Week 21 Power Rankings

The Heat keep winning, and the rest of the league is wondering who can stop them. Here are your week 21 power rankings:

 (Oh my word are we good at basketball!)

1. Miami Heat (52-14)

-24 and counting. After the 17 point comeback and the 27 point comeback in Cleveland, you wonder how anyone can beat this time once, let alone four times in the playoffs. (BF)

2. San Antonio Spurs (51-16)

-Still getting it done as the season hits its final stretch.  The Spurs are clearly the 2nd best team in the NBA behind Miami, but they face 7 straight opponents with a record above .500%.  Big stretch ahead for Pop, TD and crew. (AL)

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (50-17)

-Two top 5 players, a defensive player of the year candidate and OKC miraculously isn’t dominating every team not named Miami. Hopefully they are able to focus on getting better shots down the stretch, because if they continue to settle for jumpers in the playoffs, their playoff run will be a short one. (EJ)

4. Denver Nuggets (46-22)

-Denver has won 13 straight without an all-star. Suddenly the possibility of a three seed in the playoffs is not out of reach. Although the Nuggets probably will come up short, look for the team to take an OKC type leap after their playoff run this year. (EJ)

5. Memphis Grizzlies (45-21)

-This team is capable of beating anyone.  Its a pleasure to watch Gasol and Randolph dominate the interior every single game. (AL)

6. Los Angeles Clippers (46-21)

-The Clippers have quietly fallen to fourth in the West, which isn’t a good thing. A team that struggled on the road(just 20-14) needs home court for the first two rounds to have any chance in the playoffs. (BF)

7. Indiana Pacers (42-26)

-Indiana is the second best team in the east simply because the rules prohibit the Heat from occupying more than one spot in the standings. Danny Granger has yet to fill his role as the savior of the franchise’s title hopes. (EJ)

8. Brooklyn Nets (39-28)

-I know Dwill and Brook Lopez continue to play well, but the rest of the cast is frustratingly inconsistent.  Coach C needs to get his rotation down heading into the postseason or it will be a disastrous first round exit for the Nets. (AL)

(This has been a familiar face in Brooklyn.)

9. Boston Celtics (36-30)

-A loss to Miami is somewhat expected, but they proved once again they can play with anyone.  I just can't see this team bowing out before a series with Miami in whatever round that ends up being. (AL)

10. New York Knicks (39-26)

-Injuries have left this team in a horrible way.  Without Melo, Amare, or Chandler they put out laughable lineups.  Health will be the key for this team, but even still, I've been unimpressed with what i've seen over the last month.

 11. Los Angeles Lakers (36-33) 

-Listen, the Kobe injury hurts, we get it. But this team is staying afloat, could have Kobe by tomorrow, and Pao by early next week? With Steve Blake playing well and Jamison improving, all of the sudden the Lakers are the team NO ONE wants to face in round 1. (BF)

12. Chicago Bulls (36-30)

-The return of Derrick Rose, originally was viewed as the weapon that would turn the tide in the war that is the Bull’s season. Now it is looking more and more like reinforcements never will arrive. (EJ)

(I'll give it to Rose, that's a sweet jacket.)

13. Golden State Warriors  (39-30)

-The season’s early darlings have fallen back into somewhat of a mediocrity. Since a hot start in November and December, the Warriors are just 18-21 in the calendar year and are looking at a date with Memphis, LAC or OKC in the first round. (BF)

14. Houston Rockets (36-31)

-Still hanging onto the 7th seed, this team face some tough competition through the rest of March.  Visits from the Jazz, Cavs and Spurs are in store this week. (AL)

15. Atlanta Hawks (37-30)

-Jeff Teagueshowed what he can last night as the primary ball handler when he torched the Bucks with a solid double double. But can he do that against point guards that actually know how to play defense? (BF)

16. Milwaukee Bucks (33- 32)

-Since the JJ Redick trade, Monta Ellis has finally lived up to the promise he showed early in his career. Suddenly the Bucks are watchable again, and the future looks bright, with overpaying JJ and Jennings right on the horizon. (EJ)

