tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57252590102317877082024-03-04T23:04:32.584-05:00Zeus of SportA Godly Perspective on the World of SportsZeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-82500302050149636382010-05-27T16:30:00.002-04:002010-05-27T16:31:01.067-04:00OFFICIAL SITE MOVE ANNOUNCEMENT<span style="font-weight: bold;">WE WILL NO LONGER BE POSTING ON THIS SITE. IT WILL SOON BE RE-DIRECTED TO <a href="http://zeusofsport.com/">www.zeusofsport.com</a> BUT UNTIL THEN JUST CLICK THAT LINK TO GET TO OUR NEW STUFF. <br /><br />THANK YOU.<br /></span>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-26971608804912101002010-05-25T21:24:00.000-04:002010-05-25T21:25:08.077-04:00Cramer: Where did he go?<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XXjNkFvZcaw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XXjNkFvZcaw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-34474638216795232972010-05-25T17:38:00.004-04:002010-05-25T19:20:18.842-04:00Cramer: Playoffs: Yawn<img src="file:///Users/mjac2005/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-8.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/mjac2005/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-9.jpg" alt="" />I don’t know if anyone else has watched the NBA play-offs lately, but let me give you a quote from game 4 of Boston vs. Orlando:<br /><br />“This is the first game in the 2010 playoffs that has gone to overtime”<br /><br />Alright, the quote wasn’t exactly that, but it might as well have been. These playoffs have been sub-par at best, and the worst ever… at worst. The NBA saw its second most competitive team in the West go down in flames in the first round (Denver), its best player go down in hotter flames in the second round (LeBron), and its apparent “best team” is now on the brink of elimination in the conference finals (Orlando).<br /><br />So why should anyone watch anymore? Yeah, the finals might be Boston vs. LA… history, legacy, rivalry, blah blah blah. No one besides Los Angeles and Boston fans wants to see either of these two teams win the finals. Kobe would get his fifth, or a mediocre regular season team would prove how irrelevant the regular season is by literally ratcheting it up 10 octaves in the playoffs to cruise past the three teams that played their hearts out from the start (Cleveland, Orlando, and LA). I might be biased as a victim of these playoffs, but I have a hard time believing anyone would be nearly as intrigued by this Boston/LA match-up as they were 2 years ago.<br /><br />With that being said, I’m going to look past the NBA Finals, and get a head start on free agency coverage. As you may or may not have heard, July 1st marks the start of the biggest free agency season in the history of the NBA. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Joe Johnson, Dirk Nowitzki,…, Channing Frye, John Salmons,…,Brendan Haywood, Z, Shaq, oh, and LeBron James; the list goes on and on and on and on… and on. There was lot of the speculation during the season that a majority of these free agents would end up right back where they were already playing, but with the results of the playoffs things may have changed a bit.<br /><br />The big players in free agency are sure to be Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Miami, Los Angeles (the bad team), and Cleveland (simply because they have the main target). All of these teams underperformed this season, and some don’t even have a coach in place for next season. Come July 1st, things are going to move fast, so let’s look at what could ultimately influence the big names to go to their final destinations. I’ll break it down team by team (for the aforementioned teams):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago</span>- Many have argued that the Bulls have the best shot at signing LeBron in the off-season, and that may be true, but let’s take a look at some of the arguments that have been made. The Bulls have Rose and Noah. Okay, I’ll buy that as a great, young supporting cast. Add in Taj Gibson, and you’re looking at a team that can contend immediately. However, there are only two ways for LeBron to end up in Chicago: signing there directly, or through a sign-and-trade. The first simply won’t happen. LeBron would be leaving 30 million dollars on the table to skip town, and that’s something the self-proclaimed “businessman” is not going to do. So that leaves the sign-and-trade as the way for ‘Bron to end up in the house that Michael built. Chicago just doesn’t have the pieces to pull that off, and therefore LeBron won’t be in the Chi next year. Mark Cuban has already expressed interest in LeBron, and he can offer a much more enticing package than Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich, as can a handful of other teams around the league. If Danny Ferry makes it clear that LeBron is available for a sign-and-trade, then Miami, Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles (both teams), Dallas, and Houston will all be possible destinations… Chicago has the least amount of assets that they’re willing to give up out of those teams. Sorry Chicago. I believe you will have to settle for Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire and a shooter such as Anthony Morrow or Ray Allen.<br /><br /><br />New York is next. Check back soon for that post, along with the opening of our new site!Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-72874973543553357702010-05-25T13:25:00.002-04:002010-05-25T13:28:17.369-04:00Vernon: Top 5 NBA PGs<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Timmy Vernon: </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">With the emergence of Rajon Rondo, the age-defying play of Steve Nash, the injury to Chris Paul and the explosive play of Derrick Rose, the conversations over “Best NBA Point Guard” have re-ignited.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Before I fall all over myself trying to write an impressive intro for my first Zeus column, let’s instead get right to the rankings.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">1) Steve Nash</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I think if you took a poll of NBA players, asking which point guard they’d want to play with most, Steve Nash would win by a considerable margin (I’m sure Sports Illustrated has already done this, but our research budget here at Zeus of Sport is limited at best).</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nash has it all – the vision, the shot, the experience, and the creativity.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He’s worth the price of admission every night, making passes or throwing up running, underhand floaters reminiscent of the Pistol.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Admittedly, at age 36 he’s pretty limited defensively, but his offensive game makes up for it.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">His vision is unmatched, as he’s able to find the open cutter or drive and dish, creating open shots for teammates (there’s a reason Phoenix was far and away the most efficient 3-point shooting team this year).</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">His 3:1 assist: turnover ratio is impressive for a guy who has the ball in his hands as much as Nash.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">His shooting as a whole doesn’t even compare to any other point guards, ranking in the top 5 in 3-pt %, top 2 in FG %, and the far-and-away top FT shooter of any point guard today.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Because of these factors, I’d argue all day that Nash is the best PG in the NBA.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">2) Deron Williams</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Big body, great vision, consistent shooter, leader on the court – there’s not much more you can ask from Deron Williams.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He ranks second only to Nash in assists (in guards to play a full season), and his 47-37-80 FG-3pt-FT %s, while not spectacular, are consistently solid for a player who shoots and scores as much as he does.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">His defense separates him from players like Nash and Rose, who either don’t have the size/quickness or defensive discipline to match up with the various styles of point guard play across the NBA.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He gets to the line more than anybody else in the top 5, and has shown the ability to pull up or drive, draw defenders, and dish - a big reason why Kyle Korver ran away with the best 3pt % in the league. The crown for best 2005 draft PG must be placed on Williams’ head for this season – but how long will it last?</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">3) Chris Paul</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The only reason this post is even relevant is because of CP3’s two-month absence with a knee injury that resulted in doctors removing his torn meniscus rather than repairing it.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They did this in hopes of getting Paul back sooner, which was a great move!!!…except that the Hornet’s had no title hopes….and that Paul is essentially their entire franchise…and that New Orleans had an inferior roster that went 8-17 in his absence, making his return worthless.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When healthy, there’s no question Paul is the best point guard in the league.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The best assist: turnover ratio, league leader in steals, high percentage shooter and, if needed, prolific scorer.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A year ago, when asked who would be the best player to start a franchise with, after the King most GMs would probably pick Paul.