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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"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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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.

Lebron Simply Blew It

     Many people thought I was daft when I predicted an Orlando Magic victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games, but I held firm to my beliefs because in the end, I knew the Magic was simply a bad match up to the Cavs.  I knew how the Magic's lithe and quick frontline would pose problems for the Cavs' big but lumbering big men and I expected Lebron James' teammates would not provide enough support to lift the Cavaliers.  What I didn't expect though, was how bad Lebron James would blow it.  

     Forget about Lebron losing a chance to play in the NBA Finals on his Most Valuable Player season.  Forget about him losing to the less favored Orlando Magic despite finishing with the league-best 66 to 16 win loss record.  What Lebron blew was the opportunity to look like a classy guy.  

     After losing game 6 and the series to the Magic, James quickly retreated to the locker room, avoided the media and went straight to the team bus.  Most disappointingly, he never offered any congratulatory hugs or handshakes to the Magic players, even to his team USA teammate Dwight Howard.  Asked about his abrupt exit from the arena, the "King" explained, "It’s hard for me to congratulate somebody after you just lose to them,” he said. “I’m a winner. It’s not being a poor sport or anything like that. If somebody beats you up, you’re not going to congratulate them. That doesn’t make sense to me. I’m a competitor. That’s what I do. It doesn’t make sense for me to go over and shake somebody’s hand.”

     Come on Lebron.  Being a "winner" doesn't mean you don't congratulate the winner.  Recognizing and congratulating someone who has beaten you fair and square doesn't make you a loser; in fact, it makes you a bigger person worthy of adulation.  Even bitter rivals MAtt Hughes and Matt Serra congratulated each other after trying to kill each other in UFC 98.  Oscar de la Hoya found time and character to congratulate Manny Pacquiao after the Pacman beat him to a pulp.  

     There he was, Lebron James, a star athlete with transcendent popularity, a role model for kids all over the world with a chance to show them what true sportsmanship is all about.  He had a chance to show kids that sportsmanship is not just about playing fairly and cleanly and competing relentlessly.  It is, more importantly, accepting defeat and enjoying victory graciously Being the superstar James is, he simply can't do two out of three and expect the world to indulge him because of his youth and frustration.  Youth coaches in different sports from all around the world can try to teach kids about sportsmanship and graciousness, but in the end, kids' heroes like Kobe Bryant and James will impact the kids more with their behavior.  If he truly cared about helping kids and molding them into better people, he would have recognized his basketball camps with the youth in Akron, Ohio is not enough.  He should have seen this as a perfect opportunity to show kids how great and classy athletes take losing to worthy rivals.  He blew his chance to help educate kids about true and unadulterated sportsmanship.

     Lebron James is a tremendous athlete, one of those once-in-a-generation type athletes who will no doubt win many more accolades and championships, and I hate to think that this episode blemish a lasting legacy that he is destined to leave the world with.  I really hope he owns up to this boo boo of his.  He is once again presented with an opportunity to show kids proper behavior, to own up to one's mistakes and apologize properly.  Let's go Lebron.  Don't blow it this time.

Monkey Wrench into the NBA's Best Laid Plans

     It all started last summer, at the Beijing Olympics.  The U.S., hungry for redemption after their recent failure, brought along a team intent on winning.  It was the best team formed since the 1996 Olympics, and at the forefront were two huge, global stars, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. Branded as leaders, the two elevated their games and brought home the gold medal.  Right then and there, the NBA sensed something great and licked their chops.  Kobe vs Lebron for the NBA Title.  Now that sounded like a blockbuster and the NBA started a novena, praying for  divine intervention to deliver them their dream finals match up.

     Lo and behold, as the season wore on, the NBA was beginning to smile.  Lebron and the Cavs razed through the Eastern Conference just as Kobe and the Lakers romped through out West.  With both teams entering their respective conference finals, the NBA's best laid plans for a blockbuster finals (with massive TV ratings) was so close David Stern could taste it.  Now, though, someone has thrown a monkey wrench or two into the well-oiled plan.  Enter the Orlando Magic and the Denver Nuggets.  

     As things stand now, the Magic and the Nuggets have taken away the two favorites' homecourt advantage, with the Magic leading the Cavs 1-0 and the Nuggets ties with the Lakers at 1 all.   Will these two teams, who are looking for redemption themselves, prove to be the proverbial monkey wrench or will they merely be cumbersome obstacles that will be hurdled?

     The Orlando Magic has not exactly been on everyone's radar when talking about who will win the Larry O'Brien trophy this year, and the boys from Orlando have taken the snub personally.  They now pose quite a threat to the Cavs and it's not just because they aren't the Pistons.  As shown in Game 1, Orlando had the Cavs beat on two ends.  

     First of all, Orlando's frontcourt is huge, but lithe and lightning-quick.  A front line featuring 7 foot Dwight Howard, 6-10 shooters Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu and 6-8 Michael Pietrus are simply too quick for the equally huge but lumbering front line of the Cavs.  While James can match up with any one of the Magic's forwards, he can't guard all of them at the same time.  In game one, while it was Howard's 30 points that lit up the scoreboard, the Cavs lost because of the other three forwards, with Hedo and Lewis combining for Orlando's final 17 points.  If the Cavs are to make it to the finals, like they told the world they would do, then their tall lumbering front line (Anderson "Sideshow Bob" Varejao guarding Rashard Lewis, are you serious?) must find a way to become light on their feet.