17. Dallas Mavericks (32-35)

-They are trying so hard, but I just can't see them getting over the hump to the postseason. Thankfully Mark Cuban says Dirk has "at least 3" more good years, so Dallas fans, there's that. (AL)

18. Portland Trailblazers(31-35)

-It’s been the same old song and dance all year, good starters, no bench. To give you a different narrative how about we discuss the most recent Champs Sports national commercial, featuring All Pro Von Miller, future rookie of the year Damian Lillard and IMAN SHUMPERT! With the season Shumpert is having he would be lucky if the Pick and Pop Diaries hired him as a spokesman, his agent is making his fee and then some. (EJ)

(Remember when this was the Nets pick? Oh wait, they wanted Gerald Wallace.)

19. Utah Jazz (34-33)

- Hey Utah, everyone is tired of hearing an endless string of Lakers news it would be cool if you could actually start winning some games. Good thing their most difficult game is behind them after losing to a Knicks team at home that is missing its three best players. My only hope for this team at this point involves Al Jefferson playing so poorly he’s forced to take the MLE in Boston. (EJ)

20. Toronto Raptors (26-41)

-A rough stretch for the team, winning only 3 of their last 10, but at least Rudy Gayhas finally put together back-to-back good games of shooting over 50%.  (AL)

21. Minnesota Timberwolves (23-42)

-Good thing, Minnesota’s best players are coming back in time for the playoffs. What’s that? They aren’t going to make the playoffs. Oh well in that case the Wolves should find a way to sit everyone, I hear the Caucasian flue is going around. (EJ)

22. Philadelphia 76ers (26-40)

-After all my ranting, Bynum is now officially done for the season.  Should the 76ers max him out in the offseason? (AL)

(This is pretty much the most Bynum touched a basketball in Phili.)

23. Washington Wizards (23-43)

-The Wizards make the All-League Pass team. Despite not being that good, they are so much fun to watch. This team could be a 7 or 8 seed next year. (BF)

24. Detroit Pistons(23-46)

-The Pistons clearly don’t not what they are doing. Bringing back Andre Drummond during tank season, terrible take a lap. Hopefully Drummond continues to progress in these last few games making his return worthwhile to the franchise. (EJ)

25. New Orleans Hornets (22-46)

-Last place record wise in the west, but this team has talent.  When watching them at times you see a playoff-esque team, but most of the time you just see a group not organized enough to win against quality NBA teams. (AL)

26. Phoenix Suns (18-50)

-Umm….the Morris twins are playing well together? So that’s cool. If there was ever a team that needed their draft pick to land, it’s the Suns. (BF)

27. Cleveland Cavaliers (22-45)

-The skeptic in me thinks it is curious that both Dion Waiters and Kyrie Irving got injured during the tanking portion of the season. Obviously they are both hurt but it is convenient none the less. Since Kyrie graduated high school he has struggled to stay healthy for an entire year. In this case his injury history will help Cleveland rebuild, but is it a bad omen for the future? (EJ)

28. Sacramento Kings (23-44)

-Quietly, Sacramento picked up wins over the Clippers and a blowout victory over the Bulls. But the efficient offense that is too dependent on the three is still there. (BF)

29. Orlando Magic (18-50)

-The Hack a Dwight was the writing on the wall for this team. Whenever a premier scorer comes into town, the Magic have little to no shoot with no premier defender. (BF)

30. Charlotte Bobcats (15-52)

-Why are we even doing this anymore to this team? Just let them go golf. (BF)

The Medal Stand: Last Night's Three Best Games

Last night was one of the nights where it was just awesome to be a basketball fan. Despite the Celtic's loss(and thus my awful mood this morning that was ever so nicely met by a snowstorm in LATE MARCH in Boston), you have to appreciate the talent that we saw. While Boston and Miami were certainly the center of focus, multiple games fit the bill. Well, except for Charlotte vs. Washington. Here's some notes from the goodies.

