Playoff Diary: Twelve Days In

- The Spurs have fallen! Rejoice! For the first time in Tim Duncan's illustriously dominant career, he's taken an L in the opening round, meaning the Spurs have officially lost their ten-year grip on contender status. Good f***ing riddance; over the reign of the Duncan Dynasty, the Spurs gave you few reasons to cheer for them. They were never the most exciting team (often the most boring), rarely would have any obstacles to overcome and were seldom the most honorable. They were just excruciatingly good; a finely-tuned machine of monotonous execution, spawned out of a fluke David Robinson injury that essentially allowed for a West contender to pick up what would become the best power forward ever. Their horrific conquest of the NBA spanned many years, but now they're forced back to the drawing board by an aging and injury-prone roster. It's finally over.

- ...Now that I have that off my chest, how bout that Bulls/Celts series? Wow. Best thing to happen to the NBA's first round since the Golden State Warriors. What I love the most is Boston's Ubuntu-esque "we're not giving up, we're survivors" attitude throughout the series. Honestly? You're playing the fucking Bulls, easily the rawest team in the playoffs. 3 games have gone to overtime and if Ben Gordon ever learns to pass out of double teams your season will end. Paul Pierce has been dynamite in the clutch, but his team needs to stop acting like this is the Finals and what they're accomplishing is of much significance.

- Dwight Howard's been ballin' out of control. Not only has he waxed the glass like a high-rise window washer against Philly, but he's probably just become the first player in history to sideline two players on his squad with separate inadvertent elbows.

- Carmelo Anthony, meet the second round; it was nice knowin' ya New Orleans. The "Big Easy" can now also refer to the resistance the Hornets put up this past week. This team was just too hurt and too offensively inept to hang with the Nuggets, who are looking more thorough every game. Chris Paul was outplayed consistently probably for the first time in his career, and ironically, it was the absence of the guy they tried to ship out mid-season that looked to have hurt them the most. 58-point blowout? These are the kind of thing we just don't expect in the postseason. 

- I was pretty high this morning when I was peepin the highlights from last night's Heat/Hawks game, but did Josh Smith really try to go between the legs in a game? And shank it? That guy's got stones. I know the series is getting physical and these squads are trying to put one over on each other any chance they can get, but Josh, c'mon. You serve up enough demoralizing dunks that you shouldn't be worried about turning the waning minutes of a blowout win into All-Star Saturday Night. You looked dumb and this did nothing to repair your long-damaged relationship with a coach who isn't going anywhere soon. 

Rajon Rondo for MVP. After the Hawks, Rockets and Celts close out these series this weekend I'll be back with some second round previews. Peace.

Playoff Diary: 6 Days In

Almost a week into the NBA playoffs and nothing overly shocking has happened yet. Amid some highly competitive (..well, in some cases) basketball, there aren't too many amazing developments or shocking revelations to speak of. Here's a few things we can take away from what we've seen so far:

- Jason Kidd's a defensive liability. I know it's been said many times before, but with his team's playoff life hinging on how badly Tony Parker exploits him, it bears repeating. His lateral quickness has sunk to Oliver Miller-esque levels, and regardless of his cunning playmaking ability, he's a disruptive presence when the entire Mavs squad needs to play help every possession. It seemed to work in game 3, but San Antonio hasn't collectively shot that poorly since the late Jurassic, so constantly collapsing on Pretty Tony may not win them the series so easily.It's been happening all season; it's surprising Dallas doesn't fall into a zone more. Regardless, if the Mavs survive the first round, it'll be in spite of Kidd's shortcomings.

- The Celtics are cooked. Their big men have stepped up to fill the voids left by Leon Powe and some guy named Kevin's absences, but the Bulls are giving them far too many problems for them to have ambitions of returning to the Finals. Garnett's dynamic court presence is critical to their success and Powe's injury leaves an already-hurt team stretched further. They pounded the Bulls last night, but an opening round trouncing of the least experienced team in the postseason is nothing to suggest they won't be beasted next round (or even next game). 

- If there's a fringe contender at this point, it's gotta be the Nuggets (raise your hand if you thought back in October that those words would be soberly uttered this year). Chauncey's been flawless, even squared up with the league's best point, and as a team they've arguably payed the best ball in this young postseason. 

