The Celtics are unstoppable this year and I am willing to bet my left leg that they will win the championship this year. The Celtics have speed, great defense, and awesome scorers who can get the job done against any team. They are an extremely fast pace team that use their speed in the open court to contribute points. The Orlando Magic will most likely fly threw the playoffs until they play the Celtics. Although they are a really good team they do not have the mindset and attitude like champions. They also lack the defensive skills and consistency that the Celtics have. Many say that the Magic have better shooters but in all actuality they don't. The celtics have Eddie House, Ray Allen, and Rasheed Wallace who are great shooters and are able to knock the shot down in close games. The magic have Vince Carter who shoots 33 percent but besides him they have know one else who is reliable. Petrus had a shooting streak during last years playoffs but he has been shooting horrribly this seaso.

Now that the Celtics have Kevin Garnett 100% healthy the Celtics will dominate the playoffs. The MVP provides rebounds, therefor providing second chance shots for others. He also is a great defender who utilizes his long arms to block shots and protect the basket. Rondo is one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA. Nobody on the Magic will be able to match his speed and size.Ray Allen at shooting is one of the biggest threats because as we seen last year his three point shooting can take over a game single handedly. 

What makes the Celtics so great are there bench players which each possess speed and are really good shooters. Eddie House who shoots 40 percent from the 3point line can easily substitute for Ray Allen without disturbing the Team Chemistry. They also have the young maquis Daniels who is known for his speed and ability to get to the basket. Sheldon Williams is an awesome down low player who can come in the game and bang with the best Centers. 

I hate when people compare Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson to Chris Paul as if they are equally skilled. I think Chris Paul is overrated and is actually not that great of a player. Many of the greatest players in NBA history have been players that have carried their team to a championship. Chris Paul has shown us for four years straight that he is not capable of taking his team to the finals. He needs to work on his three point shooting and shots under pressure. He has proven himself to not be a clutch player and relies on other teammates to make game winning shots. Also, they are not systematic players such as Chris Paul. You could have put Jordan on any team and I guarentee he would've taken them to the championship within four years. Can Chris Paul play for any team, except the Hornets, and still produce similar stats?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!

Chris Paul is the type of player that fits into a certain style of basketball. The style of basketball that the Hornets play is similar to street ball because they set one screen and hope that someone is open. If not they are often seen playing one on one basketball. Chris Paul is a perfect fit for this type of basketball because he is a young player who loves to shoot and make flashy plays. His assist per game can be extremely misleading to someone who does not watch him play regularly. Chris Paul is a ballhogg and since he loves to dribble he often gets double teamed, it is then that he contemplates whether to shoot or pass. I have witnessed many situations where Chris Paul has shot the ball with two opponents defending him. The only reason he averages 11 apg is because Tyson Chandler is a great finisher. Many players in the NBA are not capable of jumping over there opponents head to slam dunk all over them. If Chris Paul played for a championship team like the Spurs, Cavs or Lakers would he still be considered a great point guard?

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!

First off he would have to share the ball which may be his biggest problem. Second, most championship teams are not known for their fast break points but instead for there half court offensive skills. This style of play is not familiar to Chris Paul and would result in a decline of his stats. I have noticed Chris Paul has a hard time scoring once the defense has set up, because it becomes harder for him to penetrate to the goal or throw an alley oop to Chandler.

These are just some things to consider before you compare CHRIS PAUL TO THE GREATS!!!!

I have been watching Derek Fisher play the game of basketball for many years. Unfortunately, the veteran is getting too old and he is becoming nuisance on the court. His defensive skills have dramatically dropped because he can no longer out run the younger more athletic point guards. This means, that whenever his man drives passed him, another laker defender will have to guard him, which leaves someone open. This is the reason the Magic made so many three point shots against the Lakers. Rafaer Alston would use his speed to "drive and dish" the ball to a wide open Magic player. His personal fouls have plummeted as well. When a player plays extremely aggressive they are more prone to receiving fouls. Last season Fisher only received 2.3 fouls a game, because he is not able to play aggressive against players that are passing rite by him.

