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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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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Delusions

     I don't smoke, I have never and will never get near illegal drugs (take that Floyd Mayweather!) and I hardly drink anymore.  That's why it's hard to imagine that I would ever get moments of insanity or delusion.  These sports developments, however, had me second guessing myself a bit.

• We all know about the top 4 teams of the NBA's Eastern Conference, and it's already quite a surprise that Atlanta is third, not Boston.  The real clincher?  Take a gander at the fifth and sixth seed.  Perennial whipping boys Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats are deep into the playoff race and they seem to settling in.  Wow.

•  Say goodbye to Purefoods. After winning the PBA Philippine Cup Championship, the Tender Juicy Giants are changing names.  While it's tough to not see the name Purefoods in the roster of PBA teams, what really takes the cake is the name they're changing into.  From now on (hopefully only this conference), they will be known as the B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados.  That's right.  That's the name.  That's a big mouthful.  Of livestock feed.  Goodness.

• In a doubles exhibition match with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, "legends" Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras, armed with aging bodies and wireless mics, proceeded to have a highly uncomfortable, supposedly funny and good-natured ribbing that turned into a horrible PR nightmare.  What started as a funny Sampras imitation of Agassi turned into Agassi calling Sampras a cheapskate and Pete serving a ball straight into Agassi.  What's worse than two great tennis players in an immature bickering match?  Two RETIRED former great players in an immature bickering match in a charity event.  Yeesh.

• Manny Pacquiao is surely the biggest sports icon in our country today.  Maybe ever.  So what does it say that the best and most comprehensive story on the Philippines' National Fist was written by an American (Andrew Corsello) for the American GQ magazine?  Don't believe me?  Read the article here.

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.

Grading the First Wave of NBA Trades

     Before I could even finish my series of NBA year ender stories, the first wave of off season moves began, and what wave it has been.  I thought it would be nice to grade these trades, to see how the teams involved will fare in the future.

Major Trade Number 1: The Shaq Trade

Cleveland gets: Shaquille O'Neal

Phoenix gets: Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic

     This trade had been in the works last season and after the Magic's domination of the Cavs, I'm sure the Cavs wished this trade happened last year.  In any case, the Cavs finally get a big and tough center to match up with Dwight Howard and a shot blocking defensive presence.  On first look, this looks great for the Cavs, but I have my doubts about this.  Shaq demands a lot of attention and ball possessions, most of which were given to reigning MVP Lebron James.  Unless Shaq finally learns to match his demand for attention with his diminishing skills, there might be a little iffyness in the team chemistry department.  Another issue would be Shaq's health.  Will he be healthy enough to actually make a difference for the Cavs?  In any case, what the Cavs have going for them is that Shaq will most likely be motivated and they can rest assured Shaq will give his best effort, if only so that Shaq can beat Kobe's team and Shaq can have more titles than Kobe again.  By giving up very little (Wallace and Pavlovic were useless in the playoffs anyway), the Cavs deserve an A for this.

     For the Suns, this isn't GM Steve Kerr's way of helping his friend, Cleveland GM Danny Ferry.  It was mostly a cost-cutting move to help the Suns avoid paying huge luxury taxes.  The move saved them a total of about 10 million dollars now, and if Wallace retires and agrees to a buyout, they save even more.  I think Kerr has recognized the need for the Suns to finally rebuild (about two years to late I think), and if they also successfully trade away Amare Stoudamire to Golden State for Setphen Curry and Andris Biedrins, the Suns would be able to rebuild, save money and still entertain fans.  They get a C from me, a B+ if they complete the Amare deal.

