Great PG Play Headlines NBA Playoffs

With both conferences in their semifinal rounds, some of the great performances of this postseason have come from point guards. Among the 7 teams remaining, each team has gotten stellar play from their point guards to make it this far. Let's take a look at each point guard's performance during the playoffs.

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
24.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.9 APG
Westbrook has been criticized often for taking too many shots for the Thunder, and he arguably cost the Thunder Game 3 against the Grizzlies with his poor decision making. His field goal percentage has dropped 3% in the playoffs. However, Westbrook has still been able to score and manage the Thunder to the second round of the playoffs.

Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
15.9 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.2 APG
While Conley has not accumulated the stellar numbers Westbrook has, he has surprised many with his strong play so far this postseason. In the first round, Conley outplayed stellar PG Tony Parker of the Spurs. His performance so far in the semifinals against Westbrook and the Thunder has been even more promising to Grizzlies fans. So far in the series, he's been able to score more, averaging 19.0 PPG in the second round of the playoffs. For the Grizzlies to continue their stunning run, Conley will have to continue to play well.

Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
10.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 7.2 APG
While Kidd has not scored as much as the other two, he's continued to showcase his superior passing abilities. His 7.2 APG have been one of the reasons the Mavericks have played so well in the playoffs. The Mavericks' most valuable weapon has been the 3-point shot, and Kidd has certainly provided some of that. He's shooting about 37% from long range, and if he continues to play well, expect the Mavs to contend for a championship this year.

Jeff Teague, Atlanta Hawks
11.4 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 2.8 APG
Teague was barely a factor at all in the Hawks' first round series against the Magic, averaging only 2.5 minutes per game. After Kirk Hinrich went down, Teague stepped into a heavy role in the Hawks offense. In the second round matchup against the Bulls, Teague is averaging 42 minutes per game, 17.3 points per game, and 3.7 assists per game. Teague's second round performance has been solid so far, and he will need to lead the Hawks well to defeat Derrick Rose and the Bulls.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
28.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.3 APG
The regular season MVP has been terrific so far in the postseason, shredding defenses to average just about 29 points per game. Rose's performance has been even further elevated in this second round series against the Hawks, averaging 31 points per game, and 9 assists per game. Rose has continued his rise to becoming one of the top players in the NBA, and has definitely made a great case for being the best point guard in the league.

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
15.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 11.1 APG
Rondo tore through the Knicks' subpar defense in the first round, but has met some much tougher defense against the Heat. His production has dropped 8.7 points per game and 2 assists per game. Rondo's gutsy return from a dislocated elbow in Game 3 Saturday was heroic, but many wonder if he will be healthy for Game 4. Rondo is listed as a game-time decision, and the Celtics will surely need their point guard to come back in this series against Miami.

Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
7.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 2.3 APG
Unlike many of the other point guards listed, Chalmers' job does not involve being a huge offensive presence. The Heat are led by LeBron James and Dwayne Wade, and Chalmers' job appears to be to make 3's when needed. Chalmers is hitting 3's at a 36.1% rate, and he is certainly capable of hitting clutch three's in important games. Chalmers doesn't have as much of a role in his team's offense, but the Heat have proven to the doubters that they have the ability to win in the postseason.

Here are my rankings of the remaining point guards so far in the postseason:
1) Derrick Rose
2) Rajon Rondo
3) Mike Conley
4) Russell Westbrook
5) Jason Kidd
6) Jeff Teague
7) Mario Chalmers

How Do the Top 6 NBA Teams in Record Fare Against Each Other?

Coming through February, most of the top NBA teams have played each other at some point this season. In the past few weeks we've seen some highly contentious duels between some of the premier teams in the league. Let's take a look at each team's record against the other top 5 teams in the NBA. The teams we will rank are the Spurs, Celtics, Heat, Mavericks, Bulls, and Lakers.

1. Boston Celtics (7-4, .636 Win %)
The Celtics hold the highest winning percentage against the top teams in the NBA. The Celtics have 3 wins against the Miami Heat, and hold a losing record against only the Mavericks, who they are 0-2 against. The Celtics are 5 GB of the Spurs for best record in the NBA, and one thing to watch after the All-Star break is how the Celtics' aging roster holds up down the stretch.