Derek Fisher's offensive skills are also slowly digressing. He scored less points his last season than his previous four seasons. His ability to get open or drive the ball to the basket is hindered by his old age, and the younger, faster defensive player. Another problem with Fisher is shot selection and his ability to be a true point guard. I think Fisher is shooting too many wild shots. His field goal average is 37.5 percent and his assist per game is 2.9. These statistics are ridiculous for someone we consider an all-star point guard. The only reason why we consider him an all star or a good player is because he has been lucky enough to be on a good team. Also because he knocked down some incredible buzzard beaters to keep the Lakers in the playoffs. Unfortunately, buzzard beaters do not mean your a good player.

To conclude, Fisher needs to retire and teach his kids how to play basketball or become a mentor for new players. Although an extremely wise player on and off the court his decision to keep playing has been the only decision that I have not agreed with. I just hope that this old man does not get in the way of another Championship ring for the Lakers.

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The Orlando Magic will never win the NBA Championship because they are just too soft. Every time I watch them play I do not feel as if they are in a battle to win. Instead I feel as if they are playing in a charity game. Dwight Howard is always smiling and the rest of the team plays as if they are scared to get physical with the other team and complain after every little foul. They are playing like the teams overseas rather than a team in the NBA. The Magic has potential but will never win the Championship because they lack the warrior attitude that most teams contain. For instance,

the Lakers have Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, and Derek Fisher

            the Nuggets have Billups, Chris Anderson, and Kenyon Martin

            the Caveliers have Shaq and Lebron

All of these players are extremely physical and don’t mind bullying there opponents.

Nobody on the Orlando Magic has that warrior mentality. When I refer to the “warrior mentality” I’m basically talking about playing physical and doing whatever it takes to win. Ron Artest will trash talk, throw elbows, and get extremely physical with anybody on the opposing teams.

The Magic’s stats prove my accusation that they are not a physical team. First off, the Magic shoots entirely too many threes, which impairs Dwight Howards ability to obtain offensive rebounds. Long shots mean long rebounds, this is why he only receives 4.3 offensive rebounds a game and the rest of the team receives one or less per game. A team that shoots a lot of perimeter shots basically entails that they are not able to take higher percentage shots because they cannot get to the basket. In order to get to the basket you must have balance and must be able to absorb the defensive contact. Since the Magic are so weak they rely on perimeter shots because they are not physical enough to get to the basket. During game four of the playoffs against the Celtics, the Magic shot 5-27 from the 3-point line and were out rebounded by the more physical team. Out of the total 95 points only six were scored in the paint.

Even Tracy McGrady realized that the Magic are extremely soft. He made this comment after Jamaal Mcgloire savagely hit him in the back of the head.

“He was just trying to win. We need to be more like that next season," McGrady said Wednesday. "Maybe that's where we need to change. We have to be a more physical team. That kind of thing sends a message."

John Hollinger posted a blog titled “Are the Magic Soft?” According to his blog he thinks they are extremely physical. I think John Hollinger needs to improve his basketball IQ. His ignorance may be the result of him never playing on an organized basketball team. First off, I would like to say that I totally disagree with John when he states, "They can win without making threes.” The Magic relies on there ability to knockdown perimeter shots in order to survive throughout the regular season and playoffs.  If you remove a tiger’s teeth, his offensive presence will decline, therefore, making it extremely hard for them to survive. Saying the Magic can win without making threes is congruent to saying that a cheetah can kill without its teeth.

DC

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&page=PERDiem-090508

http://dimemag.com/2009/02/are-the-magic-soft/

From the moment Brandon Roy suited up in the Trailblazers’s #7 Jersey his expectations reached cloud 9 and above. While his scouting report praised his ability to penetrate off the dribble, defend, finish with contact and find open teammates(insidehoops.com). It neglected to mention how clutch Roy was. When the game heats up Roy doesn’t wait until 3 minutes in left in regulation to takeover, he applies constant pressure from the beginning of the fourth. There is not a team in the league who hasn’t felt his wrath from the 52 points he dropped in Phoenix to his buzzer beaters in Houston and New York. A standout quality of Roy is he doesn’t backdown no matter who is guarding him, his dominance knows no discrimination. I have seen Roy victimize Dwayne Wade in the post, terrorize Kobe Bryant on the perimeter and dramatize centers with rim rattling dunks. He is an absolute nightmare for defenders and opposing coaches. Soon as he enters the arena he is within shooting range but if you play him too close the result will be a pack of ice for your ankle and spot on the bench. Double teams are ineffective because if Roy decides he doesn’t feel like splitting it in three dribbles, he often finds a wide open Rudy Fernandez or Steve blake. He finishes with both hands so that rules out the possibility of forcing him one way hoping he misses and tops it off shooting 80 percent form the free throw line.

