Fifty Peso Previews NBA 2011-12: Central Division

Chicago Bulls

Key Additions: Rip Hamilton

Key Subtractions: None

     The Bulls had quite a year last year, seeing the emergence of Derrick Rose as the league Most Valuable Player and the defensive dominance of Coach Tom Thibodeau.  In the playoffs, though, the seemingly complete Bulls showed some holes in their game which cost them against the Miami Heat. The Bulls think that the addition of Hamilton and another year of maturing will be enough and they may be right. The key for them will be Carlos Boozer. The Bulls need a solid presence down low and Boozer should be the help Rose needs if they want to take the next step.

Fearless Forecast: At least the Eastern Conference Finals

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My Favorite Mistake

     In today's society, it seems more premium is placed on noting people's mistakes.  In today's NBA, everyone is waiting constantly for the next team with the next failed experiment.  The problem with this, though, is some mistakes turn out to be delayed strokes of genius.  Just take a look at the final four teams in this year's NBA playoffs.


Senior Moment

     It's amazing how quiet the Dallas Mavericks have been this year.  Even outspoken owner Mark Cuban has been a good little boy.  Perhaps, they long knew what others are only discovering now.  After yet another playoff flameout last year, everyone wanted the Mavs to blow up the veteran line up and rebuild.  They didn't heed the calls and kept the team intact, hoping another year together would see the development of the team.  Many were quick to call that a mistake, yet here they are, in the Western Conference finals after demolishing the defending champions the Los Angeles Lakers.  The extra year together has seen the development of JJ Barea, the resurgence of Shawn Marion and the full maturation of Dirk Nowitzki as a franchise player. With home court advantage against the Thunder, keeping the team intact may make GM Donnie Nelson a legendary executive.


Trade OK'd

      The Oklahoma City Thunder were the envy of the league with it's financial flexibility and very young roster of great players with great attitudes.  Everyone kept talking of the future and how the Thunder would be kings then.  The future couldn't come soon enough, though as GM Sam Presti pulled the trigger on a deal sending Jeff Green and Nenad Krystic to the Boston Celtics for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson.  He then proceeded to sign Perkins to a long term deal.  Both actions drew wagging fingers from doubters, but they were silenced soon enough.  Perkins, while not putting up great numbers, has been a great locker room presence for the young Thunder, especially during their losses.  Meanwhile, Green's departure opened the door for James Harden and Serge Ibaka to shine, with both players piling up career numbers almost immediately after the trade.  If that big mid season trade was a mistake, more team should make mistakes as the Thunder are a series away from the NBA finals.


Heat Check

      Of course, the biggest mistake this season was Lebron James publicly spurning his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat on national TV.  The Heat haters, though, pointed to a different one in castigating the Heat.  The acquisition of the "Big Three" of James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh may have been a coup, but others pointed out that that left the Heat thin in the support department, especially up front.  People said it was a mistake to load up on superstars and that the lack of help will tell on the Heat in the playoffs.  Now, though, critics are slowly biting their tongue.  The Heat have flourished in the playoffs, not just because Wade and James have learned to play off one another, but also Coach Erik Spoelstra has finally gotten though on his team and have them playing choking defense.  While Lebron's PR choices continue to be errors, forming the superstar trio with Bosh and Wade seems to be a good "decision."


Bullish Run

     In the off season, the Bulls were in great shape.  A promising young team, a new defensive-minded head coach and lots of money to get Dwayne Wade, Lebron James or Chris Bosh (or two of three).  Then, amid the pandering and ego stroking of the superstars, the Bulls' stars Derrick Rose and Joachim Noah, made it clear that they could care less if any of the three stars joined them.  People were horrified as their statements meant none of the three would join them.  It was a mistake, they said, as the Bulls were at least two years away from being great.  Fast forward to the playoffs and the Bulls have home court advantage, the league Most Valuable Player in Rose and a vaunted, unforgiving defense.  Rose has become the superstar people thought the Bulls needed to get in the off season, and the supposed weak line up has become one of the NBA's deepest teams.  Now, the people are talking about how the Heat can compete with the Bulls, and not the other way around. 