(Last night Jeff Green played at an all-star level on both sides. Unfortunately the MVP was his opponent.)

Gold:
Miami 105, Boston 103: Boston showed the NBA how to beat this version of Miami: Force Lebron to pass out of the lane by double or triple teaming him when they drive, and have the guards shoot threes. Now I want to remind you of something, the guys shooting threes are Ray Allen, Mario Chalmers, and Shane Battier. This is why Miami has won 23 in a row. 

Also, poor Jeff Green. Check out this line: 43 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists and 2 steals while shooting 14-21 from the field and 5-7 from three. Oh, and he was guarding Lebron most of the game on the other end. You have to wonder what the Celts can be like when Green plays like this AND Kevin Garnett is the one patrolling the paint and not Chris Wilcox.

Silver:
Denver 119, Chicago 118(OT): While the Celts and Heat were stealing all the headlines, a classic was brewing in Chicago. The leading scorers for each team? Wilson Chandler(35 points off the bench) and Nate Robinson(34 points in 46 minutes). I'll give Nate this, his hustle is unquestioned in games like this. This game had street fight written all over it, and unfortunately the game came down to a very controversial offensive goaltending call. See it here and let us know what you think yourself. 

With this win, the Nuggets have quietly won 12 straight, and sit just a 1/2 game back of that third spot in the West.


Bronze:
Philadelphia 101, Portland 100: Unless you live in Portland or Eastern Pennsylvania, you probably weren't watching this game. While Andrew Bynum's drunk knees stole the headlines again(Bynum is officially done for the year as he is having surgery on both knees), Jrue Holliday and Damian Lillard went toe to toe. The jump that Holliday has made now that he is the man on this roster(and probably deserves Bynum's contract for it) has been fun to watch. He had 27 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and was 3-6 from outside to outduel Lillard who by no means backed down(27 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 5-7 from outside.) Lillard made a three late but the Blazers couldn't covert in their last possession giving the Sixers the one point win on an otherwise down night for the franchise. 

Oh yeah, Jason Terry died last night.

And then Avery Bradley did his best Lebron impersonation.

Wow, last night was fun.

-Bford

 

45 Thoughts On the Northwest Division

This weekend I (along with everyone else in the Northeast) have been snowed in due to Nemo the Blizzard. In between shoveling an immense amount of snow I decided to turbo watch as many Northwest Division games as possible. For this week's break down I will list my thoughts, compiled over many cabin fever induced hours of basketball watching. See #41 for an explanation of the picture.

Northwest Division Thoughts

1.       Jefferson is the best post scorer in the NBA, wouldn't be surprised if Utah kept him and moved Paul Millsap

2.       With Gordon Hayward out it shows how big Utah’s need on the wing is. Alec Burks player to look at, young and can score.

3.       Marvin Williams needs to use his athleticism and not just stand at the three point line hoisting threes, he would be a better fit on an up tempo team.

4.       Hot hand comment from Bulls/Jazz: Millsap passes up open jumper to get it to Jefferson who has been hot. Jefferson forced into a difficult jumper by Noah. Lesson is if open shot presents itself you take it.

5.       Millsap will help a contender, he has no problem giving the ball up if he doesn't have possession.

6.       The past few games Burks has played well, giving Utah another promising player to join Hayward, Kanter and Favors. Burks is a combo guar and they could still use a young point like Bledsoe.

7.       De’Marre Carroll good energy player, great at cutting to the hoop, type of bench player that every team could use.

8.       Jazz second unit playing very well together, since this unit is mostly comprised of young players it is a larger indication that they should move Jefferson or Millsap (leaning towards Millsap)

9.       Jazz are not helping Millsap’s trade value by playing him out of position at the small forward.

10.   Favors if given the opportunity will put up similar numbers to Millsap once he is gone.

11.   Favors and Kanter are very physical but more on the offensive end than the defensive. With their strength people should fear going into the paint while they are on defense.

12.   Enes Kanter beautiful sky hook. If he can get that down consistently, with his strength he’ll be very difficult to guard.