Surprisingly Roy’s first two years went under the radar. His 16 point, 4.4rebounds and 4 assist season average earned rookie of the year honors in the 2006-2007 year. Sophomore year progressed to an 19 point, 4.7 rebound and 5.8 assist average but still didn’t get the respect or recognition deserve nationally. Check Kobe stats his first two years and it won’t match up. Stephen A. Smith reported on ESPN, the 2008-2009 was Roy’s breakout season ( and it was as far as getting publicity) but in actuality he did nothing differently from previous years. Roy improved his scoring average once again by three points placing him at 22 points per game while assist and rebound average remained the same. What allows Roy to dominate but at the same time draw little attention is his style of play. Roy plays under control at a smooth tempo. He doesn’t take ill-advised shots that miraculously fall. Instead Roy patiently maneuvers through the defense until reaching the destination desired for his shot. He hides his 41 inch vertical leap unless necessary unlike Lebron James who tries to dunk on everybody. Roy is stylish but not flashy, he leaves all the posing and camera gestures for the super-models which is rare with today’s superstars. NBA writer Vince Thomas said " Roy and the Blazers might cop a couple rings within the next six seasons. Portland has that much potential and, perhaps more importantly Roy is that good. I second that notion in saying he is past that good and becoming greater. Not too many players average over 26 points their playoff debut, not too many player average 26 points at all.(nba.com)

Roy’s accumulation of style and skills has not only stole the heats of Portland fans increasing attendance rates by over 5,000, but also earned the respect of fellow superstars. Kobe Bryant refereed to Roy as a "Bad Man". Ron Artest believes Roy is the best player he has ever played against (remind you Ron Artest has defended the biggest names in the NBA for the past six years). If Roy’s production remains the same or grows and he is not considered an MVP candidate, it is not only an insult but an conspiracy.

JF

IN my opinion Hedo Turgolu and Vince Carter are very much the same, but we all know that Vince Carter is a better overall player. Vince Carter is a more athletic and seems to be much quicker than Hedo. Overall what the Magic needs is consistency and that is exactlly what Hedo could not provide but Vince can. During the playoffs there were games in which Hedo would score 20 and the next game 10 points. This is unacceptable from a starting shooting guard that is looked up to by his fellow players as a leader.

"Vince Carter gives us a veteran, go-to scoring presence, especially at the end of games," Magic general manager Otis Smith said in a statement. I agree with Otis Smith's statements, Vince Carter is a scorer who is able to create his own shot,therefore releasing some of the offensive pressure off of Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis. Carter can also be the "go to guy" for close games situations. Last year Vince Carter averaged 20 ppg and 5 rebounds which will be a great contribution to the Magics offensive presence. 

Many people think that Carter is too old to make a positive contribution to the Orlando Magic. Although old in age, Carter still has a 41" vertical leap and is still remarkable in the backcourt. He still averages 20 ppg and hustles harder than anybody in the league. Adding Vince Carter will also add more playoff experience from a NBA veteran.

Vince playing with Dwight Howard can almost be compared to Shaq and Penny Hardway, I believe they will dominate the league together. Dwight Howard being a huge threat will cause the opponent to double-team him, in which will hopefully leave Vince Carter Wide open for a 3-point shot.

DC

Cleveland Cavilers guard Delonte West was arrested in Maryland last Thursday for speeding and carrying 3 firearms ( Beretta 9m, 357 magnum, Shotgun).

My first question is if knowing its illegal to carry concealed weapons in Maryland, why would someone do so on a motorcycle. It would make sense to travel in a car or truck, a vehicle were you could hide the weapon if stopped. The arresting officer reported Delonte was speeding and cut him off which is why he stopped Delonte and upon approaching the motorcyclist Delonte said he had a gun. My second question has to be what would posses a man to speed while knowingly breaking the law. I mean if  I’m riding with a trunk full of heroin the last thing I want to do is draw attention to myself. On top of that He cuts off a cop (no comment).

The carelessness shown in this situation baffles me because I can’t understand risking all that money. Some of these athletes can’t process that when being in limelight 24/7 and receiving million dollar salaries, its not only expected but mandatory you uphold model citizenship. It does make sense to carry protection when in a position like Delonte but you have to be more careful.

