Mizzo’s NBA Top Five: Right Now, It’s Lakers vs Cavaliers
1. Los Angeles Lakers 49-12, 3-2 week
(AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)
As players get a little antsy jocking for position and coaches, fans and front office heads cringe at the thought of injury, the 2008-2009 NBA season pushes on. This is a renaissance period IMO, because the league is so rich in talent. The above flick is indicative of the passing of the torch from young to old, different no looks, left handed windmills and familiar thunderous Shaq jump stop bangs. Up top? Nah, ain’t a damn thing changed.
Yeah, the Lakes were 3-2 last week, but so what. They are still the league’s best. Lamar Odom is breaking ankles, getting mean and finally feeling comfortable about his role on a squad can’t nobody mess with–not right now. Kobe probably uses his fingertips to cook breakfast at the kitchen table his game is so hot. No need for the mixer baking cookies either–to the delight of his baby girls–’cause Daddy got it. Lakers home against Minny then off on the road to face Portland, Houston and a TNT televised game against San Antonio on the 12th. This is the stretch where Phil Jackson earns his money but one question: Is Pau Gasol tough enough?
2. Cleveland Cavaliers 47-12, 4-1 week
(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
While some of you for valid reasons might see the Lakers and Cavs as team 1 and 1a, I gotta beg to differ. I get into this with Mizzo Jr. all the time. Until I see LBJ do it in the NBA Finals, I can’t give him his inevitable props as a NBA killer. Yeah, he’s talented and strong as hell, but all that backing up 10 feet behind the three point line and bull rushing his way to the rim is not going to happen in the playoffs. It just ain’t happenin’. I’m not saying the man isn’t going to win a ring–I think he will win many–but show it to me baby boy and I’ll write it.
I just want to see it. I didn’t think Paul Pierce was a superstar until last season’s playoffs began. I just don’t give out accolades like that because my kids ask me what the deal is and I would be remiss to not give an objective historical perspective.
Anyway, as Black Pharaoh rehabs injury and Boston’s reserves get a chance to show and prove, the Cavaliers get to check the East’s pulse. Right now they are on cruise, but trust KG is sitting somewhere staring at a wall and rocking back and forth waiting for that moment of Anything’s possible!!!!!, once again. Cavs home against Milwaukee, ESPN game Friday against said defending champions and then back home for another titan clash against Flash and the Heat.
3. Boston Celtics 47-14, 3-2 week
In an interview with the Boston Globe’s Marc Spears for TSF, I wanted to give you all what we see when we cover Kevin Garnett. Yeah, he’s out right now, but dude is so hype, he can’t watch the games from the bench. I don’t think you understand just how encapsulated Kevin Garnett’s passion for the game is. It’s unusual..definitely sui generis.
That being said, the addition of Stephon Marbury gives Boston just that spark it might need late in games when players might lake the motivation to get that needed win. Forget what ya heard people because despite everything surrounding Stephon, he still is a top flight talent–who can pass. Reuniting with KG maybe just what he needs to finally get that June shine. Trust there will be no drama inside Boston’s locker room. Ray Allen ain’t having it. Check how many times Paul Pierce gets to the rim, for it’s almost money time. This team is just biding its time. Ain’t nothing really changed. See more than what’s in front of your face.
Jersey tonight, the aforementioned Cleveland battle and Orlando on Sunday the 8th.
4. Orlando Magic 44-16, 3-2 week
(AP Photo/John Raoux)
I gotta say something about Dwight Howard: Dude needs to get a mean streak quick. He needs to toughen up just a little bit. Last night was a measuring stick, a passing of the torch if you will. It seemed that Shaq got into his head a little bit. Dwight Howard is one of the best dudes in the league but he needs to take his passion to the next level if he wants to get that right he so covets. I’m not saying go out there and Ron Artest cats, but he could learn a lot from Shaq and add some intimidation to his game. Rafer seems to be working out in Orlando subbing for my cuzo Jameer Nelson. Orlando boasts one of the more talented rosters in the league and if they can smack two hands on the floor on defense, you just never know.
New Jersey Friday home then two bangers consecutive nights on the road: Boston on the 8th and Detroit on the 9th.