13.   Despite thinking that they should give the young guys more time I like what the Jazz are doing developing Kanter and Favors. The best way to develop players is by surrounding them with veterans, not throwing them to the wolves (or Bulls). This will pay dividends for the Jazz in the future.

14.   It’s amazing what one offensive rebound will do, when Kanter got one he could smell the blood in the water then hit the boards even harder, ending up with seven rebounds against Bucks before half.

15.   When the Jazz are right they defend hard, make strong cuts an attack the glass. When they fail they are loose with the ball and can’t free themselves for open shots.

16.   The Jazz announcers are great, some of the best in the league I've heard. Matt Harpring is insightful and not too big of a homer.

17.   Jamaal Tinsley doing a good job distributing, getting the ball into the post and not forcing the issue. Utah needs a point guard to do those things but also one who can attack the defense

18.   With the scoring prowess of Durant and Westbrook, Ibaka gets wide open jumpers on offense by simply standing there.

19.   Length of Westbrook, Durant, Ibaka and Thabo allows them to contest passing lanes at elite level

20.   Attention All NBA teams: The Thunder are more athletic than you! If you do not value the ball, especially in transition they will create points off your turnovers and you will lose, by a lot.

21.   For the life of me I can’t understand why players drive right at Ibaka and try to shoot it over him, he jumps at every opportunity for a block (literally and figuratively), use your upfakes and get the ball to teammates.

22.   Ibaka knocked down a corner three which speaks volumes about his growth, although moving him further away from the hoop might not be the best thing for his development as a player.

23.   Nick Collison has squeezed every ounce out of his talent, watching him off the ball should be mandatory for every big man coming into the league.

24.   Thabeet is just huge, despite him underachieving he should have a long NBA career because of that one trait.

25.   OKC is better than any team in the league at creating stops and breaking out, however I still have questions about their half court game. Finding players for ISOs is easy to defend (relative to other offenses)

26.   The Warriors are a tough match up for a lot of teams because of their three point shooting, however they are also loose with the ball which makes them the perfect match up for OKC.

27.   One way that the Thunder have improved their half court offense is with back door action on the weak side. Even if this doesn’t get the offensive player open it makes sure that Durant (or other ISO option) can’t be doubled.

28.   Every time I see Kevin Martin shoot I am shocked when it goes in. His release is actually perfect but  he moves it from his hip to his shooting pocket before shooting, creating wasted motion for his shot that most coaches would advise you against

29.   Golden State attempted to slow down the Thunder by zoning them up. Good idea, bad execution. In guarding area Warriors forgot to pick up Westbrook and he got right to the hole. Zone with defenders cheating towards Durant on the wing might be a good idea.

30.   Perkins does not fit with OKC, he needs to be on a tough physical defensive team not a break out athletic shooting team. When he is amnestied after this year don’t be shocked if his play improves.

31.   Thunder have a lot of good individual defenders but to take the step to the next level they need to play better as a team as if everyone was attached on a string. They sometimes do this but not their lacking of consistency in this area will cost them come playoff time.

32.   Westbrook has lethal speed and quickness, did an in and out move and Klay Thompson wasn’t even close enough to foul Westbrook

33.   Durant is best scorer in league, doesn't force  the issue but scores when the defense gives him an opportunity. When defender plays off of him he shoots the jumper when defender is overplaying the jumper off of a pick he stops in the lane and gets a layup, he’s an offensive savant

34.   Reggie Jackson, has steadily improved, both as an athlete and a player. Plus he got a top notch education!

35.   Never understood the grammatical rules on singular named teams. Do you say the Thunder are playing well or the Thunder is playing well? Grammatically the Thunder is playing well is correct but for some reason that sounds wrong to me.

36.   Denver is unstoppable on the break and look lost in the half court. This could become a problem in the playoffs.

37.   If Galinari, Lawson and Iguodala can hit threes it opens up the floor for their athletes to attack.

38.   Nuggets are athletic as they come but if the weak side defender fails to rotate it doesn't matter how athletic they are, they will give up easy buckets.

