MVP RACE: IS A TRIPLE DOUBLE ENOUGH?

The All Star break is upon us and there's a two man race for Most Valuable Player. Russell Westbrook and James Harden have elevated their level of play in historic fashion this season. With the departure of Kevin Durant in the offseason, Westbrook has put the Oklahoma City Thunder on his back and taken flight. He's the first person since Oscar Robertson to be averaging a triple-double at this point in the season.

Westbrook is doing everything possible to keep the Thunder in the playoff picture. He's currently averaging 31.1ppg, 10.5rpg, and 10.1apg. Even with Durant leaving for the Warriors I couldn't imagine Westbrook would be chasing history the way he is. Injuries earlier in the season to Victor Oladipo and now Enes Kanter have left Westbrook playing with a bunch of C grade role players, and he's making the most of it. The Thunder are seventh in the Western Conference and will more than likely make the playoffs come April. Is averaging a triple double enough to win Westbrook the MVP race?

I don't think so. James Harden isn't averaging a triple-double, but he has not only elevated his play but the team success is following. Before the year started there weren't many people talking about the Rockets as a contender in the Western Conference. Mike D'Antoni became the new Head Coach and told the world that Harden would make the switch from shooting guard to point guard. At best, I imagined that the Rockets would be a fun team to watch on offense while fighting at the bottom of the West to make the playoffs. Right now the Rockets are third in the West and Harden is averaging 29.2ppg, 8.3rpg, and 11.3apg. He's the first player in NBA history to have multiple 50 point triple doubles in the same season. Also, he's joined Oscar Robertson as the only players to have five 40 point triple double games in the same season.

Both Harden and Westbrook are deserving of the MVP, but if I had to choose one it would definitely be Harden due to his team success along with his individual numbers. While I do believe that Westbrook does have enough in the tank to finish the season averaging a triple-double it won't be enough to get him the MVP award. It will be a tight race all the way until the end of the regular season, and as a basketball fan you can't help but to enjoy the history these two players are making.

DC RISING

There's no secret that the Cleveland Cavaliers are the heavy favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference this June. My next question is who will be their biggest challenge come April and May? While the Boston Celtics are only two games behind the Cavs, there's a team in DC that has been on fire since the start of the new year. The Washington Wizards have the NBA's best record since the start of 2017 going 17-5. Just recently the Wizards had their 17 game home winning streak snapped by the Cavs in what I like to call an Eastern Conference Finals preview.

John Wall is having another All-Star season, and his counterpart Bradley Beal is having an All-Star worthy season himself. If it was up to me Beal would be replacing the injured Kevin Love come this weekend in New Orleans. The dynamic duo are finally starting to get healthy and playing extremely well together. Role players such as Otto Porter Jr, Markieff Morris and Marcin Gortat have also been consistent contributors leading to the team success.

The Eastern Conference playoff picture is shaping up to be an interesting one. Just yesterday, the Raptors traded Terrence Ross and a 2017 first round pick to the Magic for Serge Ibaka. This is a great move for the Raptors who have struggled to fill that PF position all year. The Celtics have a star in Isaiah "Fourth Quarter" Thomas and with Kevin Love to miss the rest of the regular season for the Cavs things start to become much more intriguing in the East.

Once it's all said and done I do believe that the Eastern Conference Finals matchup will be between the Cavs and Wizards. Wall has is having a career year and is establishing himself as a leader on his team. As long as they can stay healthy not only do I believe they can get to the Eastern Conference Finals, but I believe they can make it a competitive series as well against the Cavs.

FAN VOTING GONE WILD

All-Star fan vote returns

The greatest pickup game on the planet will take place February 19, 2017 in New Orleans. The NBA All-Star game is filled with the league's greatest players showcasing their talents for the world to see. As a fan of the game I always want to be left with something to remember from these games. For example, last year was Kobe's final All-Star appearance and that's something you just don't forget. I couldn't believe what my eyes saw with the first round of fan vote returns. Zaza Pachulia has 439,675 fan votes. That's right behind Kevin Durant, who is leading the Western Conference frontcourt in votes. Pachulia is averaging an outstanding 5.2ppg & 5.8rpg. If he's actually voted in as a starter he will be taking the place of players that actually are deserving of this honor.

