First Game Not The Indicator in the Playoffs

With Chicago disposing of Miami with ease in the second half of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals 103-82 and Dirk Nowitski single handily destroying the Thunder 121-112 in the West, Game 1 in these series would imply a possible run to the finals in favor of the host teams.  But let's fast forward to last night where the Bulls went cold, and the Heat decided to extend their defensive efforts on Derrick Rose and challenge all other shots on run-outs towards open shooters and weak side challenge rotation on all penetration.  The result was a 34% shooting night for Chicago, with Rose shooting only 7-23 against a smothering Heat defense, and a 85-75 victory for the Miami.  Now the series moves to South Beach, where the Heat have not surrendered a playoff loss.

In Texas, Dirk's 48 point shooting performance was so fascinating that he has generated national media and analyst discussions over his recognition in the class of "greatest all-time."  After only missing 3 shots from the field and setting a new playoff record at the charity stripe (24-24), Dirk and team are now being all but crowned the Western Conference champions.  This night for the ages will forever be remembered and that leads to the next thought.  Dallas allowed 112 points in a game that was supposed to define the course of this series, but without real defensive success, future games allowing over 100 points could prove to be the downfall for the favored Mavericks, as very few games in the playoffs, and definitely not in one series will go into the 100"s for both teams.  The Thunder got there with horrid play from their star point guard, Russell Westbrook, coupled with the fact that the league's leading scorer, Kevin Durant, was overshadowed while scoring a mere 40 points, as well.  This series can easily be tied going over to Oklahoma if the Maverick do not improve on the defensive end while enjoying offensive success, primarily on the perimeter.  As we often say, "live by the shot, die by the shot."

These series actually have the makings of very entertaining and see-saw scenarios right down to game 7, where anything can happen.  The shroud of greatness will only be achieved by Dirk, Derrick, Lebron, Dwyane, Kevin or even Russell and Chris, with victories in the final match of these 2011 Titans that have arrived at the mecca of basketball, the NBA Championships.  Don't crown a champion too soon!

Westbrook Leads Memphis In Comeback Victory

Russell Westbrook wears a Thunder uniform, but in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game, Westbrook single handily shot his opponents, the Memphis Grizzles, back into a game that late in the third period was a Thunder game to lose with a 15 point lead.  With an 11 point lead at about the 7:43 mark of the 4th, Westbrook went 8 of 10 possessions failing to set the Thunder in an offensive set and established isolation for himself missing shot after shot, along with turnovers, even waving off the best fourth quarter scorer this season, Kevin Durant, twice.  Not to mention the league's best scorer who shoots 60% in the final period.  The result was a total melt down, and a 23-10 final period that sent the game to overtime, where the home team took the momentum into the extra period, scoring 15 points and holding OKC to 7 points for the 101-93 win and a 2-1 lead in the series.  Westbrook gets the slight nod over a strong finish by Zach Randolph (21 pts.) and Mike Conley (18 pts.), Jr., as the key player in this Memphis comeback victory.

In other games this weekend we have watched a very disoriented defending champion, Lakers squad, fall to 0-3 against a surprisingly more physical Dallas Maverick team that has been criticized for its' lack of physicality versus their strong and streaky shooting skills.  In game three the Lakers appeared on their way to recovery from a home court collapse leading by 7 points with 5 minutes remaining when the team just stopped playing defense again late in the game and allowed the Mavericks to find open players possession after possession, while missing their shots.  The result, a 20-7 run to close the game for a 98-92 loss to Dallas, who now lead the series 3-0.  Perimeter defense, along with poor rotation and decisions defending the "pick and roll" are a part of the problem.  But when Pau Gasol defends Dirk Nowitzki, Dirk is 16-19 in the series, all others defending Nowitzki have held him to 16-38 accuracy.  Kobe Bryant has taken the blame for the late game collapse, but LA has to see championship support performances from others such as Steve Blake, Shannon Brown, Matt Barnes, and obviously the melting Gasol.  Without it, a Phil Jackson coached team will be swept for the first time in his NBA coaching career.

In Boston, D. Wade found the going just as tough as in many previous trips for the all-star guard, who hasn't won in Boston since the development of flat screen television technology.  Boston appeared to gain needed rest with the extra day scheduling and shot 50% from the floor, and road the 28 point, 18 rebound performance of Kevin Garnett, who shot13-20 (65%), while dominating the glass and leading the Celtics to a 97-81.  During the middle of the third quarter, Rajon Rondo went down with a severely dislocated left elbow and was taken to the locker room for diagnostics, and eventual treatment, only to return to the bench at the end of the quarter and back into the game to start the fourth.  While dragging the arm around like a heavy piece of luggage, Rondo would score 4 points while grabbing a rebound, posting a couple of assists and even had a steal using the wounded arm.  By the way there was also a deflection that generated another Miami turnover.  On this night it was the original "Big Three" scoring 70, with the new south beach "Big Three" accounting for 45 points.  Literally ruining a very good performance from Mario Chalmers (17 pts.) off the Miami bench.  The Heat-Celtics matchup is now a series again.  Look for the series to be tied after Monday going back to Miami to begin the best of three to see who advances (Miami leads 2-1).  Experience and chemistry versus speed and athleticism, which will prevail?

