Archive for the ‘NBA’ Category

2012-2013 NBA Preview

Tuesday, October 30th, 2012

by Brandon Pemberton

 

 

Well it’s that time of the year again, the NBA regular season kicks off tonight and I’m here to give you my official NBA season preview and Predictions.  There has been a off-season full of moves and there have been some recent moves that have shaken up the NBA as well.  Make sure you listen to Sports Trap Radio every Saturday morning from 10am-12pm on http://ueradiolive.com, as Daniel Trawick and I give you the best two hours of Sports Radio possible on a weekly basis.

 

Eastern Conference

Atlantic

Celtics 52-30 *

Sixers 51-31 *

Nets 48-34 *

Knicks 44-38*

Raptors 32-50

 Outlook: The Atlantic division could arguably be the best in the NBA this season.  The Celtics took the Heat to the brink last season and even though they lost Allen to the Heat, they get the return of Jeff Green and Chris Wilcox, to go along with the additions of Courtney Lee, Jason Terry through free agency, and Jared Sullinger through the draft.  They still are lead by Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett.  This team is deeper than last year and barring injuries, they should be good.

The Philadelphia 76ers are clearly a different team than the one who beat the Bulls in the first round and took the Boston Celtics to seven games in the 2nd round of the playoffs.  Out is Andre Iguodala, Lou Williams, Jodie Meeks, and Elton Brand and in comes Andrew Bynum, Jason Richardson, Dorell Wright, and Nick Young.  I’ve watched the Sixers play during the preseason and it’s a big difference offensively this year.  This team, even though Bynum hasn’t played yet and won’t be ready for the regular season, can score it much better than last year.  They are talented and deep, but having a healthy Bynum is key to the team’s long term success this year.

The Nets made some moves to better their team, bringing in Joe Johnson, resigning Deron Williams and Brook Lopez, giving them a solid nucleus of players.  I see them making the playoffs this season, possibly a 5-6 seed.

The New York Knicks lose Jeremy Lin, but replace him with Raymond Felton, who when playing for the Knicks before, has had his best success.  When he is in shape and motivated, he is really good.  Carmelo Anthony, we all know he can score, but can he make his teammates better and lead them to a title.  Tyson Chandler is the team’s leader, tough, good defender and championship pedigree.  This team can score, but can they defend?

The Raptors enter into the 2nd year under Dwayne Casey and have made some good additions, but not good enough to contend just yet.  Philly native Kyle Lowry will run the point and Landry Fields will start at the 3 spot, giving the Raptors instant upgrades defensively and in the toughness category.  The Raptors drafted Terrence Ross in the first round, and he is just as athletic ad Dermar Derozen, but a much more polished shooter from distance and off of curls.  Don’t be surprised if Derozen is traded before the season is out to give Ross all the time at the 2.

 

Central

Pacers 54-28 *

Bulls 45-37 *

Pistons 36-46

Bucks 32-50

Cavaliers 29-53

Outlook: The Pacers return the nucleus of their players from last season, with the additions of Gerald Green and D.J. Augustin via free agency and big man Miles Plumlee through the draft.  They are battle tested, went through a tough series with the Heat and are good enough to get a 2nd seed, avoiding Miami.

The Bulls will play the majority of the season without star point guard Derrick Rose and in a 82 game season, it’s going to hurt them.  My question is who will be the go to guy down the stretch of games when they need a bucket?  We all know they will defend, but they are going to have a tough time getting baskets at times.

I like the Pistons’ drafting of Andre Drummond.  He has high potential, off the charts athleticism, and has gotten better as a player from draft day through the preseason.  He along with Greg Monroe gives the Pistons a solid frontline, and I like Rodney Stuckey and the improvement of Brandon Knight that I’ve seen during the summer.  I think they are a year away from being a playoff team.

The Cavs drafted combo guard Dion Waiters with the 4th pick overall and he will team with franchise guard Kyree Irving hopefully for the next 4-6 years.  This team also received the rights to Tyler Zeller on draft night as well.  Tristan Thompson showed some flashes at times last year playing the four spot, and Alonzo Gee has worked himself into a serviceable NBA player as a wing player.  The franchise is slowly working it’s way out of the hole Lebron James left them in when he left via free agency.

The Milwaukee Bucks are a team with a lot of similar pieces.  Their two best players (Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis) both like to play with the ball in their hands.  They drafted John Henson out of UNC, but drafted Larry Sanders two years ago, and got Ekpe Udoh in the Andrew Bogut trade.  I could be wrong, but this team is headed nowhere fast.

 

Southeast

Heat 62-20 *

Wizards 40-42 *

Hawks 37-45

Magic 33-49

Bobcats 27-52

Outlook: The Heat are the defending champs and have added more pieces to fit in around Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.  In comes shooters Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to spot up and make the open shots that are always there with the attention that Lebron James and D-Wade get nightly.  This team will still be one of the league’s best defensively, and even with a glaring weakness at center, they are still my favorite to win it all again.  Lebron James is that damn good…Bottom Line.

I really like what the Wizards did during the offseason.  Brad Beal is a talented prospect and will be a future All-Star in this league.  I think the Wizards make the playoffs as a eight seed this season, if John Wall can return soon from his stress related injury healthy and ready to go.  The additions of Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza bring defenders and veterans that the team lacked in prior years.

The Hawks hired Danny Ferry as general manager and he did wonders getting out of the contracts and Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.  Josh Smith is in the last year of his contract as well.  I see this year as a semi-rebuilding job.  They still have Al Horford who is an All Star when healthy.  But I seriously don’t see them being any factor this season.

The Orlando Magic are finally moving on after trading Dwight Howard to the Lakers, and I know most think that they didn’t get enough in return for him.  But when you trade a player of his caliber, you never get the same value in return.  The Magic are in full rebuilding mode.  Honestly, does a team with Glen Davis as its best offensive weapon have a shot at winning?  They will play hard and be coached well under Jacque Vaughn on a nightly basis.

The Charlotte Bobcats are a long way from being a winning basketball team.  They drafted Kemba Walker in 2011, along with Bismack Biyombo, and drafted Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist and Jeffrey Taylor in 2012.  They will look towards Ben Gordon to be their go to guy, after he had a few mediocre seasons in Detroit.

 

Eastern Conference Finals

Heat over Celtics in 7 games

 

 

Western Conference

 Pacific

L.A. Clippers 55-27 *

L.A. Lakers 53-29 *

Warriors 41-41

Kings 38-44

Suns 30-52

Outlook: The Lakers added Nash and Howard over the offseason, but expect the Lakers to struggle early while getting used to playing together, similar to the Heat when they put their “Big 3” together a few years ago.  If they get it together and can avoid injuries, they could face OKC in the conference finals.  They must defend pick and roll better this year.  Howard is a big upgrade and should mask some of the Lakers deficiencies, especially Nash’s.

I really like what the Clippers did during the offseason, adding veterans to the young talent that they already have.  Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Lamar Odom, Matt Barnes, and Ronny Turiaf bring toughness, defense, rebounding and scoring off of the bench for the Clippers.  I think they have one of the deepest rosters in the league easily.  They really have a shot to make a deep playoff run, especially if Blake Griffin has improved his game with his back to the basket and from mid-range, and if he stays healthy all season.