2. San Antonio Spurs (5-3, .625)
At the All-Star break, the Spurs are still red-hot at the All-Star break, and have only lost 10 games in the season, 3 of them against top teams. Their losses have come to Boston, Dallas, and most recently a tough loss against Chicago in which Derrick Rose scored 42 points. DeJuan Blair has asserted himself as a solid player for San Antonio, and Parker, Ginobli, and Duncan are all playing well. The Spurs also have an aging roster, so watch how their team finishes out the season.

T-3. Chicago Bulls (6-4, .600)
The Bulls come in tied for 3rd in the rankings with a 6-4 record. The Bulls have .500 or above records against each team except for the Celtics, who they have a 1-2 record against. The Bulls have an interesting roster, led by Derrick Rose, who is considered by many to be a serious MVP candidate. Rose could certainly use some help, but he's demonstrated this season that he's more than capable of putting this team on his back.

T-3. Dallas Mavericks (6-4, .600)
Dallas' roster that includes Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, and Tyson Chandler, all players that have shown they have the ability to help a team to get to the playoffs. The Mavs have a 5-0 record against the Lakers, Celtics, and Heat, the 3 preseason favorites for the title. Dallas has always struggled to cap off their seasons on high notes, and perhaps this year they can finally close out a championship.

5. Los Angeles Lakers (2-6, .250)
The Lakers and the Heat, regarded as the favorites to compete in the NBA Finals in June, but these two teams have both struggled against the top teams in the NBA, who they will more than likely have to defeat in order to get to the Finals. The Lakers' 2 wins have come against the Celtics and Bulls, two quality teams, but they have struggled overall this season against good teams. More troubling are their losses to lower tier teams such as Milwaukee and Charlotte. The defending champs still have a strong team, but they're going to have to play a lot better to win it all again.

6. Miami Heat (1-6, .167)
The Heat, who came together this offseason to win a title, can't seem to beat the best teams the league has to offer. The Heat gained a strong win over the Lakers on Christmas day, but they've fallen in all 3 matchups against Boston, and lost both games to Dallas. The Heat are yet to play the Spurs this season, and have an 0-1 record against Chicago. The Heat have been shaky all season, and like the Lakers, they definitely have the talent to win it all, they just need to bring it all together to win.

Previewing the NBA's Christmas Day Games

Tomorrow on Christmas Day, all 5 NBA games will be nationally televised. Each features a solid matchup. Let's look at each of tomorrow's matchups.

Chicago Bulls (18-9) at New York Knicks (17-12), 12 PM EST, ESPN
The Bulls have won 9 of their last 10 games, and come into Madison Square Garden against the Knicks who are going through a rough patch in the season here. Despite losing Joakim Noah to thumb surgery, the Bulls got star post player F Carlos Boozer, who is averaging 21.2 points and 9.7 rebounds in his last 10 games. New York attempts the most 3-pointers in the league, and Amare Stoudemire had 9 straight games with at least 30 points earlier in the month. Both teams have played well recently, but I think if the Knicks shooters show up, they might be able to win this game.
Pick: New York Knicks

Boston Celtics (23-4) at Orlando Magic (17-12), 2:30 PM EST, ABC
The Celtics have won 14 straight games, and are red-hot. The Magic have built up an even stronger team through trades this week, acquiring Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, and Earl Clark, trading away Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus, and Marcin Gortat. The amazing thing about the Celtics' win streak is the fact that they've suffered some important injuries during the streak. Guards Rajon Rondo and Delonte West, and C Shaquille and F Jermaine O'Neal have both missed time, and starting C Kendrick Perkins still hasn't played all year. The Magic are still getting together as a team, and even without Rajon Rondo, I think the Celtics extend their winning streak.
Pick: Boston Celtics

Miami Heat (22-9) at Los Angeles Lakers (21-8), 5 PM EST, ABC
The marquee matchup of the day pits the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers against LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat. The Heat have struggled against top teams this year, losing twice to the Celtics and twice to the Mavericks already this year. The Lakers are coming off one of their worst losses of the season, losing by 19 at home to a Bucks team without Brandon Jennings. Dwayne Wade is questionable for the game. Both teams are extremely motivated to win this game, but I think the Lakers will come out on top.
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers

