NBA 2010-11 Questions

The Obvious Questions for the 2010-11 NBA Season




1. Will the Lakers 3-peat?

2. Are the Heat’s big three the best ever to compete for a title?

3. Has the Celtic’s championship window closed?

4. Will Carmelo be traded? If so he NYC bound?

5. Do the Lakers have any competition in the Western Conference?



These are my 5 not so obvious questions

1. Will the Magic be the spoiler in the East?

2. Is Chris Paul going to last in the Big Easy?

3. Do the Spurs have enough in the tank for one more run?

4. Will John Wall run away with the Rookie of the Year award?

5. Will the labor talks have an effect on the trading deadline?



So sit back and enjoy how the answers to the questions will play out this season as a lifelong Bulls fan I am extremely excited to see where they will land in the East… I will have weekly blogs about this season and the storylines.

Chicago Bears Ten Questions for 2010-11

Well Bears Fans it is that time of year, training camp starts tomorrow in Bourbonnais, IL and I have put together my list of ten questions for the 2010-11 Monsters of the Midway.


Offensive Questions

1. Will Jay Cutler and Mike Martz be the Greatest Show by the Lake?

2. Can the Wide Receivers make the big plays?

3. Is Matt Forte back to his rookie form?

4. Will the Offensive Line protect Cutler?

5. How will the three tight ends fit in to the offense?

Defensive Questions

1. Will Julius Peppers be the next Monster of the Midway?

2. How effective can a healthy Urlacher be?

3. Will the Secondary be able to defend the pass?

4. Tommie Harris will he make plays?

5. Can Rod Marinelli handle the defensive coordinator job or will Lovie be calling the defensive signals?



I will be providing more Bears updates this year with so many questions to be answered. I cannot wait for the season to start so the Beloved Bears can prove their NFL critics wrong and march to the playoffs.

The Big Three Champs or Chumps?????

                                                        

The new “Big Three” in Miami got us talking, blogging, texting, and tweeting like mad of how this could happen three of the biggest names in the NBA on the same team. Dewayne Wade was a logical choice to stay with his current team; he plays in the ultimate party city and has won a title there. Chris Bosh was ready to bolt Canada for the States so he could get back on the radar and play more than just 11 total playoff games in his career. Mr. Bosh wants to win and I can understand his position find a team who is serious about winning. That leaves LeBron, much has been written including this blogger right here but now that the smoke has cleared I can relate to his decision why not form your own squad that you think can win it all this season. LeBron was tired of waiting, playing with people that other’s thought would be the missing piece to the championship puzzle. He decided to put the pieces together himself and what better director for the script than Pat Riley who has won as a player, coach, and built winning teams as a general manager.


I still don’t agree with how this was done and the public spectacle that ensued was not necessary but, it is what is now. The 2010-11 NBA season is now the most anticipated in recent memory with the Miami Heat now being the team that everyone loves to hate. The Heat’s bandwagon will have many newcomers and this will make that bull’s eye even bigger. Miami will be playing 82 playoff games with every team in the league playing their absolute hardest that night. The playoffs will be even more rigorous and gut wrenching for the Heat every loss will fuel the papers, blogs, and chat rooms with see I told you it wouldn’t work.

So now we anticipate the “Dream Team” Miami is assembling and what this season will have in store for not only them but the game of basketball. I hope the players go see the “Wizard” to get some courage to deal with this season on an off the court. This is either one of the greatest coups by a trio of superstar players or the biggest blunder in free agent signings.

LeBron Exit Commentary

                                                               





LeBron you kept us waiting you took your time and alas you have decided to go to Miami and join forces with Mr. Wade and the young and talented Mr. Bosh. As a basketball junkie I am both mad and intrigued can this new super team work? Is Miami now the new home of the Hall of Justice?


I gave you a lot of grief for holding the game hostage while you took your time to decide and then had an hour long press conference. I don’t agree with your decision but I think I understand, you took the easy route align yourself with other stars of the game and dominate your way to a title. Have you looked deep inside and found that heart that was missing from the last two games versus the Celtics? Did you go see the Wizard?

These questions will be answered this season and for the next six years so if you win one or two championships in six years is that a success not to your critics. It will not matter how many rings you end up with you will forever be known as the superstar who changed the landscape of the NBA spurning his loyal hometown for the sandy beaches of Miami.