I think the Warriors could possibly make the playoffs as an eight seed.  The additions of Andrew Bogut and Richard Jefferson gives their young team the much needed veteran presence that they lacked.  I like Stephen Curry a lot, but he must stay healthy.  Klay Thompson is already one of the league’s best shooters, and they also drafted Harrison Barnes as well, who’s game is more fit for the NBA.  I really think he has a chance to be a 17-20 point scorer in this league.  If this team listens to head coach Mark Jackson and defends, they could take that next step.

The Sacramento Kings have a talented roster.  DeMarcus Cousins, if he brings it nightly, could be an All Star and unstoppable.  The Kings need to decide what they are going to do with Tyreke Evans.  Is he going to play 2-3 or is he going to play the one.  Isaiah Thomas really played well last year at the one and I think the team would benefit as a whole with Evans playing the three spot.  He has the height and length to get it done defensively and would be a mismatch nightmare for the majority of the league’s threes.  I love the drafting of Thomas Robinson.  He is undersized, but he is strong, athletic, tough, and plays hard nightly.  The Kings needed a glue type guy.  This team could be battling down the stretch for a playoff seed.

The Phoenix Suns have a roster full of mediocre players, role players, no go-to guys.  I love Goran Dragic’s game, but I don’t expect him to be an All Star and carry a team.  Micheal Beasley has all the talent in the world, but he’s been a “me” guy and an underachiever from day one.  He can’t be trusted to carry or lead a team.  Luis Scola, I like him but he’s a role player as well.  Don’t expect much from this team, they will win 30-33 games at the most.  The post Steve Nash era, they should have ended 3 years ago, finally begins.

 

Northwest

Thunder 60-22 *

Nuggets 46-36 *

Jazz 44-38 *

T’Wolves  35-47

Trail Blazers 31-41

Outlook: The OKC Thunder shocked the whole NBA community by trading reigning 6th man of the year James Harden to the Houston Rockets for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and two 1st round picks, while also sending Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook and Lazar Heyward to the Rockets.  Harden was in the last year of his rookie deal and recently turned down OKC’s 4-year, 55 million dollar deal, and reportedly will sign a max deal with the Rockets for 4-years, 60 million dollars.  Kevin Martin has been a legit scorer during his time in the NBA, who also excels at drawing fouls and getting to the line.  Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook may be upset about Harden’s departure, but K-Mart is no slouch and they should be right back in the Western Conference Finals barring a freak injury.

The Denver Nuggets have added lockdown defender Andre Iguodala to the mix.  He fits right in with George Karl’s system and he had the best season of his career when he played with Andre Miller, who is the Nuggets’ backup point guard.  Wilson Chandler is back after spending last season in China, and is a another key addition.  Denver signed JaVale McGee to a 4-year 44 million dollar extension, but he is having trouble beating out Kosta Koufus during the preseason.  This team is deep, at least two deep at each position, but they don’t have that one go-to guy who wins big games down the stretch in the playoffs.  The biggest problem is Iguodala believes he is that guy and will take those shots down the stretch, as he did in Philly.

The Utah Jazz made the playoffs as an eight seed in the 11-12 season, a huge surprise.  Ty Corbin did an excellent job coaching this young group of players.  There are going to be some big decisions for this team, especially at the trade deadline, as Paul Milsap and Al Jefferson are both in the last years of their deals and will be heavily coveted.  I think the Jazz will be a playoff team again, but not a title contender and will look to move one of those vets.

The Timberwolves were playing great last season before the unfortunate knee injury that rookie phenom Ricky Rubio suffered.  Kevin Love is out for the first 6-8 weeks with a broken right hand and the team will start the season shorthanded.  Brandon Roy has made a comeback after sitting out 2011-12 with knee problems, and has started all the preseason games and has looked good in limited minutes.  This team is going to struggle without their best players for at least the first two months and will miss the playoffs.

The Blazers have been bitten by the injury bug more than any team I remember recently.  They drafted well, had a nice young nucleus of players (Roy, Aldridge, Oden) but obviously we all know what has transpired with Roy and Oden.  They are officially in rebuild and reform mode and they drafted two players that I love as prospects, Damian Lillard and Meyers Leonard.  Lillard was the co-MVP of the NBA Summer League in Vegas and will come in from day one and be effective and a game changer.  Leonard is still young and raw, but he has the size, athleticism and potential to be very good.  Nicholas Batum and Wes Matthews are very underrated wing players in this league and will provide scoring, toughness and defense.  This team is a season or two from being a legit factor in the west.  Mark my words.

 

Southwest

Grizzlies 53-29 *

Spurs 48-34 *

Mavericks 46-36 *

Rockets 40-42

Hornets 28-54

Outlook: The Memphis Grizzlies are the favorite to win this division in my opinion.  They have all the tools to make a possible run to the Western Conference Finals.  Not saying that they do, but they are a really good team.  They have arguably one of the NBA’s best front lines with Marc Gasol , Zach Randolph, and Rudy Gay.  They all can give you 20 points on any given night.  I know most don’t think much of PG Mike Conley, but I think he’s underrated as a player, especially as a shooter and defender.  He does an excellent job feeding his players and keeping them all happy.  Tony Allen is tough as nails, defends and is the leader of this team.

The Spurs come back another year older, but every time I count them out and say they are done, they prove me wrong.  Can Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker stay healthy during the season and going into the playoffs?  They have won an NBA record 50 plus games in 12 straight seasons, a streak I believe stops this year.  I’m looking forward to seeing how Kawhi Leonard’s offensive game has developed during the offseason.  The Spurs are going to need points from another source consistently this year.

The Mavericks lose Jason Terry and Jason Kidd from last season’s roster and replace them with Darren Collison and O.J. Mayo.  Dirk Nowitzki will miss the beginning of the season after having a procedure to clean his knee out.  The addition of Chris Kaman gives Dallas a legit go-to guy in the post.  I actually like this year’s roster more than last year’s.  O.J. Mayo finally has the chance to be a starter again, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he plays.

The Houston Rockets landed James Harden via trade with OKC and signed him to a 4-year, 60 million dollar max deal.  Do the additions of Harden and Jeremy Lin make the Rockets instant contenders?  No, but they will be a little bit better.  Harden has a whole franchise on his shoulders now.  He’s not the third best player anymore, he’s getting paid to be the guy.  Let’s see how good he really is without Durant and Westbrook on the court.

The New Orleans Hornets had the first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and obviously took Anthony Davis and then later on they drafted Austin Rivers.  They re-signed combo guard Eric Gordon to a max deal after he played in 9 games last season and hasn’t played in a preseason game this year.  When healthy, he is really good, but he simply can’t stay on the court.  Davis has shown the star potential during the preseason and barring any freak injuries, he will be an All Star, and one of the league’s more versatile defenders.  His game will really flourish with the NBA’s open style of play.

Western Conference Finals

Thunder over Clippers in 7 games

NBA Finals: Heat over OKC in 7 games

Awards Predictions:

MVP:  Lebron James (Heat)

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard (Lakers)

Rookie of the Year: Damian Lillard (Blazers) / Anthony Davis (Hornets) (Co-MVP’s)

Sixth Man of the Year: Nick Young (Sixers)

Coach of the Year: Mark Jackson

 

* – Indicates playoff team

 

Brandon Pemberton of Brandon on Sports & Sports Trap Radio, for War Room Sports

 

 

Steve Nash: The Odd Man Out?

Monday, October 29th, 2012

by Brandon McConnell

 

 

 

 

The last two years the Los Angeles Lakers have exited the playoffs due to being over-matched by younger and better talent.  This past summer Lakers GM ,Mitch Kupchak, decided to make a power move by acquiring Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, and Antwan Jamison.

