#NBA2016: MY All-Star Team Picks and Notes

Toronto, Canada will host the 2016 All-Star Weekend
(Image from: NBA.com)

It is February already and Valentine's Day is less than a week away. February will always be the month of hearts, but more importantly for basketball fans, the second month of a new year signifies that the NBA All-Star Weekend is coming. The highlight of that weekend is the All-Star Game where superstars and celebrities mix and mingle.

The starters for both teams were released already and the reserves followed a week after that.

This gives me the opportunity to share my own picks for the 2016 All-Star Game.

West Starters voted by fans
(Image from: allstarweekendtoronto.com)

WEST

Starters 
G - Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
G - Russell Westbrook, OKC Thunder
F - Kevin Durant, OKC Thunder
F - DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
F - Anthony Davis, New Orleans Hornets

Reserves
G - James Harden, Houston Rockets
G - Chris Paul, LA Clippers
F - Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies
F - Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
F - Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
WC - Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
WC - Damian Lillard, Portland Trailblazers

Notes: I know that Kobe Bryant will retire after this season, which is why fans voted him as a starter. However, if you evaluate his stats, number of missed games and factor in the win-loss record of the LA Lakers, Bryant should NOT be on the All-Star team. His inclusion on the team robbed other more deserving players of an opportunity to be on the All-Star team. Which other players should have been on the team? Damian Lillard of the Blazers has been amazing in leading his team who lost 4 of their 5 starters from last year. The Blazers are within striking range of the playoffs in large part because Dame is averaging 24 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds.

So, should the NBA leave Kobe off the All-Star team? Not necessarily. I think the NBA should explore expanding the ASG roster to 15 players which is the limit that each NBA team carries during the regular season. Adding 3 more players who are deserving All-Stars will prevent more and more snubs each season. If 3 more slots were added: Damian Lillard, Gordon Hayward and Marc Gasol would get the additional slots.

The NBA might be better served if they created a special "retirement tour" slot for the All-Star game. This spot will be created to honor the farewell tour of a popular and amazing ballplayer. This way, spots are not taken away from those deserving to be in the ASG due to their performance this season. When Tim Duncan decides to retire, he should be given the "retirement tour" slot.

East starters voted by fans
(Image from: allstarweekendtoronto.com)

EAST

Starters 
G - Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
G - Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
F - LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
F - Paul George, Indiana Pacers
F - Andre Drummond, Detroit Pistons

Reserves
G - John Wall, Washington Wizards
G - DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
F - Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
F - Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
F - Paul Millsap, Atlanta Hawks
WC - Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat
WC - Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics

Notes:
My All-Star selections for the East matched the roster for this year which the fans and coaches voted upon. The major differences can be found on who should start or not. Initially, the fans voted for Dwyane Wade to start (BTW, Wade fan over here) and I disagreed with that. I felt that Jimmy Butler should have received the starter spot over Wade because Butler continues to play better than Wade. Furthermore, "Jimmy Buckets" is a much better defender than Wade at the moment. I'm not saying that Wade should not be in the All-Star game. I merely felt that Butler should have been a starter while Wade should be on the reserve list.

Aside from the Wade-Butler angle. I also hoped that Andre Drummond would start instead of Carmelo Anthony. Drummond's team is playing better than the Knicks and 'Dre continues to lead the NBA in double-doubles and rebounds. Anyway, Carmelo is somewhat hurting nowadays so there might be a slight chance that he skips playing in the All-Star game. If that's the case, a suitable replacement player that can fill his roster spot should be Pau Gasol. In addition, Butler might be a little gimpy from a knee sprain so he might skip the ASG too. Thus, a decent replacement should be Avery Bradley (playoff team) or Khris Middleton (non-playoff team). Moreover, if the NBA decides to increase the roster to 15 spots, the additional 3 spots for the East should go to Pau Gasol. Nik Vucevic and Kemba Walker, barring any injured player replacements.