- As if Greg Oden hadn't hurt himself enough times this year with his bumbling clumsiness, his stupidity has now cost one of the game's most revered players his final playoff run. Dikembe Mutombo; league ambassador, humanitarian, and defensive demigod, has fallen victim to an inadvertent Oden stumble, and says his career is now over. Ironic that a week after I crown him with the Kevin Willis Award, this happens; Deke deserved better. Not only was he a dominant defender, but the league's elder statesmen and one of its nicest guys (and most hilarious characters). He'll be sorely missed. Assault charges against Oden are pending, but defense attorneys are seeking to have the charges dismissed on the grounds that their client isn't fit to stand trial.

- Brandon Roy's no fucking joke. His game and poise are years ahead of their time, and if his name's a big part of MVP talk in years to come as the Blazers continue to come of age, I won't be surprised at all. 

- ...Aaaand then there was the Detroit Pistons: An awkward assembly of savvy veterans and energetic youngsters that, after Chauncey's questionable shipping, look completely lost. Iverson's absence has, not surprisingly, done little to mend issues that have been plaguing them all year. They've lost their heart; they look deflated. They aren't very tough inside. Their point guard wants to score all the time. They don't have a prime-time scorer or game-changing talent. Kwame Brown is in their post rotation. This is a very flawed roster that Iverson's impending free agency will greatly benefit; they've got moves to make. 

- Most Impressive so far? Lebron's been unguardable, Chauncey's been unfaultable, but seriously, did anybody ever think Rajonn Rondo would be playing this well, at any point in his career? Fuck, this guy couldn't hit an open jumper for a 10 sheet two years ago and now he's playing some of the best two-way basketball in the league. 

 

Enjoy the ball this weekend, I'll be back in a few days.

The Journey Begins...

...82 games later we find ourselves at the doorstep of the NBA Playoffs; (most of) the weak links have been weeded out and await the Blake Griffin sweepstakes, while the 16 remaining teams fight it out for the most coveted prize in pro basketball, almost all of them knowing they have no legitimate chance here. Sad to say, the playoffs are looking like a bit of a wash; nobody in the West has really been fucking with the Lakers all year, and the one other team nobody could rule out's been decimated by injury and likely won't be up  to their usual playoff heroics. Cleveland, meanwhile looks almost unbeatable out East; even if Garnett returns for the postseason, he won't be anywhere near 100% in a win-or-go-home situation that will demand the most from his body. Don't sleep on the probability of an Orlando-Cleveland East Finals, (...and please don't try and tell me the Magic have any chance of winning that series having to Enter the Q four times) Boston's very vulnerable right now. Regardless of these playoffs' seemingly obvious outcome, there's still eight matchups to break down, so let's get into it:

EAST

Cleveland (1) vs Detroit (8)

Once upon a time, this was a marquee matchup; one that would decide the East crown and was always sure to be highly competitive. Now that Chauncey's gone and Detroit's status as a legit team's been collapsing like Greg Oden all year long, they'll be seriously hard-pressed to get a single win against Cleveland. The one thing they have going for them is that their best defender matches up with Lebron James. Everything else about this series (generally the Cavs's home court swagger and immeasurably better basketball) screams sweep. Cavs in 4.

Boston (2) vs Chicago (7)

Now that KG's on pins and needles, the plot sorta thickens here. Recall Boston's opening round last year, one where an up-and-coming squad pushed them to seven games because most of their team had never been to the playoffs and their veterans hadn't in so long it was like a crack relapse just getting back there; they weren't sure of themselves. Now they find themselves in a similar predicament, without their leader going up against a Bulls team that's looked impressive since their deadline deal.  But despite Chicago's growth this year, they likely haven't matured enough to knock off the defending champs, and with or without Garnett, they have no answer (let alone a defender) for Pierce and Allen. Celtics in 6.

Orlando (3) vs Philadelphia (6)

This could've been a good series; Orlando shoots an awful lot of threes, enough to get them in trouble against a team that loves scoring in transition off misses. Philly's going to be hard-pressed to stop the Magic's onslaught though; they're not a particularly strong team defensively or on the boards and I can already vividly imagine Sam Dalembert struggling against Dwight. What the Sixers lack is a go-to guy who can take over a game and level the playing field of this series. With Thaddeus Young injured as well, it'll be tough to salvage much more than a game.