When the Lakers picked up Steve Nash, I was the first person jumping around and bragging to my non-Laker fans.  After watching a few preseason games, I noticed that average point guards were giving Steve Nash problems.  One thing is clear to me, Steve Nash is not going to work!  I think Steve Nash is one of the best point guards to play the game, but you signed a 38-year-old player to a 3-year deal.  The Lakers problem for years have been stopping their opponent’s point guard.  This year will  not be any different.  We all know that Steve Nash’s kryptonite is playing defense.  When the Lakers picked him up, I figured Nash would put so much pressure on the opposing point guard that he wouldn’t have to play as much defense.  After watching these preseason games, one thing is clear, Steve Nash will be the next victim of the KOBE EFFECT!  (Prior Blog Title)  He is not even shooting the ball!  Steve Nash is used to being the best player on his team and is most effective when he has the ball the majority of the time.  In the past, Nash has created offense for himself as well as set his teammates up for easy shots.  Since Nash is now the 4th best player on his team, he is not handling the ball as much.  Without Nash controlling the offense and being aggressive, it just gives the opponents’ point guards more energy to go at him on offense.

Let’s look at the point guards the Lakers will have to go up against in order to make a run for the Finals.  The top three point guards in the Western Conference are Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and Tony Parker.  All three players will eat a 38-year-old Steve Nash for lunch.  Please don’t think Kobe Bryant is going to switch and guard those guys either.

In conclusion, I will GUARANTEE you by the middle of the season, Steve Nash will either have his normal back problems or will be very frustrated with the lack of contribution he is giving the team.  Please feel free to call me out if I’m wrong.  But I’m confident I’m not.

B.Mac (concerned Lakers fan)

 

Brandon McConnell of Respect Da Game, for War Room Sports

NBA Commissioner David Stern Announces Retirement Date

Friday, October 26th, 2012

by Ron Glover

 

 

 

Yesterday NBA commissioner David Stern announced that he will be stepping down from the position effective February 1, 2014.  What is the one thing that you will remember “the commish” for?  Will it be for making the NBA the world’s second most popular sport behind soccer?  Or for instituting a dress code which some felt carried a racial undertone?  Maybe it was for bringing a sport that is predominantly African-American to the forefront of American sports.  There are a few other things that Stern will be remembered for, I just gave a few.

Feel free to follow me on Twitter @RonGloverII

 

Ron Glover of “The Starting Five”, for War Room Sports

 

Ronnie Brewer Visits The War Room!

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

New York Knicks shooting guard Ronnie Brewer will be in The War Room this Thursday, October 25th to discuss the upcoming NBA season, his thoughts on his new team, playing in “The Big Apple”, the Ronnie Brewer Foundation, and more!

Tune in Thursday, October 25th at 6pm ET to hear our conversation with Ronnie!  To tune in, go to www.WarRoomSports.com and click the “Listen Live” button…or dial 323-410-0012 to listen LIVE by phone.

In the meantime, check for Ronnie Brewer on Twitter @RonnieBrewerJr, check out his Facebook fan page at www.Facebook.com/RonnieBrewerJr, and check out his website at RonnieBrewerJr.com.

You should also join the War Room Sports Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/WarRoomSports and follow us on Twitter @WarRoomSports!

Finally, if you own an Android phone or tablet…an I-Phone, I-Pad, or I-Pod, please go to your Google Play and/or App Store and download the FREE War Room Sports mobile app!  It’s the VERY BEST way to stay up on all of our media content from one central location!

Sam “Big Smooth” Perkins discussed in The War Room

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

Andrew Bynum: Do You Trust Him with the Keys?

Friday, October 12th, 2012

by Dante Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Bynum has been handed the keys to the 76ers.  Heck, he’s been handed the keys to the entire city.  The heralded all-star center arrived this summer to high expectations.  In the blockbuster four-team trade this summer, the 76ers landed one of the premiere big men in the NBA today.  Oh how, the city welcomed him in grand fashion.  Hundreds of screaming fans showed up to greet him at the National Constitution Center, the site of his first press conference.  Along with his arrival, the 76ers immediately went from being a perennial 6-7-8 seed to a top 4 seed in the East.  Everyone was having visions of grandeur.  Just close your eyes and imagine a Bynum-led offense with newly-acquired perimeter shooters Jason Richardson, Dorell Wright, and Nick Young knocking down uncontested jumpers because of the attention that would be the result of having a premiere big man in the paint.  Oh how, Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday could continue their natural progression and assume the “faces-of-the-franchise” role suddenly left vacant with the departure of the veteran and often criticized, Andre Iguodala.  For the record, I liked the taller “A.I.” and accepted him for what he could do and didn’t kid myself into thinking he was more than that (unlike the 76ers and Coach Doug Collins). 

Yes, this is the year we make serious strides in making some real noise in the playoffs, right?  Well, there is the little matter of trying to keep Bynum in Philadelphia for more than just this season (he earns $16.1 million this year, the last year of his contract).  There’s also that matter of the 76ers heralded big off-season acquisition being on the shelf for, at the very least, the entire preseason.  His off-season knee surgery/procedure needs precautionary “healing” time and the team reports that he has a bone bruise in his right knee.  Bynum received Orthokine therapy at the suggestion of ex-teammate Kobe Bryant to help stimulate healing in arthritis-affected areas in both of his knees.  Still trust him with the keys?  I was as excited as every other 76er fan when I heard the news that the front office of our beloved, new-energy-infused basketball team had done more than just talk about getting better, they backed it up.  The new ownership group had actually put their actions where their mouths were and somehow, someway made a gigantic move to bring that talk to fruition. 

I was (and still am) eagerly looking forward to having a bona fide all-star big man on the roster.  We haven’t had one since…well since…Moses Malone unceremoniously was shipped out of town by that stupid, stupid man, Harold Katz (did I mention he was stupid?).  And now, we have one in Andrew Bynum.  Oh yeah, and there’s also that little question of his maturity.  Last year, it was reported that Bynum was involved in a couple of situations where he didn’t see eye-to-eye with Lakers coach Mike Brown and the front office.  There are times when he doesn’t display the maturity you would like to see from your franchise player.  Another instance involved the flagrant foul in the 2011 NBA playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks’ J.J. Barea.  The foul was unnecessary and really brought his maturity into question.  Now, am I the only person concerned about this?  Let’s face it, if Bynum is all that we expect him to be (20 points, 10 rebounds & intimidating in the paint), then, there’s no question we want him in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future.  Heck, if he is what we hope he is, throw the maximum at him to keep him.  But, there’s that pesky little word…”if”.  Bynum has missed 130 out of a possible 394 games the past five seasons.  Remember, we’ve given him the keys.  Can he be trusted?  Will he be responsible with the keys?

