung of having no inside scoring presence. I hate to be the one who said I told you so in April, especially to the Bulls.

4. Orlando Magic

The Magic are on the road to improvement and might even take it to the next step this season. I think the loss of Grant Hill may be a blessing in disguise at it will really examine their swingman situation, and develop someone that will play 90% of the season consistently. But with the young tandem of Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard it is reminiscent of the Penny & Shaq combination from over a decade ago. So with the development of a valid swingman, don’t be surprised to see the Magic make a playoff appearance and make some noise while they are there. Besides since the Atlantic Division has made vast improvements, the Magic winning in the now dilapidated Southeast and nabbing a top 4 spot in the new playoff seeding is definitely plausible.

5. Toronto Raptors

Yes, you are still reading correctly, the Pistons did not make my top 5. The Pistons are in a loaded Central division and are one of the few teams that got worse over the off season. The team is aging. Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton seem to be lackadaisical, Webber seems to be getting wary, and Rasheed is getting antsy Larry Brown was the key into making things click there and I just don’t think Flip Saunders can handle adversity well. See Minnesota Timberwolves, 2004.

But anyways back to the Raptors. Sam Mitchell winning coach of the year and the Raptors making the playoffs last year really puts a new swagger in Toronto. Well, as much swagger as Toronto can handle at least. Yet the young’ens are no longer scared of the playoffs, and Chris Bosh is a great leader and will only grow moreover with Mitchell handling the clipboard. The team is young and will develop their potential in players like Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon into a fast-paced threat. Just think: the young Phoenix Suns of the East. So as long as no one goes Vinsane, then things can pan out for the Raptors.

-Dave C

Loyalty

2007-09-27T12:31:00.000-05:00

Where do you draw the line on loyalty? To a team? To a city? When does allegiance to a team start? Can it end?

I live in Chicago, a city dedicated to their teams as much as any. The Bulls haven't won in 9 years, the Bears in 22, and the Cubs in 103. Sure, the White Sox won in in 2005; but to me, they don't count. Sorry, but it's less than two years later and everyone forgot.

We love and hate our players as many cities do. We aren't as bad as Philadelphia (Donovan! Come back to the Chi!) in regards to hating their players if they haven't done anything for them lately. But in Chicago, when we embrace someone, it's hard to let them go. There are tons of 'what-ifs' and 'if-onlys' and 'just-whens.' When someone becomes a hero in Chicago, they are remembered forever. If you were the backup punt returner on the practice squad of the 1985 Bears, you can't go anywhere in Chicago and not claim a free meal. Chicago residents will refuse to believe that Air Jordan even played on the Wizards. Sammy Sosa's sweetest memories will still be in confines of Wrigley Field (achoo!). Scottie Pippen is embraced at all the Chicagoland Pita Inns.

It even hurts when we bench our players; I'm glad Rexstacy is benched for Griese. I think we'll have a better chance to not lose (not win... we'll have less bleeding with Griese), but somewhere in my heart, I have a feeling of sorrow to know that that Rex will not stand behind Olin and unleash the dragon.

But snap back to reality, oh there goes Rabbit, he choked... yea... back to the subject of loyalty. In Chicago, if you are a Packers fan, a Pistons fan, a Cardinals fan, or a Knicks fan, you are hated and ostracized. Okay, Knicks fans are just laughed at, but you get the point. Especially if you've been living in Chicago for a long time, it just doesn't make sense to be a fan of a different team.

But, can't it have something to do with when you grew up? I grew up with the Bulls during an era where Jordan was king and not much else. I didn't know other teams were allowed to win titles when MJ was on the court (they didn't). I grew up with Sosa fever running rampant and watching two stud pitchers lead the major leagues in Ks (Now, they lead the major leagues in DNPs). So, naturally I relished in Cubdom and Bullsdom at the young ages where I started to watch the sports.

(Don't kill me, Chicagoans) But when I started to get into football, circa 1995-1997, the Bears sucked. Erik Kramer? Rashaan Salaam? Raymont Harris? Bobby Engram. Alonzo Spellman? Spare me please. Watching the playoffs, I had to choose a team that I would stick with for the rest of my life- I chose Pittsburgh. Could you blame me? They had a stellar defense and an offense to drool over. The Jaw, Coach Cowher, ran the ball like there was no tomorrow, Bettis made linebackers cry, and Kordell was "Slash." Backed by a great tradition and a winning attitude, I fell in love with Pittsburgh. I followed them through and through with every heartbreak and my dedication paid off when we won "one for the thumb" in 2005.

But around 2002, when the Cardiac Bears started to win games, I started to watch and saw a team with characteristics similar my Steelers: hard-nosed running and a stellar defense. I like to watch the Bears and I like to cheer for them; I pay attention to them since I listen to AM radio. But when the Steelers and Bears play, I'm yellow and black, not blue and orange. But I consider myself a Bears and a Steelers fan and I'm lucky to see my teams having recent success. Is it wrong? One is AFC and the other NFC. I have to admit, I am loyal to both teams.