Good Luck LeBron and when you come to the United Center I will tip my cap as my Bulls hand the new “Super friends” a loss.



P.S. We have now all “Witnessed” your exit…..

Van Gundy Vs. Wilbon My Opionion

The views expressed in this piece are strictly my own and aren’t meant to influence anyone. I read an article today about a war of words between Stan Van Gundy and Michael Wilbon. Mr. Van Gundy took exception to Mr. Wilbon stating that he heard rumblings that Van Gundy could be fired at the end of the season by the Orlando Magic. Mr. Wilbon had every right to state what he heard and Van Gundy who is in the public spotlight and subject to criticism should’ve taken it in stride but instead he decides to say that Wilbon has no integrity. Van Gundy went on to state that he doesn’t go on the show Pardon the Interruption because they only have guests that they don’t criticize on air. This is what draw my ire I watch the show religiously and they have had guests on that both hosts have criticized and some that are criticized on a daily basis.


Van Gundy should be fired because  he can’t coach he blew the finals last year by putting Jameer Nelson in who was coming off a serious shoulder injury and his replacement was hot feeding the ball down low and hitting the open shot when needed. The Magic wouldn’t have beaten the Lakers but they would’ve been more competitive and he has also publicly dogged his players out in the media showing no respect for his own players. Wilbon’s job as a Sportswriter/TV host is to tell the good with the bad and also to give his views on what’s going on in sports. I love how Van Gundy questions Wilbon’s integrity while the local media in Florida has called for his job also. I forgot Van Gundy is a media hound who is looking to be in the spotlight anytime he is given a chance and  doesn’t realize that it’s not about him but his team who has now made the series interesting against the Celtics.

Wilbon has taken the high road by explaining his comments  on a sports radio station in Florida which he didn’t have to do. He has been in the business for a long time and has pissed of his share of players and coaches but everyone says what a great writer he is and show nothing but the utmost respect for him. Van Gundy on the other hand will keep whining and playing the victim role while relishing the spotlight he craves so bad. My question is Stan if you want to be in the spotlight so bad why not take the job as Ron Jeremy’s stand in while he tries to transition into mainstream acting because your coaching skills are average at best similar to Jeremy’s acting ability.

Are You Truly A King Without A Ring?

Every artist paints their masterpiece. At some point tonight I thought Lebron would paint his. I was sadly disappointed. Yes, his stat line is impressive - 27 Pts, 19 Rebounds, 10 Assists, and 3 Steals. Unfortunately, the stats do not reflect how Mr. LeBron James really played the game. With 9 turnovers, he basically played for the other team - the winning Celtics. He wasn't aggressive. He was not in control. If your shot isn’t falling then go to the basket, draw fouls, and get your teammates easy baskets.




Okay, I know, it’s not solely his fault. There were missed shots and bad decisions by teammates. Brown's coaching decisions were horrendous. But as the leader and back to back MVP winner, like Coltrane playing his saxophone, this was LeBron's chance to paint a beautiful painting on the canvas of the Garden floor.



Though you've tried to play it down, dance around the clock, LeBron you will still be asked critical questions to explain this Cav's debacle. Why did you lack so much effort in your last two games? Was your elbow hurting? Did you lose confidence in your coach and teammates? Do you feel you cheated Cav fans? Do you feel you cheated you? To the latter two I say yes. You are most certainly a criminal. You cheated the game which is a crime. You claimed the King role and strutted around with the King’s swagger when you are nothing but a pauper. Identity theft is a crime, too.



I could go on but I won’t. You've been exposed. Now let the loyal subjects in Cleveland revolt. Let the fans, wherever you land, hold your feet to the fire. But in closing let me give you sage advice from one who's been through the fires and had to represent - to be one of the great ones, you will have to lead those who will follow you to championship land. Nothing less, just more more more. It's not about money, it's all about character. So I ask you will you take the money and run or will you take the challenge and lead?

Witness

I am a self diagnosed basketball junkie, For me the NBA playoffs are a sacred event as it represents the second season. Tough defense, hard fouls, real post play and the best athletes in the world dig deep, not only into their talents, but their will to win. That is why the last couple of nights have been a HUGE disappointment. Joe Johnson and LeBron James are huge disappointments.