I asked myself those questions in the midst of the screaming fans at the National Constitution Center this past August.  I was fully aware that what I was experiencing at that introductory press conference was the first stage of a year-long courting of Andrew Bynum.  That day was the day we handed over the keys to the city to a 24 year old, seemingly “not-quite-as-mature-as-he-should-be”, multi-million dollar basketball player.  Is anybody else worried about this?  Is it just me?  The last time we turned the city over to a mutli-million dollar basketball player who was “not-quite-as-mature-as-he-should-be”, it was “Mr. Practice” himself, Allen Iverson.  Now, don’t get me wrong here, the A.I. era of Sixers basketball was indeed exciting and brought us a memorable championship run in 2001 (and I thank him for that).  For that stretch of time our city had one of the most iconic players of his time packing the house (whatever the “house” was called at that time but, hey it was jumping).  I know this is an argument for another time, but after MJ retired, A.I. was the iconic figure of the NBA.  But along with the good came the bad.  Among the worst was how A.I. and entourage would invade the T.G.I.Fridays on City Ave. and turn it into “Club Fridays”.  Nothing wrong with that, right?  Yes, that wouldn’t have been so bad except, if you weren’t on the list it was very hard getting in (and I loved my Jack Daniel’s shrimp back then).  Bynum, could potentially find himself on the wrong end of the decision-making process that requires maturity to navigate this city’s social scene.  Will he be the face of the hip-hop culture that the young people gravitate to today like A.I. was?  I doubt that, but it is a lot of responsibility.  

When your dad finally entrusts you with the keys to the car for the first time it’s a huge moment.  It signifies the trust he now has in, not only your ability to drive, but it also shows the trust he has in your ability to make sound decisions.  That trust involves risk.  Yes, you may be capable of driving but are you mature enough to handle the responsibility of making the right choice while the keys are in your possession.  The same applies to Bynum and the keys we have given him to drive the entire city.  It is a lot of power for a young man.  Will he clash with Coach Collins and play his prima donna card?  I am sure he is quite aware of the chips he holds.  Will he be an example for his teammates as a player who, at 24 years old, is actually an established veteran, with championship experience?  He has the power to come in and lead a relatively inexperienced playoff team and show them what it takes to win a championship.  Will he take advantage of that or will we be stuck with the sequel to the infamous “Practice” speech given by one immature Allen Iverson?  We will soon find out if we can trust Bynum with the keys.  As a matter of fact, we have one year to let him test drive the city.  I’ll tell you one thing, if he can bring that type of excitement and an NBA championship back to the city of Philadelphia, some will say not only can he have the keys but if he wants, he can change the locks. 

 

Dante “TheDarkKnight” Johnson of “Damit, Let’s Talk”, for War Room Sports

 

NBA Repair Kit

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

By Brandon McConnell

In America, we have three popular professional sports which are football, basketball and baseball.  The most popular of the three without a doubt is football.  Does anyone know why?  Because in football, every team has an equal opportunity to win a championship each year.  You can’t really buy a championship like in the other two sports.

In the NBA, they have a set salary cap and after you reach that particular figure, you are charged a luxury tax.  Luxury tax is being taxed one dollar for every dollar you are over the salary cap.  For example, if the Miami Heat are 5 million dollars over the salary cap, the NBA charges them a luxury tax of 5 million.  Now, under the new CBA, teams pay an incremental tax that increases with every $5 million they go above the salary cap/tax threshold ($1.50, $1.75, $2.50, $3.25, etc.).  Teams that have been paying luxury tax for at least four out of the past five seasons have a tax that is $1 more at each increment than the increments mentioned above ($2.50, $2.75, $3.50, $4.25, etc.).  After understanding the salary cap and luxury tax, you can come to the understanding that owners with the most money have no problem going over the salary cap in order to win.

In the last 30 years, the same nine teams have won championships in the NBA.  That is the biggest difference from NFL and NBA.  Most markets feel like their team has some type of chance to win in the NFL.  Last week, Dwight Howard signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, making them a favorite again to win the championship next year.  There are only about 4 teams in the league that have a realistic chance of winning a championship next year (LA, MIA, OKC and BOS).

To increase the level of competition in the NBA, I believe there should be a hard salary cap that NO TEAM can go over.  By making each team have the same salary cap, you put all cities on the same playing field.  This would put an end to the SUPER TEAMS we have seen develop in the last 5 years due to teams not being able to pay these stars and put a supporting cast around them.  This cap would make teams like Golden State, Sacramento, and Charlotte relevant, because the stars would spread out more in order to receive a max deal.  You would still have role players taking less money to play with stars, but you wouldn’t have stars taking less money to play with other stars.

If the NBA doesn’t incorporate a hard salary cap soon, they can just get rid of fifty percent of the teams and create 14 SUPER TEAMS.  I feel like a Republican right now, getting rid of jobs.  MESSAGE!

In conclusion, if the NBA wants to keep doing what they are doing, I will be fine.  You ask me why?  I roll with the boys in PURPLE AND GOLD.

Brandon McConnell of “Respect Da Game”, for War Room Sports

Final Top 60 NBA Draft Big Board

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

The 2012 NBA Draft is TODAY and like I promised you previously, I have updated my big board and here are my top 60 draft prospects going into TONIGHT’s draft:

  1. Anthony Davis 6-10 220lbs SF/PF Kentucky Fr.
  2.  Bradley Beal 6-5 205lbs SG/PG Florida Fr.
  3. Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist 6-8 232lbs SF/SGKentuckyFr.
  4. Thomas Robinson 6-9 240lbs PF Kansas Jr.
  5.  Perry Jones III 6-11 235lbs PF/SF Baylor So.
  6. Harrison Barnes 6-8 228lbs SF UNC So.
  7. Andre Drummond 6-11 275lbs C/PF UConn Fr.
  8. Jeremy Lamb 6-5 190lbs SG UConn So.
  9. Dion Waiters 6-4 222lbs SG/PG Syracuse So.
  10. Damian Lillard 6-2 190lbsPG Weber St.  Jr.
  11. Arnett Moultrie 6-11 235lbsPF Miss St. Jr.
  12. Austin Rivers 6-5 202lbs SG/PG Duke Fr.
  13. Terrence Jones 6-10 250lbs PF/SF Kentucky So.
  14.  Meyers Leonard 7-0 240lbs C Illinois So.
  15. Jared Sullinger 6-9 268lbs PF/C Ohio St.  So.
  16. Terrence Ross 6-7 195lbs SG/SF Washington So.
  17. Tyler Zeller 7-0 250lbs C UNC  Sr.
  18. QuincyMiller 6-10 210lbs SF Baylor Fr.
  19.  KendallMarshall6-4 190lbs PG UNC So.
  20. Moe Harkless 6-8 220lbs SF St. John’s Fr.
  21. John Henson 6-10 220lbs PF/SF UNC Jr.
  22. Andrew Nicholson 6-9 230lbs PF St. Bonaventure Sr.
  23. Royce White 6-8 245lbs SF/PF Iowa St.  So.
  24. Fab Melo 7-0 25 lbs C Syracuse So.
  25. Doron Lamb 6-4 195lbs SG/PG Kentucky So.
  26. Festus Ezili 6-11 260lbs C Vanderbilt Sr.
  27. Jeff Taylor 6-7 225lbs SF Vanderbilt Sr.
  28. John Jenkins 6-4 200lbs SG Vanderbilt Jr.
  29. Marquis Teague 6-2 190lbs PG Kentucky Fr.
  30. William Buford 6-6 210lbs SG/SF Ohio St. Sr.
  31. Tony Wroten Jr. 6-5 210lbs PG/SG Washington Fr.
  32. Tyshawn Taylor 6-3 190lbs PG Kansas Sr.
  33. Will Barton 6-6 170lbs SG Memphis So.
  34. Scott Machado 6-1 185lbs PG Iona Sr.
  35. Darius Miller 6-8 225lbs SF/SG Kentucky Sr.
  36.  Kevin Jones 6-8 240lbs PF WestVa. Sr.
  37. Draymond Green 6-6 235lbsSF/PF Mich St.  Sr.
  38. Jared Cunningham 6-5 195lbsOregon St.Jr.
  39.  Khris Middleton 6-7 220lbs TexasA&M Jr.
  40. Mike Scott 6-9 240lbs PF Virginia Sr.
  41. Marcus Denmon 6-3 SG/PG Missouri Sr.
  42. JaMychal Green 6-9 230lbs PF Alabama Sr.
  43.  Herb Pope 6-8 255lbs PF Seton Hall Sr.
  44. Kim English 6-6 200lbs SG/SF Missour iSr.
  45. Henry Sims 6-10 242lbs Georgetown Sr.
  46.  Rakim Sanders 6-6 220lbs SF/SG Fairfield Sr.
  47. Quincy Acy 6-7 230lbs PF/SF Baylor Sr.
  48. Robert Sacre 6-11 260lbs C Gonzaga Sr.
  49. Yancy Gates 6-9 255lbs PF/C CincinnatiSr.
  50.  Kris Joseph 6-7 230lbs SF Syracuse Sr.
  51. Ricardo Ratliffe 6-8 240lbs PF Missouri Sr.
  52. Bradford Burgess 6-6 215lbs SF/SG VCU Sr.
  53. Miles Plumlee 6-11 240lbs C/PF Duke Sr.
  54. Ramone Moore 6-4 190lbs SG Temple Sr.
  55.  Darius Johson-Odom 6-2 215lbs Marquette SG/PG Sr.
  56. Zack Rosen 6-2 185lbs PG PennsylvaniaSr.
  57. Maalik Wayns 6-0 205lbs PG Villanova Jr.
  58. Jae Crowder 6-6 225lbs SF MarquetteSr.
  59. Garrett Stutz 7-0 255lbsC Wichita St.Sr.
  60.  Drew Gordon 6-8 235lbs PF New MexicoSr.