Major Trade 2: The VC Homecoming

New Jersey Nets get: Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston and Tony Battie

Orlando Magic get Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson

     I find this trade as actually the most significant trade of the Eastern Conference.  Once again, the Magic are looking to outdo the Cavaliers, this time in the trade arena.  While many question VC's heart and health, he has been pretty solid for the Nets for the past two seasons, missing fewer games and playing better team ball all around.  He will give the Magic a scoring threat that can create his own shot while still giving Magic the three point threat they always have on court.  While much has been said of Carter's inability to win, he has never been on a contending team as well built as the Magic.  This, along with the fact that Carter is an Orlando native, could spur him to actually bring a lot more effort to his game.  Meanwhile, Ryan Anderson will get his chance to develop behind the Magic's athletic forwards, and he may turn out to be more than a trade throw-in.  Lastly, having VC around gives the Magic a little leverage to negotiate with free agent Hedo Turkoglo.  Now that the Magic have a new forward, they won't be tempted to over pay the Turkish native, but still have a chance to resign him, since GM Otis SMith said they are willing to pay luxury taxes.  Overall, this trade is good one for the Magic, a strong commitment to winning for the next two to three years.  A solid B+ (A if Turkoglo re signs with the Magic).

     The Nets have been letting go of expensive parts for years, first with Kenyon Martin, then Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and now Vince Carter.  Instead of a straight salary dump a la Phoenix, the Nets actually get some quality players.  Courtney Lee gives them a starting quality shooting guard at a much cheaper price while officially turning the team over to All Star guard Devin Harris.  Meanwhile, the veterans Rafer Alston and Tony Battie both give them not only vetera minutes of the bench, but also expiring contracts, which is still in line with their plans to bring in owner Jay-Z's best buddy Lebron James in 2010.  Overall, a great move by GM Rod Thorn, and also a solid B+.

Major Trade 3: The San Antonio Resurrection

San Antonio Spurs get: Richard Jefferson

Milwaukee Bucks get: Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto (later traded for Amir Johnson)

     The Spurs' Tim Duncan era is about to come to a close, so Gregg Popovich and co. figure to give it one more go.  Adding Richard Jefferson to one of the NBA's oldest superstar trios is a much needed shot in the arm.  Jefferson gives them a cushion against injuries that will likely hit one or all of their big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker-Longoria, while sacrificing very little.  Bowen has long been past useful, while Thomas and Oberto might actually be bought out and come back to them.  Overall, this was quite a steal for the Spurs and there is (literally) a spring in the step of the Spurs.  They deserve an A.

     The Bucks have long been known as a small market team and so paying the luxury tax is not really ideal for them.  The move saves them a ton of money, but they received practically nothing in return.  While saving money will enable them to re sign their "important" free agents, you have to wonder if signing Ramon Sessions and Charlie Villanueva was actually so important they gave away a former All Star for well, two grandfathers and one who plays like one.  Last year, they couldn't make the playoffs and Jefferson was their only stud, so Coach Scott Skiles has his work cut out for him next season.  This move was a total head scratcher, a D.

Major Trade 4:  Atlanta Loads Up

Atlanta Hawks get: Jamal Crawford

Golden State Warriors get: Speedy Claxton and Acie Law IV

     The Hawks had a second straight successful season but they need to add more to their roster.  While re signing Mike Bibby is one of their priorities this summer, they went ahead and got more help at guard.  Crawford will provide solid play for both guard positions.  This ensures that if Bibby leaves, it won't be a total disaster for them.  Meanwhile, Crawford gives them a player who has an unmitigated desire to shoot, which will help them avoid those weird offensive plays that went nowhere because no one would shoot.  It also gives them more leverage to try to sign Bibby to a more reasonable price.  What's best is that they gave away practically nothing.  A solid B+ for the Hawks.

     Golden State has had a lot of turmoil in the front office as well as with the players and coaches, so weird trades is not a surprise.  Barely a few months after aggressively acquiring Jamal Crawford in a trade, Coach Don Nelson couldn't wait to throw him away.  Throw is the right word as they basically got an aging, barely-used point guard (Claxton) and an official draft bust (Law).  What makes the move an even bigger head scratcher is that they just committed to signing Monta Ellis to a long term contract and they also picked up Stephen Curry (another point guard) in the draft.  Add to this the signing of mercurial guard Stephen Jackson and Corey Maggete to long term deals last year, and you can see the Warriors' front office has been slugging back too much alcohol.  They should have let former GM do his job, instead of bypassing him last year.  Obviously, either the Warriors know something we don't or they don't know anything.  In any case, they deserve a "D."