Down in Atlanta the Bulls-Hawks series came into the weekend tied 1-1, with the home court advantage shifted to the host club for game three.  But the game became a highlight reel for the league's MVP, Derrick Rose, as he poured in a career high, 44 points on 16-27 shooting (4-7 long range), while dishing out 7 assists, as the Bulls won relatively easy 99-82 (Chicago leads 2-1).  Atlanta has failed to get significant scoring in the paint in previous losses, but in this game they generated 44 points in the paint, but had no answer for Rose defensively.  But this series may come down to sheer scoring, and if it does, the Hawks average 86 points for the season and the Bulls 94.  You do the math.

Is it Mechanics, Wonderlic Ethnicity or What?

Cam Newton has come under criticism since his surge to prominence as a championship quarterback.  Most criticism has been centered around his low Wonderlic score, his QB session with Jon Gruden and his supposed mechanics and style as a run first QB.  The latter is a misrepresentation, the Wonderlic is a joke and the Jon Gruden is an entertainment session in sports that has yet to verify the success trend of level of a young NFL quarterback in his transition from college to the NFL.

So the next question is the most politically incorrect question available.  Is this because he is an unproven African American quarterback going into the league as the most recent Heisman Trophy winner, National Championship MVP who happens to be Black in a society that wants to think they are contemporary, fair and non-bias, while actually spelling out the true sentiment of how far we have not come?  At any other time other than Charlie Ward, who made it clear he was going to the NBA, have we ever assumed that the reigning Heisman winner should not be the top candidate for the #1 pick in the NFL draft.

Out of no where came Blaine Gabbert who was only a Big 12 honorable mention in his conference as a viable NFL quarterback candidate and now as the top QB candidate for this year's draft.  Immediately, various analyst began defining the deficiencies in Cam's game, rather the potential for his success in the NFL.

The draft has always and will always be about the potential of any athlete and the negatives are a given considering the that all former superstar QB's and the current stars of the game have all had learning curves that have developed into marquee labels.  The culture of winning is one of the most needed attributes in the transition and Newton brings that culture with having been a part of three National Championship seasons at three different programs in as many years.

Jake Locker, Andy Dalton, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder are all be given "upside" projections for their quick development with emphasis on their winning mentality, with two of them being given average arm strength and all having a need to develop and mature into their roles.  Each a first round pick, has no level of achievement greater that Cam Newton, but each appears to be projected to become successful quarterbacks without little doubt of failure.  Newton is being given a "feast or famine", "Stardom to Bust" and "All or Nothing" evaluation. 

And please spare me the Wonderlic as ESPN Analyst Tim Hasselback recorded a 23, Brett Farve 22, Vince Young, Dan Marino, Randall Cunningham Jim Kelly and Terry Bradshaw each clocked 15, Donovan McNabb 14.  While Alex Smith with a 40 and Matt Leinart at 35 have struggled in the transition to the NFL.  The NFL it supposed to be a problem for a QB scoring below 24.  Sounds like a minor flaw in the system or the rationalization of the value of the test.  This year's stars resulted with Gabbert at 42, Ponder 35, Ryan Mallett 26, Newton 21 and Locker 20.

Top NFL executives of player personnel and NFL draft analyst say that what makes Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Philip Rivers and Drew Brees great is their work ethic and that they work harder at their position than anyone else.  Is it becoming clear yet......we have to wait and let the guy study, train, workout, play and then decide if he has the work ethic and transferable skills, including mentality to star at the next level.  It would be irresponsible to mention the "race card", but being the only African American QB prospect at this level, we have to be careful not to imply it either.

Favorites Make Statement, But Not All Are Out Of The Woods

While the Lakers blew out the Hornets 106-90, the Bulls 116-89 over the Pacers and the Magic 101-76 over the Hawks in game 5 for each, only the Bulls win was a guarantee to the next round, as they eliminated the Pacers 4-1.  The Lakers and Magic must now go on the road to play game 6 on their opponents' respective floors.  While the Lakers lead 3-2, they have struggled with New Orleans in this series and the Magic are still facing elimination trailing 2-3 heading into Atlanta.  Likewise, the Maverick have been able to outscore the Blazers in a relatively non-physical game 93-82 earlier in the week to take a 3-2 lead, but must go to Portland for game six, in what should be another physical battle, which is advantage Blazers.

