The Bottom Five

I got this idea from the good people over at ESPN (Eastcoast Sports Priority Network.) They do a weekly "Bottom Five" to go with their NCAAF Power Rankings, which rank the top 25 teams in the country, according to ESPN. The Bottom Five is essentially a list of the five teams having the worst week (or season.) So here's my Bottom Five for opening day of the 2007-2008 NBA Season:

5. Los Angeles Clippers: With the loss of Elton Brand and Shaun Livingston, the Clippers don't seem to have much in terms of star-power. Although they just signed Center and part-time caveman Chris Kaman to a multi-year deal and still possess Sam Cassel, Tim Thomas, Corey Maggette and Cuttino Mobely, I just don't see them finishing above last in the Pacific this season.

4. Seattle Supersonics: Although they did just land college phenom Kevin Durant in the preseason draft, the Sonics still don't have the parts needed to compete. With the loss of Ray Allen this club is clearly looking to build a contender around Durant. Unfortunately for fans, that may take several years. Oh yea, did we also mention that the Sonics may be calling Oklahoma City home by as early as next season?

3. Portland Trailblazers: The Curse of Sam Bowie. 'Nuff Said.

2. Los Angeles Lakers: You may be wondering why the Lakers are so low. Here's why: This is a team that already looks pathetic, can you imagine what they'd look like without Kobe? The trade rumors are intensifying, and as much as some loyal fans would like to believe he's staying, all sources point to a long exodus from Hollywood for Kobe Bryant. Outside of Lamar Odom, there is no star-power in this team and we're beginning to believe that the Lakers may be changing their name to "Kobe Bryant and the D-League 13" before tip-off tonight. Right now, it's a sad time to be a Lakers fan.

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: During the offseason, incompetent GM (and former Celtic) Kevin McHale traded superstar Kevin Garnett to Boston. In return, the 'Wolves received Al Jefferson, an '89 Buick, and whatever loose change was in Boston GM Danny Ainge's pocket at the time. I feel bad for the Lakers. I feel immensely worse for Minnesota. One ray of hope: A decent shot at next year's Number 1 Pick.



Side Note: You may be wondering why all five teams in my Bottom Five are from the Western Conference. Reason being: The Eastern Conference is essentially a farm league for the West and until proven worthy of mention, shall go unspoken. They're already embarrassed enough, I'm not going to drag them down anymore (unless Jimmy Dolan leaves me with no other choice.)

2008 NBA Title Contenders

This year's upcoming NBA season is full of uncertainties. Possibly the only guarantee is a more interesting and competitive run for the title between the East and West. While some things never change, such as the Spurs, other teams have done a complete make-over to their rosters. Below is our expert analysis forecasting who has the best shot at coming out on top as world champions:
1. San Antonio Spurs-Going for five championships in ten years. Could go down as one of the best teams of all time when it is all said and done. Only have a couple more years on top as prime contenders though.
2. Dallas Mavericks- Embarrasment in the playoffs last season. Look for a focused team and a determined Dirk. Must learn to pace themselves during the long season and turn it on during the playoffs.
3. Phoenix Suns- With Nash in his prime and accompanied by elite finishers and sharp shooters it would be no surprise to see them in the finals. Even though they have a weakness on the inside, their scoring power is unmatchable by any other team.
4.Chicago Bulls- Coach Skiles has an amazing ability to teach team cohesiveness and get every ounce of effort out of his players. They never give up and they will prove that defense can still win championships(or atleast get to the finals).
5.Boston Celtics-Brings some excitement back to the East with the big three(Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett,Ray Allen) but still missing some key ingredients if they want to beat the best in the West. Lack strength on defensive end.
6. Detroit Pistons- Same group of core players will get them another 50 win season. But a weak bench will be their achiles heal.
7.Utah Jazz- One of the best point guards in the league leading the way, this solid group of players should not be taken lightly. They are capable of beating any team in the league.
8.Houston Rockets- Possible best dynamic duo in the league with a supporting cast that can play D. The addition of Steve Francis will bring some needed scoring off the bench. Could be a surprise and end up with one of top records in the league.
9.Cleveland Cavaliers- Lebron can not win by himself. The team failed to make any additions to the team. If Larry Hughes can step it up then they may have a shot.
10. Los Angeles Lakers- Could turn out to be a team that doesn't make the playoffs. But if Kobe stays, Odom remains healthy, Andrew Bynum has a breakout season as expected, and maybe even a trade with Kwame Brown, it will result as a strong ball club that could do some damage in the postseason.

Did you know?

The NBA Development League, or D-League, is the National Basketball Association's officially sponsored and operated developmental basketball organization.

In 2006-07, the league had 12 teams, with each D-League team being affiliated with between 1 and 3 NBA teams.


We can find future super star from D-League. On November 1, D-league will have 2007 draft on NBA TV.

Check it out!!


Here's some fun movie from Youtube.

Celtic Resurgence

We're now several weeks away from the start of the regular season and the talk of the NBA (outside of Kobe Bryant) are the Boston Celtics. The Celtics of the 21st-Century have been a far cry from the Larry Bird-led Celtics of the 1980's who routinely contended for the NBA crown. Until this Summer, the Celtics have been one of several Eastern Conference doormats who have bordered on irrelevance. That was until they landed Superstar Kevin Garnett. Now with a nucleus that includes Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen (but lacks a legit Point Guard), the major question facing the club is: How many games will they win the East by? The Atlantic Division seems to be a lock for this team. Now the rest of the NBA is just curious as to who will keep pace with them. The consensus choice is the Chicago Bulls (who may land KB24, albeit a long-shot.) Only time will tell, but all sources point to the Celtics winning the East and competing with the San Antonio Spurs (who else?) for the NBA title this season.

The Kobe Saga

ESPN.com reported early yesterday that Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant had cleaned out his locker in an act of defiance to the club. Earlier in the week, owner Jerry Buss publicly announced that he is currently listening to offers regarding the trade of Bryant. His remarks were in sharp contrast to earlier reports that the Lakers had absolutely no intention of trading Bryant whatsoever. Apparently KB24 has missed the Lakers last three practices and may be in a position to demand a trade immediately. The tension between Buss and Bryant continues to rise, and Lakers fans can only sit back in queasy disgust as they watch their beloved franchise continue to crumble.