What's up Hoops Bar Faithful (There are few of you but we love you)?
Here is our first Power Rankings of the NBA season thus far. We wanted to wait until things shake out for a few weeks. After week 1 of the NBA season,does it really matter what teams are 3-0? Not so much. Now that things are settled we are gonna start hitting you with this on a weekly basis. We also aren't going to list every team because it really doesn't matter if we think the T'Pups are better than the Knicks or the Knicks are better than the T'Pups. That said enjoy feel free to let us know what you agree with, disagree with because we are always interested. Just know we are still always right.
1. L.A Lakers - Pau is back, Bynum is in beast mode and Khlomar haven't caused any problems yet. Oh yeah, and that Kobe guy is aight too.
2. Atlanta Hawks - Do I think the Hawks are the best team in the East? No. Do I think the Hawks will win the East? No. With that said no East team is playing better and the addition of JCraw and the subtraction of JSmoove taking 3's has really got this team off to the right start.
3. Phoenix Suns - Nashty might be in the twilight of his career but "Twilight" seems to be the craze right now anyways. Is it just me or do you want Amar'e to grow an afro and mutton chops and embrase his inner 70's stud with those glasses? I thought so.
4. Orlando Magic - I admit I thought when Jameer went down the swap of Hedo for Vince would turn ugly, but after big wins in Boston and Toronto I guess they are better than I gave them credit for.
5. Dallas Mavericks - The Big German has been an absolute monster for Dallas (and my fantasy team) this season and they look like they are going to be an issue all season long.
6. Denver Nuggets - I'm gonna type the word "Melo" for every game B'More's finest has dropped 25 or more in a game. Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo Melo. Yes folks that is 12 times. What's more absurd is that they have played only 14 games all season.
7. Boston Celtics - This little 4-4 skid has been kind of ugly and KG clearly doesn't have the explosivness of the past. That said, when they get healthy and Sheed starts hitting ANYTHING they should still become contenders in the East.
8. Portland Trailblazers - Everyone that wrote off Greg Oden and said they made a huge mistake in the 2007 draft might have to wait a bit. Durant is clearly better and IS the franchise down in OKC but Papa Oden has been great this season (at least per minute).
9. Cleveland LeBrons - Shaq went down and they started playing better with Hickson getting more minutes. Hmmmmm, who is surprised there? Just so you know I'm not raising my hand.
10. Milwaukee Bucks - Young Money is exactly that: MONEY. Redd is back soon and with the way Jennings is playing right now I'm pretty sure Donnie Walsh throws up in his mouth everytime he sees Jordan Hill and his WNBA hair-do.
11. Houston Rockets - Just a little advice from the braintrust at Hoops Bar: keep TMac on the sidelines. You're better off without dude. Aaron Brooks could very easily be this years M.I.P
12. Utah Jazz - They still couldn't beat a rec league team if it was away from Salt Lake but they are starting to round into form and Boozer definitely has that contract year glow in his eye and hop in his step.
And a Little bit of randomness:
Toronto looks good but I don't think it's good enough to keep Mr. Bosh after this season. OKC has been fiesty and look like they can sneak into the playoffs. We will see what SanAnt can do when healthy but for now they don't look so good. The kids up in SacTown (like I predicted) are showing they are better than we thought and DRose looks like that ankle injury is just about behind him. Oh yeah and the Knicks, Nets, T'Pups, Pacers, Hornets and Grizzlies are still bad.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Week 1 Fantasy Update
Well a week of basketball is in the books and even though it's early it looks like we can pick a few things out of the rubble.
Yes Studs like LeBron, Kobe and DWade have lived up to their first round production while some others are playing well but haven't really turned it on yet. Let's take a quick rundown of players to target, dangle, grab off waivers and leave alone. Today we will talk about the highrisers of the week.
Come to Papa
- Danilo Gallinari of the Knicks had himself quite the coming out party. Building projects with all the bricks he was throwing up during the preseason he has come out blazing with 18 3 pointers in 3 games. D'Antoni was quoted in the preseason saying Galinari is the best shooter he has ever seen. Now that's high praise. He will make Wilson Chandler an afterthought and have a similar season as Al Harrington did last year.
- Channing Frye is really seeing his career come back to life with the Suns. After a strong rookie campaign he has been a non factor for much of the past few seasons. Now he's the starting center in Phoenix and hoisting up 3's like his life is depending on it. He's putting a slight crink in my Amare pick this year but he seems to have found his nitche.
