2014 No Credentials NBA 30

            We’re starting our first set of season ending awards here at No Credentials, and here’s the criteria for how it works.

-         Based on regular and post-season results, we picked three players for ten different “teams” (the NBA has been obsessed with “Big 3s”, so this number makes sense).

-         Players were chosen based on who we would want to have under contract for the next four years, so youth and potential are favorable traits. Likewise, players like Tim Duncan were left off the list.

-         The second and third picks for each team were based on who was previously drafted on another club; meaning one team didn’t select two point guards or two centers.

-         This list was made from memory without looking at statistics for each player, although stats will be used in each player’s write-up.

-         Potential rookies were not included on the list.

Without further ado, the 2014 No Credentials NBA 30

Third Wheels

30. DeMar DeRozan, SG, Toronto Raptors

            DeRozan posted career highs in points (22.7 per game), boards (4.3), and most importantly, assists (4.0) while helping lead the Raptors back into the postseason. He isn’t the most efficient player, but if he learns to stop chucking from the 3-point line (a shade over 30% while attempting almost 3 per game) that will improve. Quietly, he’s a top-5 SG at only the age of 24.

29. Al Jefferson, PF-C, Charlotte Hornets

            Big Al was the driving force behind Charlotte snagging the seventh seed in the East, posting his first season over 20 points and 10 boards per game since 2008-09. When it comes to scoring from the low post, few do it better than Jefferson.

28. Chris Bosh, PF, Miami Heat

            Bosh added semi-reliable three-point shooting to his skill-set this year, which added a new dimension to the Miami attack.             

27. Lance Stephenson, SG-SF, Indiana Pacers

            Stephenson obviously has his issues, but no one can question his desire to win. It would be interesting to see what could happen if we went to a team that offered a larger offensive workload, but he’s likely going to stay in Indiana.

26. Kyle Lowry, PG, Toronto Raptors

            Criminally underrated to the point that he was left off of the All-Star team, Lowry was Toronto’s MVP after Rudy Gay was shipped to Sacramento. When his head is on straight, he’s a championship caliber player.

25. Serge Ibaka, PF-C, Oklahoma City Thunder

            Ibaka’s value was fully realized when he sat out the first two games of the Western Conference Finals. His improved shooting from three point range bodes well for the future of the Thunder offense.

24. Eric Bledsoe, PG-SG, Phoenix Suns

            Fellow Sun Goran Dragic was also in the mix to make the 30, but ultimately Bledsoe’s upside pushed him ahead of his teammate. Health is the only thing holding Bledsoe back, and barring another injury, we are expecting a full breakout next year.

23. Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers

            This feels a little low for Lillard, but when watching him he feels like a guy who’s already close to his ceiling. Comparing his numbers from his rookie and sophomore campaigns support that theory. Regardless, he’s still a big-time shot maker who delivered one of the top-5 moments of the playoffs with his series winning shot against the Rockets.

22. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks

            Dirk is the oldest guy on this list, but as good a shooter as he is we think he’d still hold value as a spot-up stretch four on the right team when he’s pushing 40.

21. Bradley Beal, SG, Washington Wizards

            Beal’s story is similar to DeRozan’s, except Beal can hit 3s and is four years younger. It isn’t ridiculous to think Beal could be the best shooting guard in the NBA as soon as next season.

Second Banana’s

20. Kevin Love, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves

            Love is a gifted offensive player and fantastic rebounder, but the rest of his defensive skills leave much to be desired. A championship can be won with Love, but a rim-protecting center and an elite point guard are needed.

19. Tony Parker, PG, San Antonio Spurs

            Parker’s getting up there in age, which is concerning considering his game is predicated on his ability to get into the paint. Regardless, his role as a catalyst on the team that just won the Finals earns him a spot on this list.

18. Carmelo Anthony, SF-PF, New York Knicks

            I considered copying and pasting what I typed about Kevin Love here, but instead I’ll just tell you to reread Love’s right up and swap out “Love’ for “Carmelo”.

17. Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland Cavaliers

            It’s not Irving’s fault that he plays for a team that fired the same coach twice within four years. There’s a good chance Irving’s best years will happen on another team sometime down the road.

16. Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers

            Griffin was a monster this year, but we’re still not putting him into the top-10. If he backs up the season he just had next year, we’ll have to push him that high.

15. Joakim Noah, PF-C, Chicago Bulls

            Noah was far and away the most consistent defensive player in the NBA this season, and he upped his value even more by posting a career high 5.4 assists per game this season. He’d be the perfect compliment for either Kevin Love or Carmelo Anthony.

