And the story of the month in the NBA is...

Brandon Jennings

            So how good is Brandon Jennings? This seems to be the question of the month right now with national media fawning over the young point guard who everyone questioned going into the draft. Both nba.com and espn.com have him listed as the top candidate at this early stage for rookie of the year and both also have him listed in their top 10 candidates for the MVP of the entire league. Early favourite for ROY I will agree with, but MVP candidate, I’m not sold on that. Don’t get me wrong, Brandon Jennings has proven, even in so few games, that he has the potential to be an elite player in the NBA. But let’s play devils advocate for a second and list three reasons why his stats might be a bit inflated and a little of patience may be in order.

1. Strength of Schedule

            I understand the concept that every team in the NBA is made up of high caliber athletes and its tough to win any game. However, much like people, not all teams are created equal. In other words Brandon Jennings is putting up impressive numbers – against some bad teams. The strength of schedule (SOS) of the Milwaukee Bucks through 12 games was an abominable .372. In other words the collective record of the teams they have played is atrociously bad. Lets give this some context – the next lowest SOS in the league going into Tuesday night’s action was .430. They have one quality win on their schedule which was Denver and it was at home with Nuggets on the second night of a back to back. Jennings is putting up big numbers but its been against bad competition. Now his team is winning which is the most important thing. But let’s see how high everyone is on Jennings when the Bucks start playing some tougher competition. (For a closer look at the SOS of all teams check out John Hollinger's power rankings. http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerrankings)

2. Michael Redd

            The second reason Brandon Jennings has exploded so far this season is the health of all-star caliber teammate Michael Redd. With Redd being injured the majority of the year there is no one in Milwaukee’s line-up who can score. Other than Andrew Bogut putting up reasonable numbers averaging 16 a game nobody else is a serious threat. With Redd out somebody had to pick up the scoring load for this team to be successful and Jennings has done. It is a testament to his skill that he has been able to step up but at the same time I would be surprised if he keeps putting up these numbers once Redd returns.

3. Being a Rookie

            The final reason I think Jennings is being a blown out of proportion is the simple fact that he’s a rookie. There are a couple of factors reasons that we should not let this seemingly obvious fact escape our attention. One a rookie putting up these gaudy numbers so early makes him intriguing to the media and thus a huge story. But also teams don’t know this kid yet. I understand that the NBA is a league of athletes but there is a certain level of scheming involved. In his last couple of games Jennings has been shut down. As the league starts to learn his tendencies I would look for Jennings to slow down a little bit.

            Let’s be clear, by no means do I think that Brandon Jennings is a one game wonder or flash in the pan. He is a very good basketball player with huge upside. I just felt compelled to point out that maybe we shouldn’t be crowning him the next Allen Iverson (J.A. Adande) and putting him in the MVP conversation when he hasn't even played a quarter of the season yet. Let’s wait a little while and in the meantime enjoy his development. Who knows maybe he’ll even surprise me.     

Indians fans must be feeling great about this Game 1 match-up. 

NBA Power Rankings (Season Preview Style)

Well we have returned. After over 125 plus days off, the draft, the summer league, a Ron Artest tribute album, a plethora of trades and signings, a lock-out (no not the players, the refs), the NBA is just a couple days away from its return. So here it is, a completely biased view of what teams to watch this year, power rankings style.

30. Sacramento Kings

Before I started writing this I was searching for one discernible reason to even write about the Kings this season much less watch them. The only one I came up with… if you manage to grab Kevin Martin in your fantasy draft.

29. Memphis Grizzlies

As has been pointed out multiple times by multiple writers this team could lead the NBA in least assists ever by a professional basketball team. A line-up where your center is arguably your most generous passer, no not Zach Randolph but Marc Gasol, your team is definitely in serious trouble.

28. New Jersey Net 

I thought it would be wrong to make a Nyets joke as they have been so prevalent recently so instead I will just say that this team is not very good. They have a couple of very nice pieces in Devin Harris and Brook Lopez but when you trade your leading scorer (Vince Carter) for a developing player (Courtney Lee) you might as well wave the rebuilding/getting rid of payroll flag. You’d be hard pressed to reasonably bet on this team to make the play-offs or even win 30 games for that matter.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves

The real story of this off-season was what in god’s name was David Kahn thinking when he drafted two point-guards with his 5^th and 6^th picks. If Ricky had come over would he have tried to ship out Jonny Flynn? I don’t know the answer to that question. All I know is that other than Al Jefferson, who should’ve been an all-star last year, this team is thin.

