NBA Weekly Update

It’s All Ball Y’all!!!

The NBA season is well and truly underway with the last week bringing some much awaited excitement from Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks. On Saturday “Mr. Jennings”, touched up the Golden State Warriors with a 55 point outing in three quarters no less as he went scoreless in the first term. Also over the last week in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns continued their resurgence with three wins sandwiched around a loss to the defending champion LA Lakers. But in picking a team of the week, I’ll have to go with the Cleveland Cavaliers who are in the midst of a four game winning streak after an indifferent start. Shaq is currently day to day with a shoulder problem but the team as a whole is coming together for a title push this season.

Other surprises thus far in the league are the San Antonio Spurs who are an even .500 while trying to sort through various injuries and adjust to new personnel. The whole Central Division is playing at .500 or better. Miami looks stronger than expected, Denver looks solid and Sacramento has surprised a few people.

My first NBA Top 10: Record Previous Rank

1. Cleveland 7-3 --

2. Boston 8-3 --

3. Denver 7-3 --

4. Orlando 8-3 --

5. Phoenix 9-2 --

6. Atlanta 9-2 --

7. LA Lakers 7-3 --

8. Dallas 8-3 --

9. Portland 8-4 --

10. Miami 7-2 --

Bubbling: Houston, Milwaukee

The Diesel pulls into Cleveland, hooks up Championship train!!

from BasketBloggin 26 June 2009

Shaquille O'Neal has left the building in Phoenix and headed for Cleveland in hopes of winning another title before hanging up the big boots. In a Draft Eve trade O'Neal was sent to the Cavs in exchange for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic and a 2010 second round draft pick. The combonation of the big Diesel with King James has Cav fans rejoicing in the streets.

In another big trade, Vince Carter has gone home to Florida after a trade by the New Jersey Nets sent him to the Magic along with Ryan anderson for Rafer Alston, who will return to the NYC/Mix Tape area where he is a cult figure, Courtney Lee and Tony Battie. A healthy Carter could be the slasher the Magic are looking for in their quest for finals glory next season.

I will have a complete wrap up of todays draft and other trades in tomorrows blog...'til then, happy speculating.

Back to the Prospects

from BasketBloggin 25 June 2009

After yesterday's trade excitement, I will get back to having a look at more of the drafts top prospects.

Look for:

DeMar DeRozan (SG): Following O.J. Mayo's footsteps as a one and done from USC to the NBA, could follow his lead as a prime rookie performer in say...Toronto.

Jonny Flynn (PG): A fearless leader from the point will go to the hoop, pull up or dish with the best of them from this years draft, may become a Buck.

Stephen "Son of Dell" Curry (G): Definitely has the curry DNA though a bit shorter than his dad, could end up playing in Charlotte which would be friendly hometown confines.

Chase Budinger (G/F): Yes, white men can jump as this former volleyballer will prove, look for him to stay local and hop onto the roster of the Suns.

Eric Maynor (PG): A true floor general who has unquestionable floor leadership skills and smarts to bring to the table. May become a Philly favourite.

Biggest Bust:

Austin Daye (F): While intriguing with height for a big guard/small forward and with pedigree, should have taken another year or two to bulk up and hone his skills at 'Zaga. With that said look for Detroit to possibly be the ones to take a chance on him.

'Til tomorrow fans, we wait anxiously for the results and unpredictable outcomes of this years draft, while it is said to be a weak one, it is rather strong for back court players and deep at the PG position. As for Australia's own Patrick Mills, another year in the NCAA would not have hurt but look for him to go anywhere from late first round to not drafted at all. thus is the nature of the beast of Draft day 2009.