Denver Nuggets (16-11) at Oklahoma City Thunder (20-10), 8 PM EST, ESPN
The Thunder are coming off a loss on Wednesday against the Knicks, and take on the Nuggets on Christmas day. The Nuggets are going to short-handed on Christmas, as Carmelo Anthony will be missing the game due to the death of his sister. The Thunder have played well at home this year, and I think that without Anthony, the Nuggets will fall to the Thunder.
Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder

Portland Trailblazers (15-14) at Golden State Warriors (10-18), 10:30 EST, ESPN
The final matchup of the day may not have the marquee records and teams, but both teams have top players and this should be a great matchup. The Blazers are searching for their 4th consecutive win. LaMarcus Aldridge is leading the Blazers in Brandon Roy's absence, averaging 29.3 PPG over this week. Monta Ellis of the Warriors, always an explosive scorer, is pushing it even further this week, averaging 35 PPG this week. Both players are on a tear, but I see the Warriors winning this game due to injuries to key players for the Blazers.
Pick: Golden State Warriors

Merry Christmas and enjoy the games!

Which NBA Team Has Improved the Most This Offseason?

Many teams this season have made some important transactions in the free agent market. Obviously, the Heat have improved a lot with LeBron James and Chris Bosh joining, so I won't include them in this list. Teams I will look at will be the Bulls, Lakers, Jazz, and the Celtics.

1. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have almost become the Utah Jazz East, signing three former Utah players (F Carlos Boozer, G/F Kyle Korver, and G Ronnie Brewer). These three players, along with G CJ Watson, and F Kurt Thomas, have greatly improved the Bulls team. Also, they fired coach Vinny Del Negro, and hired Tom Thibodeau. They did lose Brad Miller and Kirk Hinrich, but Boozer can fill the hole in the post nicely for Chicago, and Watson, Brewer, and Korver can fill in there. Derrick Rose is a very good young PG, and Joakim Noah is a solid rebounder and post player. The Bulls will definitely be playoff contenders next season.

2. Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, the defending champs have improved. They not only kept coach Phil Jackson and PG Derek Fisher, but they also signed G Steve Blake, F/C Theo Ratliff, and F Matt Barnes. Barnes is the key signing for the Lakers, giving them a top defensive perimeter player off the bench. Ratliff is also a good shot blocker and a decent back-up in case injury strikes Andrew Bynum again. They lost Jordan Farmar (to the Nets) and Josh Powell (to the Hawks), but Steve Blake can run the point with the 2nd unit for the Lakers, and Ratliff can replace Powell.

3. Utah Jazz
The Jazz did lose several players (Boozer, Brewer, and Korver as mentioned before, as well as G Wesley Matthews), but the sign and trade deal with Minnesota that landed them Al Jefferson was huge. Jefferson will be a great fit in the Jazz offense, and Raja Bell is a great defender, and has a history of matching up against Kobe Bryant.

4. Boston Celtics
The Celtics had a great offseason in terms of keeping their team together. There were rumors that Ray Allen might leave, or that Paul Pierce would go elsewhere, but the Celtics were able to retain these two, as well as G Nate Robinson and G Marquis Daniels. Coach Doc Rivers also has agreed to return to the team. F Rasheed Wallace retired, and F Tony Allen signed with Memphis and F Shelden Williams signed with Denver, but these three losses shouldn't hurt the Celtics that much. F Jermaine O'Neal was the Celtics only major free agent signing, but he can replace Wallace (and Williams, who didn't contribute much to the team), but Allen could be missed as a spark off the bench.

Overall, I think the Bulls made the most improvements, followed by the Lakers, the Jazz, and the Celtics.

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 11-20

After finishing the first ten picks, now I'm going to look at the next 10 picks, from 11 to 20. The first pick in this group goes to the New Orleans Hornets.

11. New Orleans Hornets - F/C Donatas Motiejunas, Lithuania
A European 19 year-old is an unknown in the US, but many scouts are very high on him. He has the ability to go to both sides, and is a huge matchup problem for any big men (he's 7'0") with his versatility. He is also very quick and agile, and he also possesses strong ball handling skills. Motiejunas also has improved on the low post, and has great offensive potential. He's still a project, but he can definitely improve on both sides of the ball to get better.