39.   Lawson is so fast, got to stop him before he gets a head of steam

40.   Like OKC, Denver makes you pay for any lazy passes, with a fast break that yields automatic buckets.

41.   On the broadcast for the Nuggets the commercial for Stevinson Automotive contains one of the worst mustaches I've ever seen. I'm assuming this guy is rich, but he is surrounding by yes men if he thinks a five o'clock stubble mustache is his best look.

42.   Denver presses from time to time, this is a great idea in that it can force their opponent into the fast paced game that they excel in.

43.   JaVale McGee is athletic as hell but very immature. Ran a play for him to go back door for an alley-oop, passing lane was blocked so pass wasn’t made. McGee pouted instead of attacking offensive glass. It is things like this that prevent George Karl from starting him.

44.    Wilson Chandlerand Andre Miller give Denver two bench guys that are adept in half court offense, expect them to do big things in the playoffs if Denver is to do anything.

45.   Koufos’ fundamentally sound game blends well with all the track star s in Denver’s starting lineup. Sets solid screens, plays good help defense and boxes out.

  

February Trade Rumors: Paul Pierce to the Nuggets

With Jared Sullinger now out for the season after back surgery, even more "break it up" rumors have swirled about the Celtics two coveted pieces, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Personally, I find it very unlikely that KG will be moved due to the fact that he has a no trade clause and can waive any deal. For KG to leave Boston, a guaranteed shot at the finals would have to be in play, and there are maybe one or two places in the league that have both the cap and the talent to offer that. 

(It may be time for Pierce to leave Boston.)

If one piece is going to be moved, it is most likely going to be Pierce(who I would hate to see retire in any other jersey besides the green), as he offers more scoring for a contender looking to bolster up. With the Nuggets charging in the West(now just a game out of 4th to gain home court advantage), they may look to improve the one area they are lacking: a proven scorer who could create his own shot late. Here is what I would propose:


Celtics Get: 
 -Corey Brewer - SF
Contract: 1 Year $3,243,000
-Danilo Galinari - SF
Contract: 4 Years $9,349,000

Nuggets Get:
-Paul Pierce - SF
Contract: 2 Years $16,790,345


Why for Denver:
-The Nuggets finally get the scoring punch they need. While Galinari is having a solid season(leading the team with 17PPG), he is not Pierce by any means in terms of being able to create his own shot as well as the late game heroics. Trotting out a starting lineup of Lawson, Iguodala, Pierce, Faried and Mozgov makes the Nuggets a team no one wants to face come playoff time, and they shed the contract of Galinari that is probably a bit too high for what his production is. They can run with Pierce for this year and next, and have him help groom this young roster into a steady Western Contender. By trading away both Brewer and Galinari, the Nuggets also eliminate the logjam at the three spot, and now have Wilson Chandler solely backing up Pierce. 

(Galinari gives the Celtics a scorer for the future.)

Why for Boston:
-The obvious is getting rid of Pierce's contract. While they bind themselves a bit with Galinari's, he fits into a Rondo offense very well as someone who likes to run. Galinari isn't the best defender, but in a team defense mentality like the Celtics, he can only improve and won't be put in as many one-on-one situations like he would in Denver(Boston would most likely use Jeff Green for those). Speaking of Green, this gives the Celtics an option if they want to try to trade him, as they have a new small forward for the future. 

Brewer is an expiring deal that brings a ton of energy to a Boston bench that dearly needs it, and he could be a future piece if the Celtics decided to resign him with some of the new cap money(especially if Garnett retires). A future of Rondo, Bradley, Galinari, Green, Brewer and a healthy Sullinger(and Oden...too soon?) is a much smaller step back than people are expecting the Celtics to take once the remaining pieces of the Big Three are gone. 


We will be doing proposed trade rumors throughout the month(some crazy, some not so crazy, some so crazy that they actually make sense), so make sure to keep up and let us know what you think in the comments. Here are the first and second installments of February Trade Rumors.

-BFord