14. James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets

            We’d like to see Harden revert more to his playmaking days from Oklahoma City rather than being a volume shot taker, but he’s still either the first or second best shooting guard in the league.

13. Dwight Howard, C, Houston Rockets

            Howard quietly delivered what the Rockets were looking for when they signed him last year, with the only disappointing number being his blocks dipping under 2 per game for the first time since the 2006-07 season. Howard seems to be understanding that he doesn’t need to dominate the ball in the post, and should be even more effective if Houston is able to land another star player this off-season.

12. Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies

            Along with Howard, Gasol is the only other true center in the league that can adequately handle playing in a small-ball lineup. I’d like to see Memphis utilize him more, as his playmaking ability is elite for a man of his size.

11. DeMarcus Cousins, PF-C, Sacramento Kings

            I understand that Boogie is bonkers, but there’s no denying that he is the dominant low-post scorer in the NBA. If we didn’t have a history of behavior issues, he’d be in the top-5.

Franchise Players

10. Chris Paul, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

            There’s a legitimate case to be made that Paul has a history of postseason choking, but there still isn’t another point guard I’d rather have running my half-court offense.

9. Paul George, SG-SF, Indiana Pacers

            George made a giant leap this season, but next year he needs to establish more game-to-game consistency to place him in the discussion of best players in the league.

8. John Wall, PG, Washington Wizards

            Even if Derrick Rose (who was left off this list due to health concerns) returns near full strength, Wall will still be the best point guard in the Eastern Conference. We’ll go out on a limb and predict Wall makes his first run at League MVP next season.

7. LaMarcus Aldridge, PF, Portland Trail Blazers

            Aldridge is arguably the best 18-foot jump shooter in the league, which is a real asset for floor spacing. I don’t think anyone would’ve thought that Aldridge would be so highly regarded when he was drafted out of Texas.

6. Stephen Curry, PG-SG, Golden State Warriors

            The shot making has always been there, but it’s his 8.5 assists per game in 2013-14 that’s noteworthy. The turnovers need to come down, but Curry is well on his way to establishing himself as a true floor general.

5. Russell Westbrook, PG-SG, Oklahoma City Thunder

            More often than not this postseason, it was Westbrook taking the critical shots in crunch time instead of Kevin Durant. Whether that’s a bi-product of selfishness or being the guy with the biggest onions is up for debate, but there’s no doubt that Westbrook is a top-5 talent. Ultimately we’d love to see the Thunder find a point guard and shift Westbrook to the 2, as he would be fully unleashed to attack when he has the ball in his hands.

 

4. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Antonio Spurs

            At first glance, this seems like an epic overreaction to his NBA Finals MVP award, but Leonard truly deserves to be ranked this high. For starters, he’s only 22 years old. If he was on a team other than San Antonio, his points per game would be significantly higher, but his unselfishness makes him the perfect Spur. There’s no one better suited physically to guard Lebron James, and even when tasked with guarding the leagues best player he’s still able to produce on the offensive end. Do it all players like Leonard don’t grow on trees, and San Antonio is fortunate to have one of it’s pillars for the post Duncan era in place already.

3. Anthony Davis, PF, New Orleans Pelicans

            The Brow was an absolute monster this year, and looks poised to lead the next generation of NBA stars after Lebron and Durant move on. His defensive production was never in doubt when he came out of Kentucky, but you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who thought he could average more than 20 points per game as a 20-year old. The sky truly is the limit for him, and he’s a dark horse to finish first on this list next season.

2. Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
            Durant is a post-up game away from being the most dominant player in the league. His playmaking skills are already improved (he posted a career high assist rate this year), but he needs to be able to get the ball closer than 25 feet away from the basket in crunch time.

1. Lebron James, SF, Miami Heat

            Lebron’s no longer the most dominant offensive player on the planet (Durant has passed him there), but it’s his defense that gives him the top spot on our list. He’s the only player in the NBA capable of guarding point guards, wings, and power forwards. James has the most impact on defense on a nightly basis, and at 29, still has some prime years left in him.

            Here’s what our ten trios ended up being. Feel free to comment here, on Facebook, or Twitter to pass along your thoughts on our first annual NBA 30.