12. Memphis Grizzlies - G James Anderson, Oklahoma State
The Grizzlies don't really have that many teams, and were in the hunt for the eighth seed for a while. Anderson is a great shooter, and can provide them some extra depth at the guard position (they already have OJ Mayo and Ronnie Brewer), but Anderson is a strong offensive player, and I think the Grizzlies could use some more young offensive talent.

13. Toronto Raptors - F Xavier Henry, Kansas
The Raports have some good players, but they are in need of a strong wing player to start for them. Henry is very big for a wing, and has a very NBA-ready body. He's polished offensively, and plays defense at a very high level. He could fit into the gaping hole Toronto has on the wing.

14. Houston Rockets - C Hassan Whiteside, Marshall
Whiteside is a freakish athlete (he measured a 7'7"wingspan in a pre-draft camp) who was largely unknown coming into the season. However, he emerged as the CUSA Freshman of the Year, and he led the NCAA in blocked shots. He is still very raw, but has shown some great potential to known down mid-range shots and handle the ball.

15. Milwaukee Bucks - G Gordon Hayward, Butler
Hayward was a surprise entrant from National runner-up Butler. The sophomore star of the team, he possesses a solid jumper and good speed. The Bucks drafted Joe Alexander a few years ago, a similar player to Hayward, but Hayward seems much more skilled.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves - F/C Larry Sanders, VCU
Sanders became a prolific and efficient scorer this year at VCU, and now looks like a productive player in the paint. He is a great athlete and a huge wingspan, but needs to add strength to grow into a solid NBA player. The Timberwolves have Kevin Love and Al Jefferson in the front court, but Sanders is a solid player to add.

17. Chicago Bulls - F Paul George, Fresno State
George is a late bloomer and very unknown in college basketball, but he is very dynamic and fluid. He could put on some weight, but he stands a solid 6'9". George played AAU with future UCLA-bound guards Malcolm Lee and Jrue Holliday. George could definitely find some untapped potential and become a solid player.

18. Miami Heat - F/C Epke Udoh, Baylor
A lot of mock drafts have Udoh going much higher, even in the lottery, but I think Udoh still has more to prove as a post player to be drafted that high. He is a great shot blocker and athlete, and the Heat can definitely use someone down low, and to try and keep Dwayne Wade.

19. Boston Celtics - G Elliot Williams, Memphis
Williams, a transfer from Duke, is a little bit of a reach for the Celtics here, but they really need to start finding the eventual replacement for Ray Allen, and Williams can definitely score with a great deal of ease. If he improves his shooting a little bit, he can be a very potent offensive threat for Boston.

20. San Antonio Spurs - F Luke Babbitt, Nevada
Babbitt is another unknown player who will most likely be drafted in the first round. He is not that athletic, but is a solid scorer inside and out. He stands 6'7", so he probably won't be able to play PF, but can still be a solid player for San Antonio.

So with picks 11-20, I'll finish out the rest of the first round, and talk about other guys, who could be taken in the first round and early second round. Sorry for the delay in this post. Enjoy!

2010 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 1-10

After the draft lottery on Tuesday, the Washington Wizards received the first pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. The Wizards, a team that's season contained the Gilbert Arenas-Javaris Crittenton gun incident, and the trading away of All-Star caliber players Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. Overall, the Wizards appear to be in a rebuilding mode. Let's take a look at the top 10 picks in the draft.

1. Washington Wizards - PG John Wall, Kentucky
With Arenas being a distraction, I think the Wizards are going to cut ties with their veteran point guard. Wall is a great player, and can help the Wizards rebuild their team. Pairing Wall, a great play maker, with their other 1st round pick (30th overall) could provide the Wizards a dynamic duo for the future.

2. Philadelphia 76ers - F Wesley Johnson, Syracuse
Many people are saying that Evan Turner should be the pick here, and I do feel Turner is the better player. However, if the the 76ers take Turner, they will have 4 guards in Turner, Lou Williams, Jrue Holliday, and Andre Iguodala, and none of them are great jump shooters. Johnson is a solid wing player, who can catch and shoot at a great percentage (he shot 41% percent from 3 last year at Syracuse).