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He’s as creative as Nash, as quick as Rondo and Rose, as tenacious on D as Williams, and has got as much vision as any of them.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Just look at his numbers and remember who acted as his supporting cast.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He really is the ultimate “make others better” point guard.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">However, he wasn’t the same player in the week stretch after returning from the injury, and a botched knee surgery could easily ruin the effectiveness of a player like Paul.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Not knowing what he will be like next year at full strength (if he even will ever </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">be</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> full strength), I had to place Paul in the middle of the pack, undeserving of the 1 spot but great enough that his memory prevented me from putting him 5 or leaving him off the list.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4) Rajon Rondo</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I almost bought into the Rondo hype from these playoffs and ranked him #2 behind Nash.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But then I remembered….HE CAN’T SHOOT!!!!</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Of point guards playing over 25 minutes a game, he ranks 4</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in 3-point shooting.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">4</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> worst that is, with an embarrassing 21%.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Watching Rondo at times is amazing and impressive, and at other times is comical when the young Celtic won’t even think of shooting outside of 18 feet.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">With that type of shooting you know he must do some other things pretty damn well to rank a close 4</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> with a group of great PGs.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If you ask Mo Williams or Jameer Nelson, I’m sure they could tell you how quick Rondo is.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He makes forwards look stupid with his patented fake-behind-the-back-while-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><wbr>cupping-the-ball-into-a-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><wbr>fingeroll move.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He’s got the speed and he sees the court, and outside of his lack of jumper, he knows how to score.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When you’re the leader and best player on an NBA Finals team that features three possible Hall of Famers, you know you’ve got something going.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">5) Derrick Rose</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The next Jason Kidd?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">No, no, no – the next Isaiah Thomas?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nah, he’s more athletic than both! Could he be the next “Big O”?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hell, he’s just Jordan in a point guard body!!!</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Going to school in the Chicago area, I’ve heard all of these comparisons for the young Derrick Rose.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Carlos Cabrera, a fellow Zeus of Sport writer (WHERE’S HE BEEN!?), tends to perpetuate each of these ridiculous, unfound comparisons.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Right now, Derrick Rose is an entertaining, explosive, yet streaky scoring guard who needs to develop range to be a complete point guard.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I see him as a less creative but more complete scoring version of Rondo, who both are penalized for an abysmal 3-point %.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Rose at this point can take over a game by himself, but isn’t to the point where he can lead his </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">team</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> to completely dominate.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He’s a shoot-first point guard averaging six assists a game (the same as Allen Iverson’s career average, the ultimate shoot-first guard), and hasn’t yet figured out how to involve his team into his offensive game.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Could he be the next _______ (fill in the blank)?</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Absolutely.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He has the skill set necessary to be an absolutely dominant player if he develops the long jumper.</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But for the sake of today’s best NBA point guard argument, he will have to settle for number 5.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia, sans-serif;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p></div>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-24647271024703590522010-05-23T23:01:00.001-04:002010-05-23T23:02:38.159-04:00Cramer: Bigger AnnouncementLadies and Gentlemen, after a long year of Zeus of Sport being run through Blogspot, we have decided to move to our own domain. Look for www.zeusofsport.com to open soon!Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-86343332940220172222010-05-19T18:45:00.000-04:002010-05-19T18:46:31.441-04:00Cramer: AnnouncementI would like to announce that I will be welcoming a new writer to Zeus of Sport. Timmy Vernon, a freshman at Northwestern University, will be starting as a co-writer for Zeus of Sport this weekend. He has a vast knowledge of sports, and is a member of the Northwestern University Varsity Football team. I am proud to announce his arrival, and look forward to what he has to offer. <div><br /></div><div>Keep an eye out for Timmy's work coming soon!</div>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-9700283591009074682010-05-18T16:59:00.001-04:002010-05-18T17:03:35.376-04:00Cramer: ApologyI'd like to apologize to my readers for not posting yet about the Conference Finals. I am in recovery from the shock that was the Cavs losing to Boston, and when I recover I will be back to update you on my thoughts about Phoenix vs. LA and Boston vs. Orlando.<br /><br />Sorry again.Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-24634317358060816982010-05-14T00:54:00.002-04:002010-05-14T01:17:51.977-04:00Cramer: ________Alright. It's over folks. The Cavs have been eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics in 6 games. I'm borderline speechless, but at the same time have a lot to say.<br /><br />Let me start by saying thank you to the Cavs for a fun ride. I started this blog with my friend Wills last summer with the intention of covering the sports World, but my individual focus was on the Cavs. Over time, this blog has turned into a blog that focuses on the Cavs, and the affect they have on the NBA. I've seen and thought a lot about this team during that time period, and obviously it reached an all time low on Thursday night when their dream of winning a championship went down the drain.<br /><br />I'm not going to focus on the game too much. The Cavs put themselves in a position to win, but they shot the ball way too poorly, and turned the ball over way too much to actually pull out a victory against what may very well be the best team in the NBA. Make no mistake about it, the Celtics came into this season as possible favorites to win the championship, and with the resurgence of KG those hopes are now very much intact. It's tough to swallow, obviously. This Cavs team believed 100% that they were better than the Celtics. <br /><br />What I really want to talk about is LeBron and the future of this team. I'm going to be posting about this a lot over the next 2 months, but this is just my preliminary feelings on that. First of all, I'm extremely disappointed in LeBron. He showed flashes of being healthy, but could never put it all together on the court. It was so weird to me to watch this man struggle in a way I haven't ever seen him do. He was unable to do ANYTHING on the court. He couldn't finish, couldn't shoot, couldn't pass, couldn't close out on jump shooters... and yet he ends up with 27 19 and 10. Stats don't always tell the full story, and this is a prime example. <br /><br />I'm all about the "no excuses" policy that many greats have had before, but when it affects your play as much as it clearly did to LeBron, you have to be honest with the media afterwards. LeBron is somewhat of an historian when it comes to the NBA, and if he thinks that this performance won't tarnish his legacy, he is sorely mistaken. Unless we find out over the next couple of weeks that he has elbow surgery, or some other issue, this will be a big red "X" on LeBron's hall-of-fame resume (he'll get in, but there will always be questions about his ability to win, and perform in the playoffs). <br /><br />People will say that he does everything he can to get his teams wins, but his team just isn't good enough. That was true last year, and the year before... but not this year. As a matter of fact, it wasn't even LeBron's fault this year. It rests on Mike Brown's shoulders. If he is not fired by Monday, there is something seriously wrong with that franchise. In order to bring LeBron back to Cleveland for at least 3 more years, they need a GREAT coach next season. If they are able to bring one in, they have a much better chance of competing in games like these. Instead of constantly being outcoached, they need someone who can put these wonderful pieces together to form the championship team that they should be. <br /><br />There are also some roster