Team	Player 1	Player 2	Player 3
1	Lebron James, Heat	DeMarcus Cousins, Kings	Bradley Beal, Wizards
2	Kevin Durant, Thunder	Marc Gasol, Grizzlies	Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
3	Anthony Davis, Hornets	Dwight Howard, Rockets	Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
4	Kawhi Leonard, Spurs	James Harden, Rockets	Eric Bledsoe, Suns
5	Russell Westbrook, Thunder	Joakim Noah, Bulls	Serge Ibaka, Thunder
6	Stephen Curry, Warriors	Blake Griffin, Clippers	Kyle Lowry, Raptors
7	LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers	Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers	Lance Stephenson, Pacers
8	John Wall, Wizards	Carmelo Anthony, Knicks	Chris Bosh, Heat
9	Paul George, Pacers	Tony Parker, Spurs	Al Jefferson, Raptors
10	Chris Paul, Clippers	Kevin Love, Timberwolves	DeMar DeRozan, Raptors

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (2/15-2/17)

10. Rick Grimes Keeps Seeing His Dead Wife
            I watch “The Walking Dead” to see zombies, not a dude going bonkers and making out with a ghost.

9. Rafael Nadal Wins First Tennis Tournament Since Returning From Injury

            Tennis is way more interest when Nadal is in the mix. That’s your Troy Aikman-esque comment of the day, sponsored by “You’re Absolutely Right Joe”.

8. Lionel Messi Scores 300^th Career Goal For Barcelona

            Here’s your obligatory mention of futbol in the weekly top 10 to soak up some cheap page hits from Europe.

7. Terrance Ross Wins the Worst Dunk Contest Ever

            Want to get some stars into the dunk contest? Let’s offer a $1 million (after taxes) to the winner. You’ll get some name guys to particpate for that prize.

6. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Admits He Lost 1-on-1 Game Against Michael Jordan

            I’d make fun of Kidd-Gilchrist more, but I once got up-faked by a dude in his sixties a couple of years back.

5. #2 Duke Gets Upset By Maryland
            Here’s this week’s installment of the “Big Time College Basketball Upset That No Credentials Doesn’t Give A Shit About”, sponsored by Apple Cider Vinegar.

4. Kyrie Irving Takes Home 3-Point Shootout Championship

            An impressive showing by the Cavaliers budding superstar point guard, who scored 23 out of a possible 30 points in the final round against New Hampshire’s own Matt Bonner.

3. Kevin Harvick Starts Lame-Duck Season With Sprint Unlimited Win
            We won’t put too much stock in this win as the majority of the top teams were knocked out early in the race, so don’t look for Harvick to be ranked very high in this week’s NASCAR season preview.

2. Danica Patrick Wins Daytona 500 Pole

            NASCAR has a long list of “storybook” outcomes, so here’s where Danica’s pole winning run ranks.

1. Richard Petty claiming his 200^th and final career win with Ronald Reagan in attendance at the 1984 Firecracker 400 (Petty was, and still is, a diehard Republican, so this victory turned into a glorified campaign stop for Reagan while he was running for his second term in office).

2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. winning the Pepsi 400 just five months after his father died in a last-lap crash in the 500 (as someone who watched the whole race live, I don’t care about the conspiracy theory. That was the most memorable NASCAR victory by anyone of the entire decade).
3. Danica Patrick winning the pole for this year’s Daytona 500.

            You might think I’d come down negatively on this, but you’d be mistaken. Qualifying at Daytona is in the discussion of most boring things you could ever watch on television. Furthermore, qualifying means very little at a restrictor plate track where cars zoom from the back to the front in less than a handful of laps. If NASCAR did anything to “encourage” a pole-winning run by Patrick, I’d call that some damn good marketing.

1. Chris Paul Quarterbacks West Win in NBA All-Star Game

            Paul was the MVP, Kevin Durant was the best scorer, but it was Kobe Bryant’s two blocks of Lebron James that will go in the books as the most memorable moments of the game.

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (12/9-12/11)

10. NL MVP Ryan Braun Faces 50-Game Suspension for Positive PEDs Test
            So Braun was supposedly on the juice all season and only managed to hit 33 home runs? Sounds like Braun needs a better ‘roids dealer.

9. Baylor QB Robert Griffin III Wins Heisman Trophy

            I’m a little embarrassed to say this, but I had not heard of Robert Griffin III until he won the Heisman Trophy Saturday night. I guess I don’t know a damn thing about college football.

8. Lakers Pull Out of Chris Paul Talks, Trade Lamar Odom to Mavericks

            Within a matter of four days, the Lakers went from taking the opening steps to forming their own Big 3 (they weren’t moving Gasol if they didn’t know they were also going to end up with Dwight Howard) to giving away their fourth best player in what can best be described as a salary dump.

7. Xavier and Cincinnati Throw Down

            At the risk of sounding immature, I’ll make the following statement…basketball brawls are awesome.

6. Indiana Hits Buzzer-Beater, Knocks Off Top Ranked Kentucky

            College basketball is more fun when Indian is relevant. Big win for Coach Crean and the Hoosiers.