The Miami Heat has its' date with Boston set for Sunday after a yet challenging victory over Philadelphia 97-91 in game five.  The Nuggets needed a late surge and run to overtake the Nuggets in in game five and move on to the second round.  With their backs against the wall the Spurs needed two big and improbable shots in the last 10 seconds to force overtime at home and eventually win in the extra period 110-103, to stay alive in game 5, but they must now travel back to Memphis still facing elimination against the Grizzles, who have played extremely well at home.

Finally the teams viewed as the favorites have surfaced but it may be too late for San Antonio, Orlando, while Los Angeles will have to be careful not to be forced into a game seven, "winner take all" with a very athletic and hungry New Orleans team, that has shown they can win in LA and control tempo.

The question is now, if the Magic are eliminated, the upset of the Spurs completed and if the Lakers were to slip and fall to the Hornets over the next two games, does the emphasis on the post play become a moot point, and does this playoff become the game of transition, match ups and hot shooting or do mid-range post players become dominant forces.  Either way, one would have to say this scenario opens the door for a potential Oklahoma City versus Boston, Chicago or Miami, probably in that order of analytical preference.  But I'm sure Dallas, Atlanta and Memphis have their own opinions about that projection. 

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Dooms Day Getting Closer For Favorites In The NBA

With 33 NBA Playoff games completed, the stage is set for exciting finishes, surprise endings and possibly some disappointed favorites and projected championship contenders.  Boston has moved on with its' sweep, but others are getting close while a couple are holding on and most are fighting to the end. Denver is now playing on pride, against a team that has more talent and has owned them all season, as the Thunder sustained it's first loss against the Nuggets last night 104-101.  Dallas made a statement with a controlling victory over Portland, who forgot to get physical in the second half and allowed the skill of the Mavericks to shine again, leaving the series in favor of the Mav's 3-2, a position that only 17% of the trailing teams in the past have comeback to win after training 2-3.  Then there is the Western Conference #1 seed trailing the #8 seed 3-1, after Memphis handed San Antonio a 104-86 loss to grab a commanding lead and making the dream of a rare upset reality, and a nightmare for the heavily favored Spurs.  Orlando is looking at the same fate, trailing 3-1 and Los Angeles has its' back against the wall going home tonight to try and regain control of their series tied 2-2.  Indiana has played extremely well for three and a half quarters against the #1 Eastern seed Chicago Bulls but has come up lame in three of four games due to the late game heroics by Derrick Rose, until a break through in game four has them feeling a glimmer of life and some potential hope, as a hobbling Rose may not be up to standard with a severely sprained ankle.  Philadelphia's actual win, may be no more than a token or moral victory, having to travel back to Miami for game five on Wednesday, where the newest "Big Three" will undoubtedly finish off the 76er's, who have hung around each game, but never really threaten to take a game until game four when the Miami concentration went stale and a sense of desperation set in and a large double digit lead was blown by the Heat late in the ballgame this weekend.

With two gimpy superstars playing on each end of side of the country, New Orleans could steal a game in LA.  While Indiana has its' last chance to turn playing extremely well and close into finishing with another victory as Rose continued to wear a cam boot following treatments.  And as a Kobe Bryant follows getting off crutches with daily treatments, New Orleans may have a window of opportunity to outplay the will of the Leagues top superstar and sustain the momentum gained in winning game four.  If these scenarios play out and Atlanta continues its abuse of Orlando, this could prove to be the most unpredictable playoff run in modern day history.

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The NBA Playoffs Become Unpredictable

The NBA Playoffs were to be about the Lakers and Spurs in the West and Chicago and Miami in the East. The Pacers were supposed to be lacking talent, while the Thunder has talent but are said to be just a little shy on the experience.  Atlanta presents questions about their post capabilities and offensive schemes, as New Orleans could not match up with the defending champions.  The 76'ers have nobody and Memphis is young and coming but no match for the Spurs.  Portland, while dangerous, lacked the skills and synergy of the Mavericks and of course the Boston is just too old.

Well, somebody forgot to tell Boston, who swept the Knicks, Atlanta who leads Dwight Howard's Magic 3-1, Portland has the Mavericks tied at 2-2, Memphis leads the Spurs 2-1, Indiana has played Derrick Rose and the Bulls to four single digit games leading late in three of the four to hang around 3-1 and Oklahoma leads a "red hot" Denver Nugget team 3-0.  New Orleans has displayed tremendous poise in scrapping with the Defending Champions, knotting the series at 2-2, when Chris Paul outplayed a late game injured Kobe Bryant.  A Philadelphia last minute comeback allowed the 76'ers to avoid being swept by the South Beach "Big Three" forcing a game five in an improbable come-from-behind attempt.  

