22.4.09

NBA aWards




Okay , I know that the Rookie of the Year award and Defensive player of the Year award has already come out. I totally forgot of doing these predictions, but it's not like we couldn't see these two coming. First was Dwight Howard as Defensive player of the Year. Yes, I think we could all see that one coming. I think that one writer said it the best, "Blocks end almost every offensive possession. Defensive Rebound always end offensive possession.Dwight Howard led in Both." My second pick would've been Dwyane Wade of course. I agree that Lebron James is a beast and monster that nobody on any team would want to face. Even centers. But I think statistically Dwyane had a better season. He was second in steals at 2.19 a game, only losing to CP3. He also led all guards in blocks at 1.4 a game. Come to think about it, Lebron James averaged less in steals and blocks per game. He averaged 1.7 and 1.1 respectively, compared to D-Wade's 2.2 and 1.4.
Anyways, I guess it's who you wouldn't want to face in a match up one on one. Dwight is a monster. Lebron's a beast. Haha

Lets See. Rookie of the Year. Well who else would you pick? I am a Michael Beasely Fan, or simply a Heat fan. But I think Derrick Rose deserved this year's ROY. He's pretty much the leader on the Chicago Bulls team this year, leading them to the playoffs. He's their general on the court, and will be for many years. He probably had to go through more than most rookies with all the pressure being the first round pick # 1 pick overall.

6th Man Award.... My predictions for the sixth man award is probably a given like ROY. It's going to be Jason Terry from Dallas because he averaged a league high 19 ppg off the bench. Almost 20 ppg?! Man, that's more than half the people in the league's average. And at the end of the game, guess who was in.!? THE JET.. It's the best after he torches the other team with 3's, and then does his JET dance. haha But yeah, he's the main reason the Mavericks are in the playoff's this year, and not the number 8 seed.

Most Improved Player: My prediction for this is probably the second toughest next to MVP. There are such good candidates such as Devin Harris, Rajon Rondo, and Danny Granger. Danny Granger is the most likely, but I must say that Rajon Rondo is my top pick. I'm not a Granger fan, therefore I would secondly pick Devin Harris. He had a killer season as well. Either way, the two picks I choose have evidence on why they should win. Devin Harris had a breakout season which led to fantasy owners defeating me (surprisingly), with his FT Percentage, 3pt Made, points, and ASsists. Rajon Rondo on the other hand, should've been an All Star. He has picked up the most slack since KG went down from injury. He's doing it all on the court, having a couple tripple double's this season. Either way, It's a tough pick for me.

Coach of the Year : I would've chose differently than Mike Brown. I was thinking more like Rick Adelman, or Eric Spoelstra. Eric Spoelstra is a favorite for one, but also because it was his rookie season as a head coach, and also what he had to work with. I'm sure rookie and second year men would've just played a season for stats, with out winning or following exaclty what the coaches wanted. But he was able to lead the Heat to a 43-39 season, which was one win better then his mentor, Pat Riley. I choose Rick Adelman simply because he did a lot with less as well. He lost TmAC for like 60 games this season, but was still able to win. In the middle of the season, he was also able to trade his starting point guard, Rafer Alson, for Kyle Lowry. He also transformed Aaron Brooks into a starting guard, and keep Ron Artest out of the headlines.


MVP: I predict Lebron James will win. I disagree, but I guess it's because the award to me means the most valuable player to the team. If the player was taken off of the team, how good would the team do. To me, Dwyane Wade had the best invididual season out of Kobe and Lebron, and it led to a winning- playoff season in Miami. Everyone doubted Wade, and he took this fire and managed to average 30 ppg, 7.5 APg, 4.5 Rpg, 2.2 spg, and 1.4 bpg. He simply did more with less, and still led his team to a winning season. Not to bash on Kobe or LBJ cause they both had killer seasons. But I think their teams could still make the playoffs without them . To me, their teams are both playoff contending teams. Not as successful, but still contending. The Heat on the other hand, wouldn't have made it past 25 victory's without D Wade's help. Well either way, D-Wade's chances of winning MVP aren't that high. I think he has more chance of getting past the 1st round of the playoffs.

19.4.09

we are all EQUAL.

Every person is equal unless you're God. You have no right to say you are better. It just proves that you are worse. I think we should all take a minute to take in what is going on around us. We are only individuals to a world that is over 6 billion people deep. Before we criticize and judge, ask yourself, "What position am I to say? Who Am I to judge. Who decides if I'm better than them?" These questions are questions we often skip when it comes to other people besides ourselves. You aren't better then them. And you are in
no position to say anything bad about them.