 

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

2012 NBA Draft Player Profiles (#s 1-20)

Thursday, June 28th, 2012

By Brandon Pemberton

20. Moe Harkless 6-8 220lbs Freshman St. John’s SF 19 years old

2011-12 stats: 36.1 mpg, 15.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.4 bpg, 1.6 spg, 44%fg, 68%ft

Projection: Mid first round, could rise up into the lottery before it’s all said and done.

Strengths: Moe Harkless is a promising prospect with plenty of potential and upside.  He has a natural ability to score, while still being raw offensively.  He is always around the ball, is a great offensive rebounder, and is good taking guys off the dribble to the basket.  He is already a formidable defender and with strength and maturity, he will be even better.  If Harkless puts in the work, he could be the steal of the draft 4 years from now.

Weaknesses: Harkless really needs to work on shot selection.  I know he pretty much had the green light during his one and only season at St. John’s, but there were times when he shot his team out of games.  He also needs to work on his outside shot.  If he becomes a more consistent shooter he could be a 20 point scorer in the NBA.

19. Terrence Ross 6-6 195lbs Sophomore Washington SG/SF

2011-12 stats: 31.1 mpg, 16.4 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 45% fg, 37% 3ptfg, 77% ft

Prediction: Late Lottery to Mid first round

Strengths: Terrence Ross is an elite athlete with ability to score in various ways.  Usually a player this young and with his athleticism wouldn’t be such a good scorer from the outside, but he is.  Ross has worked himself into being a knockdown shooter.  He also thrives in transition and is a highlight reel waiting to happen when he finishes at the rim.

Weaknesses: I would like to see Ross go to the basket and draw fouls more often.  He took only 2.7 free throws a game, which is too small of a number for a player of his caliber.  He also needs to lock in defensively.  He could potentially be a lockdown defender with his combo of height, length, and athleticism.

18. Quincy Miller 6-10 210lbs Freshman Baylor SF

2011-12 stats: 24.4 mpg, 10.4 ppg, 5 rpg, 45% fg, 81% ft, 35% 3ptfg

Prediction: Mid to late first round pick

Strengths: Quincy Miller is a talented prospect when you factor in his offensive skills, to go along with his height.  His ability to score from the perimeter for a player his height is rare.  He really has a natural stroke when shooting the ball.  He is effective shooting the ball off the dribble, coming off of screens, and as a spot up shooter as well.

Weaknesses: Miller tore his ACL and missed his whole senior year of high school because of it.  It was clear that he wasn’t at 100% during his one and only season as a Baylor Bear.  Anytime a player has a knee injury, it’s a red flag.  Miller relied too much on his perimeter game and didn’t take it to the hoop as much because of the injury.  Miller if healthy, has the ability to be a versatile defender because of his height and quickness.

17. Tyler Zeller 7-0 250lbs UNC Senior C/PF

2011-12 stats: 28.1 mpg, 16.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 55% fg, 80% ft

Prediction: Mid to late 1st round

Strengths: Tyler Zeller was a productive, four year player at UNC, in one of the best conferences in all of college basketball.  He has some skills and traits that will allow him to play in the NBA for a long time.  For one, he hustles and plays hard at all times.  He might not be the best athlete out there, but his effort and toughness make up for it.  Zeller is skilled in the post, has both a left and right hand hook shot that’s effective.  He averaged almost 10 rebounds a game, and he has range on his jump shot out to 18 feet.  On the right team, Zeller could come in and start and give you quality minutes right away.

Weaknesses: Zeller doesn’t have the upside that most prospects have, because he’s limited athletically.  He pretty much is what he is, and will have to get used to the speed of the game and can be over matched by swifter, better athletes.  If you are looking for a franchise player he isn’t that guy.

16. Kendall Marshall 6-4 190lbs UNC Sophomore PG

2011-12 stats: 33 mpg, 8.1 ppg, 10 apg, 2.6 rpg, 46.7 % fg, 35% 3ptfg, 2.8 tpg

Projection: Mid first round pick

Strengths: Kendall Marshall isn’t a flashy player by any means, but he knows how to run a team, doesn’t turn the ball over, and is probably the best passer in this draft.  He showed how good he was when UNC struggled during the 2010-11 season while Larry Drew II was running the point.  When he took over as starter, the team took off and played great.  Harrison Barnes, Tyler Zeller, and John Henson all became better because of Marshall’s play at the lead guard.  He is effective in the half court and running the fastbreak.

Weaknesses: Marshall has gotten better, but his jump shot still needs plenty of work.  His lack of shooting ability could hurt him at the next level because unlike Rondo, he isn’t a top flight athlete and it’s going to make him easier to cover.  His lack of athleticism makes him a mediocre defender and will get exposed at the next level.

15. Meyers Leonard 7-0 250lbs Illinois Sophomore C 20 years old

2011-12 stats: 31.8 mpg, 13.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2 bpg, 58% fg, 73% ft

Prediction: Late lottery to mid 1st round

Strengths: Meyers Leonard is a skilled big man with legit NBA size and length for a center.  He’s only 20 years old, played two years at Illinois, starting his 2nd and final year.  For a man his size, he’s very athletic, jumps out of the building, and is quick and agile.  He won’t have any problems coming out and defending the pick and roll in the NBA, while being able to recover and get back to the paint and block shots.  Offensively, he has the ability to score with his back to the basket and he can hit the jump shot out to 15 feet. He will force bigs to come out and check him on the perimeter because of his shooting ability.

Weaknesses: He is young and a bit raw and there is always a big gamble when drafting young big men.  I would like to see him rebound the ball better and play with more of a mean streak.  He at times can fall in love with floating on the perimeter offensively.