Lastly, I don't like the chosen coaches for both teams. Coach Lue of the Cavs just inherited the team after Coach Blatt got fired even if the Cavs were tops in the East at that time. Lue should not be coaching the East and Blatt cannot perform that duty. So, why not give the coaching duties to the 2nd placed team in East, Coach Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors?! BTW, the All-Star game will be held in Toronto, so I'm sure the fans would love that decision. As for Coach Pop handling the duties for the West, I think it would have been better if Luke Walton was given the chance to coach. Last I checked, Walton was not even credited any of the wins that the Warriors accumulated (a lot of them)  when head coach Steve Kerr was unavailable. A decent consolation prize should be the chance to coach in the ASG.    

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#NBA Playoffs Predictions for 2015-16

Image taken from: moddingway.com

The real season has officially started and it's time to make more predictions (and guesses) on what could happen in 2015-2016 for our beloved NBA teams. It's great to dream and fantasize while it's early and most teams still have realistic chances to make the playoffs.

Who will make the playoffs and what seeds will they get? Will the Warriors repeat or will the Spurs find themselves at the top again? Will LBJ bring the Cavs all the way this time? Will Kobe play after this year and will Kevin Durant leave OKC? All these questions and many more make the NBA interesting and entertaining every year. So, on to the predictions!

EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavs simply need to be healthy to achieve the top spot in the East. However, they aren't starting the season healthy since Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert are hurting. Even LBJ has some minor injuries that limited his preseason preparation. On the bright side, Kevin Love looks ready to play and Tristan Thompson has been renewed, albeit quite overpaid.

2. Chicago Bulls
They have a rookie coach in ex-player Fred Hoiberg whose coaching style puts more weight on offense rather than defense. Hoiberg was cited as being creative offensively so expect the Bulls to run more sets and score more points. They are already putting more emphasis on offense to start the game because Joakim Noah was sent to the bench and more shooting/offense was inserted into the starting lineup with Nikola Mirotic.

3. Miami Heat
Miami feels that they can compete with the Cavs. They certainly have the talent to do so (Gerald Green, Justice Winslow, Amare Stoudemire) and they have a better coach as well. D-Wade is entering this season in the "best shape" of his career so maybe he won't miss 20 games or so which will help their overall record. The wildcard is Hassan Whiteside. Can he improve from last year's breakout campaign?

4. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are no longer under the radar and teams will not underestimate them. They also lost a key guy when DeMarre Carroll bolted to join the Raptors. The injury to Thabo Sefolosha will also hurt them. To replace Thabo, Kent Bazemore will be their starting SG/SF. I'm not sure that Bazemore is ready to be an everyday starter for the Hawks. Still, they are good enough to be in the top 4 in the East.

5. Toronto Raptors 
Carroll and Cory Joseph are a good pickups for them and they strengthen an already solid perimeter team who has DeMar DeRozan, Terrence Ross, James Johnson and Kyle Lowry who has significantly trimmed down. However, a major barometer for their success should be Jonas Valanciunas. Can he be a top center in the East? I think he can.

6. Washington Wizards
John Wall and Bradley Beal are among the best young back court tandems in the NBA (aside from Curry & Thomspon). Wall is their leader and the former ROY is ready to accept the challenge. The Wiz are also expecting Otto Porter Jr. to improve a lot this season after having a somewhat disappointing 2 years with them.  

7. Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have anointed Giannis, the Greek Freak as their best player who will guard multiple positions and play PG from time-to-time. The addition of Greg  Monroe will bolster their front court because this guy can collect double-doubles instantly. The Bucks are also awaiting the return of Jabbari Parker from an ACL injury.

8. Detroit Pistons
Andre Drummond has upped his points and rebounds every year in his first 3 years with the Pistons. Coach Van Gundy is hoping that Drummond can do that in 4 straight years. They have new additions in Marcus Morris and Ersan Ilyasova to flank Drummond at the middle while the back court is still a work in progress with young guns Stanley Johnson, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson.