- Carmelo Anthony was a consensus 2nd rounder this year and so far seems determined to lead the league in scoring. Now JR Smith is out right now but other than Mr. Big Shot I don't see anyone else on that roster who is going to take shots away. The 7 boards and high %'s are quite loveley too. Keep firing Melo, we here at the Hoops Bar salute you and love you.
- Brandon Jennings spent a year minding his P's & Q's on the other side of the pond last year and everyone forgot that at the McDonald's All American game back in 2008 EVERYONE said he was a lock for the top 5 and the best PG in the country. Oh how stingy Euro coaches with cigarettes on their breath make us forget. I argued the Knicks should have taken him #8 this year, thanks for making me look good (anyone who emerges from the back on draft night and poses and points to the crowd before he shakes the Don Stern's hand is ok with me). He has the spot, the minutes and the swagger to push Blake Griffin for ROY.
- Andrea Bargnani is building on his strong season last year and is beocming the perfect compliment to Chris Bosh (and to tell you the truth, he might turn out be better). The big Italian is averaging 22ppg on almost 3 3's per game as well at 56/100 in FG/FT %'s. I wish he would board a bit more but that should go up once Bosh stops boarding at a 14.7 clip and his almost 1 block per game should settle around 1 for the season. Go target him and don't be afraid to trade the likes of Josh Smith or David West to get him.
Coming Tomorrow ... Players to be left alone
Yes Studs like LeBron, Kobe and DWade have lived up to their first round production while some others are playing well but haven't really turned it on yet. Let's take a quick rundown of players to target, dangle, grab off waivers and leave alone. Today we will talk about the highrisers of the week.
Come to Papa
- Danilo Gallinari of the Knicks had himself quite the coming out party. Building projects with all the bricks he was throwing up during the preseason he has come out blazing with 18 3 pointers in 3 games. D'Antoni was quoted in the preseason saying Galinari is the best shooter he has ever seen. Now that's high praise. He will make Wilson Chandler an afterthought and have a similar season as Al Harrington did last year.
- Channing Frye is really seeing his career come back to life with the Suns. After a strong rookie campaign he has been a non factor for much of the past few seasons. Now he's the starting center in Phoenix and hoisting up 3's like his life is depending on it. He's putting a slight crink in my Amare pick this year but he seems to have found his nitche.
- Carmelo Anthony was a consensus 2nd rounder this year and so far seems determined to lead the league in scoring. Now JR Smith is out right now but other than Mr. Big Shot I don't see anyone else on that roster who is going to take shots away. The 7 boards and high %'s are quite loveley too. Keep firing Melo, we here at the Hoops Bar salute you and love you.
- Brandon Jennings spent a year minding his P's & Q's on the other side of the pond last year and everyone forgot that at the McDonald's All American game back in 2008 EVERYONE said he was a lock for the top 5 and the best PG in the country. Oh how stingy Euro coaches with cigarettes on their breath make us forget. I argued the Knicks should have taken him #8 this year, thanks for making me look good (anyone who emerges from the back on draft night and poses and points to the crowd before he shakes the Don Stern's hand is ok with me). He has the spot, the minutes and the swagger to push Blake Griffin for ROY.
- Andrea Bargnani is building on his strong season last year and is beocming the perfect compliment to Chris Bosh (and to tell you the truth, he might turn out be better). The big Italian is averaging 22ppg on almost 3 3's per game as well at 56/100 in FG/FT %'s. I wish he would board a bit more but that should go up once Bosh stops boarding at a 14.7 clip and his almost 1 block per game should settle around 1 for the season. Go target him and don't be afraid to trade the likes of Josh Smith or David West to get him.
Coming Tomorrow ... Players to be left alone
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
A Little Something to Keep Your Eye On
Well, here we are again: another NBA season is upon us!
Now, we all know what the talking heads have been talking about. Can the Lakers repeat? Is KG back and if so are the Celtics going to challenge for the title? Are the Cavs for real with Shaq, or is this LeBron's swan song in Cleveland? Is Blake gonna save the Clips? Oh yeah, and the never ending Summer of 2010 nonsense. All of these stories are valid and in their own way, but I'm here to hit you with a few under the radar things to keep your eye on.
