Ahhh, i just can’t resist. I’ve been busy with shitloads of work but i just can’t ignore the NBA Playoffs (the most awesome time of the year!). This time i’m not gonna be silly at try and predict outcomes; primarily because i am biased towards the team(s) i am supporting, plus i’ll be swayed by statistics and season record. I’m just saying i don’t watch enough games to judge some of the teams in the playoffs right. Instead I’m gonna review the team im rooting for to win it all this year, none other than the Cleveland Cavaliers, home of the King himself! Plus some additional random notes and thoughts from the games i’ve been watching this year.
THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
They been getting better each year and this year is no exception (some might argue last year was an exception, but they dragged the Celtics to Game 7). Best record in the league, best point differential per game, best defensive team and Lebron James. If there’s any team that has the potential to win it all, its the Cleveland Cavaliers. Their offense is still a pain to watch without Lebron and Mo on the floor though buts its their best offensive year so far with more shooters and ball movement.
Starting Lineup
At center, BIG Z: Somehow the teams i support end up having a flabby European as their bigs (Sabonis at Portland and Divac at Kings) but Big Z is up there as one of the best in terms of raw offensive power. He’s the best shooting center around no doubt about it and he’s shooting threes this year too! I’m annoyed by his speed (or lack of) but i guess he makes up for it with his extremely long reach for put backs as well as blocks
At power forward, Anderson Varejao: The energizer bunny, as they call him. I would choose him over Big Ben right now. He has improved his midrange jumpshot, and his non-stop movement allows Lebron to find him on cuts and he’s a decent finisher too. Oh, and did i mention that he rebounds and hustles too?
At small forward, Lebron James: Needs no introduction. The best player on the court when he’s not taking jumpshots.
At shooting guard, Delonte West: I had my doubts at first, but he’s turning out to be a very good pickup. Reminds me a lot of Doug Christie (because of the tattoos?). Works hard for every basket, always keeps his head up and can make shots. He’s horrible at the point though.
At point guard, Mo Williams: Again, had my doubts but only because i haven’t really watched him play. I mean, who the hell watches the Milwaukee Bucks? Anyways, he’s a decent point guard with crazy offensive skills. Finally someone who can create his own shot other than Lebron (cough Larry Hughes cough)
Notable bench players
Boobie Gibson: Im starting to develop a little hate for him cause i feel that he’s getting a bit arrogant for being the sidekick to Lebron at one point of time. However, he’s still one of the best players at making the open threes
Wally Schzerbiak: I might have spelled that wrong. Very disappointing pickup. A huge liability defensively. At least he’s a hard worker and can make threes but usually put in only for short spurts and opposing team usually attacks him. Ill take him over Donyell Marshall any day.
Joe Smith: This guy is good. I haven’t seen him much before this but a great role player. Good offensive skills and makes clever cuts to the basket (and you know you’re gonna get the ball with Lebron on the floor). Decent rebounding skills too.
Ben Wallace: Still disappointing compared to his Piston days but valuable coming off the bench to provide rebounding and (some) defense.
Others: Players like J.J. Hickson who are decent players all around and are usually used to make up numbers while the starters are resting. Hard workers who know their roles and do not cause turnovers. Except Sasha, he sucks rat ass since the time he gloated about his contract.
RANDOM NOTES
- I can’t believe the Suns are not in the playoffs, i thought they won a decent ammount of games to qualify. The West sure is tough. With aging Shaq, Hill and Nash i wonder what will be their next step.
- Brandon Roy is awesome. He still doesnt have the superstar status or looks (and will probably never have them), but can perform and make the same shots as the rest of them.
- Derrick Rose is the Rookie of the Year.
- But Courtney Lee deserves the runner-up post. I’ve watched him during the regular season and thought he was really really good. And now he’s lighting it up in the playoffs as well. A great offensive player who can drive and finish and make jumpshots from anywhere on the court. Doesn’t put up bad shots for a rookie.
- Chris Anderson is a huge surprise. I still hate his guts, but i’m happy he bounced back from his shameful performance few years ago.
- Dwight Howard has a very unnatural offense. The only reason they are going in is because he is athletic enough. Plus i dont think he deserves Defensive Player of the Year because once again it relies on his jumping ability. Not so much of timing as Mutombo used to do it, or Bruce Bowen’s footwork. He just freaking jumps for those blocks and rebounds.
- I really want to know what’s happening with the Hornets. I really thought that they would be top 3 in the West or the NBA. Plus, CP3 is still having an awesome season.
- T-Mac should just jump of the highest building he can find. It’ll be a kick in the nuts if the Rockets make it past the first round
- Atlanta Hawks are a good team if they can keep Josh Smith from attempting those effing threes. Why the hell is he putting up those when he can fly to the basket?
- I feel that Lakers are the better team, but im rooting for Cavs to pull an upset. Kobe is still better than James, in my opinion. I have yet to see Kobe take a bad shot (or he makes them all look good)
