Ahh....Finally a Game 7

These NBA Playoffs have been some of the most entertaining to watch in recent memory. It could just be that I work about 10 hours a week so I get to see every bit. Hell, even when I'm working, I follow on Twitter with my phone. God, I love 2011. I've watched most of the series' that I thought would be entertaining (NYK-BOS, NO-LAL, DEN-OKC),  watched some just to see a team get stupefied by one player (both CHI series), and some that I didn't expect to be entertaining (Memphis!!!). The latter team, regardless of flashy players and a lack of TNT/ESPN regular season exposure has been the most entertaining.

ZBo and the Grizz slayed the ancient Spurs dragon

Watching Memphis push the Spurs wheelchair over the edge once and for all was way more enjoyable for me than watching the Lakers demise. For one, that series was way more entertaining. Gritty games, OT thrillers, and the college-like heart and desire that these Grizzlies play with made them the easy underdog to root for. Unlike the favorites in these playoffs, they don't have a player who relies on cutting to the basket and getting easy and sometimes questionable foul calls. They don't have a predictable game plan. Their best player (Zach Randolph) is not only fat, but his game is uglier than a Bill Cartwright free throw. He's highly effective, however. Throughout the playoffs he's notched seven double-doubles, four 30pt/10reb performances, and one 20pt/20reb game. That's pretty impressive for a guy who probably ate at McDonald's last night. And to think, Memphis got him straight up for Quentin Richardson! I know considering ZBo's past that it was a gamble, but... Quentin Richardson? They didn't really have to give up much.

An emerging young star: Serge Ibaka

And here we have the Oklahoma City Thunder. They've got two of the brightest stars (and the biggest ball hog) in the league and, in my opinion, one of the most underrated young players (Ibaka). Although Serge has spent a lot of time on the bench because of his offensive liability, when he comes in the game he provides a spark every time. He's the motor that keeps the Thunder going and I love watching him play. Kendrick Perkins down low always plays with a mean streak and has also never smiled in his life. He's good for at least one or two hard, statement fouls per game. He's the new Charles Oakley. He doesn't allow easy baskets down low. They have a great team on paper that before the series looked poised to ease past the over-achieving Grizzlies.

Coach Lionel Hollins deserves credit for steering Memphis in the right direction

What the Thunder doesn't have is chemistry like the Grizzlies do. Russell Westbrook wants it to be his team. He wants to take the last shot. Everyone knows (and it was proven in Game 5) that Durant should be doing that. He is the go-to guy in clutch situations. Memphis doesn't encounter those problems. Maybe it takes a mid-season fight between two teammates to accomplish such fluidity. They seem to jell well as a team with no particular super-star. Conley, Mayo, Randolph, and even rookie Vasquez have the green light to take those last shots. And no one seems to care who takes it.

I like the Thunder today but only because of home court advantage. I think it'll be an intense, low-scoring battle with lots of hard fouls and physicality. We, as NBA fans, can only hope that this is a beginning to a long west-coast rivalry and also an encouragement to small-market fan bases.

Danny Ainge Got Some 'Splainin' To Do

After watching the Boston Celtics unravel over the past few days, my roommate and I have agreed on one thing: Danny Ainge truly blew it at the trade deadline. Although they've gotten two straight terrible games from Rondo and neither Pierce nor Garnett have played well, the Celtics have other needs. They seem lost at times and everyone from Delonte West to Big Baby Davis are fighting to provide a spark. Those aren't the guys you want carrying you in May and June. What's the problem, you say? I say, oh I don't know, Danny Ainge making trades like he's in dynasty mode on NBA Live 2010? C'mon, you know you've done it before. "Okay, so Perk is a 74 but I want Jeff Green. He'd be way better because he's fast and he's a 78. Then I'll get Krstic to help me rebound. I'll toss in little Nate and the computer will eat that shit up. YEAH! I'm the man" you say as you exhale your most recent bong hit. Ainge made this trade and then, after realizing his mistake tried to turn his PS3 off without saving, but it was too late. He'd already pulled the soul out of his team that relies so much on chemistry. Nenad Krstic can't rebound. Jeff Green hasn't found his place in the offense yet and neither have earned their shamrocks yet. They may have to wait 'till next season to do it....if they're even that lucky.

Dear Draft Diary

For my first post, I'm choosing to do what no one else everyone has done; a draft review. Since I hail from the most beautiful city that nobody's ever been to, Charlotte, NC, I'm going to concentrate on the hometown Carolina Panthers. You'll probably see a trend with coverage of the Carolina/Charlotte related teams as those are the ones I tend to follow the closest. I'll try not to inject to much Tommy Heinsohn homerism into it, though. (See, I made a New England reference! That's a Tommy Point!) Anyways, enough babbling and onto my draft grades.

Round 1 (1st overall) QB Cam Newton- Auburn (6'5" 245lbs.)