5. Knicks Trade for Tyson Chandler, Amnesty Chauncey Billups

            For non-NBA fans, amnesty means, “to get rid of”. For as many times as Billups has been kicked to the curb by NBA teams during his career, I don’t blame him for wigging out when he found out he was released.

4. Patriots Survive in Washington, Brady Chews Out Offensive Coordinator

            It really wasn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but it was fun to see the golden boy not look so golden boyish for a change.    
     
3. Texans Shock Bengals
            I think it’s time for folks to start buying stock in T.J. Yates.
       
2. Giants Pull-Off Ridiculous Comeback in Dallas
            I’d feel much worse about this game, but No Credentials snuck in a live bet on the Giants money line immediately after Romo missed a wide-open Miles Austin with three minutes left.
         
1. God’s QB Strikes Again
            I’m just going to let God’s QB himself sum up this game (and this week’s column) after another thrilling comeback, this time against Chicago.

“If you believe, then unbelievable things can sometimes be possible.” – Tim Tebow

Sports Gone Bonkers and Week 14 NFL Picks

            No Credentials has degenerated into a hack-gambling blog (which depending on your point of view, is a step up or down from a hack-sports analyst blog), so we’re getting back to our roots a little bit with this week’s NFL picks. I’ve mixed in some commentary on all of the crazy transactions (both completed and attempted), a low brow joke about Colt McCoy, and I discuss a successful NHL parlay bet that you won’t care about. Enjoy!

On Pujols to the Angels… This was the “wow” story of the day Thursday until the botched Chris Paul trade blew it off the headlines (what does that say for the state of baseball when the movement of it’s best player to another team is overshadowed by a screwed up NBA trade?). A ten-year deal sounds crazy for a 31-year-old first basemen (who may really be 35, if conspiracy theorists are to be believed), but it’s more sensible when you consider Pujols will be in the American League. Use of the DH spot should allow the Angels to get six or seven good Pujols seasons as opposed to just four or five. Throw in the signing of C.J. Wilson away from the rival Rangers, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim/California/Orange County/San Andreas Fault are the prohibitive favorites in the AL West, and maybe even the entire American League.

RAVENS (-16.5) over Colts

            I don’t trust Flacco enough to cover this many points to stick this game in my top-5, but have already plugged this game into a 10-point teaser.

Baltimore 34, Indianapolis 10

Confidence Score = 11

Texans (+3) over BENGALS

            The Bengals bubble has burst.

Houston 24, Cincinnati 10

Confidence Score = 9

On Colt McCoy continuing to play last Thursday after suffering a concussion… I can understand how Cleveland missed that their quarterback had his bell rung against Pittsburgh. McCoy plays every week like he’s suffering the effects of a concussion.

JETS (-10.5) over Chiefs

            Mark Sanchez will pull something out of his ass to allow the Jets to cover.

New York 17, Kansas City 6

Confidence Score = 7

On Dwight Howard flirting with the Nets… This story only makes sense if two scenarios are in play. The first one is that Howard (and more likely, his agent) were pissed that the Lakers tried to get Chris Paul first, and wanted to float it out among the masses that Howard’s “preferred” the New Jersey/Brooklyn/New York Lite Nets over any other team. Sure he gets to run the pick and roll with Deron Williams (which by the way, would be devastating), but does he really want to play on the second fiddle New York team over the Lakers? I don’t think so.

            Scenario two is that the mutant multi-billionaire owner of the Nets offered Howard 30 virgins who look exactly like Anna Kournikova. I’m leaning towards scenario two.

Vikings (+10) over LIONS

            Peterson’s return against the still Suh-less Lions should keep the score close.

Detroit 24, Minnesota 21

Confidence Score = 4

TITANS (+3.5) over Saints

            I don’t feel great about this pick, but this game is much more important to Tennessee than it is to the Saints.

Tennessee 27, New Orleans 21

Confidence Score = 3

DOLPHINS (-3) over Eagles

            Miami has been a point spread covering juggernaut for almost two full months. Expect that to continue against the hapless Eagles.

Miami 27, Philadelphia 20
Confidence Score = 10

On the two hockey parlays I wrote about the other night… We’ll skip the parlay I did with Phoenix and the Rangers, because you read enough depressing stuff everyday and don’t need to hear about how both teams lost, or how Phoenix was down 5-1 at one point against Detroit. Lets skip the negative, and hit the positive. The Panthers-Bruins game went exactly as I thought it would (which is weird, because things work out the way I think I should roughly 6.8932949% of the time). Lost in all the talk in Beantown about Tyler Seguin’s desperate need for a functioning alarm clock was the fact that the Florida Panthers are a damn good hockey team. From what I can figure out, anytime you can get a good team at anything better than +150, you take it.