3. New Jersey Nets - F Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech
While Evan Turner is still the best player on the board, he just doesn't fit well with New Jersey. The Nets already have 4 players of their future lineup complete (Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, and Brooke Lopez), and Favors could fit in with their new lineup. Favors did not produce stellar numbers at GT, but his potential is great enough to justify being drafted this high.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves - G Evan Turner, Ohio State
In my opinion, Turner is the best player on the board, but none of the top 3 teams have needs at the 2 guard. The Timberwolves should try to build around Jonny Flynn and their big men Al Jefferson and Kevin Love. Evan Turner would be a great piece to add to the lineup, and Corey Brewer is turning out to be a solid pro. If the Timberwolves could get Turner, they could have a bright future.

5. Sacramento Kings - F/C Greg Monroe, Georgetown
Monroe is a great post player, and an above average passer. Monroe had decent stats at Georgetown in his two year career, and still has some untapped scoring potential. Pairing Tyreke Evans and Monroe can provide a solid duo for the Kings. If Wes Johnson is available here, I could see the Kings taking him to give them a wing presence, but if he isn't Monroe is a decent pick.

6. Golden State Warriors - F/C DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins was one of the most dominating post players in college last year at Kentucky. He could provide a post presence that the Warriors have lacked the past few years. The Warriors have a dominant back court with Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry, and Cousins could give them a player to feed the ball to in the low post.

7. Detroit Pistons - F Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest
The Pistons, a perennial playoff team, had a pretty bad year this season, but Aminu can help them reload and possibly contend for a spot next year. The Pistons have some good pieces in place with Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon. Adding Aminu could provide them with a good low post player to rebound and score. Aminu also has a solid mid-range jumper.

8. Los Angeles Clippers - F Patrick Patterson, Kentucky
The third Kentucky player in the top 10, Patterson might not have as high a profile as Cousins and Wall, but he can have a huge impact for the Clippers. With Patterson, Blake Griffin, and Eric Gordon, the Clippers can try to create a young nucleus to push them closer to playoff contention in a few years.

9. Utah Jazz - C Cole Aldrich, Kansas
The Jazz have some good young player in Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews, but with Carlos Boozer possibly leaving, and Mehmet Okur injured, the Jazz low post game could really suffer next year. Aldrich is a great shot blocker as well as a great offensive big man. He can replace Boozer as their main scorer down low if Boozer chooses to leave Utah in the free agent period.

10 Indiana Pacers - F Ed Davis, North Carolina
The Pacers have Danny Granger, but not many other players they can count on. Ed Davis had a very limited career at North Carolina, playing as a role player in his freshman year, and breaking his wrist in his sophomore year and missing the entire season. Still, Ed Davis has a lot of potential to be a great forward, and the Pacers here are just taking the best player available.

Be sure to check out picks 11-20 which will hopefully be up this week. In the NBA Playoffs, the Celtics have a 3-1 lead on Orlando, and the Lakers have a 2-1 lead on Phoenix. In the NHL Playoffs, the Flyers and the Blackhawks have advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals. Philadelphia won 4-2, and the Blackhawks swept the San Jose Sharks. Enjoy this week in sports!

Photo from http://dieboltdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/05/john-wall-wizard.html

Where Does Rajon Rondo's Playoff Performance Place Him Among NBA PG's?

In the Boston-Cleveland series, the leader of the Celtics for the entire series was PG Rajon Rondo. In the Celtics 2008 title run, Rondo was the young PG feeding the ball to the Big Three and staying conservative. This year, Rondo is the leader of the team, the NBA's leader in steals, and a walking triple-double threat. Rondo had been criticized by many for his lack of a jump shot, and the fact that his supporting cast is one of the best in the NBA. After this great postseason, where does Rajon Rondo rank among the top NBA point guards?