I am loyal to the city of Chicago, but I just don't recognize the White Sox. So many jumped on the wagon in 2005. Don't deny it. The true white sox fans- I applaud you for your dedication. But to the ones who decided to keep the Cubbie blue in the closet in exchange for White Sox Black (White Sox Black? How does that make sense??), I scoff at you. The decision came and you made the wrong one; and now, you want to change back? Many allegiances have ended since people want to cheer for a winner- something the White Sox are not anymore. Something happened, maybe Ozzie got some of the crack that was dealt at The jail Cell.
If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a Cubs fan through and through. I never minded the White Sox until all their "fans" started to poke fun at me and my team. But it got me to think- why are so many individuals who bled White Sox black (still not making sense) now denying it ever happened? Lost allegiance? I guess so.

In any case, I'm not posting this to try and offend anyone. I'm just trying to get a read on what people feel about loyalty to a team. I have favorite players on opposing teams that I'll follow regardless of the team they're on. I have respect for Brett Favre, Rip Hamilton, and Albert Pujols. Is it okay to be a Packers fan in Chicago? Is it okay to cheer for both Chicago baseball teams? I mean, Indianapolis isn't too far.. can I cheer for Peyton?

Mr. Hook's NBA Power Rankings

2007-09-26T13:37:00.000-05:00

Phoenix – Most talent. Best leader. 65 wins easy.
San Antonio – Their age scares me, but if they shoot well and defend, they could repeat.
Dallas – If it wasn’t for G-State, they could’ve gone to the Finals. Addition of Eddie Jones will provide shooting and defense.
Utah – Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are the most under-rated players in the NBA. They could make it to the Conference Finals again if Okur continues to be a force.
Chicago – Only here because Hinrich, Deng, and Gordon are supposed to improve. If they don’t take the next step, expect an early exit in the playoffs. Lack of inside scorer still is a concern, but Joe Smith and Joakim Noah should be better than P.J. Brown and Malik Allen.
Detroit – Still got the talent, got the experience, but do they want it? They can’t stop Lebron. Loss of Webber could be huge.
Houston – Alston is the only guy holding this team back. If they could defend the backcourt, Houston is tough to beat.
Cleveland – King James improved his midrange. Could will his team to win the East. He’s that good.
Denver – Kenyon Martin is healthy. With Nene, AI, Melo and Martin, health could be their only obstacle in going deep in the playoffs.
Boston – 3 All Stars, but Rajon Rondo at point? Should win 50 games in east.

Mr. Hook's Corner: NL Postseason Preview

2007-09-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

Because the season hasn’t ended and we don’t know the seedings, we’ll preview the possible playoff teams and what they’ll do in the postseason. We’ll begin by previewing the National League postseason.

Chicago – It’s been a wacky and long year, but they’ve reached the playoffs like they were supposed to. Although they were among the league’s worst in homeruns and slugging, their Big Boppers are stepping up at the right time. Soriano’s 13 HRs in September are the most in the MLB. The Cubs go into the playoffs with the 4^th best ERA in the MLB. If their hitting continues to flourish in the postseason, look for them to easily win the NL. Remember, it’s not about who’s the best team, but the hottest team going into the playoffs. The Cardinals showed us that last year.

NY Mets – The Phillies are making a push, but I expect the Mets to limp into the playoffs. Their pitching has been a surprise all year but they are finally showing their true colors right now. J. Mayne and El Duque are not #2 and #3 starters in a playoff series. However, if their offense could score runs and just get it to Billy Wagner, they could slug their way to the World Series. The last 5 World Series have shown that timely hitting and power could beat solid pitching- and the Mets are starting to hit. Moises Alou has a 27-game hitting streak and Delgado and Beltran are back from injuries. Both have been solid playoff performers in the past.

Arizona – The oddest team in baseball. Their run differential ratio is close to 3 to 1. That means their opponents outscored them almost 3 times more than they scored. What does that mean? If they lose, they lose big and when they win, they win by a slim margin. What that shows is that they can win the close games, which is huge in the playoffs. However, their hitting is way too inconsistent. Their pitching is young and solid. Scrappy teams have a lot of heart, very similar to the ’03 Marlins team.

San Diego – Could they overtake the D-Backs? If not, they could still win the Wild Card. The Padres have the scariest tandem in Peavy and C. Young. However, their lineup is not to scary. The Padre lineup is disciplined and get on base, but they lead the league in double plays. The Padres need to keep games close and let their NL Best Bullpen finish games out.

Phillies – They may or may not get there, but if they do, they feature the best lineup in the NL. Sorry, Cubs, but Phillies have speed, power, and on-base percentage. Rollins and Howard have been beasts all year and could power their way into the World Series. Their late surge may not be enough to win wild card or the NL East.