shake-ups that need to made, however they need to make them differently than they have in years past. It's been an arms race in the East for the last couple of years, but every year the Cavs have been competing against a different team. Two years ago they built their team to beat Boston after they lost them, but then they lost to Orlando. Last year they built their team to beat Orlando, but they lost to Boston. Had they gotten to Orlando, they would have had a much better chance than people are giving them credit for. The same goes for LA. They just didn't have the appropriate players to match-up with KG and Rondo this year (Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic anyone?). KG will continue to age, so they shouldn't be focused on him, but they certainly need to bring in someone to play the point. Mo should be a 6th man for this team. <br /><br />However, getting back to my point, they need to build their team to be able to win regardless of the match-ups. The NBA is a lot about match-ups, but due to Mike Brown's terrible coaching style, the Cavs have focused WAY WAY WAY WAY too much on individual match-ups, and just trying to match-up with the other team, rather than making the other team match-up with them. Look at Orlando. Sure, playing Lewis at the 4 could give them defensive troubles, but it doesn't because they stick to their guns and make other teams put smaller people on the court in order to be able to match-up with THEM. Antawn Jamison may have been the answer for that, but it was a trade that ultimately may have cost them this series. Varejao or Hickson would have done a MUCH better job on KG than Jamison did, and that match-up likely lost them the series. <br /><br />So instead of looking at the Cavs roster now and looking at what they can do to match-up with the Celtics for next year, I'm going to tell you what I think they can do to make themselves better:<br /><br />1. They need a starting PG. I'd take a good long look at Darren Collison of New Orleans, or possibly getting a draft pick to take a young guy in the first round. The last couple years have had some really good PGs taken who were not expected to be as good as they have been (see: Rondo). If Mo were coming off the bench with Delonte... man, this team would have been fire. <br /><br />2. They need a starting SG. Anthony Parker isn't going to cut it. If Danny Green wants to become great, fine, that's cool. Christian Eyenga? Ha. They need a legit 6'6" athletic wing player who can run with LeBron. Ray Allen would be nice, but he's old and likely not going to sign. Once again, this would be nice to get in the draft so they don't have to waste their MLE on this need, because the next need is much more pertinent for immediate success. <br /><br />3. They need a starting C. Maybe not a starting Center if they can bring back Shaq for a year, but they need someone who will be able to take the reigns from him in a year and be able to defend Dwight Howard with relatively little to no help. I know I'm looking at match-ups here, but the fact is that if you can't defend Centers, you can't win against teams that have shooters. Orlando is that, and they will be the Cavs biggest threat in the coming years. <br /><br />Looking at all those needs, I have to take a stance on LeBron. He should leave. There is no way in the world the Cavs can get all of those pieces this summer, and LeBron needs to go to a place where they already have people in place. He can't waste his youth on Cleveland any longer. I've thought about whether or not I'd support LeBron in a different jersey, and I would. I wouldn't support his team as much as I have the Cavs, because I have absolutely fallen in love with them, but I will always support LeBron's desire to become the best there is. He's a champion stuck in a loser's body right now, and in order to get into a new body suit, he needs to go to Chicago. It probably won't happen, but if he does, he will redefine greatness in the Chi. <br /><br />I'll be back for more in the coming days/weeks. Sorry for ramblin'. It's been fun. <br /><br />Peace.Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-80224601249092038512010-05-12T19:19:00.002-04:002010-05-12T19:19:59.422-04:00Cramer: Danny Green Help Us!?Hopefully Danny Green has some sort of healing vision for LeBron's elbow here:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUy5f7VaZA80li_RBmwpXWSptCvhm8WGW7o8EpW9uOpT-iJfaI17vNC6QA5DLT4gBawt0PLWyiJMOjepkLImnD4K-3gESNhYB12oV8-zi66VhZeaYeC2pE5EJc2nRbjdgGcU4Rpj9-qxd/s1600/-fc43b8d7c64422c3_custom_665xauto.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUy5f7VaZA80li_RBmwpXWSptCvhm8WGW7o8EpW9uOpT-iJfaI17vNC6QA5DLT4gBawt0PLWyiJMOjepkLImnD4K-3gESNhYB12oV8-zi66VhZeaYeC2pE5EJc2nRbjdgGcU4Rpj9-qxd/s200/-fc43b8d7c64422c3_custom_665xauto.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470527270515118562" border="0" /></a>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-57334568224426751152010-05-12T04:04:00.001-04:002010-05-12T04:06:36.717-04:00Cramer: Look at This<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VrACWUH7Nvwr_uUPjbM64aX17WHNRuRVoXmOWnXZsah6yfEeYKKcBflcpAGpQg3GD6oltAT0DA8El7D2ZATYINTUq7o-jYu9DbN5pmxPfJRFUs1C56DO3aUZk5HJ2-g8vn8sM7oC6oEa/s1600/Picture+1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VrACWUH7Nvwr_uUPjbM64aX17WHNRuRVoXmOWnXZsah6yfEeYKKcBflcpAGpQg3GD6oltAT0DA8El7D2ZATYINTUq7o-jYu9DbN5pmxPfJRFUs1C56DO3aUZk5HJ2-g8vn8sM7oC6oEa/s200/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470291725058954050" /></a><br /><div>If anyone saw this on the ESPN Home Page last night, notice how swollen LeBron's elbow is (this pic was taken after he took off the sleeve in game 5. E-Mail me for a bigger shot of it (Zeusofsport@gmail.com). </div><div><br /></div><div>Comment. </div>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-7429170098119396232010-05-12T03:37:00.005-04:002010-05-12T16:21:59.541-04:00Cramer: Cavs "Down"date (as opposed to "Up", get it?)Maybe LeBron's elbow is really badly hurt. Maybe something is wrong with his family. Maybe he has decided to leave Cleveland and the locker room knows it. Whatever the reason is for LeBron's less than stellar performance for all but one quarter during this series, I'm listening. <div><br /></div><div>As a fan of the Cavs, and LeBron, I'd be willing to accept an apology from LeBron. If he came out and stated what the issue has been during this series, I'd give him a pardon. Sure, critics of LeBron would say that it shouldn't have affected him as much as it has, but as a fan, I'm open to anything at this point. But what I can't accept is his inability to step up for the first time in his life in what might very well be the most important 2-3 game stretch for any franchise in the history of sports. </div><div><br /></div><div>LeBron owes it to his city, his teammates, his fans, and himself to show up for every playoff game... but he hasn't. Boston's defense is fantastic, but LeBron has seen it SO many times, and he has shredded it SO many times. I'm speechless. Even at the end of game 5, with his team trailing by 25 points, LeBron could be found in the corners watching the offense failing over and over again. I mean, at least try to shoot yourself out of the "funk" you're in so that you can be more effective for game 6. But, no. LeBron is playing this series like it is over, which it may be, but it is terribly disheartening. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't want to blame this all on LeBron. He has done so much for Cleveland, he has inspired me and many others in so many ways, but he deserves at least 90% of the blame if the Cavs do in fact lose this series. Let's look at who else needs to take a look in the mirror in the next two days:</div><div><br /></div><div>Mo: Mo, please just run the offense. No heat checks. No trying to be Steve Nash. Just run the sets. Get LeBron the ball. Get 'Tawn the ball. Get in the corner. Make open threes. I've seen you do it ALL year, so what's the issue now? You're no longer the focal point like you were last year... the pressure's gone... just deliver me 3 3's next game. AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD PLEASE AT LEAST TRY TO STAY IN FRONT OF RONDO. </div><div><br /></div><div>Antawn: Antawn, stop shooting jumpers. Your jump shot percentage is not high enough for this level of playoff basketball. No wonder you've never had playoff success. Let LeBron put you in positions to succeed, but other than that, just concentrate on challenging Kevin Garnett for position in the low post. He's KILLING you there, and that's where the Cavs defense is starting to breakdown in the first and second quarters. Make him miss ONE FREAKIN' SHOT, and the game could go completely differently. Seriously. </div><div><br /></div><div>Andy: Andy... I don't know if your back is hurting, but I don't care. Get me 4 offensive rebounds next game. Period. I'll support you until you retire, so please just do this for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>AP: Anthony, you should never turn the ball over. You literally have one role: hit WIDE open threes. Stop dribbling, stop trying to make good passes. If you're not open, just give it up. Other than that, keep up the good defense. </div><div><br /></div><div>Delonte: Give me the same performance you had in game 3. I've seen you do it so many times... do it 2 more times for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mike Brown: look, you're an awful coach. I mean it, you're terrible. You clearly can't motivate this team anymore, and you oughta be fired even if the Cavs somehow win it all this year. For now though, do me a favor, make ONE in game adjustment per game. If we have one more game to watch this year, I'd like to see you change the game in a positive way ONCE during the game. That's all. Good luck elsewhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, </div><div><br /></div><div>LeBron: LeBron... sack up. Seriously. Kobe does it. Michael did it. All the greats have done it. Play through whatever is going on, and get this team through this round. If you lose to Orlando, that's fine, they're good... but you're better than this Boston team and you know it. You knew it when you almost came back and beat them earlier this season, and you know it now. Stop shaking your head on the bench, stop looking at your watch during press conferences, and go out and win me a game. If you want to leave after this season, that's fine... as long as you deliver on what you promised you would: Deliver the Cavs a championship. I spend so much time following you and your team, and exert so much effort making sure I know everything about this team, please don't let me down. I feel like a ten year old on Christmas day not getting the present I want. You were a boy once, you know what that feels like. Go get me my present, or I promise I will nag you about it until next Christmas... </div><div><br /></div><div>Alright, that's all I can stomach for now. I'm heartbroken. I know it's not over, but it is. LeBron's disinterested, as is everyone else on that roster. I may not watch Thursday, but I hope you all enjoy watching LeBron's last game in a Cavs uniform. </div><div><br /></div><div>Peace. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-64294182483974059072010-05-08T02:25:00.004-04:002010-05-08T02:44:25.093-04:00Cramer: Cavs UpdateOkay, once again, you all saw it. The Cavs absolutely DEMOLISHED the Celtics on their home court. Ha. When I'm wrong, I'm wrong. That being said, I would still feel the same way I did in my previous post if LeBron's elbow were as hurt as he made it seem in games 1 and 2.<br /><br />This game was over from the second LeBron hit his first jump shot. I think the Celtics for some reason started to believe 'Bron wasn't going to be himself in this series, and as a result got complacent allowing him to beat them. Bad choice. LeBron went off in Detroit game 5 fashion, except he did it from the opening tip. Tough to beat the Cavs when the King has this kind of performance; add in the supporting cast, and you're in for a long night.<br /><br />However, Cavs fans need to not get too far ahead of themselves. Look at the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=300507002">box score</a>. The Cavs are a good team, heck, a great team... but 60% from the field is something that isn't going to hold up over a 7-game series against any team, let alone one of the better defensive teams in the league. Now look at the free-throws: 31-34?! We all know that can't and won't happen again for a team that shoots a measly 72% from the line. So take away 6 or 7 points on free throws, and another 10 on FGs, and you're looking at a completely different game.<br /><br />I know this is hypothetical, and yes, I'm looking for reasons why the Cavs can't possibly do this in games 4 and 5 and close the Celtics out in the same amount of time as they did the Bulls, but this is not going to happen again. The Celtics are a veteran team, with a decent enough coach, and a defensive mindset. They didn't double hard on LeBron today, they let Mo Williams get into the paint, they shot 4-17 from three... the list goes on and on. The C's just were not ready to play game 3. They bought into the hype they got after dominating most of games 1 and 2, and they came out flatter than [enter joke here]. As I said before, the second LeBron started hitting jumpshots, the Celtics defensive gameplan was shot. They'll have a new one for game 4, and we should be in for a great game come Sunday.<br /><br />Back to predictions. I've been wrong in a lot of my predictions so far this post-season. Please don't even look at what I said would happen in the Spurs-Suns series (I forgot Goran Dragic was on the Suns or I obviously would have taken the Suns in 4). If LeBron plays like this, it's over. In 5.<br /><br />As a final point: Please understand that I am pessimistic about sports results among other things. My reaction following game 2 was a stereotypical Cleveland sports fan reaction, so I supposed I've been sucked into their vortex. Having said that, you may see more reactions like that in the coming weeks (especially against Orlando if the Cavs get there), but keep in mind that I truly believe this Cavs team is the best team in the league. They should win it all, but it remains to be seen whether or not they can put it all together on a nightly basis. <br /><br />As a P.P.S... how about Goran Dragic?! Does anyone else think that performance may have been better than LeBron's game 5 at the palace?Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-6372259385557898042010-05-03T22:35:00.004-04:002010-05-03T22:57:43.778-04:00Cramer: Cavs VentingYou probably saw it. The Cavs got absolutely DEMOLISHED on their home court. Don't look at the final score as an indication of how this game went. Boston dominated from the opening tip, and they didn't give in until they had the game well in hand.<br /><br />So what's the problem? Is it LeBron's elbow? Is it Mike Brown's terrible coaching? Is it Mo Williams' inability to perform in the playoffs? All of these are reasons that Cavs fans will likely give for this loss, but if you look closer, there's a bigger reason.<br /><br />During the regular season, the series was tied 2-2 between these two Eastern powers. In the first game, Boston went down early, but came back to beat Cleveland in CLE. Granted, that was the first game of the season, but Boston looked better.<br /><br />So Cleveland counters with a trade for Antawn Jamison. Game 2 between these two teams happened in Boston. Boston went up big, but Cleveland had a huge second half run, and won by 20 points. Most of the run took place in the final quarter and a half (much like game 1). Take a closer look at that game, and you'll see that Paul Pierce didn't even play. So Cleveland was able to beat a depleted Boston team, yes. However, they easily could have lost that game had Boston played a 48 minute game.<br /><br />Game 3: This is the only game between these two teams that indicated that the Cavs were a better team. They won it like a playoff team should. They scrapped, played good defense, and eventually pulled out an 11 point victory. LeBron got his 31 8 and 7, 'Tawn got his 15 and 8, and it was smooth sailing, until...<br /><br />Game 4: Boston dominated Cleveland in this one. Up 15 at half, and 17 at the end of the 3rd, Boston stopped playing in the fourth, and allowed LeBron to bring the Cavs within striking distance. In the end, though the Cavs came all the way back, Boston STILL won.<br /><br />So what's the conclusion here? Boston is a better team than the Cavs! They dominated most of game 1, and crushed them in game 2. Boston will win this series, and LeBron will leave Cleveland. The curse of Cleveland won't be the reason, however... it will be because the Cavs just aren't good enough. If it's because Mike Brown's an awful coach, so be it. But the fact remains. Celtics in 6.Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-1379071999072410432010-05-03T17:13:00.003-04:002010-05-03T19:20:31.127-04:00Cramer: 2nd Round PredictionsThe first round of the NBA Playoffs is complete, and though we had some interesting games, all in all it was rather disappointing from a fan standpoint. Not much drama, and any time it looked like we might see something out of the ordinary, the better team buckled down and took the series (see: Lakers and Hawks).<br /><br />Now we're into the second round. The cream is beginning to raise to the top, and we have some very exciting series to look forward to. Here's how I think each of them will play out:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#1 Cavs vs. #4 Celtics<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>I was at game 1 on Saturday night, and it was easily the best atmosphere I've ever been a part of at a sporting event. Anyone who says Cleveland sucks really ought to attend a Cavs playoff game sometime before LeBron James either retires or bolts. I guarantee you will view the city, and the people in the city differently. The only word I can use to describe it is "electric". That being said, the Cavs didn't look like the best team in the league, and the Celtics didn't look like the oldest team in the league (until the fourth quarter, perhaps). Cleveland came out flat, and Boston was exploiting Mo Williams' defense time and time again. If Mike Brown can continue to make the proper adjustments to shut down Rondo, then the Cavs will have no problem getting by Boston. However, having watched Mike Brown over the last few years, it's not a sure thing that he will do this. No one knows what's going on inside of that man's head, but oftentimes it takes him until the second half to make the correct defensive alterations. Boston looked good on offense and defense in the first half. Garnett looked like his oldself, absolutely abusing Antawn Jamison on both ends of the court. If he continues to play at the top of his game for 48 minutes, and if Rondo can control the game like he did early in game 1, then Boston will win. What's going to happen? LeBron James. He will get his team through this round if it kills him (or his elbow). He has the best supporting cast he is going to have in Cleveland, and this is his year. Mike Brown will eventually make the right moves, even if it means this series goes 6 or 7 games.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Cavs in 6<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#2 Magic vs. #3 Hawks<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span>If the regular season match-up between these teams is any indication of what will happen in this series, then Orlando is going to move on rather easily. Atlanta is an athletic, talented team. However, their fourth quarter offense just isn't good enough to get passed this championship caliber team. I've seen a lot of Atlanta this year, and it's the same story over and over again. They play tough for 3 quarters, but then they get stagnant in the fourth, and score somewhere between 10-17 points (and lose). Not to mention, Atlanta is an absolutely awful road team for how good they are. Orlando has too much on both sides of the ball for Atlanta to win the series. Dwight Howard will dominate for the minutes he is in there, and Jameer Nelson will do the rest.