Magic in 5.

Atlanta (4) vs. Miami (5)

So Dwyane n' Friends ultimately fell short in their quest for homecourt, but as a consolation prize get to face undoubtedly the weakest team in the top 4. Atlanta's big problem here is that their best player will be asked to lock down Wade, which could not only put him in foul trouble but tire him out; given that JJ's so vital to their offense, this could end up costing them the series. Atlanta's more talented at every other position and (relatively) deeper but I can't help but feel like Wade's penchant for playoff heroics will push his team over the top. Heat in 7

WEST

LA Lakers (1) vs. Utah (8)

The Jazz are a confounding squad. On paper, they're the second-deepest team in the league and if not for injuries wold surely have a higher seed. At the same time they fucking suck on the road and have had a hard time winning against playoff teams lately. Deron Williams is going to have a field day in this series but it won't be nearly enough for Utah to topple the mighty Lakeshow. Lakers in 5.

Denver (2) vs. New Orleans (7)

The Nuggets, for the first time in an eternity, are entering the playoffs poised and composed, ready to square off against a team that hasn't looked like itself, playing like the Raptors instead of a squad that almost knocked off the Spurs a year ago. Chandler's been a shell of his former self, Peja's proving more and more obsolete, and while containing Chris Paul is a very relative term, Billups is probably one of the best-suited to do it. Denver's improved commitment on D, combined with NO's lack of firepower, will spell a first-round exit for the Hornets. Nuggets in 6

San Antonio (3) vs. Dallas (6)

I love this matchup; the fact that one of these teams is guaranteed a first-round exit makes me happier than Damon Stoudemire will be on Monday (check the calendar). Manu's absence really hurts the Spurs, stretching their bench and forcing guys with little playoff experience to carry heavy loads. Furthermore, for the first time in a decade, the Spurs aren't peaking heading into the playoffs; they've looked tired (especially Timmy D) and Dallas has been playing some of its better ball down the home stretch; against a decimated San Antonio squad I like them pul off the upset, as much as that hurts to admit. Mavs in 7.

 

Portland (4) vs. Houston (5)

This has the potential to be one of the better series; these teams play contrasting styles of ball and neither has much playoff experience; there'll be plenty of opportunities for this matchup to go either way. Portland's got homecourt and has been damn near unbeatable at the Rose Garden, so I see this one falling their way and Yao joining his old buddy T-Mac in first-round purgatory. (I'm trying to watch the Celtics/Bulls game, so I'm being concise here). Blazers in 7.

Whatever goes down, here's hoping "amazing" happens. Go Cavs. 

2008-09 Basketball Banter Awards

...So now that we've got the standard season-ending awards out of the way, it's time to turn our attention to those that fell short of the NBA's top honors; those whose achievements didn't fall into the narrow focus of six categories but still accomplished something special in 2008-09. What follows are a variety of honors exclusive to Basketball Banter; some glorious, some dubious, all deserved of some recognition.

Here it goes...

The Canibus Award - Greg Oden, Portland Trailblazers
Given to the player who was supposed to blow up do something huge this year, but never really accomplished much.

I know it seems unfair giving this to a 21 year-old rookie, but this disappointment of Oden's NBA debut is too profound. Here was a guy who was so highly touted coming out of college, a player whose undeniable future as the league's dominant big man made him the top draw ahead of scoring machine Kevin Durant. Expectations were high, but even after a year of rehabbing his injury-prone leg, Oden fell shorter than his own vertical. He was regularly sidelined with minor injuries that spoke to how poorly his body was holding up to the NBA; when he did play, the 9/7 he put up were underwhelming. He spent more than his share of time on bench in foul trouble and clearly hasn't grasped many basic fundamentals like passing out of double-teams and jumping for rebounds. Oden's offensive game is uglier than Tori Spelling and he just seems lost out there most of the time, botching plays and running the floor with the grace of a stoned hippopotamus. He showed some progress as the season went on, but it's going to take a lot of work for GO to justify the hype.
Regards to: Luol Deng, Bulls; Yi Jianlian, Nets; Richard Jefferson, Bucks

The Shawn Kemp Memorial Award - Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Given to the player who through demoralizing swats and/or vicious facials has emasculated the most grown men this season.