WILDCARDS - Pacers and Magic
The Pacers only got 6 games from Paul George last year but they still made the playoffs. Thus, the Pacers still have the ammunition to make the playoffs again with a healthy Paul George and Monta Ellis. As for the Magic, they have a very good starting lineup of Vucevic, Harris, Payton, Fournier and Oladipo. Their bench is okay with Aaron Gordon, Mario Hezonja and CJ Watson. These guys might surprise a few teams and make the playoffs.

WESTERN CONFERENCE 
1. Golden State Warriors
Repeating as champs is no easy task but the Warriors are coming back with an intact lineup and they still have last season's MVP to lead the charge. However, the absence of coach Steve Kerr might cost then a few losses but they should still finish at the top of the standings because they know how crucial homecourt advantage is in the playoffs.

2. San Antonio Spurs
LaMarcus Aldridge fits their offense but can his defense be sufficient enough in the Spurs' system? In any case, the presence of Tim Duncan and current DPOY, Kawhi Leonard can hide most of the defensive deficiencies by the rest of the Spurs. They just need to stay healhty.

3. OKC Thunder
The best duo in the NBA is Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. That is a certainty. Both guys can win games alone or together. Yikes. Still, the problem lies with their supporting cast. How reliable and consistent are these guys? By the way, they also have a rookie head coach.

4. LA Clippers
The Clippers have a deep bench this season that includes Paul Pierce, Josh Smith, Jamal Crawford and Lance Stephenson. DeAndre Jordan is back with them plus Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are still there. Can they finally reach at least the Conference Finals?

5. Memphis Grizzlies 
The core of Grizzlies are still here (Gasol, Conley, Randolph, Lee, Green and Allen) and they added minor pieces with Matt Barnes and Brandan Wright. They are good enough for the playoffs and can make it to the top 4 but they need more firepower to unseat the other teams above them.

6. Houston Rockets
Ty Lawson is an upgrade over at PG and he has the mentality of a pass-first PG. That bodes well for James Harden who always needs the ball in his hands. Look for Harden to improve on his stats from last year. The Rockets also need to make a concerted effort to involve Dwight Howard more offensively because he sulks when he doesn't get touches.

7. Sacramento Kings
The Kings have a new head coach, George Karl and Rajon Rondo is in town to try and help the Kings reach the playoffs. It also helps that the best big man aside from Anthony Davis plays for the Kings. DeMarcus Cousins apparently has a three-point shot now so that spells troubles for opposing teams.

8. Utah Jazz
The Jazz found their new defensive center in Rudy Gobert. His pairing with Derrick Favors gives the Jazz a strong front court who are very good defensively including wing players Alec Burks and Gordon Hayward. But, can the Jazz score enough points to carry them to the playoffs?

WILDCARDS - Pelicans and Timberwolves
Originally, I had the Pelicans making the playoffs but a slew of injuries (Evans and Cole) to start the season should cost them a few wins, thus, dropping them in the standings. However, the brilliance of Anthony Davis just might be able to carry this broken team to the playoffs. As for the T'wolves, the new blood of Towns, Muhammad and Wiggins should catapult them to more wins this season. Can those extra wins allow them to sneak into the playoffs? We shall wait and see.

PLAYOFFS
1st Round
Cavs over Pistons
Bulls over Bucks
Heat over Wizards
Raptors over Hawks

Warriors over Jazz
Spurs over Kings
Thunder over Grizzlies
Clippers over Rockets

2nd Round
Cavs over Raptors
Heat over Bulls

Warriors over Clippers
Spurs over Thunder

Conference Finals
Cavs over Heat

Spurs over Warriors

Finals
Cavs over Spurs

*** My apologies for not being able to post the predictions before the start of the season. I got too caught up with watching a lot of NBA games! hehe

Follow me on twitter: @rolly_hoopnut

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#NBAPlayoffs: 2015 Conference Finals Preview

EASTERN CONFERENCE

It will take more than one guy to slow down LeBron James
(Image by: Getty Images)