     Secondly, the Cavs played to Orlando's strength, which I believe is not their three point shooting but more so their defense.  Everyone reverted back to their "watch Lebron" playbooks, standing around hoping to get a pass for a spot-up three.  Although James had a monster game, going 20 of 30 from the field, it took too much out of James.  In fact, I think he passed up a shot on a late drive that could have won the game, simply because of fatigue.  All Star Mo Williams and Delonte West must regain their regular season shooting and aggressiveness and Zydrunas Ilgauskas must make Dwight Howard work on defense if they are to beat the Magic in this series.

     The Denver Nuggets almost became the poster child of how not to build an NBA roster as the past few years showed the Mile High team as a group of shoot first, players with immense talent but no will to win a championship.  What a difference an old and wise point guard makes.  Chauncey Billups has come into Denver and changed the team's outlook (and therefore) its chances this season.  The "new-look" Nuggets actually feature the same core of players, save for the enigmatic Chris "Birdman" Andersen, but they have shown a desire and will for teamwork and defense that was last seen on a Nuggets team when Dikembe Mutombo was wagging fingers at opponents.  They could pose problems for the Lake show because, as seen in Games 1 and 2, the Nuggets bring in a toughness and and offensive arsenal that have the Lakers on their heels.

     First of all, the Nuggets this year are tough, in a good basketball way.  They are showing a willingness and the health needed to bang bodies inside, once again threatening to expose Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom as softies playing in a tough guy's game.  Kenyon Martin, Nene and Birdman have relentlessly attacked the lanes for both offense and defense, taking the Houston Rockets model of bullying the Lakers inside.  If the Lakers want to make David Stern happy, they must dig deep, fight back especially inside the paint to grab rebounds and loose balls, shoot high percentage dunks and layups and block and change shots.

     Secondly, the Nuggets while successfully approximating the Rockets' toughness on defense, are infinitely more talented on offense.  Carmelo Anthony has shown, at least in these playoffs, that he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as King James and he has a lot of help.  Linas Kleiza and J. R. Smith are bringing it from the bench, K-Mart and Nene have been active and useful on the offensive end (Heck, Nene even had 6 assists in game 2. 6!!! OMG! The Black Hole of basketball learned to pass!) and most importantly, Billups has a stability to keep the Nuggets calm through thick and thin.  The Nuggets are clicking on all cylinders offensively, and if Kobe wants to get a chance to win his first title without Shaq, he must lead his team not just in offense, but more so on the defensive end.  They must clog the lane and force the Nuggets into shooting from the outside.  

     So now David Stern is beginning to sweat.  His dream blockbuster finals scenario is being pushed onto the brink of oblivion.  Will the Cavs and the Lakers bounce back and give Stern a reason to smile or will Dwight Howard and Carmelo Anthony be the Team USA teammates playing in the finals?

     As for me, you all know I love ruining best laid plans, so I will be in my usual place, eagerly awaiting Cleveland's and L.A.'s impending disappointments.  

NBA Starting Five (Story Lines)

     The new National Basketball Association (NBA) season begins on October 28 and it promises to be another exciting one filled with numerous back stories and plots.  Here is my Starting Five story lines for the upcoming season.

1.  Can the Celts do it again?

     The $64 million dollar question for all champions is whether they can do it again.  They have kept most of the team together (although James Posey has signed on with the Hornets) and more importantly, the Celts, especially Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, have said all the right things about not getting complacent and working hard.  With those two at the helm, it is safe to say that the Celtics will play and compete hard.  What remains in the balance though, is will the big three get some help from bench players Leon Powe, Glen Davis and Gabe Pruitt?  

2.  Are the Lakers really better this year?

     Despite having the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kobe Bryant, many claimed the Lakers were short-handed facing the Celtics in last year's NBA finals.  With Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza finally healthy, and with Pau Gasol in for a whole year, this year will be the true test of the Lakers' championship mettle.  Are the Lakers destined to be world champs?

3.  Cavaliers and Hornets.  Are they for real?

     Last season, these two young teams have shown up the "veteran" teams by performing well despite their relative young age.  During the offseason, they both not only kept the core of their line ups, they each also added a player that they feel could get them over the hump.  The Cavs added PG Mo Williams to add a ball handler and scorer to take the load of Lebron James, while the Hornets brought in veteran SG James Posey, a great shooter, perimeter defender and more importantly, a good locker room presence to guide the younger players.  Will these additions and another year of playing together take these teams to the promised land? 

4.  Will the Rockets finally have lift off?

     Despite the talented duo of Tracy Mcgrady and Yao Ming and their record-setting 22 straight wins, the Rockets have failed to move past the first round of the playoffs in five seasons.  A lot of that could be attributed to the two stars constantly getting injured, but it could also be pointed at their relatively thin bench.  This year, the Rockets added another big time player in SF Ron Artest and a veteran shooter in SG Brent Barry.  Will they be enough to improve the team?  Will the Rockets stay healthy and deep enough to go past the first round of the playoffs?

5.  How old is old?

     The aging line ups of the Detroit Pistons and the San Antonio Spurs were tweaked very little in the off season, meaning the teams are looking for another title run.  This season will reveal if age has finally caught up with them.  Grizzled veterans Rasheed Wallace of the Pistons and TIm Duncan of the Spurs will continue battling down low, but can they still carry their teams?  Will age and various injuries finally catch up to them?

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?