You saw it far too many times this season. It was horrifying. A small, defenseless guard would be fast-breaking to the hoop, nothing standing between his stride and an open layup. He'd see it coming over his shoulder, knowing what lurked behind, closing in ever faster, but also knowing he could not outrun his predator. He'd go strong to the hole, at least as strong as he could, only to have his feeble attempt sent off the backboard into the mid-court 5th row. Or a big man lumbering through the post, distracted by a baseline cutter or post screen, unaware of the imminent attack by flying terror. They'd always see it coming a second too late, arrive a step too slow and have their clumsy attempts at defending the basket re-played on SportsCenter enough for us to never forget. We were subjected to suh brutal assaults every time LeBron James played this year. What's even more disturbing is that there's no end in sight to this madness...
Regards to: Dwyane Wade, Heat; Dwight Howard, Magic; Nene, Nuggets

Ham of the Year- Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
Given to the player who through on and off-court incompetence failed to meet any/all expectations.

Quite rarely does a bonafide superstar suffer a season-ending injury and have his team respond with an unquestionable improvement. Such was the case of McGrady this season, whose Rockets contended for home-court in the West only after his dysfunctional jumpers and general indifference were removed from the equation. Selfish, inconsistent play and clashes with teammates highlighted a season that ended even more prematurely than T-Mac's gotten used to. Ironic because this was the the year McGrady was finally supposed to pull it together and get out of the first round; he had the squad to do it. Now the Rockets will be paying him $21 million to hang courtside and watch an over-achieving team potentially break the first-round curse that's plagued him his entire career.
Regards to: Eddy Curry, Knicks; Greg Oden, Blazers; Elton Brand, Sixers

The Flavor Flav Award - Nene, Denver Nuggets

Goes to the player who, against all odds, had the most significant comeback in the league.

I was trying to give this award to Shaq; what he did this season impressed me a lot; after a few years of (as I see it) coasting, he committed himself to getting in shape and became a legitimate All-Star again. The Phoenix training staff seemed to think O'Neal could still play at this level when they acquired him and, and if their best player didn't go down, he'd be a huge part of a team that could've made some noise this year...But as nice as Diesel's comeback was, Nene was facing a far greater obstacle than slight nonchalance and some extra pounds. Testicular cancer; a crippling and humbling ordeal that sidelined him all last year. He came back nastier than ever; 14/8 on 60%, dunking on everyone in sight with over a steal & block every game. Denver has to still be kicking themselves for dumping Marcus Camby last summer, but Nene's resurgence has lessened the blow.

Regards to: Shaquille O'Neal, Suns; Dwyane Wade, Heat; Chris Andersen, Nuggets

The Kevin Willis Memorial Award - Dikembe Mutombo, Houston Rockets

Given to the player who shows outstanding commitment to the game through a complete unwillingness to retire.

One of the disadvantages of coming from a technologically-challenged tribal settling in Zaire; you don't really know how old you are. Deke's listed at 40, but it's painfully apparent that he's no younger than 65 and should long ago have been honored as the league's oldest player. And retired. It's a miracle that the Elmer's holding his knees together can support his 7'2" frame anymore, but before Mutombo completely fossilizes mid-shot-block, he should just hang them up and let everyone salute one of the dominant defenders the league's ever seen.

Regards to: Donyell Marshall, Sixers; Theo Ratliff, Sixers; Grant Hill, Suns

The King Leonidas Award - Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Goes to the player who valiantly led his squad against unbeatable foes, putting up heroic performances on a horribly overmatched team.

I was overly critical of Durant last year; in my mind Al Horford had a more significant rookie campaign after Durant shot the ball poorly (albeit to the tune of 20/game) with the green light on the league's sorest team. The progress that Durant showed this season is making me wonder what my herb was laced with back then; how I didn't give a guy this nice the ROY. Durant's game showed much more maturity this season; apart from showing signs of beginning to acknowledge defense, he improved his shot selection and diversified his offensive set; showing the kind of improvement that should truly horrify every other GM. He'll continue to get stronger, to get smarter, to improve upon a raw talent that's already among the League's top 5 scorers. If his team can show the same growth, it'll be time to crown a new champion next season.