            As for the second leg of the parlay, New Jersey appeared to have the win in the bag against Ottawa until giving up a shorthanded goal with four seconds left in the third period. Thankfully 95% of hockey games are not on cable television, or else I surely would’ve clogged an artery over this game. Thankfully, New Jersey was able to pull it out in overtime. After that overtly exciting (and emotionally taxing win) I think I’ll take a few days off from betting hockey.

Patriots (-8) over REDSKINS

            New England doesn’t need to cover a three touchdown spread, so I like them this week.

New England 41, Washington 24

Confidence Score = 13

PANTHERS (+3) over Falcons
            It’s hard not to bet the over (only 47) on this game.

Carolina 38, Atlanta 35

Confidence Score = 6

Buccaneers (-2.5) over JAGUARS

            The only game on the schedule worse than the Monday night game this week.

Tampa Bay 27, Jacksonville 10

Confidence Score = 2

On the Chris Paul saga… Bill Simmons pretty much wrote all of my thoughts on this debacle here, but let me again list my primary gripes.

1. Where can a better offer from Chris Paul come from? The Clippers had already resisted trading Eric Gordon. Golden State already had said Stephen Curry was untouchable. Boston was offering a package built around Rajon Rondo, but do you really want to build your team around a point guard who can’t shoot (here’s a quick answer to that question Celtics fans…NOPE)? Rumor has it that the Knicks had worked out a similar three-team deal that the Lakers tried to make (which would’ve resulted in Amar’e Stoudemire ending up in Houston), but New Orleans wouldn’t of gotten a player of Lamar Odom’s caliber back. The point is, the Hornets had pursued all avenues. They knew that Chris Paul’s value would be at its highest before the season when no clubs had added any free agents yet. What they can get for him will only go down as the season progresses. That three-way deal looked like the best package New Orleans was going to get.
2. Just because a bunch of small-market owners wine means that a trade in a professional sports league gets nixed? Do NBA owners get the same option to veto trades as fantasy sports owners do? I wasn’t aware that was the case. Other owners had every right to gripe about the Lakers acquiring Paul (who wants to see a rival team getting a top-5 point guard), but to let that griping lead to a veto is insane.
3. David Stern just needs to go away. The man seems to have forgotten that the success of teams in urban markets is what has made his league what it is. Apparently according to Stern, the needs of owners of teams like Cleveland and Minnesota are more important than the needs of owners of the leagues most important franchises (Lakers, Celtics, Bulls). I’m not sure when Stern morphed into a hardcore socialist, but it is not healthy for the league.

49ers (-4) over CARDINALS

            People are little too excited about Arizona after their fluky win over the Cowboys.

San Francisco 20, Arizona 3

Confidence Score = 15

BRONCOS (-3.5) over Bears

            Caleb Hanie is not the man to defy God and His QB.

Denver 17, Chicago 7

Confidence Score = 14

PACKERS (-11.5) over Raiders

            Review Oakland’s performance against New England earlier this season to see the most likely outcome for this game.

Green Bay 35, Oakland 14

Confidence Score = 12

On Hanley Ramirez not wanting to play third base… This scenario reminds me of a classic male-female relationship battle. Let’s say the male (we’ll call him Ted) asks his girlfriend what she thinks if he goes to a friend’s house to play poker on a Friday night. The girl (we’ll call her Molly) says, “sure if that’s something you want to do.” (EDITORS NOTE: Hey guys, I know virtually nothing about women, but I do know that when they throw out the “if that’s what you want to do” line, that means they think whatever it is that you want to do is retarded). Ted says he’ll think about it for a day or two before deciding if he’ll go.

            Friday rolls around, and Ted tells Molly he’s going to play poker. Molly freaks out, saying things like, “Why don’t you want to spend time with me on Friday night? We usually watch a movie every Friday and eat popcorn and cuddle.” Ted says, “Just the other day you said it was cool if I played poker.” Molly then rolls her eyes and walks out of the room.
            To make a long story short, that’s essentially what happened with Hanley Ramirez. The Marlins reached out to Hanley two weeks ago and asked if he would mind switching to third. Hanley apparently said something to the extent of, “Well, if it would make the team better I’ll do it.” (EDITORS NOTE: For those still following along, “if it would make the team better” is the equivalent of “if that’s something you want to do”) He must not of thought the Marlins were serious, but quickly realized they were when the signed Jose Reyes for $106 million. Ramirez has already spoken to the media and said he never okayed a switch to third, and was never on board with it.
            How will this all play out? I see Ramirez getting traded. Ozzie Guillen is not a guy that will put up with shit like this, and I’m guessing the new owners of the team aren’t very happy about it either. There are certainly enough teams looking for a shortstop, so expect Miami to get a king’s ransom for him.