The fan voting has to be changed immediately! There's no way that Pachulia should even be considered in the player pool of NBA players eligible to play come February. To put things into perspective Pachuila has received more votes than the following: Anthony Davis, Demarcus Cousins, and Kawhi Leonard just to name a few. I've always been a believer that fans should be allowed to vote, but I'm starting to question that now. I'm going to keep faith in the fans for now, there's no way that Zaza Pachulia will actually start come February, right? I hope not. One thing is for certain though, and that's the fact that changes need to be made to the voting process.

2015-16 NBA PREDICTIONS

Another exciting NBA season is set to tip-off tomorrow night and I can't wait! So many storylines around the league that have us all anxious, and ready to see the outcome. Will the Golden State Warriors go back to back? Can anyone in the East stop the Cavs from getting back to the promise land? Could this possibly be Kobe's last season? These are just a few of the headlines going into the season, and I'm sure by All-Star break there will be even more headlines to discuss. Here are my predictions for the 2015-16 NBA season.

 

Rookie of the Year

Jahlil Okafor, Philadelphia 76ers

 

Defensive Player of the Year

DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers

 

Coach of the Year

Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder

 

6th Man of the Year

Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers

 

Most Improved Player

C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

 

Executive of the Year

R.C. Buford, San Antonio Spurs

 

Most Valuable Player

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

 

ALL NBA FIRST TEAM

Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder

James Harden, Houston Rockets

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

 

ALL NBA SECOND TEAM

Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

 

ALL NBA THIRD TEAM

John Wall, Washington Wizards

Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls

LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio Spurs

Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

 

Eastern Conference

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

2. Chicago Bulls

3. Washington Wizards

4. Atlanta Hawks

5. Miami Heat

6. Milwaukee Bucks

7. Toronto Raptors

8. Charlotte Hornets

 

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals

Cavaliers vs. Heat

Bulls vs. Wizards

 

Eastern Conference Finals

Cavaliers vs. Bulls

 

Western Conference

1. Golden State Warriors

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

3. San Antonio Spurs

4. Los Angeles Clippers

5. Houston Rockets

6.  Memphis Grizzlies

7. New Orleans Pelicans

8. Sacramento Kings

 

Western Conference Semi-Finals

Warriors vs. Clippers

Thunder vs. Spurs

 

Western Conference Finals

Clippers vs. Spurs

 

NBA Finals

Cavaliers vs. Spurs - Spurs win title in 6, LaMarcus Aldridge named Finals MVP

 

This year is set to be one of the best in recent NBA history, especially in the Western Conference. Four or five teams out of the West can win it all, but with the recent acquisitions of Aldridge & West I feel they will not only be the best coached team, but also the deepest team in the NBA. I believe the Eastern Conference will be more competitive as a whole, but there's still not a team that I can see defeating the Cavaliers to reach the finals in a seven game series. I'm excited to see how these storylines play out this year, and I'm ready for the greatest sport in the world to get underway tomorrow night!

 

 

 

2014-15 NBA PREDICTIONS

It's that time of the year again folks! The 2014-15 NBA season is set to tip off tonight, and I'm excited to see how the year unfolds. This season we have the re-return of Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant, the Spurs are looking to repeat, and let's not forget the biggest move of free agency with LeBron James going back home to Cleveland. The Chicago Bulls strengthened their chances of coming out the Eastern Conference by signing Pau Gasol, while their central division counterpart Cleveland Cavaliers managed to acquire Kevin Love for #1 pick Andrew Wiggins. Some injuries have also set a couple of teams back to start off the year. That list includes: Kevin Durant, Paul George, Rajon Rondo, and Bradley Beal. Hopefully these players can make a speedy recovery and get on the court where they belong. Taking all things into consideration here are my predictions for this upcoming NBA season.

Rookie of the Year
Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks

Defensive Player of the Year
DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers

Coach of the Year
Doc Rivers, Los Angeles Clippers

6th Man of the Year
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs

Most Improved Player
Terrence Ross, Toronto Raptors

Executive of the Year
David Griffin, Cleveland Cavaliers

Most Valuable Player
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

ALL NBA FIRST TEAM
Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
James Harden, Houston Rockets
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Dwight Howard, Houston Rockets

ALL NBA SECOND TEAM
Russell Weatbrook, OKC Thunder
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans

ALL NBA THIRD TEAM
Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs

Eastern Conference
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Chicago Bulls
3. Washington Wizards
4. New York Knicks
5. Miami Heat
6. Toronto Raptors
7. Charlotte Hornets
8. Atlanta Hawks