Regards to: Al Jefferson, T-Wolves; Danny Granger, Pacers; Devin Harris, Nets

The Bobby Boucher Trophy - Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets
Awarded to the player whose addition to a team created the greatest positive impact.

While the Nuggets may have only won five more games than they did last year, they enter the Playoffs as the West's second seed with a far more composed approach to basketball, largely thanks to Billups' early-season arrival. Chauncey initiated a far less erratic attack o n offense and instilled some defensive discipline in the league's most blatantly one-way team; restoring order to a team that had all the talent but was lacking that intangible glue to hold it all together. Billups proved a strong adhesive; not only mentoring Denver's immature roster but putting up All-Star numbers. Consequently, the Nuggets are looking like the favorites to be humbled by the Lakeshow in the West Finals, which given their pre-season outlook is nothing short of astonishing.
Regards to: Mo Williams, Cavs; Ron Artest, Rockets; Shawn Marion, Raptors

The Biggie Smalls Award - Amar'e Stoudemire
Given to the player whose loss hurt his squad the most.

It was a tough year in Phoenix; the Suns were forced to play a suffocated form of basketball under an uninspiring coach for the first half of the season. They were losing games, losing patience, losing hope. Something had to give, and after management openly shopped Stoudemire, they shrewdly canned Terry Porter and let the team continue doing what it was built to do: score. Lots. Things appeared to be returning to normal; Phoenix was winning, dropping 120+ nightly, looking dangerous again; it was too good to be true. A week after Alvin Gentry rejuvenated a morbid roster, Stoudemire's freak eye injury sidelined him for the year and essentially sent Phoenix's season into the tank. With him, they'd be a team nobody wanted to face in the playoffs; but the reality of his absence leaves the Suns with a few extra weeks of vacation time and Stoudemire as this award's clear-cut winner.
Regards to: Michael Redd, Bucks; Al Jefferson, T-Wolves; Carlos Boozer, Jazz

The Titanic Trophy - Toronto Raptors

Given to the league's biggest disaster this season.

It's really a toss-up between these guys and the Clips, both of whom made big off-season acquisitions that had them thinking playoffs, both of whom bottomed-out in their respective conferences and generally just shat the bed all year. I gave it to the Raptors because LA plays a much tougher schedule and, really, it's the Clippers here; something always goes wrong with them so my expectations are never really that high. Unfortunately, I'm starting to feel the same way about Canada's last link to (real) professional basketball. Toronto spent this year playing uninspired, confused basketball against weak opposition, only to finally pull it together over the season's final month and play to the level everyone considered them on. The requisite "...we're building towards next season" that Raps GMs have been spitting out for the last decade or so seemed especially tired given the pre-season hype. Instead, the Raps are stuck leaving their fate to a bunch of bouncing balls, hoping something can go their way this year.

Regards to: Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons

Congrats to all the winners. The Playoffs kick off this weekend (and either San Antonio or Dallas is going home in the first round!!), so stay tuned for previews and game notes this weekend.

Envelopes Please...

It's everybody's (or at least my) favorite time of year again; the days are getting longer and warmer, school's drawing to a close and the NBA Playoffs are upon us, mere days away. There's sure to be plenty of incredible ball in the weeks ahead, but it's important not to lose sight of the amazing individual displays that players have put on this year. With that in mind, here's the Basketball Banter 2008-09 Awards; a chance for those who truly achieved greatness this year to be honored properly: in a lightly-read, highly irrelevant blog. Today we'll recognize the winners of the league's official awards with some fictional, but entirely deserved, trophies being handed out later this week.

Without further ado...

Rookie of the Year -- Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Rose's selection above Michael Beasley in last year's draft raised a few eyebrows and set the bar very high for a guy who'd be expected to quickly restore order to one of the league's schizophrenic offenses while learning the ropes of the big leagues. Any doubters were hastily silenced as Rose jumped out early as the best among a talented crop of rookies and never hit the proverbial wall. Although his jumper's been suspect, his quickness allows him to get to the hoop at will, where here's proven equally lethal at finishing among bigger bodies and setting up open shooters. His toughness and speed on defense are admirable and allow him to hold down even the league's biggest 1's. Even beyond pure talent, which he has in bundles, is his court presence; his poise and clutch playmaking have been the main reason the Bulls are back in the playoffs. Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf called this season a "disaster" back in February, and if not for Rose, it likely would've been. Instead, the Bulls are headed back to the playoffs, and finally in the right direction.