14. Jared Sullinger 6-9 268lbs Ohio St. Sophomore PF/C

2011-12 stats: 30 mpg, 17.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1 bpg, 51% fg, 40% 3ptfg, 77% FT

Prediction: Late Lottery, might slip out of the lottery

Strengths: Jared Sullinger has an highbasketball IQ, was very productive during his two years at Ohio State.  While’ he’s not the greatest athlete, he uses his large lower body, length, and proper angles to score points in the paint.  Sullinger has also extended his game to the perimeter, he has a nice touch out to the college three point line, where he shot 40% for the season.  Sullinger is a good rebounder, and became a better rebounder out of space, due to the fact he was in better shape than during his freshmen year.  Sullinger also measured in at 6-9 in shoes at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

Weaknesses: Weight will always be a topic of discussion with Sullinger.  While he’s lost about 40lbs since joining OSU out of high school two years ago, he really could still afford to lose about another 20-25lbs.  He’s already not the greatest natural athlete and getting in the best shape possible and staying that way will make a more effective player and keep him in the league.  Udonis Haslem weighed well over 300lbs during his college career and lost 65lbs and has made himself into a decent  NBA player.  Sullinger was a horrible defensive player in college and that also can be attributed to him not being in shape.  He is either going to have a long, solid career, or we will see him out of the league like Sean May.

13. Terrence Jones 6-9 250lbs Kentucky Sophomore PF/SF

2011-12 stats: 29.3 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.8 bpg, 50% fg, 62% ft

Projection: Late Lottery to Mid first round

Strengths: Terrence Jones is a very skilled big man.  He projects to be a stretch 4 in the NBA, and he also possesses the ability to put the ball on the floor and take bigger guys to the hole.  He is a tough, rugged rebounder, especially on the offensive end.  He is very athletic and long, tries to finish everything in the paint with authority.  Has the tools to be a solid defender in the NBA.

Weaknesses: Jones is a lefty, and offensively he can only go left and use his left hand to finish.  He really needs to develop his off hand offensively if he’s going to score consistently with his back to the basket in the NBA.  At times during his college career, Jones would take games off and had to be ripped into or sat down by his coach.  In the NBA he’s going to need to play hard every night.  Also, he needs to improve his free throw shooting.  He’s a great rebounder and finisher at the rim and will draw plenty of fouls, so if he can get up in the mid to high 70’s, it would be good.

12. Austin Rivers 6-5 200lbs Duke Freshmen SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 33.2 mpg, 15.5 ppg, 43% fg, 36% 3ptfg, 66% ft, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 apg

Projection: Late Lottery

Strengths: Austin Rivers came into this past year’s college basketball season full of hype and at times he lived up to it.  Rivers was forced to play with the ball in his hands plenty because Duke lacked a true point guard who could play.  The bottom line with this kid is, he can flat out score the ball.  He’s really comfortable in pick and roll situations, slashing to the basketball and has the ability to get by defenders at will.  He’s a fierce competitor just like his father was when I watched him play growing up as a kid.  I thought Rivers was more around the 6’3 range and was surprised when he measured in at 6’5 at the Draft Combine, which tells me he can get away with playing the 2 in the NBA.

Weaknesses: Rivers needs to work on shot selection and his decision making with the ball in his hands.  He is an okay shooter, but needs to become more consistent with his shot from 3-point range.  He didn’t share the ball much at Duke, but he was often left with the ball late in the clock, forcing him to take bad shots.  Defensively, he was flat out atrocious and in my opinion it was more lack of effort and not having a defensive attitude than anything.  If he plans on being a starter in the NBA, he needs to defend.

11. Damian Lillard 6-2 190lbs Weber St. Junior PG

2011-12 stats: 34.5 mpg, 24.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 4.1 apg, 47% fg, 41% 3ptfg, 89% ft

Projection: Lottery Pick ( Top Ten)

Strengths: Damian Lillard is well known by degenerate college basketball fans like myself, but most haven’t heard of him until the draft process started.  He is not only the best point guard in the draft, but one of the best scorers and shooters.  He played on a team in Weber St. who even in a weak conference was outmatched on most nights, and he carried his team while being doubled and triple-teamed.  He tested out very well athletically at the combine, with an amazing 40 inch vertical leap.

Weaknesses: Level of competition always comes up, he played in a weak conference and never made it to the NCAA tourney during his time at Weber St.  Lillard has shown great scoring and shooting ability, but is he more of a scorer than a traditional lead guard?  I’m not sure if he’s going to be able to score at that rate in the NBA and he will need to have more of a pass first mindset in my opinion.

10. Arnett Moultrie 6-11 235lbs Miss St. Junior PF

2011-12 stats: 35.8 mpg, 16.4 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 55% fg, 78% ft

Projection: Late Lottery to Mid 1st round

Strengths: Arnett Moultrie is a very athletic big with both post and perimeter skills offensively.  I have him ranked higher than some do on their boards, but I’ve been watching him since he played at UTEP and I really think he’s going to be a good NBA player.  He is going to be effective in the pick and roll game because of his ability to hit the mid range shot and ability to finish with authority at the rim.  He averaged over ten rebounds a game and is very good on the offensive boards.

Weaknesses: Moultrie at time falls in love with the jump shot and doesn’t play in the post as often as I think he should.  He also should be a much better defender and shot blocker with his athleticism.  He averaged just under 1 block a game during his college career.  He will also need to hit the weight room and get stronger in order to deal with NBA bigs on a nightly basis.

9. Dion Waiters 6-4 222lbs Syracuse Sophomore SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 24.1 mpg, 12.6 ppg, 47% fg, 36% 3ptfg, 73% ft, 2.5 apg, 2.3 rpg

Prediction: Top 10 pick

Strengths: Dion Waiters is a combo guard with great scoring ability, especially in pick and roll situations.  Even though he came off the bench for the Orange (he was the Big East 6th man of the year), he was clearly the best player on the team and arguably the best in the Big East.  Waiters does a majority of his damage from mid range and in the paint where he uses his strong frame to fend off defenders and finish at the rim.  He was close to leaving Syracuse after his freshman year due to rumored problems with head coach Jim Boehiem, but came back this past season in better shape, with a better attitude and a commitment to the defensive end of the court.

Weaknesses: Waiters is a tweener, a bit small to play the two and isn’t a natural point guard.  His jump shot from year one to two has gotten better, but he is still a streaky shooter.  I believe he needs to become a more consistent shooter in the NBA in order to make guys play him close and he can then drive by defenders.  He did put forth more of an effort defensively this season, but he could still be a better defender with his size and strength.

8. Jeremy Lamb 6-5 180lbs UConn Sophomore SG/SF

2011-12 stats: 37.2 mpg, 17.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.2 spg, 48% fg, 33% 3ptfg, 81% ft

Prediction: Top 10

Strengths: Jeremy Lamb is a sophomore shooting guard prospect from UConn, where in his freshmen season he played Robin to Kemba Walker’s Batman, helping lead them to the 2011 NCAA championship.  At 6-5 with a 6-11 wingspan, Lamb has good height for an NBA two guard and elite length to go along with supreme athleticism.  In his sophomore season, his minutes, points per game, and rebounds all increased as well as his overall game.  Offensively, Lamb is a very good shooter running off of screens and stand-still situations.  He is a good slasher and finishes well at the rim in transition.  Defensively he uses his quickness and length to bother the opposition and make shots more difficult to make.  As I’ve said before, I really don’t like to make comparisons but watching Temple basketball growing up, Lamb (along with U of Washington’s Terrence Ross) really reminds me of Eddie Jones.