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Cavaliers vs. Knicks
Bulls vs. Wizards

Eastern Conference Finals
Cavaliers vs. Bulls

Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Clippers
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Golden State Warriors
6. Dallas Mavericks
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. New Orleans Pelicans

Western Conference Semi-Finals
Clippers vs. Thunder
Spurs vs. Rockets

Western Conference Finals
Clippers vs. Spurs

NBA Finals
Cavaliers vs. Clippers - Cavs win first title in 6, LeBron James named NBA Finals MVP

These are my predictions and I'm sticking to it. Basketball fans are set to witness some great basketball this season, and I believe that every team to make the Playoffs in the Western Conference will win 50 games just like the 2007-08 season. History has shown that the Spurs don't repeat as champions and I'm not going against that this year. I'm eager to see how this season plays out with all of the story lines, but there can only be one champion crowned in June. You have my pick, what's yours?

BATS UP, GUNS DOWN

It's no secret that Chicago's gun violence has made national headlines much too often. It's to the point where many believe it's safer to be in Iraq then it is in Chicago. With all the violence going on it makes it that much tougher to even watch the news. Kids are losing their lives far too early to gun violence, which is giving a terrible image to one of the greatest cities in the world. While we were caught up with the violence happening in not only Chicago, but Ferguson as well there was a Little League team from the south side getting ready to make history. Jackie Robinson West Little League took the world by storm as they became the first all African American team from Chicago since 1983 to qualify for the Little League World Series. It was clear from the first game in Williamsport, PA that these boys meant business, and came to win it all. Watching these kids play took me back to my Little League days when my dad was my coach. Playing baseball on those Saturday mornings and afternoons was one of the best times of my life, and I was glad to see JRW go out and represent the city of Chicago in such a positive light. 

Not only was JRW making history this year, but I would be insane not to mention the impact Mo'ne Davis (Philadelphia) had as well. She became the first female in LLWS history to throw a complete game shutout, and was the first little leaguer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. In route to the winning the U.S. Championship JRW had to beat a tough Nevada team who gave them their first loss of the tournament. These boys from the south side had a never back down attitude and played with so much heart and passion. The parade that's going to take place for these kids today is pretty awesome if you ask me. The positivity that they have brought to the city has been remarkable. Chicago has welcomed them home and they will get the type of parade that only champions deserve. I'm excited to see young African American men doing something positive with their lives and making their city proud. This JRW team should be an example to all about what hard work and dedication can get you. SKY IS THE LIMIT!

RETURN OF THE KING: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

2014 NBA free agency is officially underway in my book. LeBron James has announced his return home to Cleveland where he plans to right his wrongs. I would be lying if I said I was originally for James returning to his hometown. I thought he would be delusional to go back, especially after going to four straight NBA Finals with the Miami Heat. What I realize now that I didn't realize a couple days ago is that James going back to Cleveland is much bigger than basketball. James says in Sports Illustrated, "I feel my calling here goes above basketball. I have a responsibility to lead." It's obvious that James feels he owes this much to the city on and off the court, not to mention the desire of wanting to raise his own family in his hometown. Of course we can never forget "The Decision" four years ago when James broke Cleveland's heart in front of the world. This go round LeBron took a completely different approach. His decision was sent to Sports Illustrated in which he wrote an essay explaining his decision. No interviews, guaranteed championships, or press conferences for James, which shows his maturity and how he's learned from his mistakes four years ago.

It now seems as though King James has now resurrected his image amongst many in the basketball world. Those who lost respect for LeBron's decision to go to Miami seem to have now gained that respect back in his return to Cleveland. Owner Dan Gilbert and James have met and settled their differences from the past and it feels that all is "FOR6IVEN." The fans in Cleveland are excited about the return of their hometown hero, and who can blame them. They've done nothing but suffered since LeBron's departure.  The Cavs have already gone to a 4/1 favorites to win the NBA Championship with the acquisition of James, while Miami took a dive to 50/1 favorites. Whether you're a LeBron fan or not, one thing you can't deny is his impact on the game of basketball, and this free agency has shown just that. In my eyes Cleveland was the only team James would've left the Heat for without receiving backlash. I'll be the first to say I'm not sure if the Cavs will win a NBA Championship right away, but one thing is for certain. The King is back and the city of Cleveland is on the map once again!