     
     With my meager 50% success rate in playoff series predictions this year, I won't be blogging any previews.  What I will be doing is checking out which "mistake" turns out to be the most genius of strokes.

photos courtesy of Getty Images

Fifty Peso Previews: 2011 NBA Playoffs (2nd Round)

     The 1st round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs ended early as there were no seven game series, but it was quite an interesting one.  The bad news was several teams didn't do their part and put my forecast percentage at an all time low of 50%. (Damn you Orlando and Portland!!!)  Not to be deterred, here are my forecasts for the 2nd round which kicks off tomorrow.


Chicago Bulls (1) vs Atlanta Hawks (5)

     The Hawks are brimming with confidence right now, but they are lacking as Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for the entire series.  Given that their choices at guard aren't exactly full of lock down defenders, one of the 2 heavy scoring guards (Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford) will have to guard Bulls' superstar Derrick Rose. That does not bode well for the Hawks at all.  Meanwhile the Bulls have their own issues with Carlos Boozer suffering turf toe (I know, right?).  The Bulls played awful defense (by their standards) in the 1st round but expect them to regain their defensive intensity and give the Hawks plenty of trouble.


Fearless Forecast: Bulls take series (4 games to 2)


Boston Celtics (3) vs Miami Heat (2)

      It's finally here. The series everyone has been waiting for is in the 2nd round as I predicted.  The Heat (esp. Lebron) need this win to disprove the growing notion that he can't win.  The problem is he needs Wade to carry the team offensively and Wade has struggled mightily against the Celtics.  All three Heat superstars have to guard one of the Celtics' offensive greats, and that kind of pressure defensively will mean a lot of trouble once they try to play offense. Much has been made about Shaq's absence, but the Heat aren't big either and Glen Davis, Jermaine O'Neal and Nenad Krystic may be more than enough in the middle.


Fearless Forecast: Celtics take series (4 games to 2)


Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs Memphis Grizzlies (8)

      The battle of teams that were supposed to be good only in the future promises to be an intriguing one.  Each team's strengths offensively are matched by their opponent's defensive strength.  The outside operators of the Thunder (Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant) will find their defensive matches in Tony Allen and Shane Battier, while the Grizz's dominant big men (Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol) will have to contend with Serge Ibaka and Kendrick Perkins' defense.  The key will be which team will be able to find unsung heroes to step up.  The Grizz's lack of three-point shooting may come into play here.


Fearless Forecast: Thunder take series (4 games to 2)


Los Angeles Lakers (2) vs Dallas Mavericks (3)

      Both teams are happy to be in the second round as they faced spirited opponents in the first, but neither will be happy without a Western Conference Finals berth.  The Mavericks have traditionally faltered in the playoffs because they only relied on Dirk Nowitzki's brilliance, but as they proved me wrong against the Blazers, it was clear that the Mavs play D now.  That D will be tested against the Lakers who have yet to play impressively for a prolonged period of time this year.  The answer to this series will be inside.  If the Mavs can somehow neutralize either Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum, then the Lakers will not get to defend their title.  That might be too hard for a seven game series though.


Fearless Forecast: Lakers take series (4 games to 2)

Fifty Peso Previews: 2011 NBA Playoffs East

     NBA fans' favorite time has come. It's the start of the NBA playoffs 1 night from tonight and let's weigh in on the first round results starting with the Eastern Conference.

Chicago Bulls (1) vs Indiana Pacers (8)

     Never mind the history of 8th seeds beating the 1st seeds. This series will be won by the Bulls. They are too talented defensively for the Pacers, who I consider one of the teams that defend better only when the shoot great.  The Bulls are playing at too high a level to let the Pacers get their offense going and Derrick Rose is just astounding with his stellar MVP-candidate play.  It will be a tough climb for the Pacers and I can only see them win a game if at all.