Weaknesses: Lamb goes through stretches in games where he is invisible and seems to just be out there instead of taking over the game.  In college he had the ability to be a difference maker on both ends of the court, but he just didn’t assert himself as he should.  At 180lbs he really needs to hit the weights and and add good muscle and size to his frame, and I think that should come with age.  Remember he’s only a sophomore.

7. Harrison Barnes 6-8 227lbs UNC Sophomore SF/SG

2011-12 stats: 29.2 mpg, 17.1 ppg, 5.2 ppg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 spg, 44% fg, 36% 3ptfg, 72% ft

Prediction: Top 10

Strengths: Harrison Barnes has one of the more polished offensive games in the 2012 NBA Draft, if not the best.  Barnes was the number one high school prospect in the country in 2010, hailing out of Ames, IA and came into college with very high expectations, ones that were too high if you ask me.  But in his two years in Chapel Hill, Barnes overcame the hype, criticism, pressure, and left a better player than when he came.  Harrison Barnes has perfect NBA size, length and strength for a small forward and the scoring capabilities to go along with it.  A pure shooter from mid range and from distance, Barnes can fill it up once he gets going.  Barnes decided to take smaller defenders to the mid post this season as well and increased his free throw attempts from 3.4 the prior year, to 5.1 per game this past season.  The scouts who questioned Barnes’ athleticism where shut up when he posted a 38.5 standing vertical leap, the highest at the combine.  He worked out for the Bobcats recently, who hold the number two pick and there is a good chance he goes there.  If not to Charlotte, he won’t make it out of the top ten for sure.

Weaknesses: There are stretches in big games where Barnes seems uninterested and not fully involved.  He clearly had superior talent than most of the players in the nation and probably could have scored more points and dominated games nightly, but he often deferred to his teammates, or bailed out defenders who couldn’t check him by shooting jump shots too often.  He is a scorer, but at the college level he didn’t display the ability to get others open shots or rebound at a high level.  He has the physical ability to defend at an elite level, but didn’t defend that way in college on a consistent basis.

6. Andre Drummond 6-11 278lbs UConn Freshman C/PF

2011-12 stats: 28.4 mpg, 10 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 54% fg, 30% ft

Prediction: Top 5-6 pick

Strengths: Andre Drummond might be the most athletic big man I’ve seen in my 20 plus years of watching high school, college and NBA basketball.  Yes, that’s including Olajuwon, Shaq, David Robinson, and Dwight Howard, but I’m not saying he has the skill of these players.  But if he puts in the work, and gets with the right big man coach, he could be really good.  He is very raw offensively in the post, but did get better as the season went along and was a force on the offensive boards.  Anything he catches near the rim is either a dunk or you have to foul him.  Defensively, I’ve never seen a man his size with the ability to switch on pick and rolls, having the ability to defend wing players and stay in front of them.  He averaged almost 3 blocks a game in just 28 minutes and changed a lot more.

Weaknesses: Drummond is a late comer to the game and you can tell at times when it comes to his basketball IQ.  At times he isn’t where he should be on the floor and ends up out of position when he could be under the basket for easy offensive rebounds and putbacks.  Drummond is very limited offensively with his back to the basket right now and needs serious work.  Drummond was over aggressive when it came to shot blocking and the results was early foul trouble and a seat on the bench.  He only shoots 30% from the foul line, yes 30% people.  He’s going to get fouled plenty in the NBA and he seriously needs to improve his mechanics at the foul line.  Drummond has the athletic ability, all the physical tools to be a great center in this league, but does he want to be great?  Will he work hard at his craft and maximize his talent?  He is probably the biggest risk-reward player in this draft.  He can either make GM’s look smart for passing up on him or cause a GM to lose his job for not picking him.

5. Perry Jones III 6-11 233lbs Baylor Sophomore PF/SF

2011-12 stats: 30.7 mpg, 13.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 50%fg, 70% ft

Projection: Late Lottery  to mid 1st round

Strengths: I have had Perry Jones III rated as one of my top NBA Draft prospects since his freshman year at Baylor.  If you’ve watched him play, and I’ve watched damn near every game’s he played in college, there might not be a more talented or complete basketball player in this draft.  There aren’t many 6-11 ball players with his skills, athleticism, and basketball IQ, anywhere in the world.  Jones can score with his back to the basket, face up out to 20 feet and hit the jump shot consistently, and put the ball on the floor and take it to the basket, finishing or drop it off to a teammate for a bucket.  When he wants to, he can dominate the glass on both ends of the floor and shut down his opposition offensively.  For stretches against Kentucky in the Elite Eight game, Jones was the best player on the floor.

Weaknesses: Jones is an enigma.  He was the most talented player in the country in my opinion, and he flat out disappeared at times.  Against Missouri, who had not one player who could check Jones at all, he averaged 6 ppg, and 5 rpg in those two contests.  In two games against Kansas, he averaged 11.5 ppg and 4 rpg.  These were four of the biggest games of the season and he was basically a no-show.  This right here is the lone reason why Perry Jones III most likely won’t be a top 5-10 pick and might even drop out of the lottery.

4. Thomas Robinson 6-9 244lbs Kansas Junior PF

2011-12 stats: 31.8 mpg, 17.7 ppg, 12 rpg, 50% fg, 68% ft

Prediction: Top 5

Strengths: Thomas Robinson is a high energy, athletic, power forward, who has improved in each of his three years at the University of Kansas.  He spent a majority of his first two seasons there playing behind the Morris twins, who where both 1st rounders themselves, but Robinson was always the better pro prospect in my opinion.  Robinson’s offensive game has gone from alley-oops, layups and dunks, to scoring with his back to the basket and occasionally hitting the mid-range jump shot.  Defensively, he’s very versatile.  I can see him guarding some 3’s at the NBA level as well as his natural position at the four.  Robinson is a beast on the boards and when it comes down to it, he is going to play hard and compete nightly.

Weaknesses: Robinson’s game in the post has come a long way, but he is still sort of robotic at times.  It’s like he’s thinking too often instead of just feeling his man and reacting.  He’s become a much better shooter than when he first arrived at Kansas, but he really needs to become a more consistent jump shooter from mid range.

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 6-8 232lbs Kentucky Freshman SF

2011-12 stats: 31.1 mpg, 11.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2 apg, 49% fg, 74% ft

Projection: Top 3 pick

Strengths: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is more competitive and plays harder than any pedigreed, celebrated high school player I’ve seen.  He was able to put his ego to the side and accept his role on Kentucky’s team this past season, and I know Anthony Davis received plenty of deserved praise, but Kidd-Gilchrist set the tone for that team with his defensive intensity and hustle.  He was given the assignment of checking the opposite team’s wing player and even point guards as well.  Offensively he has the ability to beat his man off the dribble, take the contact and finish or draw the foul.  I know his game from the perimeter needs refining, but this kid is a winner.  At 18 years old he’s already 233lbs so by the time he fills out, he will have a body similar to Ron Artest with way better athleticism.  He has the chance to be an elite, all league defender.

Weaknesses: To say his jump shot is broke would be an understatement.  He really needs to get with a shot coach and learn better shooting habits.  Defensively he’s fine, but his offense needs work, and hopefully the team who drafts him will get a player who’s willing to work and maximize his potential.  Bottom line, we know what kind of effort you are going to get from MKG on a nightly basis, but will he ever become a player who can get his own shot and be a one or two option in the NBA?