CHARGERS (-7) over Bills

            I’ll buy a San Diego resurgence for at least one more week.

San Diego 34, Buffalo 17

Confidence Score = 16

Giants (+3.5) over COWBOYS

            I have no idea what’s going to happen in this game, so we’ll play it safe and take the points.

Dallas 27, New York 24

Confidence Score = 1

SEAHAWKS (-10) over Rams

            Marshawn Lynch looks like the front-runner for the “surprise fantasy runningback that will swing championships” award.

Seattle 24, St. Louis 10

Confidence Score = 8

Thursday Pick = 1-0 (good job Browns only losing by 11)

Season Record = 95-89-8
S Top-5 = 33-30-2

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (4/22-4/24)

10. Playstation 3 Online Network is Shut-Down

            Sadly, 2.5 million gamers had to actually interact with people face to face this weekend.

9. Rich Rodriguez Admits Leaving West Virginia Was Bad Idea

            In related news…

1. Brett Favre admits having an unlimited texting plan was a bad idea.
2. George W. Bush admits becoming the President was a bad idea.
3. Christian Slater admits that his entire career was a bad idea.
4. The Wiggles admit that going on without the original Yellow Wiggle was a bad idea.
5. Led Zeppelin will admit the song “Hot Dog” was a bad idea (if you want audio proof, here you go).

8. Washington Capitals Eliminate Rangers

            After last year’s disappointing ouster by the Canadiens, Washington took care of business against the Rangers. I would also like to point out that I correctly picked the length of this series. I don’t expect a reward for doing this, but I wanted to show some physical evidence that every now and then a blind squirrel would find a nut. 

7. Anibal Sanchez Loses No-Hit Bid in the 9^th Inning Friday

            Sanchez is the first to make it into the 9^th with a no-hit bid this season, but several starters have already gone very deep into games with no hits allowed. Hell, Josh Johnson has gotten into the 6^th inning three times already this season without surrendering a hit. Johnson is a great pitcher (when healthy), but he’s not the second coming of Bob Gibson.

            A few weeks ago I had written about forming a group for Red Sox fans that are against Red Sox Nation, but have come up with a better idea that will benefit all baseball fans. I want to bring steroids back. The main thesis for this movement will be that baseball was much more entertaining when everyone was on the juice. Look for a manifesto for this group to come out within a few weeks.

6. Pacers Win Game 4 Against Bulls

            Indiana has been in every single game in this series, so it was nice to see them pull off a win at home before more than likely losing at Chicago.

              

5. Miami Loses Game 4 to 76ers

            The Heat blew a six-point lead with just over a minute and a half to play in this one. This sort of hiccup won’t keep them from closing out Philadelphia, but similar gags in round 2 against Boston will send them home for the summer in six games or less.

4. Chris Paul’s Triple-Double Helps Hornets Even Series With Lakers           

            No matter what happens the rest of this series, at least we have been given more proof that Chris Paul is the best point guard on planet Earth (that’s right, better than Derrick Rose). Throw in Kobe leaving the arena last night on crutches, and Los Angeles could be in serious trouble. 

3. Grizzlies Take 2-1 Lead Over Spurs

            I’ll keep this short because the two teams are playing as I’m typing this. When you look at the rosters, Memphis beating up on San Antonio isn’t a shock, but to watch San Antonio struggle with the Grizzlies is sort of simple to watching Peyton Manning drag a sub-par Colts team into the playoffs.

2. Brandon Roy Leads Epic Blazers Comeback Over Mavericks

            Portland was down 23 at one point before Roy went bonkers, scoring 18 of his 24 points in the 4^th quarter. Not a lot of east coasters realize this, but the failure of Brandon Roy’s knees has been one of the sadder stories in the NBA (probably #3 behind Yao Ming and Greg Oden). Anonymous sources have indicated that Roy may be lucky to play another two years in the league. It was great to see him party like it was 2007 for one quarter.

1. Bruins Win in Double OT, Take 3-2 Series Lead

            If you watched either Games 4 or 5 of the Boston-Montreal series, and were not thoroughly entertained, than you will never enjoy watching hockey. Both Tim Thomas and Carey Price filled Saturday’s double overtime thriller with game saving saves with startling regularity. I’m pulling for the Bruins, but part of me is hoping Montreal wins Game 6 so we get to watch an epic Game 7.  