This world is a selfish one. And for good reason. Competition. Yes, it's mother nature for everyone and everything living to be in competition with others of the same species. From the tigers, monkeys, lions, giraffes, apes, bacteria, flowers, etc. history shows that it's all about competition. Within the human race alone, it's always about being the best player in sports, the smartest in our classes, and the coolest on the block. We always want the hottest girl, or the richest guy, the fastest car, the nicest clothes. And there's nothing wrong with that because if that is what satisfies us, then we should go with what our heart wants. But what is overlooked is that there are differences among these things. Some are materialistic things that we can achieve over the period of our lives. The other is a skill. an ability that we must work on to get to where we want to be. In the end, the human value is the only thing that should matter to us.

I used to thing having the fastest car, coolest friends, and matching outfits was what life is all about. And in times, I was often caught up living in a high school-type lifestyle. But then I realized that these materialistic things are things that anyone can have. And since anyone and everyone can have it, it makes it a matter of competition within individuals. I'm not going to speak for the population, but we all went through high school. And with saying that, I'm pretty sure a majority has thought of the same ideas. Once we hit that age of maturity, we realize that it's not about those things. Instead, it's
about where we are in life, the well paid job, or the well educated schools we attend. But for one minute or two, I wanna take the time and say one thing that is irrelevant to all of it. It's about our human value, our individuality, and our competence. Who are you?

Life isn't about the materialistic things, it's about us as individuals. It's about what we stand for, what we believe in, what we are all about. I think one of the life long goals that will never has a definite answer. And no, I'm not talking about love. I'm talking about our mentality, our shape. It's like taking business 101 and financial accounting together in one course. We learn that it is all related, and that it is all relevant to know. Where we grew up is what shapes our habits and manner, while high school and materialistic things shape our behavior. Individualism, becoming a better person is the goal that we will always have, yet never complete. No matter what happens within your life, you always have the ability to become a better person. Sure competition within humans and every other organism is normal. But does that really separate you from the rest? If you were randomly selected within a survey, what individual characteristics can you say that you have, which will make you a more likable pick than the person standing next to you. Our mindsets are set from such a young age that we forget what life is really about. Life
is about finding those things that you love to do, that makes you happy, and sharing it with others. That is in my opinion what life is about.
Competition is always gonna be there, and that's a great way to drive us towards our goals. But in the end, competition is only a drive. We forget the concept that everybody is equal. Every person is equal unless you're God. You have no right to say you are better. It just shows that you are worse. We are all equal. Sure there are prettier people than us, but so what? Everyone in their own little way, is beautiful and attractive. We might not have the same attraction to the person as others, nor will we have the same exact characteristics as them either. Another person might have an extraordinary skill, making them have a different talent than us. But that does not give them the right to think that they're better than anyone else. It's cool that they're gifted and talented, but in the end, they're still an individual. Take the smartest kid in the group for example. They might be smarter than us, but that doesn't mean they're better. Everyone is equal, so why treat someone differently like they're nobody. We can honestly say that we don't know someone completely like they do, so who are we to judge. Who are we to say that they're below us? We eat, they eat. We work, they work. We study, they study. We have a family, they have a family. Take the competition mindset out of you're mind for one second and look at them for them. Don't judge them by what they wear, or their habits. We ,who do not walk in their shoes, live their life or know them personally, shall not judge. All in all, this short reading is something I hope we all understand. While there's those with a close mindset who don't wanna change, it's totally up to you. If you already knew this, than I admire you. If you need some help, I'm always willing to help. Just know this what I believe in, and if there's a problem with it, carry on. Never get worked up on the competition. There will always be opportunity and spotlight for you to capture. When it comes to those materialistic things, don't get overworked about them. Remember, if we were stripped of all our belongings and stood in a line with the rest of the world, what characteristics differ you from the people in front of you. What individual characteristics do you have? Not physical, or skill. But mentally speaking, how do you affect this world.? Beauty is only skin deep. Every person is equal. Learn, listen, and Live before you judge.


And don't forget. Dwyane Wade is playing tonight. 8 P.M for me, 5 P.M for the hometown.

16.4.09

The NBA playoffs!





Ah yes! It’s the middle of April.! And guess what that means…no no no.. Schools not out. Almost, but not quite. It means taxes are over and it’s time for the NBA Playoffs! Yezzir! Lets start with the Eastern Conference since I’m on the side of the coast. East.