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Magic in 5<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#1 Lakers vs. #4 Jazz<br /></span></span>Is anyone else as upset as I am that we won't get to see Denver play the Lakers this year? This is an awful match-up for the Jazz, and it will show on the court. Utah has historically had trouble beating L.A., and the fact that the Lakers have such a length advantage, and Kobe Bryant, will make it hard for that trend to change. Utah played great in the first round, but they were up against a team without their coach, and with some banged up players. With AK47 and Okur, Utah would still lose; so the fact that they're out makes this one even more inevitable. Bynum and Gasol will dominate the inside, and Kobe and Fisher will make all the big shots necessary to win this one easily. Utah will win one on their homecourt, but that's all.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Lakers in 5<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#3 Suns vs. #7 Spurs<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span>I don't like the Suns. I haven't liked them all year. They're not built for the playoffs, and they got lucky catching the injury depleted Blazers in the first round. A lot of experts have the Suns possibly making the finals, but I don't see it. San Antonio has everyone healthy (for the most part), and they were my pre-season pick to make the finals. I'm going to stick by that pick. Popovich will be able to slow down the tempo enough to turn this into a grind it out series, which the Spurs excel at. Tim Duncan and Ginobili are determined to prove that they're not too old to win. They'll get their chance to prove that in the next round against Los Angeles. This series should be a piece of cake.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Spurs in 6 (not exactly a piece of cake... but I'm confident in my pick)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-58385317133089106692010-04-27T17:42:00.000-04:002010-04-27T17:43:05.892-04:00Cramer: NBA Playoffs... Where Amazing Happens<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q3umtw179KA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q3umtw179KA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-3801245303623776122010-04-20T16:16:00.002-04:002010-04-20T16:25:26.839-04:00Cramer: West 1st Round PredictionsI know I'm a little late on this one, but I promise I made these picks prior to the first round beginning. Take a look at what I believe will transpire in the first round out West.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#1 Lakers vs. #8 Thunder<br /></span>The Lakers have been struggling down the stretch, but there's really no cause for concern, especially not in the first round. OKC is a young team that is happy to be here, and LA is a veteran team that is looking to repeat. Durant and co. may steal a game or two, but they won't ever make this a series. Ron Artest will be able to frustrate Durant enough to get him off his game, and Westbrook won't be able to make up for the points Durant isn't going to score on a nightly basis. Also, the Lakers will dominate this one inside with Bynum back. No contest here.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Lakers in 5<br /><br />#2 Mavs vs. #7 Spurs<br /></span>I have to be honest here. I was considering taking San Antonio in this one, but because they're down 1-0, I'm not going to. The Spurs have had some big wins in the last 25% of the season, but the Mavericks have way too much talent (and younger talent than the Spurs). Dirk is determined, and Tim Duncan may be a little bit too old to help this team advance in the playoffs. This will be a great series, but Dallas will win it in the end.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Mavs in 7<br /><br />#3 Suns vs. #6 Blazers</span><br />I could go with Portland here after their game 1 upset of Phoenix, but I'm not going to. The Suns have played great basketball for most of the season, and Portland had to play a near perfect game in game 1 just to beat them. I don't see Andre Miller scoring 31 every game (although he certainly will be able to exploit Nash's "defense"). Too much Stoudemire (playing in a contract season) and too much Nash will be the story here. Unless Brandon Roy makes it back in time for game 5 or 6, this one will be over.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Suns in 6<br /><br />#4 Nuggets vs. #5 Jazz<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>This series features the 2nd and 3rd best teams in the Western Conference. Each have had their troubles this season (whether it be illness or injury), but they are both looking to make a deep playoff run. However, with the loss of Okur, and Kirilenko's injury, Utah is too depleted to keep up the pace of the game played in the first 2. It's tied 1-1 now, but Denver should be able to pull this one out. No one on Utah (besides Kirilenko) can guard Carmelo for a 7-game series. For that reason. Denver will come out victorious.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction<span style="font-weight: bold;">: Nuggets in 6</span><br /></span>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-41972606125467396142010-04-15T20:33:00.003-04:002010-04-15T20:44:37.750-04:00Cramer: 1st Round PredictionsThe regular season is finally over and it's time to start the playoffs. Some people complain about how long the first round takes, but this year there won't be much to complain about. With the vast depth of talent in the West, and the top heavy East, we're looking at a 1st round that could be one of the best of all times. Let's take a look at how I believe it is going to shape up:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1st Round: East<br /><br />#1 Cavs vs. #8 Bulls</span><br />The Bulls snuck in the playoffs, but there's no reason to believe that this team isn't talented. When healthy, they were the 5th best team in the East. Now that they've gotten all of their players back from injury, they're looking to "shock the World" (in the words of Noah) in the first round. I don't see it happening, but that's not to say that it won't happen. The Cavs haven't played their rotation players all together in what feels like forever, and that could take a toll on them. If they lose game 1 (which they might while trying to reincorporate Shaq), then we may have a series. If not... don't change your plans to watch any of these games.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Cavs in 5 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">#2 Magic vs. #7 Bobcats<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>This isn't the best match-up the 'Cats could have gotten in the first round, and I think it will show in this series. The Magic have been HOT since the all-star break, and don't show any signs of letting up. The Bobcats have the talent to hang around in some of these games, but I don't know that they can actually win any of them. If they can pull one out in Orlando, they may be able to pull off a massive upset, but they won't. They might get lucky and win one in front of Michael Jordan in Charlotte, but they won't.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Magic in 4<br /><br />#3 Hawks vs. #6 Bucks </span><br />With Bogut in the line-up, this may have been the series to watch in the East. The Hawks are a good young team, but they haven't exactly proven themselves in the playoffs yet (see: last year's whooping at the hands of the Cavs in the second round). However, the Bucks just don't have the team to match-up with Atlanta for 7 games. Jennings will come on ready to put on a show, as will John Salmons, but they'll be easily countered by Johnson, Smith, and Crawford. We may see a good series, but nothing surprising will come out of it.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Hawks in 6<br /><br />#4 Celtics vs. #5 Heat<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>The Celtics have had the Dwyane Wade's number this year, and it's unlikely that that will change here. However, I'm going to go against the odds. Dwyane Wade is out to prove he's as good as LeBron, and to do that he's got to win a play-off series on his own team (if not 3, see: LeBron takes Cavs to finals with Sasha Pavlovic and Eric Snow starting). The Celtics just aren't the same team they were 2 years ago. Wade will outduel whichever of the Celtics "stars" shows up on any given night, and for that reason they will pull off the upset here.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prediction: Heat in 6<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Check back later for the good part of the playoffs: The 1st round in the West. We have some amazing match-ups out there. Come see what I have to say about them. </span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-21401659211799345912010-04-11T05:22:00.001-04:002010-04-11T05:24:02.828-04:00Cramer: ApologySorry for the lack of posts. My computer has been shut down due to maintenance. Expect Zeus back shortly for the beginning of the NBA Playoffs and MLB Season!Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-75765017682171227372010-04-01T12:27:00.005-04:002010-04-05T15:36:57.900-04:00Cramer: Final Four Preview (Part 2 of 2)Yesterday we looked at Michigan State, and determined that it's boring to see a team in the final four that wasn't even the best team in their own conference (and by "we", I obviously mean "I told you"). Let's look at a similar situation, but this time let's look at the team from the Big East. Not only is the Big East much weaker than usual this year, but its success in the tournament this year is described solely by two words: "West Virginia". Every other team in the Big East underperformed in the eyes of many (though now those "many" might argue that they over- performed by even being allowed in the tournament).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">West Virginia: </span>The Mountaineers are the hardest team to talk about in a negative light. They've had very impressive tournament run, preceded by a Big East tournament crown in the bright lights of MSG. That being said, this team has some of the same qualities as Michigan State. They didn't have the best record in their own conference (Syracuse did, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SU</span> beat West Virginia in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Morgantown</span> 72-81). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">WVU</span> tied for second in their conference with two NCAA tourney underachievers: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Villanova</span> and Pittsburgh.<br /><br />Additionally, the Mountaineers are going to get their starting PG back (unlike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Sparty</span>), but is there anyone who believes that Darryl Bryant can recover from a "broken foot" in under 2 weeks? Granted, Joe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mazzulla</span> did a terrific job filling in for him against Kentucky. However, I wouldn't expect the defense of Duke to overlook him given their experienced players and coach.<br /><br />Another important point against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WVU</span> is that everyone wanted to see Kentucky in the final four. John Wall, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">DeMarcus</span> Cousins, Patrick Patterson, Drew (Eric) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Bledsoe</span>... these are future NBA lottery picks. Everyone likes to see future NBA stars play on the biggest stage in college basketball (isn't that part of the reason a lot of us are in favor of the one year in college rule?) If Kentucky and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">WVU</span> played again, Kentucky would not go 4-32 from three, and West Virgina would likely not go 10-23 from three.<br /><br />I know I'm being <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">nit picky</span> here, and a little bit biased because I wanted to see UK play <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">KU</span> in the finals (didn't everyone?), but I don't think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">WVU</span> is nearly as good a team as Kentucky was (or could have been).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion: </span>West Virgina is as deserving a final four team as there is, but they're not the team a lot of people wanted to see play here. A Duke vs. Kentucky match-up would have gotten terrific ratings, and probably would have been a pretty damn good game too. However, WVU will likely produce just as good a game with Duke, but the excitement heading into it won't be nearly as high. Finally, Syracuse was the best team in the Big East, and it's hard to root for a team to win it all if they can't win their regular season crown (but WVU did win the Big East tourney so they're not quite as unimpressive as the Michigan State squad).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion 2: </span>Duke will play Butler for the national title, and Duke will win 67-62.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-66364345252678545222010-03-31T12:01:00.008-04:002010-04-05T15:36:50.068-04:00Cramer: Final Four Preview (Part 1 of 2)As we draw closer and closer to the start of the NBA Playoffs and opening day in the MLB, there's still one major sporting event that needs to take place. Yeah, the Final Four. If any of you are like me... your bracket has officially been busted and you've lost all monetary interest in March Madness. Not only that, but if you have similar feelings to mine, you're not really all that interested in any of the teams in the final four.<br /><br />Take a look at our four teams: Michigan State, Butler, West Virginia, and Duke. For the next two days I'm going to give you a preview for the two teams I believe will lose, and tell you why we shouldn't care about them:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Michigan State: </span>this is the easiest one in the bunch. Michigan State finished tied atop the Big Ten standings at 14-4. However, they lost to Ohio State in East Lansing, 74-67. That being said, it's pretty safe to assume that Sparty wasn't even the best team in their own conference. Couple that with the fact that they're missing their best player, Kalin Lucas, and this Tom Izzo team becomes even less compelling. Finally, their road to the final four wasn't much to be proud of either:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1st round- Beat 12 seeded New Mexico State 70-67.</span> This 12-5 match-up is usually one to keep an eye on, but given that Michigan State returned a good amount of talent from their runner-up team last year, they shouldn't have had such a close game in the first round.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2nd round- Beat 4 seeded Maryland 85-83. </span>I didn't get to see a lot of this game because it wasn't aired in my area, but I did get to see the end. They lost Kalin Lucas, but got a huge shot from Korie Lucious to win at the buzzer. This was a good win, but once again: it shouldn't have been as close as it was.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3rd round- Beat 9 seeded Northern Iowa 59-52. </span>Who cares? Northern Iowa got a round or two further than they should have by beating number one overall seed Kansas. If UNI and Kansas played 10 times, Kansas would have won 9 of those match-ups. It's hard to look at this win as a great one for the Spartans. MSU got some big shots again, but all evidence would<br />suggest that they would have lost to Kansas if the Jayhawks hadn't faltered a round earlier.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4th round- Beat 6 seeded Tennessee 70-69. </span>Once again Michigan State got lucky and faced a lower seed than they should have. Georgetown and Ohio State are both better teams than Tennessee, but GTown lost to Ohio (similar situation to Kansas and Northern Iowa), and Ohio State didn't quite have their A game against the Men Vols (why do they call the Women's team the Lady Vols? Everyone knows they're probably better than the Men anyway). This game also could have gone either way.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion for MSU: </span>Izzo's Crew didn't really play the toughest competition they could have on their road to the final four. That, and the fact that they're missing their best player, makes this 5 seeded team rather uninteresting.Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-60786433956177052102010-03-26T12:39:00.004-04:002010-03-26T14:12:22.730-04:00Cramer: March Madness and NBA's BoringIt's been a long time since I posted on Zeus of Sport for a few unimportant reasons (spring break and finals among them), but I'm back. <div><br /></div><div>Since I last posted a lot has transpired in the NBA, but not too much has changed. The top 4 teams in the East have clinched a playoff spot, while the bottom 4 spots look to be locked up by the Bucks, Heat, Bobcats, and Raptors (the lowly Bulls are fading fast and are 2 and a half games behind the Raps entering today). </div><div><br /></div><div>The Western Conference playoff picture still contains the same 8 teams it has for most of the season, but it looks as though there will be quite a finish for the bottom 7 teams in terms of seeding. The Lakers have all but locked up the 1 seed, while the Jazz, Mavs, and Nuggets are all tied for the 2-4 seeds with the same record of 47-25. Meanwhile, the Suns, Thunder, Spurs, and Blazers are battling it out for seeding in the bottom of the West. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sweet. Yeah, its that time of the year when the NBA becomes as boring as *you know what*. No NBA players want to be playing regular season games anymore, and no fans really want to continue to watch them. Unfortunately, we have to wait until April 18th for the playoffs to start. So what keeps us occupied in the meantime? March Madness. </div><div><br /></div><div>This tournament has been the best one in recent memory. Sure, there's not quite a George Mason story here (though some would argue Butler, Northern Iowa, or Saint Mary's would be comparable), but the thing that has made this tournament so unbelievably interesting is the mediocrity of college basketball this season. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone who filled out a bracket knows exactly what I mean. We've been accustomed, over the last couple of years, to think that the Big East will always come out victorious due to their immense talent and strength of competition within the conference. Now let's look at how they actually fared this year: </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Georgetown: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">A blowout loss in the first round to Ohio. Yeah, the same Ohio that went 7-9 in the MAC. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Syracuse: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Looked good through 2 rounds, beating Vermont and Gonzaga easily. Then, they lost to Butler 63-59. Bill Simmons said it be</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">st: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"> "J</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">im Boeheim at the 5:00 mark: "Guys, I want you to go out there and take the most rushed, horrible shots you possibly can."