First we must start with who the best point guard in the NBA is. There are three guys I think can be mentioned here. Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Steve Nash. Paul was hurt for the majority for the 2009-2010 season, playing in 45 games and 18.7 PPG and 10.7 APG. Williams had nearly identical numbers, with 18.7 PPG and 10.5 APG in 76 games. Steve Nash, the only of these three still in the playoffs, played in 81 games and amassed more assists, but slightly less points. Nash averaged 16.5 PPG and 11.0 APG this year for the Suns. I think when healthy, Chris Paul is the best PG in the NBA, followed by Steve Nash and then Deron Williams. While all three are close, Paul's playmaking ability puts him above the pack.

In the next tier is where I think Rondo can be mentioned, a group containing Derrick Rose, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, and Rondo. Rose is just a sophomore player, but has impressed many with his ability to lead the Chicago Bulls. Rose had a great year this year with 20.8 PPG and 6.0 APG. In the Bulls short playoff run (they were eliminated by Cleveland in the first round), Rose elevated his play to 26.8 PPG and 7.2 APG. Tony Parker was hurt for much of this season, starting only 50 games. However, Parker averaged 18.6 PPG this year, but I would take Rose over Parker right now. Chauncey Billups of Denver scored more points than ever in his entire career (19.5 PPG), but saw a drop in his assists, averaging only 5.6 APG, while he had previously averaged a high of 8.6 APG. Rondo 13.8 PPG and 9.8 APG. In addition, Rondo was the leader in steals with 2.3 SPG. In the playoffs, Rondo had 18.0 PPG and 11.1 APG to lead the Celtics past the Cavs in the conference semifinals. Of this group, I would take Rondo, followed by Rose, Billups and Parker.

So my PG rankings in the NBA look like this:
1. Chris Paul, Hornets
2. Steve Nash, Suns
3. Deron Williams, Jazz
4. Rajon Rondo, Celtics
5. Derrick Rose, Bulls
6. Chauncey Billups, Denver
7. Tony Parker, Spurs

Other players deserving mention are Russell Westbrook, Andre Miller, Brandon Jennings, and Monta Ellis.

With the conference semifinals complete, the two matchups are Lakers-Suns and Celtics-Magic. Enjoy!

Previewing the Western Conference Semis

Taking a break from the NFL Draft recaps, let's take a look at the NBA playoffs. The Eastern Conference still has one series (Bucks-Hawks) going to game 7, but the Western Conference bracket is set for the semis. Let's take a look at each matchup.

(1) LA Lakers vs. (5) Utah Jazz
The Lakers played a solid series against the young Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round, winnning 4-2 on a Pau Gasol putback buzzer beater to win in game 6. The Jazz defeated the Nuggets 4-2 in a very good series for Utah. Kobe had a good first round, averaging 21.8 PPG, but Pau Gasol is really the Lakers' key player. Gasol averaged a double-double against OKC, with 20 PPG and 11 RPG. Deron Williams played a huge series against the Nuggets, averaging 28 PPG and 12 APG. Carlos Boozer also average a double-double, with 23 PPG and 12 RPG. The Jazz had three other players average double figures, in Paul Millsap, CJ Miles, and Wesley Matthews. I feel that the Jazz have great guard play, and that Williams should play well against veteran Derek Fisher for the Lakers, but the Jazz are similar to the Thunder in that they don't have a real big man to compete with Bynum and Gasol. I like the Jazz roster, but I think the Lakers advance to the Western Conference Finals in 6 games.

(3) Phoenix Suns vs. (7) San Antonio Spurs
The Suns beat the Blazers in 6 games, with solid play from Jason Richardson averaging 24 points a game. Amaré Stoudemire contributed 20 PPG and 6 RPG. Steve Nash provides solid play at the PG postition, and Channing Frye has emerged this year as a decent offensive option. For the Spurs, they topped second seeded Dallas in 6 games. Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan each averaged 19 PPG, and Tony Parker and George Hill amassing a combined 30 PPG. The key to this series will be the Suns' ability to handle the three guard attack San Antonio will throw at them, with Hill, Parker, and Ginobli. A key for San Antonio will be the play of Richard Jefferson. If he can play better than the Dallas series (8 PPG), the Spurs can throw a multitude of scorers at Phoenix. Phoenix needs to get Jason Richardson going to win this series. I'll take San Antonio in 7.