Joe Johnson of the Hawks has a nice all around game, sweet jumper, and can score from the low post. Unfortunately against the Orlando Magic he gave minimum effort when, as a free agent, he expects to receive a maximum contract this summer. Worse, in the process of explaining his dismal performance, he pointed a finger at the Atlanta fans. I understand Orlando frustrated his team. The Magic were long and got some outstanding play from their wing and back court players, but that just means you get FIRED UP. Rally the troops. Tell them don’t stop fighting and make a series out of it. To whoever signs Mr. Johnson this summer, be prepared. For your MVP money, Johnson will only play second or even third option, and oh in the playoffs if you go down 2-0 you might as well have him ride the pine. He isn’t going to give you the effort.



As bad as Johnson performed, LeBron performed worse ... because he didn't perform at all. I grew up watching three of the greatest players ever to grace the game of basketball - Jordan, Bird, and Magic. I am spoiled because even on their worst nights, these three Hall of Fame players still gave 110% and rallied everyone around them to play better. LeBron, what happened? Why did you quit on your court and your loyal subjects? Were you thinking of the upcoming treasure - this summer’s free agency? Where was your heart of a champion, that man we can comeback attitude. When the Celtics went on that 16 point run in the 3rd quarter you took the punch and folded. No response. No fire. You made me mad. While Mo Williams and Shaq were balling and trying to fire everyone up, you were nonchalant and not interested. What a pitiful sight to witness.



The physical talent you possess is beyond belief and the charisma you display are par none, but last night in Game 5 you forgot to play the game with love and that is unforgivable, especially after your fellow two time MVP'er Steve Nash played one and half quarters with one eye and won on the road. As my freshmen basketball Coach Rainey would say “Son you need to go see the Wizard.” So LeBron take a trip down the yellow brick playoff road and get some love, passion, and heart for Game 6 against Boston in Boston. As a historian of the game I tell you to watch some of the following - Russell vs. Chamberlin, Celtics vs. Lakers, Knicks vs. Bulls, Knicks vs. Heat, Bulls vs. Pistons. Specifically watch the role players like Pippen, Harper, and Starks, whose greatest moments were playing with the superstars on their teams.



I don’t know what will happen in Game 6. I just want to WITNESS a great game where LeBron shows he is worth all the hype, not just a commercial, shoe deal, or movie. Prove that you love and have passion for the game not just during the regular season, but in the playoffs when it counts. Do this LeBron and you will take the next step to become a champion. Do this and prove to this wonderful game and your teammates that you are better, cause right now it, they, and your fans deserve better.

Da Bears Go Free Agent Shopping and Buy..Buy...Buy....

                                                     

The Chicago Bears are the big spenders in the NFL Free Agency on Day 1 and I am shocked  becuase I really didn't know what to expect from them due to them having no first or second round draft picks they go out and sign three players who can help them improve immediately. The three player’s are defensive end Julius Peppers, running back Chester Taylor and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna with Peppers being the big catch. The contract for Peppers is front loaded which is good with an uncapped season and no labor agreement for 2011.


My questions is will  we get Julius Peppers  to play some real ball ? Who can put up 12-1 5 sacks and terrorize an opposing offense or do we get the Peppers of the last three years who got  paid big dollars but give a sporadic effort when he is easily one of the best defensive ends in the NFL. I was quite surprise about Chester Taylor but with Mike Martz as offensive coordinator he can get the most out of Taylor in passing situations and running out of the shotgun. So Matt Forte you better heal up quick son or you won’t be the feature back. Manumalena is a great blocker and a Martz favorite which can be a good thing but is this the end for Desomnd Clark and what about Olsen is he a hybrid tight end in this offensive or will he have to learn how to block.

The Bears still need to address the defensive backfield as well as the offensive line needs which are both big areas of concern. If Cutler gets protection he can be lethal and with weapons the Bears can be a big force in the NFC. We need a veteran wide receiver that has great hands and decent speed but who also can make that catch on third down to keep the drive alive and the chains moving.



Overall an A grade for the beloved Bears but its March so let’s not get to excited especially after last years Cutler signing and the season that followed..  "We have to play the game" as Herm Edwards would say.



What are your thoughts Chicago???