Every year we have one team that was god awful from the year before that becomes fiesty, yet they go into that following season as the keep you eye on them team. Last year it was Kevin Durant and his boys down in OKC. The Thunder didn't do a lot of damage as far as wins but did enough to make people notice. This year? My heart says Minny but with them botching the draft and the front office shake up I'm just not sure (although I love me some Al Jefferson). I'm gonna say the youngins up in SacTown. As bad as they were last year, I just have a funny feeling about them. Don't be surprised if Evans turns out to be a productive rook and Thompson and Hawes make strides too. I'm not saying they win more than 20 games but I think they are gonna surprise some folks.
Also every year we have our clear cut upper crust. Well this year is no different but with a twist.
A little side note on the topic that will be beaten to a pulp (and then to smithereens... and then as Iron Mike would say "into Bolivian"): the free agent bonanza of next summer. Let's just say I think LeBron stays put, DWade stays put and gets to play with his buddy Chris Bosh. Miami has only 2 players under contract after this season (Beasley and Chalmers); that's a lot of cap room. I do think the Knicks make something happen and here is where: what two high level free agents are going to be left that aren't in the best of situations and have a tie to the Knicks organization? Give up? Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson. They both flourished under D'Antoni in Phoenix, neither would be heartbroken to leave their current situations and both will be ready and waiting when LeBron, DWade and Bosh are off the table. As long as Amare doesn't get traded to Golden State, this is how I think the 2010-2011 New York Knickerbockers are going to be built.
Here's a little bit more for you to agree with, hate or just sink your teeth into a little bit:
Now, we all know what the talking heads have been talking about. Can the Lakers repeat? Is KG back and if so are the Celtics going to challenge for the title? Are the Cavs for real with Shaq, or is this LeBron's swan song in Cleveland? Is Blake gonna save the Clips? Oh yeah, and the never ending Summer of 2010 nonsense. All of these stories are valid and in their own way, but I'm here to hit you with a few under the radar things to keep your eye on.
Every year we have one team that was god awful from the year before that becomes fiesty, yet they go into that following season as the keep you eye on them team. Last year it was Kevin Durant and his boys down in OKC. The Thunder didn't do a lot of damage as far as wins but did enough to make people notice. This year? My heart says Minny but with them botching the draft and the front office shake up I'm just not sure (although I love me some Al Jefferson). I'm gonna say the youngins up in SacTown. As bad as they were last year, I just have a funny feeling about them. Don't be surprised if Evans turns out to be a productive rook and Thompson and Hawes make strides too. I'm not saying they win more than 20 games but I think they are gonna surprise some folks.
Also every year we have our clear cut upper crust. Well this year is no different but with a twist.
- Lakers bring in Ron Ron (only the instigator of the biggest brawl in NBA history)
- Celtics bring in Sheed (the leagues most notorious headcase and also the leader of the "JailBlazers")
- Cavs bring in Shaq (how Mr. Me First clogs the hole for LeBron should be interesting)
- Magic bring in Vince (Shoot first team killer brought in to replace Mr. Everything team glue in Turkoglu)
A little side note on the topic that will be beaten to a pulp (and then to smithereens... and then as Iron Mike would say "into Bolivian"): the free agent bonanza of next summer. Let's just say I think LeBron stays put, DWade stays put and gets to play with his buddy Chris Bosh. Miami has only 2 players under contract after this season (Beasley and Chalmers); that's a lot of cap room. I do think the Knicks make something happen and here is where: what two high level free agents are going to be left that aren't in the best of situations and have a tie to the Knicks organization? Give up? Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson. They both flourished under D'Antoni in Phoenix, neither would be heartbroken to leave their current situations and both will be ready and waiting when LeBron, DWade and Bosh are off the table. As long as Amare doesn't get traded to Golden State, this is how I think the 2010-2011 New York Knickerbockers are going to be built.
Here's a little bit more for you to agree with, hate or just sink your teeth into a little bit:
- Overhyped player of the preseason - Lou Williams, Sixers
- Undervalued player of the preseason - Anthony Morrow, Warriors ... WATCH OUT!!
- Good team destined to fall off a bit - Orlando Magic
- Bad Team ready to make a move - Charlotte Bobcats
- Rookie of the Year - Blake Griffin on rep ... personally, my vote will go to Dejuan Blair
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Opening Tip
I think I'm lucky.