     Watch out for more NBA trades and their grades in the coming weeks.

Cavs Trade for Mo; Grades are In

In another bid to strengthen their chances for a deep playoff run (and to convince Lebron James to stay), the Cleveland Cavaliers executed a three-way, six player deal to get PG Maurice "Mo" Williams from the Milwaukee Bucks. In the same deal, the Bucks received Oklahoma CIty's (former Seattle franchise) PG Luke Ridnour and SF Adrian Griffin and the Cavs' PG Damon Jones. Meanwhile, the young OKC franchise will welcome back "hometown" favorite Desmond Mason, formerly of the Bucks and veteran PF Joe Smith of the Cavs.

The Cavs, especially General Manager Danny Ferry, is excited about the deal, but who are really the true winners and losers of this deal?

Winners

Oklahoma City

The former Sonics franchise, under General Manager Sam Presti, has been intent to rebuild from the ground up, meaning using young players from the draft. So far, they have been doing great by drafting the phenom SG Kevin Durant and SF Jeff Green. This year, they added another young stud, Russell Westbrook, who they figure will run the point in the years to come. By releasing Ridnour and Griffin, they clear the way for these youngsters to get better by playing more minutes. In any case, Ridnour didn't seem to be living up to his hyped potential. The addition of former Slam Dunk Contest champ Mason, meanwhile, gives the newly-relocated franchise an instant recognizable and well-loved player. Mason played college ball at OKC and he also played there when the Hornets were temporarily relocated becaue of Hurricane Katrina.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have done their best to reshape their roster this year, and this latest trade looks to be helpful for them. Giving up Williams might seem like a bad idea, as he was their second leading scorer, but he does have a reputation for not playing defense too well. Under new Head Coach Scott Skiles, not playing defense is a mortal sin, so it might be best that Williams leave anyway. Plus, it never hurts to relieve yourself of a huge contract, and WIlliam's six year, 51.5 million dollar deal is now the Cavs' problem. Young PG Ramon Sessions played well in the previous year, and the Bucks will give him a shot to prove he was no fluke. In any case, he would then have two veteran back ups in Jones and Ridnour, and those two would also benefit from less expectations. Both guards were under pressure to perform in their previous teams, so being back ups in Milwaukee might help them build confidence.

Losers

Cleveland Cavaliers

Adding a good point guard in Williams seems to answer two of the Cavs' concerns (a playmaker and a number two scoring option behind James), but it also means taking on another huge contract. They are already paying the bloated long term contracts of aging veterans Ben Wallace, Zyfrunas Ilgauskas and Wally Sczerbiak, and adding William's contracts gives them little room to make more moves. If Lebron decides to leave hometown Cleveland for the bright lights of New York or the glitz and glamour of buddy Jay-Z's Nets, the Cavs will be stuck with a bunch of old guys sucking in paychecks and losses.

Meanwhile, the bigger concern for Cleveland is solving their frontline problem. Having Ilgauskas, Wallace and Anderson Varejao sounds like you have a great frontcourt, but the three can't seem to play well enough together to make an impact. However, if (and it's a big IF) the three big men finally figure it all out and play well, then it will make Danny Ferry look like a genius by executing this deal (and make me look like a fool).

Delonte West (restricted free agent)

He's not included in the deal, but he seems to have lost because of this. The Cavs indicate that they want to keep West and he's still in negotiations for a new contract with the Cavs. Unfortunately, with Williams in the roster, he loses more negotiating power. After all, the Cavs will survive without him. Futhermore, if he does sign a new contract, he wil almost certainly lose his starting position and his minutes. Cleveland just signed PG/SG Daniel Gibson to a new contract, and they figure he and Williams would form their starting backcourt. He also has SG/SF Sasha Pavlovic to contend with. With his good but less than spectacular performance last year, West might be better served looking for a nice fat contract in Europe.

While this newest trade in the busy NBA off season did not produce winners on all sides, it does cause fans more reason to take note of the Eatern Conference. Are these moves enough to dethrone the reigning NBA Champs, the Boston Celtics?