26. LA Clippers

Hey at least there’s hope with Blake Griffin.

25. New York Knicks

David Lee would be a great sixth or seventh man on the LA Lakers. I think that pretty much sums it up.  

24. Milwaukee Bucks

Possibly the most non-descript team in the NBA, I mean seriously who can name 5 players on this team? They lost Charlie V, and RJ and I don’t think Carlos Delfino is quite ready to fill those shoes. Beyond Michael Redd the only chance this team has of making the play-offs is the scrappy style of Scott Skiles.

23. Indiana Pacers

I tried to justify placing the Pacers higher in these rankings but ultimately could not do it. I mean they have finished 9^th in the east two years straight and seemed to play the elite teams well all of last year. However, this line-up did not get better, try and tell me Dahntay Jones is going to put them over the top. The Pacers seem to be destined to miss the play-offs… again.

22. Charlotte Bobcats

They are a well-coached team that has a lot of experienced athletic players. They may actually be scrappy enough to make the play-offs. Will they? Probably not but don’t be shocked if they give it a serious run. (This was written before Raja Bell went down with injury. Adjust accordingly)

21. Golden State Warriors  

I mentioned that this was a completely biased rundown of the league right? No one in their right mind has the warriors near this spot but I like them. Sure ex-Captain Jack is crazy and everyone on their team is in love with the jump shot but how can you not be a fan of Nelly Ball? Steph Curry has rook of the year potential, Monta Ellis is healthy, both Anthony’s, Morrow and Randolph, are bound to go for fourty at least once and Jack is well… Jack. In other words they’ll miss the play-offs in the west but be a very exciting team to follow.

20. Oklahoma City Thunder

You know the Casino Rama commercials claiming that they deal excitement BIG TIME. That is this year’s OKC Thunder. They’ll just be so exciting to watch. I can’t wait.

19. Detroit Pistons

Let’s not waste everyone’s time and just say that the Pistons spent a lot but probably didn’t improve very much.

18. Houston Rockets

I am genuinely scared to count out the Houston Rockets but it just seems so unlikely that they are able to beat the other 8 teams out west. I am going against every piece of my moral fibre when I bet against Rick Adelman – then again I am supporting every piece when I bet against T-Mac. 

17. Philadelphia 76ers

I currently have Philadelphia finishing out of the play-offs but they definitely could change my mind in short order. I love the hiring of Flip Saunders but I worry about how well they will fair with Lou Williams running the point rather than Andre Miller as I think they vastly underrated his worth. There opportunity to be good largely hinges on Elton Brand being healthy (potentially an oxymoron) and able to flow in the new system.

16. Chicago Bulls

So the Chicago Bulls lost future hall of famer Ben Gordon and you’re wondering why I still have them making the play-offs. The return of Luol Deng and a constantly developing Derrick Rose leaves me no choice but to put them in. The only thing I can see getting in their way, Vinny Del Negro’s nose. (Sidenote: Some people believe this team is going to get exponentially better than last year. I don’t see it. Play-off team yes but not that much better)

15. Miami Heat

One big trade from becoming really good and it is forever possible with J.O. and that monstrosity of a contract. If they make it happen and get D-Wade a sidekick who wasn’t in rehab for the summer they’ll be a top 4 team in the East.

14. Washington Wizards

Late April and the Wiz just dropped to 7^th in the Eastern standing drawing the Cavs in the first round. This will be said by Deshawn Stevenson, “I know y’all think Lebron is great and what not but I think we’re better. I know we’re better. I can guard him. No problem. I guarantee we’re gonna win this series. I guarantee it.” I am already excited by the prospect of this quote and Lebron putting up 60, 10 and 10 the next game. 

13. Toronto Raptors

See the summer recap. Maybe I’m a little bit of a homer. But I like this basketball team.

12. Phoenix Suns

Run and Gun is back in Phoenix. Thank the Lord. Only problem is they probably are still just barely a play-off team.

11. Dallas Mavericks

I know everyone thinks the Mavs will improve drastically and compete for top 4 in the west. But I just can’t. The Mavs are like the Spurs only older (I thought it was impossible but look it up) and not nearly as good at every position.

10. New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul is really good. I think that explains why they are in the top 10.

9. Atlanta Hawks

Too many weapons to not be good but as many have said before me – you don’t get a prize for being the best of the rest in the East.