(1) Atlanta Hawks vs (2) Cleveland Cavaliers 
Different team but almost the same results for LeBron James when it comes to reaching at least the Conference Finals. For the 5th straight year, LBJ will participate in the Eastern Conference Finals. While LBJ looks stronger than ever, his supporting cast isn't quite as invincible as he is. The Cavs' primary concern is their injury list. They cannot afford to add more bodies to that list. Kevin Love has been out since the 1st Round but the Cavs managed to move along without him. However, if Kyrie Irving misses a game or two (or more), then this series could be over in 4 games and the Hawks would be moving on to the Finals. Atlanta had the regular season series edge at 3-1 and they won those games by displaying balanced scoring from their starters and bench. The Hawks have the deeper team, so expect them to shuffle their lineup often to keep the Cavs off-balanced defensively. At the same time, having fresher legs allow them to run in transition more frequently which favors the Hawks because that could free up Kyle Korver to shoot uncontested threes. However, Korver has somewhat struggled in the postseason (39% now from 49% in the regular season). Still, the Cavs cannot wait for him to get hot because that guy is deadly.

Hoop Nut VLog Episode 8: #NBAPlayoffs 2015 East Preview

In continuing our efforts to break new ground, Rollz and I have decided to push on with this Video Log thingy until we get tired of it or, as is more probable, until we just cannot find the time to do it anymore.

In Episode 8 of the Hoop Nut Video Log, Rolly and I preview the 2015 Eastern Conference Playoffs and make our picks!

The NBA 2014 Playoffs: Conference Finals

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Paul George and the Indiana Pacers will try to beat LeBron James
and the Miami Heat in the playoffs for the first time in three years
(Image from: AP/Lynne Sladky)

(1) Indiana Pacers vs (2) Miami Heat 
So, here we are. It took more or less seven months to happen but the dream scenario for the Eastern Conference Finals will finally happen (whew). The Heat was fantastic while going through the first two rounds of the playoffs with an 8-1 record. Meanwhile, the Pacers almost bumbled their way out of the postseason but they managed to get their act together just in time to face the Miami Heat in the ECF. This will be their third straight meeting in the last three years with Miami winning the previous two instances. The biggest difference (and advantage?) for Indy, they have home-court advantage. They actively pursued the #1 seed as early as the off-season in hopes that playing Game 7 in Indiana will topple Miami. However, the Pacers haven't used Bankers Life Fieldhouse as a place of success in the postseason. Indiana is a pedestrian 3-4 at home after going 35-6 in the regular season. On the other hand, they have been a lot better on the road at 5-1. The season series was tied at 2 games apiece with neither team winning on the road.


The Pacers have not been consistent and dominant during the postseason. Furthermore, they have paraded two separate Roy Hibberts (good and bad) during the playoffs. There's the bench-warmer version (0 points, 0 rebounds) and the starter version of Hibbert (11 points, 7 boards). Miami will be lucky if they see one of those versions playing in the ECF because Hibbert transforms to a 20-10, double-double machine when playing the Heat. However, the Heat has played a lot better than the Pacers after two rounds. LeBron James shifted up an extra gear defensively while still getting 30 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Even Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are doing okay. They're also getting production from their supporting players (Lewis, Jones, Battier, Andersen, Allen). On the contrary, the Pacers don't totally trust their bench and that will be a key ingredient in the series. The match-up between LeBron and Paul George will be the top draw but the undercard between Dwyane Wade and Lance Stephenson will also be a joy to watch. Overall, Miami has the advantage offensively (shooting and passing) especially when attacking in transition. If Roy Hibbert doesn't show up, the Pacers have no chance. HEAT in 6.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

The 2014 MVP will play against the former two-time MVP
(Image from: USA Today Sports)

(1) San Antonio Spurs vs (2) Oklahoma City Thunder 
This will be a rematch of their 2012 WCF battle that saw OKC win 4 straight after losing the first 2 games to the Spurs. The Thunder has won 10 of their past 12 games against the Spurs including a 4-game sweep in the regular season. They didn't meet last year because Russell Westbrook got hurt which resulted in a 2nd round defeat for OKC at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies whom the San Antonio Spurs promptly swept. Both teams struggled in the 1st round and almost got eliminated by lower seeds but they prevailed after winning Game 7 at their respective home-courts. The Spurs finished with the best record in the West during 2012 and this year plus they have home-court again but that didn't mean much two years ago. Anyway, it seems that the Spurs can beat any team in the league except the Thunder. That can definitely change in an instant but OKC gives San Antonio match-up problems especially when it comes to handling Russell Westbrook.Will that be the same case this year? Which team has been better so far?