2. Bradley Beal 6-5 202lbs Florida Freshman SG/PG

2011-12 stats: 34.2 mpg, 14.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.2 apg, 44% fg, 34% 3ptfg, 1.4 spg

Predictions: Top 3

Strengths: Bradley Beal is a sweet shooting, 18 year old shooting guard prospect who left the university of Florida after one season.  He has good height for an NBA two guard and an unusually strong frame at 202lbs for a kid so young.  Beal came into college with a reputation as a dead-eye shooter, some scouts compared him to Ray Allen and while he didn’t actually shoot the lights out as a freshman at Florida, you saw flashes of his sweet shooting stroke.  Anyone who watched Florida play this past season knew that he played on a team dominated by three veteran guards who have made it a habit to take bad shots and not get others involved, so it was hard for Beal to get into a flow constantly all season.  Beal was the second leading rebounder on the team at 6.7 per game, and one thing that always translates to the NBA is rebounding.  Beal was also the team’s best perimeter defender and has the frame to be a good defender at the next level.  Beal also did a good job getting to the foul line, attempting almost 5 per contest and hitting them at a 77% clip.

Weaknesses: Beal wasn’t as aggressive as he should, he was clearly the best player on the team and often deferred to his elder teammates too often.  Beal wasn’t a consistent shooter from distance during the season, but has impressed all the teams he’s worked out for.

1. Anthony Davis 6-11 220lbs Kentucky Freshman PF/SF

2011-12 stats: 32 mpg, 14.2 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 4.7 bpg, 1.4 spg, 62% fg, 71% ft

Prediction: Top pick in the draft

Strengths: Anthony Davis has lived up to the hype and some in his one year at Kentucky, leading the Wildcats to a national championship and winning the national player of the year, along with the defensive player of the year award.  Davis had a rare growth spurt between his sophomore and junior season, growing from 6-4 to 6-9 and eventually stopping at 6-11.  He went from a player who was unknown and playing in the lowest level of high school basketball in Chicago, to being the number one ranked high school player in the 2011 class in a year.

He is a rare talent, while he is now 6-11, Davis still has the speed, quickness, and mobility of a wing player and it allowed him to dominate the college game defensively.  He has the ability to switch on pick and rolls, actually guard wing players as well as he does bigs in the paint.  His ability to block shots is as good as I’ve seen in a long time, his second jump is amazing and he doesn’t throw the shots away, he controls them after the block and starts the fastbreak.

Offensively, he still has the ball handling skills and shooting touch of a guard and it allows him to take defenders his size away from the basket and beat them off of the dribble.  He has some game with his back to the basket, but is still working on it.  You have to keep a body on him, because he will kill you with putbacks on the offensive boards and alley oops.

Weaknesses: Davis obviously needs to add good weight and strength to his frame, and with time and maturity it should come.  Remember he’s only 19 years old.  Other than that, he has no other glaring holes in his game.

Brandon Pemberton of “Brandon On Sports” & “Sports Trap Radio”, for War Room Sports

The NBA Silver League: The Best Freaking Basketball Idea You Never Heard Of!

Friday, June 15th, 2012

By Jeremy Quinn

On the heels of NBA TV’s Dream Team documentary, and the NBA season only a couple weeks away from finishing, I thought it would be a great time to write about an idea that’s been brewing in my mind.

The NBA Silver League.  That’s right, let’s bring back the old players and give them their own league.

What?  You don’t think watching an old “Dream Shake” would be entertaining?  Hakeem can still do it folks.  Go to Youtube and search for the videos where he is training Dwight Howard or Kobe.

What about MJ’s fadeway?  Um…he still can do it folks.  Again, Youtube!

Just because you are older doesn’t mean you’ve lost your drive to compete and succeed.  Some players retire because they just can’t keep up, and/or their skills have eroded, think Gary Payton and Michael Jordan.  Some could have kept playing, but didn’t want to deal with the 82-game schedule, think John Stockton.  Some suffer an injury that puts them below an NBA level of athleticism, think Penny Hardaway and Isiah Thomas.

Should that be the end of these legends?

No.  Think about it.  Don’t you think Clyde Drexler would love to have another chance against MJ?  Or what about Reggie Miller?  Are you telling me you wouldn’t want to watch that during the dog days of summer?  What about seeing Reggie Miller stroke a 3 in somebody’s face and talk to them all the way down the court?  Not only would I watch, but I’d buy season tickets!

I’ve read that Magic still plays alot.  Penny Hardaway just played in the Ultimate Hoops gym league.  The list goes on and on.  Many would love to still play if they had a proper structure to play within.

What about their past injuries?

Some great healing technologies have surfaced in the last few years.  Kobe’s career had a resurgence because of the platelet-rich plasma therapy he received in Germany last summer.

There are also many stories about stem cell therapy being very successful for NFL athletes.  And let’s not forget, they won’t have to run with the Lebrons and the Durants of the league.  They’d be battling against players their same age.

With a shortened season, 40 minute clock, only having to compete against your peers and the technological advances of today, this idea is very plausible.

These guys aren’t in shape though!

Have you seen the latest Hanes commercial with Michael Jordan in it?  I was appalled to see him with a beer belly.  I would have never thought I’d see the day.  I can’t imagine Kobe ever letting himself go like that, but that’s a different article.  Alot of these guys allow themselves to get out of shape not because they want to, but because they don’t have a reason to be in shape.  You best believe MJ wouldn’t have a beer belly if he was in this league.  Case in point, a group of 40ish, 50ish, and 60ish year old guys actually
taught me to play basketball at the downtown San Diego YMCA.  These guys will still run you out of the gym.  They are in phenomenal shape. It’s very possible to be in great shape at those ages.

Would people really watch?

Yes.  These guys have built their brands over decades.  Brands we’ve come to love and cherish.  The Dream, The Admiral, Stockton and Malone, Clyde the Glide, I could go on.

The storylines would be fabulous.  You’d have guys trying to get revenge on MJ.  You’d have Clyde Drexler trying to prove he could go left.  You’d have players who fell into drugs when they were younger and never made good on their God-given talent actually come back and prove they really had what it took.  You’d see guys who didn’t win a championship in the NBA actually get one in the Silver League.  You’d see guys retire again and a new crop come in.

I’d make the minimum age be 40 years old.  That means we only have to wait 4 more years to see A.I. try to cross somebody over again.  If we’re lucky we might get to see a killer crossover by Tim Hardaway, albeit slower!  Guys like Kobe and Kevin Garnett who eat, breath, and sleep basketball would definitely be joining this league.

Are you telling me this wouldn’t be a vastly superior product compared to the WNBA?

Ok, maybe you are almost convinced, but you are thinking, when would the season be?

Well, I’d love to see the WNBA go away, and be replaced with my idea, but it doesn’t seem like they are going anywhere, so it looks like we’d have to wedge the NBA Silver League in between the WNBA schedule and the NBA schedule.  The league could start on August 23rd (WNBA season ends 8/22) and could go until the day before the NBA opening tip.  So that would be August 23rd – October 30th.  A 2-month season.  Short for scheduling purposes, their age, and other commitments these older guys have.  There would be very limited traveling, have the season in one place.

This is a dope idea isn’t it?  If you think so then give then LIKE the NBA Silver League Facebook Page.

Jeremy Quinn, for War Room Sports