Fearless Forecast: Bulls take series (4 games to 1)

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Fifty Peso Previews: 2010-11 NBA Central Division

First of all, please help me get into the top 2 of Lifestyle Network's Clash of the Toque-en Ones by sending an email to lifestylenetwork@thelifeyoulive.tv and typing VOTE SHARWIN on the subject box.  You can vote as often as you want, even from the same account.  Check out my demo here on this link and my new demo on this one.

Now, we continue with the Fifty Peso Previews, again with the help of hitmaker Toto Sorioso, whose single, "Gupit" will surely make you a fan.

Chicago Bulls


Major Additions: Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer
Major Subtractions: None


The Bulls front office has indeed stepped up.  Bringing in a new coach (that can actually coach), and a batch of talented free agents, they have given the team all the tools they need to go deep into the playoffs.  While Boozer's freak hand injury will slow things down, look for the Bulls to finally become serious contenders for the playoffs for the first time since some guy named Jordan was leading them.  Expect the Bulls to play great Tom Thibodeau defense and execute better offensively.


Fearless Forecast: Conference Semi-finals
Toto's Theme Song: I Got a Feeling (Black Eyed Peas)

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"Free"k Show

     As expected, the NBA free agent bargaining period opened to a flurry of activities, and while the "Big Three," of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have all not signed up yet, it has already become a freak show, with things bordering on the ludicrous taking place.  Here is just a sampling of the circus.


Too Much of a Good Thing

     Every year, some poor team throws too much money at some talented yet undeserving free agent in fear of not getting anyone.  This year, with a huge pool of free agents came a huge amount of head-scratching deals as well.  Just check out this list:


Darko Milicic (Minnesota Timberwolves): Four year deal, at least $ 16 million guaranteed
Amir Johnson (Toronto Raptors): Five year deal, $ 34 million
Rudy Gay (Memphis Grizzlies): Five year deal, $ 80 million 
Joe Johnson (Atlanta Hawks): Six year deal, $ 119 million


     Now, I love the talent all these players have, and my fervent hope of Darko redemption is unparalleled, but that's a whole lot of money for guys who haven't or will not do as much on the court as that money will on their teams' salary cap.  Sure, big men are hard to find, but Milicic and (Amir) Johnson's upside is worth a lot less.  They're not exactly coveted by numerous suitors.  As for Gay and JJ, they may be franchise players on their current teams, but the max money they're getting are for franchise players on championship teams, not middling teams struggling in playoff situations.  

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The Other Brother Experiment

     I just love Ball Don't Lie , the Yahoo! basketball blog.  They recently posted one of the funniest things I've read in months, jokingly describing that the Phoenix Suns have an, "Other Brother Experiment."  I didn't get it at first, but then I realized that the among the players listed in the Suns roster are Robin Lopez, Taylor Griffin and Jarron Collins, all players with more accomplished or famous brothers in the same sport.  Now, while I found the blog comment funny, my heart does go out to the world's numerous "Other Brothers," since I am an "Other Brother," myself.  That's why I thought it would be nice to mention other "Other Brothers" in sports.  Those athletes who never could make it unlike their more illustrious brothers.

Harvey Grant - Horace Grant is known for his tremendous work ethic, defense and rebounding and these talents made him a vital cog in the Chicago Bull's first "Three peat" run with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Then, he went ahead and won another championship as a veteran off the bench for Shaq and Kobe's L.A. Lakers.  Unfortunately, that level of enviable success did not run in the family as Horace's twin brother Harvey.  While Harvey was a an NBA player himself, his level of success certainly pales in comparison.  Harvey had a 5-year NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets and the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 9.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists, numbers that aren't that bad, until you realize that in Horace's 17 year career, he was not only an NBA All Defensive Second Team four times, but also an NBA All Star, playing in the annual event  in 1994. Hey, at least when I used Harvey Grant in NBA Jam, he could make three pointers.  That's always a plus, right?