LA Dodgers – Their starting pitching has been good all year and B. Penny is the ace. However, like most NL teams, hitting holds this team back from BIG things. Pierre and Furcal have been busts, each with sub .350 on base percentages. Pierre is not human, he’s a toy. He sucks. Anywho, Dodgers need to hit better with runners in scoring position and play solid defense to sneak into the postseason. Surprisingly, their defense has hurt them in recent games.

- Mr. Hook

NBA East Pre-season Top 10

2007-09-25T15:42:00.000-05:00

#10
Rich- New York Knicks

NY because they are NY and one player (Randolph) isn't going to piece it all together. P.S. Isiah - John Paxson sends his warmest regards.

Ray- Miami Heat
Miami because Shaq is too old, Zo doesnt have the motivation, and D-Wade is coming off a pretty serious injury.

#9
Miami Heat
D-Wade is going to be fragile for the 2007-08 campaign and Shaq is goin to have to save all this energy for playoffs again... they have no depth and White Chocolate (Jason Williams) is just terrible.

New York Knicks
New York because although they cut out Francis, and added Randolph and 2 nice rookies, i dont think 2 hotheads, a fatso (Curry) , Randolph, and future Italy star, Starbury, will make that much of a difference.

#8
New Jersey Nets
With the trio of RJ, VC and JKidd, I want to put them higher- especially with the return of Nenad Krstic. But i just dont see them playing even 70 games together.

New Jersey Nets
This team is never durable.

#7
Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard will continue to show the NBA who he is, but with not much other help, 7 is as high as they'll get. Former Sonic Rashard will excel as with the open space to shoot. Expect a 1st round sweep in the playoffs.

Washington Wizards
I'm taking a gamble on this one. Even though I think Gil-0 is as determined as he will ever be, they lack a strong front court.

#6
Toronto Raptors
With NBA Europe raining from beyond the arc and young Bargnani proving why he went #1, Toronto has a good chance of upsetting many teams. They can get far in the playoffs if GM Colangelo can figure out how to turn TJ Ford into his new team's Steve Nash.

Toronto Raptors
This team is whiter than the Jazz, which is pretty surprising. Good shooters and versatile big men. I'd put them first in the division if it weren't for the crazy summer Danny Ainge had in Boston.

#5
Detroit Pistons
Oh how the mighty have fallen. The Pist-offs are not doing much these days and have the same aging team. Horace Grant '07 aka Jason Maxiel is a strong player, but the Pistons' reign of the East is just over. Watch as Joe Dumars cannot keep his team together and pieces begin to fall apart faster than Webber's knees.

Orlando Magic
Dwight is the future of the NBA. With the addition of Lewis, Dwight will pray his way to the fifth seed. Lewis will be an allstar this year. Pour some liquor for Jameer Nelson's late father.

#4
Washington Wizards
Led by Agent Zero (finally with his partners in crime, Antawn and Caron, back and healthy), the Wizards will remind the league how fast and explosive their team is. With the trio healthy and hungry, they'll finish high.

Detroit Pistons
This team seemed to have lost their tenacity. With a quiet offseason, the veterans dont seem motivated, but still know how to ball.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Last year's East champs have some guy named Lebron who knows how to take over games by himself. The next best meat after Kobe beef in the NBA, Lebron will change games with his playmaking. Don't look for them to repeat as East champs. Big Z is going need some Z's with all his injuries. Larry Hughes needs to stay healthy to be the defensive stopper the Cavs need.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Lebron is too talented. Boobie is on the verge of becoming a solid shooter. I actually don't really like this team on paper, but the King makes it happen.

#2
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls finally finish first in the Central division again since the times of Jordan. The Baby Bulls have finally found a solid nucleus and a solid all-star for many years to come in Luol Deng. Look for Tyrus Thomas to unleash his dragon known as the midrange jumper on the NBA. Either that or he will throw up more bricks than Super Mario. Ben Gordon will sink many more game-winners and Luol will be consensus Most Improved Player.

Chicago Bulls
Big 3 Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng will have career years. I heard Tyrus got a jump shot. Deng will be an allstar. Noc opted out of international play to focus more on the NBA. Thabo is more confident. Malik Allen's dream shake will never be replaced, but i think the Bulls will be better without him.

#1
Boston Celtics
This team has NO depth, NO future , NO point guard, and a weak bench. But they have this guy... Kevin Garnett. He will create openings for Ray Allen. Shuttlesworth will easily break the record for 3PT made in a season and Paul Pierce will smile and watch his team's turnaround. No Shimmying here, Antoine. This team's forreal.

Boston Celtics
With Allen, KG, and Pierce on one team, its hard to predict them as first. Every game is like watching an allstar game. It's not possible for all three of them to have an off night. Each of them can carry a team. Each of them have never won a championship.

Recap

Rich Ray
10. NY MIA
9. MIA NY
8. NJ NJ
7. ORL WAS
6. TOR TOR
5. DET ORL
4. WAS DET
3. CLE CLE
2. CHI CHI
1. BOS BOS

- Rich K, Ray C

Welcome to Reverberate Sports Blog!

2007-09-25T15:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome

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