OKC barely escaped the LA Clippers in Game 5 but fortuitous calls that favored OKC gave them the win and helped pave the way for a showdown with the SAS. Meanwhile, the Spurs easily dispatched the Portland Trailblazers but Tony Parker suffered a hamstring injury that might limit his effectiveness. The Spurs need TP to be 100% in order to make Westbrook work defensively and possibly get him into foul trouble. Parker's ability to attack the paint may induce Westbrook to constantly cheat and gamble on defense. That will force OKC to rotate and help defensively which means open shots will be available for all of the Spurs' shooters. We all know that SAS loves to spread the wealth and share the ball while OKC loves to shoot the ball and keep the rock (or maybe just RW). However, the tandem of Kevin Durant and RW can win ANY series if both guys are shooting well AND making plays for their teammates. The Spurs don't have anyone that can truly stop KD but they have multiple defenders who can bother him (Kawhi, Marco, Diaw, Green, Manu) while they don't have anyone who can guard Westbrook consistently. My heart wants another Thunder-Heat NBA Finals especially a KD vs LBJ sequel but my brain tells me otherwise. Russell Westbrook needs to be the perfect complement to Kevin Durant in this series. I don't see that happening especially with Coach Popovich being a far superior coach than Coach Brooks. The Spurs will unleash a game plan that will flummox OKC. SPURS in 7. 

***UPDATE: Serge Ibaka was declared out for the rest of the playoffs with a calf injury. I made this preview before that was shared to the public. This is a tough break for OKC because Ibaka can defend Duncan or Splitter and his much improved offensive arsenal provides the Thunder a viable third option. If Ibaka doesn't play one second in this series, the Spurs should have a relatively easy time marching towards their 2nd straight NBA Finals appearance. New prediction SPURS in 5. I'll give OKC one game because Durant and Westbrook can probably win one at home BUT it would be a small miracle if OKC gets more than one win.

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The NBA: All-Star Weekend 2014 Predictions

Happy Valentine's Day to all but more importantly, Happy NBA All-Star weekend to basketball fans!

Let's celebrate ASW at New Orleans, Louisiana with predictions on who will win each event.

Anthony Davis will be the hometown hero
(Image by: Getty Images)

BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge

TEAM HILL
Damian Lillard (Portland, Soph.)
Bradley Beal (Washington, Soph.)
Andre Drummond (Detroit, Soph.)
Harrison Barnes (Golden State, Soph.)
Terrence Jones (Houston, Soph.)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee, Rookie)
Jonas Valanciunas (Toronto, Soph.)
Dion Waiters (Cleveland, Soph.)
Miles Plumlee** (Phoenix, Soph.)
** Plumlee replaces Atlanta's Pero Antic, who is injured

TEAM WEBBER
Anthony Davis (New Orleans, Soph.)
Michael Carter-Williams (Philadelphia, Rookie)
Tim Hardaway Jr. (New York, Rookie)
Trey Burke (Utah, Rookie)
Jared Sullinger (Boston, Soph.)
Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn, Rookie)
Victor Oladipo (Orlando, Rookie)
Steven Adams (OKC, Rookie)
Kelly Olynyk (Boston, Rookie)

For the Rising Stars Challenge, Chris Webber and Grant Hill acted as general managers as they drafted players into their teams. Anthony Davis was the 1st pick (Team Webber) while Damian Lillard was the 2nd pick (Team Hill).

MVP: Anthony Davis is the best player in this game and he will be the hometown favorite. If Team Webber wins and AD gets enough minutes, he should easily win the MVP. I am predicting 30-20 numbers.