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Repeat Please!

     This year's Wrestlemania in Arizona looks to be another blockbuster pay-per-view event for the WWE, and it should, since it will feature Undertaker vs Shawn Michaels 2 ('Taker's Wrestlemania undefeated streak of 17 wins vs Michaels' career.)  This was a rematch over a year in the making and in the wrestling world, a year is an eternity.  This got me wistfully thinking about other matches that should've gotten a rematch, but didn't.


Portland Trail Blazers vs Chicago Bulls (early 90s NBA)

     The two teams met in the 1992 NBA Finals, with the Bulls, courtesy of astounding play and suddenly accurate three point shooting from Michael Jordan taking the championship.  Both teams were very loaded, with the Blazers having Terry Porter, Clyde Drexler, Jerome Kersey, Buck Williams, Cliff Robinson and Kevin Duckworth.  Meanwhile, the Bulls featured John Paxson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Horace Grant, Bill Cartwright and B.J. Armstrong and the two teams were just evenly matched, that it seemed they would be headed for an intriguing rivalry for at least another 2 years.  Alas,it was not meant to be as the revamped Phoenix Suns emerged as Western champs the following year and then Jordan retired the 1st time after that.  Just the thought of the aerial battle between His Airness and the Glide is more than enough to be wistful about a rematch.


Mike Tyson vs James Douglas (Heavyweight Boxing)

      In what was easily the upset of the decade in boxing, "Buster" Douglas knocked out the until then indestructible "Iron" Mike Tyson, taking his undisputed heavyweight championship. Douglas was at his best, moving, jabbing and frustrating Tyson until the fearsome champ tired out.  Finally, he seized his opportunity in the 11th round, dropping Tyson for the first time in his career.  Despite this almost perfect night from Douglas, it was still a close fight, as Tyson also dropped Douglas with a smashing right in the 10th round.  That is why a rematch would've been tremendous for the boxing world.  Unfortunately, the loss was only the first of a string of bad developments for Tyson, who then was found guilty of rape, sent to jail and found himself bankrupt.  Douglas, meanwhile, enjoyed his championship too much, showing up bloated for his first title defense against Evander Holyfield and got knocked out of significance.  


Ryo Chonan vs Anderson Silva





     Silva, generally considered the best mixed martial artist in the world, pound for pound, has been undefeated in the UFC.  Before he got his aura of invincibility in the UFC, however, Silva lost four times.  One of those losses in the now defunct Pride Championship in Japan, was to Japanese Ryo Chonan who is currently in the UFC roster as well.  In what has to be one of the most spectacular finishes in MMA, Chonan unleashed a flying scissor takedown which led straight to a heel hook to defeat Silva.  It's almost a certainty that Silva would want to avenge that fight, but Pride has been bought out by the UFC and Chonan, while still in the UFC, has seen his career fade into oblivion.  A rematch may not draw as much interest, so it's unlikely a rematch will be set up.  

Fifty Peso Previews: NBA's Central Division

     Continuing on with my NBA previews, I move on to the Central Division, the most feared division in the Eastern Conference in the 90's and early 2000's.  Will they regain that lofty stature this coming season?


Chicago Bulls


Last Year: Eliminated in playoffs (1st round) by the Boston Celtics
Key New Additions: None
Projected Starting Line Up: Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, Luol Deng, John Salmons, Derrick Rose


     When you barely make the playoffs, you expect to try to improve yourself in the off season.  Other than not spending too much money on Ben Gordon, the Bulls made no significant moves this summer.  Perhaps, they feel like last season's mid season trade (where they got Brad Miller and Salmons) will only reap benefits this year so they're willing to wait it out.  The Bulls do have some athletic and talented pieces in Rose, Salmons and Kirk Hinrich, but they still lack for that consistent inside scoring presence that would help them in close game situations.  They are also not blessed with the best of head coaches in Vinny del Negro.  Del Negro, other than distracting opposing shooters by shouting at their ears, has not shown to be an innovative or resourceful coach, which a young team would thrive under.  With their talent, though, the BUlls will battle once again for a playoff spot.


Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed in playoffs or eliminated)


Cleveland Cavaliers

Last Year: Eliminated in playoffs (conference finals) by the Orlando Magic
Key New Additions: Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Leon Powe
Projected Starters: Shaquille O'Neal, Anderson Varejao, Lebron James, Anthony Parker, Mo Williams


     The Cavs were thoroughly enjoying their 2008-09 run through the NBA until the Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic shoved their sense of entitlement down their throats.  In anticipation of another battle with Howard, GM Danny Ferry brought in Shaq to beef up the frontline.  Ferry also added length and athleticism to the wing with Moon and Parker and some inside scoring with the still injured Powe.  With those huge additions, the Cavs' swagger has returned and they are talking about the championship again, unmindful of their much improving rivals.  O'Neal's entry though, threatens to bring more questions than answers.  With Shaq's penchant for playing well on his debut seasons with his new teams, the Cavs are expected Shaq to join hands with LBJ and bring Cleveland a coveted major sports award.  However, Shaq is an aging, injury-prone center who had never been comfortable guarding the pick and roll, which is what the Magic used to destroy the Cavs' defense.  Shaq, then, would theoretically not solve the na gging problem that the Magic presented to them.  Moreover, Shaq continues to demand attention due to a superstar in his prime, even if he is 7 years removed from that time.  If Shaq, as he claims, learns to defer to Lebron throughout the season both on and off the court, then the Cavs have a chance at that title.  Otherwise, it could be more heartbreak for the King.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs 

Detroit Pistons


Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round) by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Key New Additions: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Ben Wallace, Chris Wilcox
Projected Starters: Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox


     After the once mighty Pistons had fallen, GM Joe Dumars took another chance.  Going back to what made him a genius of a GM, Dumars trawled the free agent market for competent assets shunned by other teams at a bargain price.  Muck like how he built the Pistons before with players no one wanted at that time (Rasheed and Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups), Dumars signed Gordon, Wilcox and VIllanueva players dumped by their previous teams.  Unlike his previous three signings that brought a stingy defense and an NBA championship, these latest three are more known for offense and the (lack of) defense.  Is Dumars looking for a more offensive team this year, seeing last year's offensive woes?  Look for the Pistons to be scoring a lot better while seeing their defense go down a few notches.  If Gordon embraces another sixth man role and the team regains a much celebrated chemistry, the Pistons could battle for a playoff spot as well.


Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed in playoffs or eliminated)


Indiana Pacers


Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Tyler Hansbrough, Dahntay Jones, Luther Head
Projected Starters: Solomon Jones, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Dahntay Jones, T.J. Ford


     While GM Larry BIrd has done a great job ridding the Pacers of all the players that caused so much turmoil off the court, he seems to be stuck in a mode of getting all these good guys while not building a team strong enough to be title contenders.  Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy and T.J. Ford are "nice guy" players that can really play and Danny Granger is an all star that should be a part of Team USA but Coach Jim O'Brien will have another tough year trying to win with this uneven line up.  The Pacers lack depth and an inside presence and right off the bat, Mike Dunleavy is still injured.  Unless the Pacers perform some minor miracles on the court, Indiana will have to wait at least another year for a playoff spot.  


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


Milwaukee Bucks

Last Year: Failed to make the playoffs
Key New Additions: Carlos Delfino, Hakim Warrick, Brandon Jennings
Projected Starters: Andrew Bogut, Hakim Warrick, Kurt Thomas, Michael Redd, Brandon Jennings


     The Bucks have never been willing to shell out big bucks for players, and it can be seen clearly in their present line up.  It's a mess.  Lacking both firepower offensively and prowess defensively, the Bucks will have a tough time again this year.  Michael Redd, when healthy is a most deadly shooter, but who else will step up and support him?  It should be time for Andrew Bogut to emerge, but even if he did, the Bucks will not stand a chance in the much improved East.  Look for the Bucks to be competitive on games when they figure out Coach Scott Skiles' defense, but they will be on the receiving end on some beatings as well.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


     Once a feared division with those fabled Bulls, Pacers and Pistons teams, this division will probably send one team into playoffs convincingly.  It looks like the Central division will not be at the center of playoff basketball this playoff season.