If the Panthers could've picked a more polarizing guy, he would've worn pantsuits, demanded national healthcare, and competed in Presidential races. Much like Hillary Clinton, I hear mostly negative feedback from people. They always seem to be the loudest ones right? The only people I know who support the pick are named Rivera and Hurney. Well, you can throw my name in that hat, too.  I can't help but imagine that Mike Shula (QB coach) is salivating at the prospect of working with this guy. He has all the tools and size needed to be a star in this league. He's played two college seasons and has two national championships. I am excited about the pick because I'm a fan, of course. But, I also can defend the Panthers gamble because of a few reasons. 

Newton and Rivera share a moment

Carolina is struggling to sell tickets. Why not draft a guy who could change your whole franchise?

With such a young franchise that's never seen a dominant quarterback, why not take the risk and potentially land a superstar? In a small market, you have to claw for attention of the national media and spotlight. Hell, it's possible the "icon and entertainer" comment could be intriguing for an owner struggling to keep his PSL owners happy. 

With a number one overall pick, you don't play it safe. 

In a year with no absolute number 1 choice, the Panthers had to gamble. In the past 10 drafts, eight QBs were selected 1st overall. Of those eight, only 3 are widely considered busts. Meanwhile, between the other 5 QBS they have six pro bowls, six playoff wins, and 1 Super Bowl ring. Two of them (Bradford and Stafford) are on their way to padding those numbers in the years to come. The other two picks (Jake Long and Mario Williams)? 2 pro bowls and ZERO playoff appearances. I don't care how good Marcel Dareus or Patrick Peterson will become, neither of them have the potential to improve the franchise like Newton does. I'll take those odds in Vegas all day! I think the Panthers felt the same way.

Round 3 (65th overall) DT Terrell McClain- South Florida (6'3" 297lbs.)

The Panthers addressed one of its most gaping holes with this pick. After the DT position was operated by a committee of guys last year, McClain has the potential to come in and be a starter immediately. One encouraging thing is that his 40 yd. dash time broke 5 seconds which is impressive for a 300 pounder snagged in the 3rd round. His presence should help sure up a defense that was 23rd against the rush last year. 

Round 3 (97th overall) DT Sione Fua- Stanford (6'2" 308lbs.)

His natural position is nose tackle, which can't help but remind me of the new coaching staff that was just brought in. Although Rivera said that he will not run a 3-4 defense, he did mention that "elements of the defense will be used." Fua is the prototypical run-stuffing big guy that will disrupt the middle. He isn't an every-down player and tends to get gassed on long drives. He will most likely be used in run and goal line situations. 

Round 4 (98th overall) CB Brandon Hogan- West Virginia (5'11" 170lbs.)

Carolina continues its draft gamble and selects a guy who has a history of legal troubles (as recent as early April 2011) and who is coming off a knee injury. Obviously they see a lot of potential that I'm not seeing. I found this pick a little bit of a reach. Apparently Hogan is a very talented, speedy corner. His knock is on his ball skills. I assume the Panthers anticipate him coming in and contributing on special teams and possibly as a returner, with which he has limited experience. Otherwise, I'm scratching my head on this pick. The Panthers hope he doesn't end up like the other DB from West Virginia

Round 5 (132nd overall) WR Kealoha Pilares- Hawaii (5'10" 200lbs)

Here's another guy coming off a knee injury this past season. The Panthers add to their already youthful WR corps. If Steve Smith leaves via trade as anticipated, Pilares will join 6 other players at the position with less than 4 years NFL experience. That's a little daunting seeing that we just drafted a rookie quarterback with the number one pick overall. But, the Panthers are high on the young guys as they began to show promise late last season. Pilares is a slot guy who isn't afraid to go over the middle. He has some speed and could see playing time this year depending on how good of a camp he has. 

Round 6 (166th overall) LB Lawrence Wilson- Connecticut (6'1" 229lbs.)

A two-time All Big East selection, Wilson led his team in tackles the past two years. Ran an impressive 4.55 in the 40 yd. dash at his school's pro day. With speed like that, he fits in perfectly with his new LB teammates. He won't come in and compete for a starting job, but should be effective on special teams and nickel packages. 

Round 6 (203rd overall) OL Zack Williams- Washington State (6'3" 309lbs.)

Played center last season but the Panthers will probably convert him to a guard. Is said to play with a mean streak which is a great compliment for an offensive lineman. The Panthers look to sure up OL depth. This is a project pick who will definitely take time to develop.

Round 7 (244th overall) OL Lee Ziemba- Auburn (6'5" 317lbs.)

They liked Cam so much that they brought along a bodyguard for him! This guy spent last year protecting Newton's blindside as the starting LT for Auburn. Great size and frame. He was a four year starter and captain for the Tigers. Leadership qualities are high and has experience at the top level. I like this pick and any time you can pick up a four year SEC starter in the 7th round, I say go for it. The Panthers hope he can some day develop into a solid starter for them.