10 Awesome Things That Happened This Past Weekend (4/16-4/18)

10. On-Line Poker Shutdown in United States

            I was bummed out when I first read this headline, but now feel better that I will no longer lose pots to 17-year old kids from Argentina who are hitting miracle flushes on the river. On the other hand, I can’t sit in pajamas and play poker in my living room anymore (unless I had a pajama Texas Hold ‘Em party, but that would be weird). It looks like we are moving closer to a world where the US Government will be regulating on-line poker games.

9. Ducks Forward Bobby Ryan Suspended For Stomping On Opponents Skate

            Ryan claims that he wasn’t intentionally stomping on Predators defenseman Jonathon Blum skate during game 2 of the Ducks-Predators series. I’ll refer you to this video so you can decide for yourself (plus, you get to see Barry Melrose and his mullet, which is always a good time).

8. Jimmie Johnson Wins By .002 Seconds at Talladega

            If you didn’t enjoy the last laps of this race, than you will never enjoy any NASCAR event.

7. Durant Drops 41 to Lead Thunder Over Nuggets

            Russell Westbrook chipped in with 31 to carry Oklahoma City in the best shoot out of the game 1s. I really like how Oklahoma City is looking right now. You have two stud scorers, two big men to control the paint (Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka), a stopper on the wing (Thabo Sefolosha), and a very good 6^th man (James Harden). San Antonio or Los Angles will not want to see this team in the 2^nd round.

6. Canadiens Take 2-0 Series Lead Over Bruins

            Boston has now lost six straight postseason games dating back to last season. The Bruins look like they are a stud goal scorer short this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they still pulled this series out, but anyone who thinks of this team as a Stanley Cup favorite is either a real homer or on drugs (or both).

5. Down 10, Bulls Pull Off 4^th Quarter Comeback Against Pacers

            My Dad actually watched the end of this game (which could be a sign of the apocalypse, because my Dad watches NBA games approximately once every nine years), and he claims that the Bulls were bailed out by the officials in game 1. In honor of him watching the game, I’ll let that stand as my analysis of this event.

4. Hawks Win Game 1 in Orlando

            When your best player scores 46, and you still lose by 10 points, you have serious issues. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating that Orlando has done a horrendous job building a team around Dwight Howard. 12-year olds running a franchise on NBA 2K12 could’ve done a better job.

3. Grizzlies Win First Playoff Game in Franchise History Over Spurs

            In my first round preview, I predicted a sweep by the Spurs, but also predicted Memphis to be in every single game. In my mind, that counts for something. If I was a Spurs fan, I would be very worried if Ginobili cannot return at anything less than 100%. 

2. Chris Paul Goes Bonkers, Leads Hornets to Game 1 Upset of Lakers

            On paper, it made a lot of sense that Chris Paul would destroy Derek Fisher in this series. Paul is one of the best three point guards in the league, and Derek Fisher has been washed-up for five years. However, it was very surprising that the Lakers were not able to lock down the rest of the Hornets. Expect a better game plan from the Lakers in Game 2. They won’t shut down Paul, but if they can keep him under 10 assists, they will be fine. Pau Gasol showing up will also help (only 8 points for him on 2-8 shooting).

1. Ray Allen From Downtown…BANG

            Boston was terrible in the first half, but found some life after halftime. I’m predicting a double-digit Celtics win in game 2, which is a lock if Chauncey Billups can’t play after injuring his knee late in game 1.

2010-11 NBA Fantasy All-Star Teams

            These are what the NBA All-Star teams should be based on fantasy rankings. Keep in mind that you won’t see Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin, or Rondo on this list due to their lousy free-throw % (missing free throws destroys your team if you are in a roto league. Fortunately for me, I am in a head-to-head league, and have both of those guys, so they have been monsters for me). In parentheses after each player’s name is their total season rank so far (as computed by Yahoo Sports). The ranks were pulled up Thursday evening.

Eastern Conference All-Stars

Starters

PG: Derrick Rose, Bulls (14)

            Rose’s breakout season in real life has also translated to the fantasy game.

SG: Paul Pierce, Celtics (8)

            Shooting 51% from the floor, 42% from 3-point range, and 85% from the free throw line. Throw in useful counting numbers, and Pierce is having the best all-around season (and most efficient season) of his underrated career.

SF: Lebron James, Heat (11)

            The King moved up three spots to 8^th in the rankings after his 51-8-11 line he dropped on Orlando last night.

PF: Amar’e Stoudemire, Knicks (6)

            Stoudemire has been a monster in New York. He scores, gets boards, blocks shots, and even hits free throws. Once the Knicks add Carmelo Anthony (which they will either before the trade deadline or during the off-season), they will be a power in the Eastern Conference.