</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 16px;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Pitt: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Lost to Xavier in the second round. </span> </span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Villanova: </b>Should have lost to RMU in the first round (Who?), but instead won in OT and went on to lose to Saint Mary's by 7 in the second round. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Notre Dame: </b>Lost to Old Dominion in the first round. Luke Harangody was held to -4.5 points. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Louisville: </b>Got down 22-4 to Cal of the great PAC-10 in the first round, only to lose by 15. Many had Louisville upsetting Duke... ah, the beauty of ESPN's love of the Big East. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Marquette: </b>An excusable loss to a good Washington team in the first round. The unexcusable part was the amount of offensive rebounds they gave up in the last couple minutes that lead to their departure. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>West Virginia: </b>Still rolling. The one Big East team left has to play the tourney favorite Kentucky in the next round. </div><div><br /></div><div>So if you watch ESPN at all, your bracket is automatically in the dumps. You likely had Kansas winning it all, West Virginia upsetting Kentucky in the Elite 8, and maybe even Notre Dame getting out of their bracket (more likely, though, you had 'Nova). You had no respect for any team other than the Big East teams, and therefore you had a hard time picking any games right in the first 2 rounds. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, if you're like me... you still have your final four. You picked Ohio State, Kansas State, Kentucky, and Duke. You picked Kentucky to beat Ohio State in the finals, and you're looking at winning your office pool. </div><div><br /></div><div>My main point for this post is a little bracketology advice. I've been extremely good at filling out brackets since I can remember (and I'm so modest, too). Here's some random thoughts that you may want to remember for next year's bracket. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>1</b>. If a team outside of a big six conference is given a 1-3 seed, they're probably grossly over-seeded, and should be knocked out in the second round (See: New Mexico). Unless, of course, they have a future Cavs player (See: St. Joseph's) </div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. </b>If a team was a #1 seed last year, but they lose almost all of their production, they're not going to be great this year. (See: Pittsburgh) </div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. </b>If everyone is picking a #1 seed to lose early, it's probably because everyone hates that school. In reality, they're probably going to make the final four. (See: Duke) </div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. </b>If a team loses more than 50% of their last 10 games, but still gets a 2-seed... you know what to do with them. Don't listen to Barack Obama. (See: Villanova) </div><div><br /></div><div><b>5.</b> If a team goes 30-4, but has a 9-seed... they're probably going to upset #1 Kansas in the second round. That's just common knowledge people, come on. (See: Northern Iowa)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. </b>If a team was mediocre all year, but somehow made the tournament... they're still mediocre and should be treated as such (See: Entire Field) </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the games tonight, and check back soon for NBA Updates once the playoffs are set in stone. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-81298195080791348652010-02-26T04:44:00.006-05:002010-02-27T05:27:52.564-05:00Cramer: Cavs StatementIf you've paid any attention at all to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cavs</span>-Celtics match-up over the last few years, you know Boston wins in Boston, and Cleveland wins in Cleveland. Well, after the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cavs</span> 108-88 victory in Boston Thursday night, you can kiss that notion good-bye. Cleveland won in Boston for the first time in 10 games Thursday in convincing fashion, but it wasn't easy.<div><br /></div><div>The first half was ugly for Cleveland. Rondo was seemingly able to get to any point on the court he wanted, and make any pass he wanted. As evidenced by Boston's sky-high field goal percentage in the first 48 minutes, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cavs'</span> defense was still missing - a continuing theme for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cavs</span> since the All-Star break. </div><div><br /></div><div>The first half was where Pierce's absence made a big difference despite what others may say. Cleveland was struggling defensively, stagnant on offense, and getting abused in the fast break game, and yet they only went into the half facing an 8 point deficit. Pierce's additional offense would have supplied a fence perhaps too tall to hop over for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cavs</span> to come back in the game, but 8 points just wasn't going to be enough for a team clicking on all cylinders offensively like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Cavs</span> did in the second half. </div><div><br /></div><div>As an avid <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cavs</span> game watcher, I have to say that was the best the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Cavs</span> have looked all season. Defensively and offensively, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cavs</span> looked like the team they now are on paper. Let me be the first to say somewhat of a controversial statement: This is because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Shaq</span> and Z weren't on the floor at all. Charles Barkley has been right all along... The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cavs</span> need to pick up the tempo and run run run. With <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Varejao</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Hickson</span>/Jamison, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">LeBron</span>, Moon/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Delonte</span>, and Mo they were able to do just that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Granted, playoff basketball is different from regular season ball, but I think Mike Brown has absolutely got to explore the possibility of playing this line-up more often, especially against the Bostons, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Atlantas</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Charlottes</span> of the league. Any team that doesn't have a dominating center is not worth playing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Shaq</span> against. He slows down the offense, and his defense is pathetic. He can't move laterally to save his life, and anytime a guard or big man gets a step on him, he immediately fouls him in hard, ugly fashion as if to say, "Take the 2 points, I don't</div><div> want to play anymore". </div><div><br /></div><div>His foul decisions are usually terrible, and he often times looks like a bratty father who gets so fed up with losing to his son that he decides to foul him hard to let him remember who's the man of the house. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Shaq</span> we know you're the man, but you're killing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Cavs'</span> trademark defense.</div><div><br /></div><div>Others would likely allude to the good production Shaq has had recently, but this has been at the expense of getting up and down the floor to score often, and thus being able to set their effective half-court defense more often. When Shaq scores, other teams can push the ball quickly because the big guy takes a while to get back on D. But when the Cavs score on the break, or with faster big men in the game, their defense gets set and other teams have trouble scoring as consistently. </div><div><br /></div><div>A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Varejao</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Hickson</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">frontcourt</span> provides an insane amount of athleticism and versatility. They each have shown the ability to guard 4's and 5's, and therefore can switch on screens, and defend the paint when guards come in much more effectively than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Shaq</span> or Z can (at least since they've reached their upper 30s). They also are able to be part of the Cavs' fast-break (as evidenced by JJ Hickson's multiple alley-oops on the break Thursday), which adds an extra dimension that Shaq simply cannot do anymore. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd now like to take this opportunity to apologize to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Shaq</span> and say I appreciate the way he's played against Orlando and LA, but until we play one of those teams again, feel free to prolong your injury rest. You're one of the best of all time, but you're not good enough anymore to be on a team hoping to build early leads to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">LeBron</span> and the starters sufficient rest in the fourth quarter. No offense as stagnant as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Cavs</span> when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Shaq</span> is in the game is going to be able to do that against any team in the league, let alone the Celtics. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wow, so I just went off on a huge tangent but it was necessary. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Cavs</span> played great. Mo shot the lights out in the fourth: he scored 14 points, and the Celtics scored 14 points. Find me someone who would have taken a bet for that happening. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">LeBron</span> wasn't settling AT ALL. He typically runs the clock down and takes fade away jumpers, but instead he ran it down and took it to the basket, getting fouled and making lay-ups. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Hickon</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Varejao</span> played with tremendous energy and clogged up the middle where Rondo was making a living in the first half. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Delonte</span> played great D on Rondo. Jamison made some big shots in the 3rd to get the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Cavs</span> back in it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Jamario</span> took a huge charge. </div><div><br /></div><div>I could go on and on, so I will: LEON <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">POWE</span> MADE A LAY-UP AND 2 FREE THROWS! Ha, sorry but Leon is not an impact player on this team this year. It's too bad because he seems like a good guy, but he was running gingerly down the floor, which is not a good sign. He also got swatted by Shelden Williams which is an even worse sign. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry for the long, somewhat disorganized post but in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">conclusion</span>, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Cavs</span> are a better team against every team except LA and Orlando without <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Shaq</span> on the court. Period. Perhaps you'll get a chance to see this in the coming weeks if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Shaq</span> misses time. Until then, remember to check back for my next NBA Rankings. </div><div> </div>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-51866514343533203662010-02-23T18:39:00.002-05:002010-02-23T18:44:02.973-05:00Cramer: Larry Hughes Bought OutLarry Hughes getting his own post? Unfortunately, yes. Though Hughes has shown that he is an incredibly inefficient player on offense, he has shown the ability to defend and score in spurts (at times). My prediction for Hughes is that he will be scooped up by the Celtics in a final attempt to keep up with the Magic and the Cavs. My other prediction: it will prove futile. <br /><br />But wouldn't it be funny if Hughes ended up being the reason the Cavs couldn't reach the Finals in what may be the most important season for any franchise in the history of sports? After getting one of the most ridiculous contracts ever, Hughes provided absolutely nothing for the Cavs in his years there except for a trading chip to acquire Ben Wallace and Delonte West, and eventually Shaq. <br /><br />If Hughes is to sign with a contender it will have to be before March 1st, so any contender interested in his services (Cavs more than likely not included) will have to make their move fast if they want him on their playoff roster (which I, and Cavs management would likely advise against). <br /><br />Anyway, just a quick update... Larry Hughes could prove to be a major player in the NBA playoffs this season. Check back soon for further information regarding this.Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-40693600847400406992010-02-23T17:47:00.002-05:002010-02-23T17:47:48.837-05:00Cramer: Vinsanity's Still Got it?First he beats the Cavs... now this:<br /><br /><object width="388" height="394" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="ep"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/swf/1.1/cvp/nba_embed_container.swf?context=magic&videoId=teams/magic/2010/02/23/022310cartershotm4v-1238735" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><embed src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/.element/swf/1.1/cvp/nba_embed_container.swf?context=magic&videoId=teams/magic/2010/02/23/022310cartershotm4v-1238735" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="388" wmode="transparent" height="394"></embed></object>Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5725259010231787708.post-25729653639161154392010-02-21T18:58:00.004-05:002010-02-22T23:23:49.835-05:00Cramer: Not Time to Panic... Yet<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cavs</span> fans all across the country, both young and old, have to feel a little bit on edge after the last 3 games for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cavs</span>. Obviously, putting in a little bit of perspective eases the pain: they lost to 2 of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NBA's</span> 4 best teams (other than Cleveland) in tight games after pulling off a significant trade, and lost to a team they have trouble with in the second night of a back-to-back (following an OT just as a cherry on top). However, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cavs</span> issues may be bigger than just a 3-game losing streak.<br /><br />Cleveland has made a living this season being bigger than their opponents. They've had Z and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Shaq</span> on the court for a majority of the game, along with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Varejao</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hickson</span> at the 4, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">LeBron</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Jawad</span> at the 3, Parker/Moon/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Delonte</span> at the 2, and Mo/Gibson at the PG. Now, with the loss of Z, they no longer have a true back up center, and they have a log jam at the 4 spot. This leaves them with no one to guard the great centers they will have to face down the road in Dwight Howard, and Andrew <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Bynum</span>/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Pau</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gasol</span>.<br /><br />Additionally, getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Antawn</span> Jamison makes the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Cavs</span> somewhat of an offensive juggernaut (yet to be seen for more than a couple stretches in the Orlando game), but it takes away a good amount of their defensive abilities. Jamison is slow, old, and doesn't get off his feet nearly quick enough to keep up with the guys he's guarding (as evidenced by the domination of Boris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Diaw</span> and Tyrus Thomas on Friday night). With Jamison on the floor, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cavs</span> lose on defense what they gain on offense... at least until Mike Brown can instill more of a defensive mindset into him, which might be hard to do to a 33/34 year old.<br /><br />Finally, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Cavs</span> have had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Zydrunas</span> for his entire career. His presence, even on the bench, provides the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Cavs</span> with an emotional edge over their opponents. During this 3-game losing streak, the absence of Z has been seen both during the play, and on the faces of the players. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">LeBron</span> is likely very upset about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Z's</span> departure (albeit likely brief), and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Varejao</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Z's</span> great friend, hasn't had the same impact on the court since the All-Star Break.<br /><br />So what am I getting at... not much, yet. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Cavs</span> have one of the best teams in the NBA, and still have a great chance to win the NBA Finals. They likely will still end up with the best record in the East and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">homecourt</span> advantage at least until the Finals (if they get there).<br /><br />The key word though is "likely". If Z doesn't return then the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Cavs</span> may ultimately regret trading him despite the talent they got in return. Jamison's contract is pretty atrocious for a team looking to build a dynasty, and if he doesn't work out, it may be safe to say that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">LeBron</span> will be playing elsewhere next season.<br /><br />For now, it's not worth dwelling on the first 3-game losing streak in 2 years for this squad. Why? Because this squad is not the same team they've had over the last 2 years. They're trying to incorporate a major piece of the puzzle in Jamison, and their two best offensive guards in Mo and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Delonte</span> are returning from injuries.<br /><br />They lost to Denver in one of the best games of the season and to Orlando in a game that they easily could have won if a couple of calls had gone their way (tough to win when Jamison fouls out, Shaq's in foul trouble, and Parker's in foul trouble). By next weekend, we may be looking at a good 3-game winning streak with wins over New Orleans, at Boston and at Toronto (all very quality win opportunities - or a chance for a scary 6 game losing streak).<br /><br />So as the season winds down, and the playoffs creep up on us <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Cavs</span> fans, don't press the panic button, yet... but keep your finger near by.Zeus of Sporthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06249428130070793489noreply@blogger.com0