Regards to: OJ Mayo, Grizzlies; Russell Westbrook, Thunder; Brook Lopez, Nets

Defensive Player of the Year - Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

This might've been the easiest award to decide, Howard's leading the league in blocks and rebounds, imposing his will in the paint on D like no one since the Admiral. He's the defensive backbone of a team that isn't great at it, preventing more would-be attackers from entering the paint than any other just by suiting up. His combination of size and freakish athleticism are unmatched, and he's showing a better understanding of court positioning with each season. While his offensive game continues to (slowly) develop, Howard's already mastered the game's more disciplined practice and there's no reason to suspect he won't be raking in a lot more of these in seasons ahead.

Regards to: Dwyane Wade, Heat; Ron Artest, Rockets; Tim Duncan, Spurs

Most Improved Player - Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Raptors

Tough call here. There were a lot of guys who had breakout seasons; a couple swingmen took over and became straight-up dominant scorers, a point guard used a much-needed change of scenery to crack the starting lineup and double-up on his stats. Two more young 1's evolved into All-Star caliber players for top-tier teams, even an old warrior who once ruled the league shook off the rust and became a factor again. Despite all this it was Bargnani whose late-season stride showed the most growth in his game. Last season "Il Mago" (The Magician) was unimpressive, being bitched around on D by bigger pivots, and playing like the awkward shy kid at a junior high dance with the rock in his hands; never quite sure what to do with himself. This year, forced back into starting out-of-position by the O'Neal debacle, Bargs found some confidence, began taking better shots, attacking the rim more and at least standing up for himself in the post against stronger foes. Over the season's second half, he was perhaps the Raps' most potent offensive weapon, regularly droppin' 20's on an impressive variety of aggressive drives and long-range bombs. His numbers may not have jumped as much as some other contenders', but Bargnani defied expectations in a difficult situation and was the only bright spot in a disgraceful season for Toronto.

Regards to: Kevin Durant, Thunder; Chris Duhon, Knicks; Devin Harris, Nets

Sixth Man of the Year - Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks

This became a serious race when perennial favorite Manu Ginobili missed considerable time this year, and the newly-benched Terry's embracing of his new role made him the immediate favorite; he had his best season as a Mav, doing almost 20/game as their only b ackcourt scoring threat. Instead of causing a fuss about losing his starting spot to a less talented player, Terry accepted the demotion and breathed life into a languid Mavs second line, becoming more of a pure scorer, true to his skill set. His brief injury absence brought on Dallas' worst ball of the season, so believe he'll be a key to any noise (however hushed) Dallas makes in the playoffs.

Regards to: Nate Robinson, Knicks; Lamar Odom, Lakers; Michael Beasley, Heat

Coach of the Year - Stan Van Gundy, Orlando Magic

Winning this award is increasingly impressive in today's age where coaches are canned like tuna and the bench boss' efforts often lie in the shadows of his players' exploits. 2008-09 was no exception; changes on the sideline were made early and often, poor Terry Porter didn't even make it through his first All-Star break with Phoenix. But it wasn't all bad. This year, Van Gundy was the unsung star for a Magic team that exceeded all realistic expectations through the usual early-season hype and loss of their All-Star point guard. He seamlessly incorporated Rafer Alston, he of the turbulent offense, as a replacement and Orlando hardly skipped a beat. In the process they managed to avoid the mid-season meltdown that's plagued them in recent years, and performed well against Boston and Cleveland, recently breaking the Cavs' spirits with a 30-point ass-whupping. This Orlando squad, despite going through numerous roster adjustments and having some very glaring weaknesses, is their best bet to return to the Finals since Diesel rocked Magic threads, and Van Gundy should be commended for it.