Dreams May Come

Over the past couple of months, a couple of "dream match ups," previously thought of as impossible, became realities. Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya sealed the deal and will fight later this year, while American pros like Walter Ray WIlliams Jr. and Tommy Jones were finally able to bowl in the Bowling Men's World Championships. This got me to thinking about "dream sports match ups," and while some will be impossible to arrange, it was still nice to consider them. Here are just some of the "dream match ups" I thought out:

Basketball - Dream Team 1 (then) versus the rest of the world (now)

People keep talking about matching up the original Dream Team (Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird) with this year's Redeem Team (Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade), but I think the better way to compare them would be to see if the original Dream Team can still win the Olympic Medal with the much-improved international teams. People keep claiming that the U.S. simply could not dominate anymore because all the other countries have improved, and that claim would be answered if the original Dream Team could play in the Beijing Olympics. (Runner-Up: 1993 Chicago Bulls vs the 1994 Rockets)

Bowling - Walter Ray Williams Jr. versus Rafael "Paeng" Nepomuceno

Williams, with the most Professional Bowling titles in history, was finally able to compete in the World Championships in Thailand this year. However, Paeng shied away from joining the team this year. It would be great to see them on a one on one match on wooden and synthetic lanes, with different lane conditions. The greatest pro bowler vs the greatest amateur bowler in history. What's not to love? (Runner-Up: Dick Webber versus Pete Webber)

Basketball - Grand Slam Crispa Teams versus Grand Slam San Miguel Team versus Grand Slam Alaska Team

Each team boasts of the fact that no other team could beat them in a whole season. It would be great to see which team would beat which. A mini-tournament featuring the four teams would be sight to watch. Imagine the match ups of Johnny A vs Bernie Fabiosa or Hector Calma, Atoy Co vs Ricky Brown or Jojo Lastimosa and Philip Cezar vs Ramon Fernandez or Bong Hawkins. Araneta wouldn't be big enough to fit the amount of people who want to watch this one. (NCC National Team versus the 2007 PBA National Team)

Boxing - George Foreman versus Mike Tyson

This dream match between tremendously powerful sluggers would have been possible were it not for Mike Tyson's trouble-making ways. This won't be a pretty fight, but it sure would be a great one to watch. A knock out is almost guaranteed as neither would rely on sticking and jabbing or other pretty boy stuff like that. (Runner-up: Manny Pacquiao vs. Roberto Duran or Oscar de la Hoya vs. Marvin Hagler)

MMA - Anderson Silva versus Royce Gracie

Silva has been named MMA's best pound-for-pound fighter ,while Gracie has been widely-regarded as the sports greatest ever. The spider-like smooth moves of Silva, combined with his scary knock-out power, would be put to test against the tough, patient and crafty Gracie. Whether the fight ends with a knockout by Silva or a submission by Gracie, the fight will surely be a dandy. (Runner-up: Brock Lesnar versus Dan "the Beast" Severn or Ken Shamrock vs Frank Shamrock)

Pro Wrestling - The Rockers vs The Hardys

While pro wrestling can always bring the old guys back, this match up seems to be only possible as a dream match up since Marty Jannety is nowhere to be found. These two teams revolutionized the Tag Team genre and their high-flying antics would surely be entertaining, no matter how fake wrestling is. In fact, the only match better than this would be these four guys in a Tag Team Ladder Match. If only Vince McMahon read my blog... (Runner-up: Undertaker versus Rick Flair)

Of course, these are only dream match ups that I want to see. Place your comments if you have other dream match ups. I would love to read about them.