Tomorrow the Celtics-Cavs series starts, and the Eastern Conference bracket is yet to be finalized. I'll post a preview of the Eastern Conference later this weekend. Enjoy the playoffs!

NBA Trade Deadline

With the NBA trade deadline approaching (Thursday at 3 ET), let's take a look at some deals that were already made, rumored deals.

Done Deals:
Clippers Trade F/C Marcus Camby to Portland for G Steve Blake and F Travis Outlaw
(Feb 16)
My Take: For Portland, this is a great deal. They get a solid post player for this season, and when Greg Oden and Joel Pryzbilla get back from injuries next season, Camby's contract will expire, freeing up space for the Blazers. However, for the Clips, this deal doesn't make sense on the surface, but the cap space they are freeing up could put them in place for a bid to a high-profile free agent next offseason. They receive Blake, who is a G, where Baron Davis and Eric Gordon are solid backcourt options. Outlaw is a capable player, but left foot surgery has put Outlaw on the bench for 3-5 months.

Washington Wizards Trade G/F Caron Butler, C Brendan Haywood, and G DeShawn Stevenson to Dallas for G/F Josh Howard, G/F Quinton Ross, and F/C Drew Gooden (Feb 13)
My Take: The Wizards are clearly sellers this trade deadline, trading away two starters to Dallas. For Dallas, it will be interesting to see how Butler and Haywood fit in. Haywood could replace Erick Dampier at center, while Butler will probably take Howard's spot at SG. In Washington, Howard will likely start at small forward, while Ross and Gooden will see mostly the bench.


3 Way Trade Between Cleveland, LAC, and Washington (Feb 17)
Cleveland Cavs Receive: F Antawn Jamison (from WAS) and PG Sebastian Telfair (from LAC)
Washington Wizards Receive: C Zydrunas Ilgauskas (from CLE), F Al Thornton (from LAC) and a Cleveland draft pick
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F/C Drew Gooden
My Take: This trade has been reported by ESPN. The Cavs will take Jamison over Amar'e Stoudemire from the Suns, who was rumored to have been a part of talks sending him to Cleveland. The Clippers dump more salary in a possible attempt to clear up salary cap space for a free agent next summer. Washington trades Jamison as part of their rebuilding process, and Ilgauskas may be bought out and return to Cleveland in 30 days.

Chicago Bulls Trade F Tyrus Thomas to Charlotte for G Acie Law and G Flip Murray and a first round pick
(Feb 18)
My Take: The Bulls were looking to deal Thomas for a while, and they send him to the Bobcats where he can be used well. Law could actually turn into an OK role player, and is also an expiring contract, along with Murray.


New York Knicks Trade G Nate Robinson to Boston for G Eddie House, G JR Giddens and F Bill Walker (Feb 18)
The Knicks have been shopping the 3-time dunk contest champ for months now, and the Celtics have been the most likely destination. Robinson provides a solid backup for Rajon Rondo, while Eddie House, a shooter who has been stuck at backup point guard, could get opportunities in New York.

Utah Jazz trade G Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a first round pick (Feb 18)
My Take: Brewer is a solid guard, but with OJ Mayo starting in Memphis, he may be a 6th man.

Chicago Bulls trade G John Salmons to Milwaukee for F Joe Alexander and F Hakim Warrick (Feb 18)
My Take: Salmons is a good player, and will fill in Michael Redd's vacant starting spot at shooting guard in Milwaukee. Alexander and Warrick are to prospects that are yet to turn out.

3 Way Deal Between Sacramento, Houston, and New York (Feb 18)
New York Receives: G Tracy McGrady (from HOU) and G Sergio Rodriguez (from SAC)
Sacramento Receives: G Larry Hughes (from NYK), F Carl Landry (from HOU) and F Joey Dorsey (from HOU)
Houston Receives: G Kevin Martin (from SAC), F Hilton Armstrong (from SAC), F Jordan Hill (from NYK) and F Jared Jeffries (from NYK)
My Take: T-Mac goes to a big-market team where he probably will get some playing time, and Houston gets Kevin Martin to take his place.

I'll keep a close eye on the trade wire and update this post as new trades are completed and rumors come about.