Regards to: Mike Brown, Cavaliers; Rick Adelman, Rockets; Nate McMillan, Blazers

Most Valuable Player - LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

It was a season of great importance for the Cavs; they were drawing ever closer to the summer of 2010, the day of reckoning when a hometown kid who just happened to be (arguably) the best basketball player alive would surely desert them if they didn't put a winner around him. There was a lot of talk about Lebron's supposedly imminent departure, and recent roster moves left plenty of uncertainty about what the Cavs were going to do this season. For the first time, King James' surroundings were as consistent as he was, but His Excellence's excellence managed to surpass even his own lofty standards this year. He improved his free-throw percentage and shot selection, became a more committed defender while continuing to score at will and create open shots for teammates where no others could. The Cavs consequently own the league's best record and its best player will almost certainly get to wear the MVP crown.

Regards to: Dwyane Wade, Heat; Kobe Bryant, Lakers; Chris Paul, Hornets

Congrats to all the winners. Part II drops in a few days...

The Week that Was

So the bracket's been completed and, to the surprise of few, UNC reigns almighty as NCAA champs after a comfortable victory over home crowd favorites Michigan State. Known throughout the tourney as a high-octane offensive beast, the Tar Heels' defense smothered the Spartans through the first half, forcing innumerable turnovers, questionable shots and preventing any sort of rhythm that would help them appease the Detroit masses. The result was a historic blowout that cemented a dominant tournament for UNC; they won each game by a minimum of twelve points and got huge games from all their stars in a balanced effort. Well played.

- Meanwhile, back in the NBA the race for the right to lose to the Cavs/Celtics/Magic in the first round is thinning out. The Raptors gave us fans north of the border a late-season tease, peeling off six straight wins and reminding us how they could've been playing all year, but inevitably joined the Bucks, Pacers and Knicks in the Lottery as they fell from striking range of the 8th spot out East. The Bobcats continue to chase their first playoff berth, and given the way Detroit's been playing recently (what, with Will F***ing Bynum being their go-to guy in the fourth and all), they're far from safe. I knew the Pistons were going to lose a step after they traded Chauncey, but damn...

- Things are zany as usual out West; while the Suns have more or less set, the Spurs might be losing their grip on contender status now that Manu's done for the season. This leaves the door wide open for a prohibitive favorite to get murked by the Lakers in the West Final. It'll be a mad scramble from 2-7, which should provide for some great games down the final stretch as teams jockey for seeding and homecourt. Stay tuned to RaptorsTV.

- It's Green Week!! (not that it has anything to do with basketball, but because most of the Western hemisphere has been put on this giant fucking eco-guilt trip) In a further attempt to prove its corporate social responsibility, the NBA's parading its players around in recycled warmups and green jerseys, while making them appear at schools and museums to promote a cause that's been adopted by dozens of major media outlets; it's become stale. It's nice to see the league taking steps to lessen its environmental impact and raise awareness, but its seems more forced than a T-Mac jumper at this point.

- Speaking of forced jumpers, there's a lot of questions in Detroit these days surrounding the future of one Allen Iverson. Almost as many as there are cliche plays on his nickname every time his career reaches a crossroads such as it has this past month. AI's tenure in Detroit appears to have ended; he's failed to mesh with a team he was a horrible fit for from day one, been relegated to the bench for the first time in his career and been forced to the sideline by an ailment that he likely would've played through on a relevant team. He'll likely enter the free agent market this summer as a huge question mark; one who has never been able to let his game take a backseat to team dynamics and appears to have lost the fire that once drove the league's most competitive player. He's contemplated retirement as opposed to a supporting role, and given his history, it's not totally beyond him to stick by those words. If this is it for Iverson, can his status as the greatest pound-for-pound scorer ever really overshadow the truth that single trip to (and swift dismissal from) the Finals is the only significant thing an AI team has accomplished?

- Lawrence Frank made headlines for all the wrong reasons this week; the guy whose first impression with the Nets set expectations high, and whose subsequent attempts to deliver have apparently not been enough for the team's upper brass. GM Rod Thorn recently all but revealed that Frank would be let go in the offseason, ending his streak as the longest-tenured coach in the East. I can't say I blame them; Frank's done an alright job but never seemed to inspire greatness from his players or achieve anything beyond mediocre with talented players in a shitty conference.

It's gonna be a frantic week in the NBA. Stay tuned next week for Awards and Playoff previews when all the dust settles.