JF

As we have all unfortunately heard, all star point-guard Allen "The Answer" Iverson has been signed to a one year contract for 3.5 - 4.2 million with the Memphis Grizzlies. He will be joining O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and other elite players. 

When this deal was announced on ESPN I was truly disappointed in the Management and the Coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. The problem with the Grizzlies is there lack of team chemistry. None of the players bonded because a majority of them are young and want the spotlight. They have so much potential energy but the Coaches have yet to learn, how to convert it into kinetic energy.  With this problem being present, "The Answer" they have chosen, does not make sense. Since science is the knowledge of the physical world and its inhabitants, I will be using the Scientific Method to help prove that Allen Iverson is not the answer to this problem.

QUESTION: Did the Memphis Grizzlies make the right choice by signing Allen Iverson?

RESEARCH: 

In the 2006-2007 basketball season Allen Iverson Averaged 31.2 ppg (points per game). His field goal percentage was an embarrassing 41 percent and on average he was shooting 8-21. My next door neighbor can do that and he is blind with 2 fingers on each hand. During Iverson's most recent season he played for the Detroit Pistons where his ppg plummeted to 17.5 and averaged 5 apg (assist per game). His ability to contribute points to his team has almost been sawed in half. 

HYPOTHESIS: 

If Allen Iverson joins a basketball team then there record will decline significantly.

EXPERIMENT: 

Before being traded to the Detroit Pistons, the Pistons had a record of 59 wins and 23 losses. After Allen Iverson signed with the team there record 39-43.  

CONCLUSION:

With the data that I have compiled, I would conclude that Allen Iverson is detrimental to a teams success. His ball-hogging and low field goal percentage will only hurt the Memphis Grizzlies in the long run. I believe they have enough shooters/point guards on there team. With O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay running the offense it was not smart to add another shooting guard to the offense, especially since he has made it perfectly clear that he does not want to sit on the bench, he wants to start. The whole purpose of having a young team is to help develop there minds and abilities so they can compete with the elite more experience teams. Allen Iverson all though a veteran can not develop the players on the team because he shoots too much and he has proven to be a bad role model, by not showing up to practices and FAKING INJURIES!!!!!

DC 

http://www.nba.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0909/iverson.grizzlies/content.11.html

Even at 34 Allen Iverson still has much to offer the Memphis Grizzlies. He is a prolific scorer whether off the bench or starting, not to many point guards average 23.5 points their rookie season or any guards for that matter. His last four years at Denver and Detroit has been statically his worst years but even within those seasons his numbers are 21.8 points, 6.4 assists and 1.6 steal, so there is no doubt he still gets it done. Memphis drastically needs some additional offensive firepower, being that their two highest scorers (one being a rookie) average 18 points but the supporting cast struggled 2 reach double digits.  Memphis has yet to acquire a standout post player, Gasol and Thabeet have great potential but they won’t dominate the paint anytime soon and placing all of the pressure to win on three young developing players ( Conley, Mayo, Gay) is border line disaster, proven by their 24-58 record at the bottom of the southwest division. Iverson brings that veteran experience the Grizzlies so desperately desires.  Memphis being one of the youngest teams playing stand to gain plenty from Iverson hunger for a ring. OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay should benefit the most seeing that a player can dominate the league for a decade but if he has no championship it doesn’t matter.  

From a strategic standpoint Iverson’s dribble penetration will allow Mayo, Gay, Gasol and thabeet to get easy shots. Those easy shots are extremely beneficial when down by 12 in the fourth. His speed improves their transition game and at the same time relieves Conley from constantly orchestrating the fast break. His iso-motion is outstanding. No player in the league can hold Iverson in front of them for too long. This is something Mayo should greatly appreciate having the chance to master the art of creating space from the man who revolutionized the crossover. Defensively Iverson brings another quick ball hawking aspect to the team. Him and Conley posses great lateral movement and fast hands which will stress other ball handlers. He has great help and recover defense which is a concept the Grizzlies needs to become acquainted with in order to compete with the powerhouses in the league.

Marketwise Iverson sells like no other. Throughout his career no matter the team, any apparel pressed with the number 3 made transactions. Bottom line, his flash and highly displayed emotion sales tickets.

JF