The first round was to move quickly for most series with many blowouts expected, but with 30 games played through Sunday, the winning teams have won by double figures only 7 times, with 15 of the remaining 23 games ending in a spread of five points or less.  Only the aged Boston Celtics have won two games by double digits, 17 and 12 in games three and four, both played in New York.  The other teams winning by double digits were Atalanta, Miami, Dallas Oklahoma and Los Angeles.  The Celtics failed to sweep a series in over three years until now.

The Spurs will be trying to even the series on the road in Memphis on Monday, while Denver will try to avoid being the only other potential sweep victim later in the evening.  A trend already set by this years NCAA basketball tournament is begging to surface and the favorites might want to take a look at history and trends, as the league known for its' Super Stars and Marquee Players is finding role players, little known reserves, supposedly washed up veterans and new coaches creating the unexpected schemes leading to victories and nail bitting finishes.

The finals may not be what was expected but, this year's NBA playoffs and road to the finals appears to be heading towards one of the most exciting and possibly unpredictable championship finals in years.  At this stage one, of an obvious long road, almost every team can make a statement as a legitimate contender for this year's NBA title. 

College Basketball Farms Underclassmen To Pros

Chad Ford's Top 100

College Basketball is taking one additional step towards becoming the farm system for professional basketball worldwide. The NCAA has a "One and Done" rule. The NBA has millions of dollars to pay and the International Leagues have no restrictions. The International League is waiting for the kids who don't want to make a mockery of the term Student-Athlete and waste a scholarship for another deserving player who has enough skill to play at the college level and enough self discipline and time management skills to balance court and classroom, to continue their plight towards a college education and being a productive component in building a basketball program. A concept played out successfully by Brandon Jennings, now playing with the Milwaukee Bucks. OK, well maybe just the talented kids who don't want to go to class for one semester to play one year. I know, there are the TV contracts, the apparel deals, commercials, marketing, boosters, donors, and even the win at all cost. But the NCAA has left itself right on the edge of being controlled by the NBA, influenced by the off-season basketball programs and camps, conspiring to lead young men in a direction of risk versus reward in the gamble with true preparedness for life and anything that may happen or to become one of 70 new entries into the NBA from the thousands of players that play and become eligible for the draft, free agency and long-shot tryouts for a chance at the luxury of millionaire basketball or a career in the alternate international market.

David Stern did not intend to become a servant to a juvenile movement, but he has sold out to exploiting kids and allowing the key to our GNP, "supply and demand", to rule the policy provisions against collateral damage of thousands of failed dreams for the success of a few and the success of selling a athletic product to the struggling consumer market. Don't get me wrong, but the college game is more attractive than the pro game. The players play more frequently at the championship level on both ends of the floor making the game more intriguing and suspenseful, along with energetic and entertaining. But the pro game pays and the college game plays, so follow the money, but can we really afford it America. There needs to be a better distribution of wealth and resources that trickle through the professional ranks from our consumer dollar and end in smaller hands. Like anything else technology has reduced the need for employment enhancements, so the money is not distributed as broad has it once displayed, but the incomes of the internal participants continues to grow. "Follow the Money."

As we enter the much awaited NBA Draft, the Marquee names such as John Wall, Xavier Henry and Demarcus Cousins, Avery Bradley, Greg Monroe, Patrick Patterson, Evan Turner, Derrick Favors, Al-Faroug Aminu, Ed Davis, Eric Bledsoe, Daniel Orton and Gordon Hayward to name a few of the 70 plus underclassmen who have entered the "one & done" and early entry arena. Now we will watch the progression from their partial college successes and await their NBA courtship. The results of their teams' successes, career decisions and next year's recruiting will reveal the potential shift of high school superstars to signing one year college deals for class to International Basketball for cash. The "One & Done" NBA mandate is not a success, it never had any chance other than assuring that no high school player could be left out of a college opportunity after the NBA draft because of a premature or even immature decision to turn professional before nurturing their respective skills at desiring college programs. In all cases these talented young men would be playing at the highest level for quality programs, learning from the best coaches and mentors, seeking their skills. While only a few college coaches, like Kentucky's John Calipari, actually embrace this recruiting and early draft culture, many are forced to tolerate and accept the program consequences to avoid being left out of the sweepstakes for the highly talented high school players that can help turn a program for a season or a couple of years into both conference and national championship contenders. Each year there are approximately 70 jobs available in the NBA for all aspiring college basketball players leaving school early or after graduation.  This year alone there are over 70 underclassmen, alone,  making themselves available for the NBA draft and giving up their college eligibility.  But as most things in America, it's not perfect but it's the best we have under the circumstances, anywhere in the world.