I'm lucky because my best friend from childhood is still my best friend. Now, we all know that people change over the years - and in turn your friendship with someone can change as a result. I'm not suggesting that my friendship with Mark hasn't taken some twists and turns over the years (I did my fair share or twisting and turning, I admit), but what is cool about the friendship is that one of our main interests from childhood remains one of the key things that make our friendship what it is.
Basketball.
Growing up, neither Mark nor I had a real basketball hoop to actually shoot on. Sadly, we were reduced to shooting a basketball at street signs on either side of Grove Avenue in Albany, NY. My brain has gone south over the years, but I have crystal-clear memories of Mark and I blowing our opponents out back in 1985. Mind you, we played two-on-nobody and competed against fictitious teams - every now and again, we'd lose a game in a 7 game series but we were about as good as they come. Several years later, Mark's cousin and next-door neighbor Butch got a hoop attached to his garage (wait, the ball goes THROUGH a hoop???) - it wasn't much longer until Mark had one of those portable hoops with wheels on the bottom that you could roll down into the street. Needless to say, our formative years were spent with the game of basketball.
However, if there's one thing Mark and I love more than basketball, it's talking about basketball. A lot. Ultimately, we probably spent WAY too much time watching the NBA and chatting about it too. But let's be real: we had plenty to chat about. Mike, Magic, Larry, Chuck, The Mailman, Stockton, Ewing, Clyde, Hakeem, The Admiral, 'Nique, Pippen, The Reign Man, The Glove, and Reggie are just a few of the players we grew up admiring, mimicking, loving and hating. We've seen the Bulls at their best - and as a result we've seen each other at our worst (I'm a Knicks fan, and Mark bumped and hit his head as a child and woke up a Jazz fan. Just saying). Hands down, our favorite day of the year is the day of the NBA Draft. And neither of us find that weird either.
Rather than keep our passion of the NBA to ourselves (trust me on this: when you've known someone for 25 years, it pretty easy to keep the same routine), we've decided to share it with all of you. With that said, welcome to Hoops Bar.
Neither of us truly know what direction this site is going to go in, but we do know that we love the NBA. If you do as well, feel free to join us as we venture into our site together.
Enjoy!
I'm lucky because my best friend from childhood is still my best friend. Now, we all know that people change over the years - and in turn your friendship with someone can change as a result. I'm not suggesting that my friendship with Mark hasn't taken some twists and turns over the years (I did my fair share or twisting and turning, I admit), but what is cool about the friendship is that one of our main interests from childhood remains one of the key things that make our friendship what it is.
Basketball.
Growing up, neither Mark nor I had a real basketball hoop to actually shoot on. Sadly, we were reduced to shooting a basketball at street signs on either side of Grove Avenue in Albany, NY. My brain has gone south over the years, but I have crystal-clear memories of Mark and I blowing our opponents out back in 1985. Mind you, we played two-on-nobody and competed against fictitious teams - every now and again, we'd lose a game in a 7 game series but we were about as good as they come. Several years later, Mark's cousin and next-door neighbor Butch got a hoop attached to his garage (wait, the ball goes THROUGH a hoop???) - it wasn't much longer until Mark had one of those portable hoops with wheels on the bottom that you could roll down into the street. Needless to say, our formative years were spent with the game of basketball.
However, if there's one thing Mark and I love more than basketball, it's talking about basketball. A lot. Ultimately, we probably spent WAY too much time watching the NBA and chatting about it too. But let's be real: we had plenty to chat about. Mike, Magic, Larry, Chuck, The Mailman, Stockton, Ewing, Clyde, Hakeem, The Admiral, 'Nique, Pippen, The Reign Man, The Glove, and Reggie are just a few of the players we grew up admiring, mimicking, loving and hating. We've seen the Bulls at their best - and as a result we've seen each other at our worst (I'm a Knicks fan, and Mark bumped and hit his head as a child and woke up a Jazz fan. Just saying). Hands down, our favorite day of the year is the day of the NBA Draft. And neither of us find that weird either.
Rather than keep our passion of the NBA to ourselves (trust me on this: when you've known someone for 25 years, it pretty easy to keep the same routine), we've decided to share it with all of you. With that said, welcome to Hoops Bar.
Neither of us truly know what direction this site is going to go in, but we do know that we love the NBA. If you do as well, feel free to join us as we venture into our site together.
Enjoy!
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