C: Al Horford, Hawks (7)

            This is a guy no one gets excited about, but quietly produces in all stat categories.

Bench

G: Ray Allen, Celtics (18)

            Allen was picked at the end of the 6^th round in my league, and has produced late-2^nd round value. He thrives despite very low usage by the Celtics (only 12.5 shots per game) due to blistering percentages (51-46-86).

G: Raymond Felton, Knicks (24)

            Felton would’ve been in the All-Star game if not for being in a slump the past two months.

F: Josh Smith, Hawks (15)

            Smith has stepped up his game ever since he decided to stop chucking 3s at a 25% clip. Smith is the best shot-blocking small forward in the game.

F: Wilson Chandler, Knicks (29)

            This guy went in the 16^th round in my fantasy league (unfortunately, not on my team). He’s developing into the Knicks version of Shawn Marion (back when Marion was on the Suns, not the version that currently bricks jumpers for the Mavericks).

C: Elton Brand, 76ers (28)

            I couldn’t believe Brand was ranked this high. Having a nice bounce-back year after a couple of very injury plagued seasons in Philadelphia, but still is not justifying the ridiculous amount of money the 76ers are paying him.

UT: Kevin Garnett, Celtics (31)

            Garnett would’ve been much higher on this list if not for games missed due to injury. KG looked finished at times during the 2009-10 season. He deserves praise for returning to his old form (even if he’s completely crazy).

UT: Danny Granger, Pacers (32)

            Granger is the new Pau Gasol (pre-trade to Los Angeles) in the sense that he could never carry a team to a championship as the best player, but could absolutely put a team over the top if he were the second banana. He would be a fantastic swingman playing along side Chris Paul in New Orleans.

Western Conference All-Stars

Starters

PG: Chris Paul, Hornets (1)

            Chris Paul is amazing. He’s been wearing a giant knee pad all year, clearly doesn’t have the same explosiveness he used to have, but is still so efficient at running the offense in the half court that he is fantasy’s top player.

SG: Manu Ginobili, Spurs (5)

            Ginobili is whom I try to emulate when I am playing basketball. I have the awkwardness down, and even the herky-jerky dribbling style, but unfortunately I am not blessed with his ability to put the ball in the basket. It must be the bald spot on his head that gives him the magic power.

SF: Kevin Durant, Thunder (2)

            Similar to how Blake Griffin was put on this Earth to jump 12 feet into the air and dunk on people, Durant was constructed for the sole purpose of draining jumpers and getting to the free throw line. I wish that Oklahoma City would stick him in the post a little more, but in spite of that he is still one of the most entertaining players to watch in the NBA.

PF: Kevin Love, Timberwolves (3)

            Thank God that David Stern used Yao Ming’s All-Star spot to get Kevin Love into the game. Despite Minnesota’s poor record, a guy who averages a 20-15 (which hasn’t been done since Moses Malone) and hits 44% of his threes needs to be on the All-Star team.

C: Pau Gasol, Lakers (4)

            The White Swan is the most skilled big-man we have in the NBA. When this guy plays angry, there is no stopping him.

Bench

G: Deron Williams, Jazz (9)

            A damn solid point guard. I’m sorry, but that’s all I have to say about him.

G: Kevin Martin, Rockets (12)

            This guy went in the 7^th round in my fantasy league. Health is always a concern, but when he isn’t hurt this guy can flat-out score.

F: Rudy Gay, Grizzlies (10)

            This one of those guys that always does something. One night he might score 25 points. Another he’s grabbing 9 boards. Another he’s blocking 3 shots. He’s similar to Granger in that you’re probably not going to build a title contender around him, but he would be a great compliment to an elite player.

F: Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (22)

            This guy would probably be in the top three if not for a prolonged absence due to injury. He hadn’t gotten much credit until everyone saw how awful the Mavericks were while he was injured.  

C: LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers (20)

            Aldridge is probably the winner of “biggest All-Star snub” now that David Stern has put Kevin Love into the game.

UT: Russell Westbrook, Thunder (13)

            I get tired watching Westbrook play, because it seems like he’s always barreling at full speed towards the basket. He’s the perfect compliment to Kevin Durant.

UT: Dorell Wright, Warriors (16)

            This guy was the one late-round gem I was able to unearth in my fantasy draft. I grabbed this guy in the 17^th round (if you’re into fantasy hoops, you may wonder why there even was a 17^th round. I run a league with each team having 20 players. A little big, but it kills the waiver wire). Similar to Gay, Wright is a guy who always gives you something.