First match up is Cleveland Vs Detroit. I would like to think that Detroit has the talent and capabilities of upsetting the Cleveland Cavaliers, but in order to do so, they’re going to need two-road victories. This season, the Cavaliers were an astonishing 39-2 at home, meaning the Pistons will have to upset the Cavaliers not once, but twice since they’re the 8th seed. It’ll be hard to say whether or not the Pistons will show up and play this weekend. And even so, it’s doubtful that Allen Iverson will play. Even so, it’ll cause uncomfortable chemistry within the team, so I say he’s out. I’m not the biggest Lebron James fan, but that man is simply a beast. I think he’ll do whatever it takes to get to the Finals this year, and I wouldn’t be shocked if he has one of the biggest post season outbursts. Cleveland 4-0

Second Match up is Boston and Chicago. I don’t think Boston will go seven games like they did last year. I doubt they’ll even go six. I am confidently saying the Boston Celtics will come back to post season form from last year, with KG coming back from his injury. It might hurt the chemistry, and it might cause some discomfort with the rotation, but I think it’s safe to say that the Bulls won’t be an upset. Celtics 4-1.

Third Match up is Orlando and Philadelphia. I think to me it’s a rare surprise that Philadelphia is the 6th seed. I’ve seen the team play live this year, and I can say that they’ll go as far as the Andre’s take them. Yes, Miller and Iguodala. I think they will be an early exit though against the Magic, simply because they can’t compete with Dwight Howard and the 3’s. Stan Van Gundy is a veteran post-season coach, so I think that will have a lot of effect on the outcome. Orlando 4-0

Fourth Match up is Atlanta and Miami. This is probably the best match up I’m excited to watch. Dwyane Wade is my boy, and I believe he has more in his closet. All year long, the Miami Heat have been doubted. And thus far, they’ve proven they can play. And I know that people believe shutting down Dwyane Wade will shut down the whole team. But Dwyane Wade is so good that even if you try to shut him down, he can simply contribute with the assists, steals, and blocks. I think he’ll have an exceptionally great post season this year because this is his comeback season from all the injury and doubters. Wade loves to be the underdog, so don’t be shocked when I say. Heat 4-2.

Western Conference- This conference maybe the hardest postseason to predict because the records were so close that each and every playoff team beside the Lakers had to play to the end to get seeded. I think this postseason, higher seeds have higher potential of winning.

First Match up is the La Lakers Vs Utah. This is like the Cleveland –Detroit Match up. The Jazz have the potential and talent of upsetting the Lakers. They have AK 47, Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer, and Mehmet Okur to match up with Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum. The only left out man is Kobe Bryant, one of the best in the Game. They also have a veteran head coach, Jerry Sloan. But it’s going to take a lot of hot hands and effort to upset this Lakers team. Kobe is very hungry to get back to the Finals this year. They also have one of the more talented rosters and good court chemistry this year. I really don’t favor the Lakers, but I think they won’t allow an upset. Lakers 4-1

Second Match up is Denver and New Orleans. Who would have ever thought Denver would’ve been second. Those who believed in Chauncey “Big Shot” Billups did. This match up will be a good one, with the results being simply unpredictable. I wouldn’t be surprised if either team won. It comes down to who wants it more, and who has the hotter hand. J.R Smith is simply a pure shooter who can shoot lights out. I don’t see anyone on the Hornets stopping him or Camelo. But like the Nuggets, the Hornets have some pure shooters as well. It matters if Peja and James Posey come to play or not. And it also matters if Tyson Chandler is healthy. I am a huge CP3 fan so I’m gonna have to go with the Hornets. Hornets 4-2

Third Match up is San Antonio Vs Dallas. This match up is kind of up in the air too. I know that both of these teams are the older ones that have been in the playoffs for consecutive years. The underdog is Dallas, although I’m not a fan. I still think the Spurs are deeper and better overall. I say the leadership of Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, along with their experience will lead them far. Manu Ginobli and his health is key vs Jason Terry and the Dallas bench. I guess overall, it just depends on whose bench plays better. This is the 6th man match up. San Antonio 4-1

Fourth Match up is Portland Vs Houston. This is a match up that is simply about who has the hot hand. Portland is a very young team with little playoff experience. Brandon Roy is the leader of this group, so however far he takes them is how far they’ll go. If he has off games, Lamarcus Aldridge can score. But remember, Houston is a defensive nightmare with Yao in the middle, Ron Artest and Shane Battier on the perimeter. But on the opposite, the Rockets have little offensive game even with the help of Rick Adelman. I’d say that if Yao Ming is taken out of the team, it’s hard to say how much Ron Artest can do. But then again, Ron Ron is a fighter, and he’s gonna go down swinging. I hope he enjoyed me serving that sushi to him back in Sacramento, and hope that it’ll take him further than the first round. Rockets 4-2.

This weekend, the playoff’s are underway. It was fun watching March Madness this year for the very first time in my life. College play is fun, but I’m more of an NBA guy. So this postseason will be very enjoyable for me. Dwyane Wade and Cp3 are both back in the playoffs, so I’ll be watching them the most.