8. Utah Jazz

7. Denver Nuggets

6. Portland Trail Blazers

I wanted to say quite a few things about each team but I decided instead to rank them and just tell everyone to enjoy the race in the Northwest.

5. Boston Celtics

The top 5 are a toss up. Don’t read too much into where I place these teams. They are all very talented. The Celtics could possibly have the most talent of any team in the NBA with additions of Marquis Daniels and Sheed but ultimately if the C’s want a title this year it depends on KG’s knees.

4. San Antonio Spurs

These are pre-season rankings so the Spurs cannot be ranked higher. Having said that the San Antonio Spurs will win the NBA Championship this year. Tim Duncan wants it, Popovich wants it, Ginobili’s joints want it, Eva Longoria wants it. They’re gonna do it.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

I know I’ll regret saying this but I just don’t see it. Lebron is still the only reason this team should win a championship. AP was a good pick-up, Shaq might work out, but I’m just not seeing a championship. 60 plus win team yes. Championship – they’ll have to sell me on it.

2. Orlando Magic

This team will be better without Hedo Turkoglu (as much as I like Turk) because Vince Carter (as much as I dislike him) is a better player. They’re gonna be scary good.

1. LA Lakers

One always has to respect the defending champs and put them first overall. It is just what one does. Are they good enough to repeat… yes. Will they… I don’t think so, for no other reason than that I love the San Antonio Spurs.

The real POB??!!??

This guy may be a twitter all-star but there is a better chance of the Leafs winning a stanley cup than POB making the cut this year.

Thursday's view from the couch.

The world of sport is a flutter (or should I say a-twitter) right now as this is obviously one the most exciting times of the year for sport. The MLB playoffs has obviously had some very intriguing story lines and A-Rod's performance has been nothing short of astounding. One could call Alex's performance Jordanesque (407 avg. 5hrs. 11 RBI) and by jordanesque I'm reffering to Jordan's play when it mattered most, at the end of Space Jam.

I think the Yankees are destined to win this year. They are the Rolls Royce of MLB franchises and will be incredibly difficult to beat (although if anyone can do it Philly can and I'm sure ill eat my words).

To the next matter at hand. I recently activated a twitter account ( Pete_mc if you care to follow). Twitter is an interesting medium through which to follow professional sports. It seems to me as though it has caught on best in the NBA where players of every calibre textually assault their followers upwards of 5 times an hour. For my money, the most interesting accounts to follow are those of NBA players slightly removed from the spot light an thus in no way censored by team/league PR personnel. For example, Raptors' reserve big man Patrick O'Bryant is constantly pushing to increase his following and has no reservation in sharing all of the minor details of his life with those who care to follow. Here is a list of things I have learned for following a handful of mediocre NBA players on Twitter.

1) All NBA players feel they are God's gift to X-box and have no reservation is posting their conquests over teammates in Madden 10.

2)They all like to nap. A lot.

3)They all like to "hit the mall"

4)They all like to attend a ridiculous number of movies. Paranormal Activity seems to be a recent favorite.

5)They all struggle with spelling and grammar.

Check back soon for more updates.
Ciao


btw. Here are my locks of the week: Sens over Preds tonight, Yankees over Angles tonight, Thunder over Kings tonight

and most importantly....

Pete over Pat in the fantasy basketball pool which drafts tonight.

Week 1 NFL Picks (The Appetizer)

 And so it begins. The NFL is back and so is the excitement that only my fellow blogger Pete can get from watching 350 pound men run around in tights hitting each other. The rest of the week 1 NFL picks for both Pete and myself will be posted tomorrow but to kick off the season we decided to begin with an appetizer and give you our picks for tonight’s game.

 Tennessee vs. Pittsburgh

Line: Pitt by 6.5

There are a multitude of reasons that could be hashed out to describe my pick. But I will stick with 10 words. Kerry Collins, Albert Haynesworth, Ben Roethlisberger, The Steelers and Kerry Collins.

Oh yeah I’m picking Pittsburgh by the way. And it wouldn’t be a two-person blog if there weren’t a little controversy. With the first pick of the season we already disagree as he who shall not be named picks the Titans (understandable) not only to cover, but to win the football game. Pete you need to return to the 416 immediately, the 613 is destroying your ability to judge talent. Anyways that’s it folks. Football season is back. Enjoy the view from the couch.    

Image of the week

This week, Michael Jordan and John Stockton will be inducted into the NBA hall of fame. Everyone knows who they were and that this day would come. Congratulations to both men, to Stockton, hope you're keeping the pounds off a little better than Michael is.