Sunday, April 17, 2011

Memphis might upset SA, NO maybe just got lucky in LA



In the last few games in the season, both San Antonio and LA Lakers shows some signs that their Championship dynasty might come into an end. Both teams had losing streak and some key players got injured. I was not surprise about the Memphis defeating San Antonio. What surprises me is NO defeating LA without David West. SA is more vulnerable with the Memphis just getting stronger closing the season.
The Griz split the season series into 2-2 and just acquired the veteran player Battie which lift up the Griz in dying seconds. Battie is the only remnant on Griz lineup when they played in the Playoffs. Through the acquisition of Shane and Tony Allen, they also got the toughness of the playoff experience of these players.  Not only the Spurs, they are very much capable of defeating the champs (LA lakers). They had solid players in every position.

Jimmer, the underrated superstar.


Jimmer Fredette might be the biggest risk in the draft since many scouts criticized him to be a big bust like Adam Morrison who was picked 3rd overall. They compare his skills to Eddie House of Kyle Korver, an average role player which has great touch from beyond the arc. Despite of leading the ppg stat and astonishing range, the scouts are still doubtful that his magic will work in the NBA. Scouts find him terrible on the defensive ends.

What draws the attentions of many is Jimmers ability to score from 4pts field (almost from half court). He surprises the opponents by suddenly firing a three point shot unguarded. As a defender, who would think that he will shoot it and make it in that distance? But Jimmer is so accurate in making that kind of shot having 40% from beyond the arc and almost 8 attempts per contest which made him the top scorer in NCAA averaging 27.9 a game. Shooting is not the only thing he can do, Jimmer have this ankle breaking skill.


Although tallying those impressive stats, he lingers in top 10-15 in draft list or 4th-5th best available point guards behind Irving, Walker and Knight. Jimmer is different from other guards for he likes handling the ball all the time. It’s like picking him falls into just two scenarios, a bust or a jackpot. It would be a bust if Fredette don’t find his place in the team; probably he’ll be toss at the corner of the bench. But picking him in 10-15th pick and some scale him in 20th; but if he plays like he deserve to be in top 5, Jackpot! Just like Kobe Bryant who has been picked 13th overall.

He plays like a superstar in college and if he continues to perform what he does best in the NBA, it’s like a team drafted an instant superstar. That’s where the problem occurs, when a team already has their star or “go to guy”. He’s like a Gilbert Arenas who’s not effective under Howard and Nelson in Orlando. Jimmer can not step down into a role of supporting player thus in this upcoming draft, he is perfect for a rebuilding team. He’s the type of player who needs to be supported. Who else know he might be the next Steve Nash.

Cleveland Cavaliers, can be good as OKC next season?


The Cleveland cavaliers appears to be the worst team not only for this season but in history after setting the record for the longest losing streak. They are devastated without their hero LeBron James. Lebron’s not only the teams super star but he’s the league’s back to back MVP thus the Cavs fall from last years best win-loss record to one of the most terrible this season(2010-2011). Not only losing James but losing the veteran center Z. also early in the season the Brazilian big man Varejao had a season ending injury to make matters worst. It seems the Cavs been so unfortunate this season and the team looks forward to rebuild the team after trading Mo Williams to the Clippers for guard Davis and a 1st round pick.
Almost all the remnants of once a great team are gone and having two possible top 10 picks is the best way to start a new beginning. There are several players that have been viewed by scouts as number 1 pick unlike the previous NBA drafts which players like John Wall, Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose rules the top spot, the upcoming draft(NBA Draft 2011) seems very interesting since the current top 5 pick can go number 1 overall. The Cavs is second to the highest percentage in winning the top pick in NBA lottery draft and the other pick is in the top 10. Players that are prospected to be in the top 10 can really aid a struggling team.

Cleveland can find replacement for Lebron in players like Derrick Williams, Perry Jones and Terrence Jones, an ideal primary player which will be the core of a rebuilding team. It would be great if they are able to draft Derrick Williams, a player which is explosive, athletic and having high percentage field goals. He is also capable of knocking down 3pts, having over 50 percent in his stat from beyond the arc. They also might have supporting players in their second pick. There are couples of players to choose like Brandon Knights, Kemba Walker or Jimmer Fredette in point guard position or have a replacement for Z in picking Jonas Valanciunas or Enes Kanter.

Like the OKC, since Allen joined Boston, the Thunders (formerly Seattle) finds a franchise player in picking Kevin Durant and in the very next season, they drafted Durant’s supporting player, Westbrook. After 3 seasons OKC already made it to the playoffs and gave the defending champs (Lakers) a tough 1st round series. The Cavs could be as competitive as the Thunders after 2-3 seasons if they have the right picks. They are not far from what happened to Oklahoma with having a young, athletic and talented team.

If they are lucky to select Derrick Williams and Brandon Knight or Kemba Walker, they already have a solid starter, Varejao in the middle, JJ Hickson and Williams at forward and Parker and Walker in the backcourt. The Cavs may shop some players in free agency for the SG position since there’s no solid SG in the upcoming draftees. Aaron Afflalo, Jamal Crawford, OJ Mayo and Jason Richardson might be available in the market this summer which might seal the missing piece for the Cavs to continue their greatness. If Derrick is not available, probably the Cavs will go with Irving. Kyrie Irving is on of the prospected top pick. The Cavs can afford to select a player at any position since almost all of the positions need to be upgraded. They might let go of Davis since if they wish to have much younger line up with Irving starting the point. There are bunch of talented international players in the draft that might still available for their second pick. If the Cavs will be able to find players that could produce 15 points per contest and improve their rebound stat, Cleveland can be a playoff team in short period of time.