5. San Antonio Spurs 40-19, 3-2 week
(AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
Damnit man! I hate this team. I really do. It’s because they are so good. They are always there. The Lakers might think their ticket is already punched for the Finals, but they better hold on to it just in case. What else can you say about Tim Duncan? Mason Jr. just stepped in like he’s been there for years. This team is professionally gifted. I don’t know if any team in any sport has been as consistent as San Antonio since they broke Latrell Spreewell and Gotham City’s heart back in ’98.
At Dallas tonight, home vs. Washington Friday and against their rival Phoenix on ABC Sunday the 8th.
The West is falling back to reality in a sense. I’ve said it before the conference was overrated last season. Denver getting swept, Phoenix and New Orleans choking against San Antonio…just ridiculous. Yeah, some of it is injuries, team chemistry and coaching administrative changes, but hopefully this year will be different. Chauncey Billups is a true MVP candidate, but can he make a that big difference in the team psyche. George Karl is lucky to have him fo sho.
New Orleans is also having its problems. I’m sensing a lot of frustration in CP3. He’s not geting his way and is battling dings and twinges himself physically. Step ya game up Chris.
Houston is just a mess. I mean, what’s going on there? Is Yao everything he’s cracked up to be? I can’t stand hype. Ron Ron will lock down the opposition’s best player, but outside of a defensive mentality, what else does Houston offer? It’s time for the big boys to show and prove…damn. Tired of all these chick made squads manicuring their fingernails pregame instead of smacking shoulderpads.
Ok, I’m done. Be Peace.
Mizz,
Was that a “flop” coming from Shaq last night when Howard put a spin move on him and dunked it?
There were TWO of them. Tsk, tsk Shaq…tsk, tsk.
LOL…..that’s what I thought.
Also, I find Shaq’s comments to Howard quite amusing:
On CBS.com who whether Howard could be the next Shaq:
“I was the type of player that they had to have secret meetings and change the rules and do all that. Probably never be another me. He’s a good player, but everything he’s done, I’ve invented. So I’m not impressed.”
To Sports Illustrated on Howard channeling Superman, something O’Neal also did as a young player:
“Doesn’t bother me. I can’t be impressed by something I invented in ’92. I mean, you look at what he is doing, I’ve been there and done that. Every street he is driving down in Orlando, I have been on that street. Every nightclub, every restaurant. … I have been there and done that. Until he wins three, four championships, then we can talk about him. But right now, he is just like every other big guy: ‘You can run and jump, but you haven’t won yet.’ ”
Howard said he hoped that O’Neal would help him improve his game but says the biggest man on the planet only told him “to get the ball. That’s the thing. If you don’t get the ball, stand in the lane for three seconds until they give it to you.”
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Sometimes I think Shaq acts as if he’s threatened that someone will come along and replace him as the most dominant force in the game. I was really disappointed when I read Howard say that he sought advice from Shaq to improve his game but all Shaq told him was “…get the ball.”. WTF? What kind of advice is that?
Anyways…..I agree with you Mizz….D-Howard needs to develop a “mean” streak, which would only add to his already intimidating frame. He also need to develop some post moves and perhaps an outside shot. If I were him i’d take advantage of Patrick Ewing on their coaching staff, who also helped Yao Ming’s post game.
Pat is working with him tirelessly. I spoke with him earlier this year and he had nothing but praises for the young fella so he must be making progress. He needs to be challenged one on one and there is no one else in the league who can do that besides Shaq. Yao ain’t ready for prime time.
If Shaq was retired, I’d expect more from him in the way of advice, but they’re still competing. I ain’t tellin’ him shiiite until we’re done — unless there are extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, the young gun can sit down and watch film. Moses Malone Video 101…study, learn, adapt. Grad School Course – Hakeem Olajuwon undresses David Robinson…don’t be late to class.
That’s all the advice he needs — and get the ball.
Exactly. Dwight expects to be treated the way he treats everyone. It’s amazing what he does for others but MOST folk ain’t built that way.
He’s a first class person. There aren’t many cats I’d be happy if my dau….uh scratch that.
T3,
Moses Malone tutored Akeem (Hakeem) before he even came into the league. Also, Jordan gave Kobe pointers on how to develop that ‘turn-around-jay’ during his last season with the Bulls (if i’m not mistaken).
Even in the NFL this is not uncommon. Larry Fitzgerald spoke very highly of Hines Ward and how he worked out with him when he was at Pitt. He said that Ward gave him some pointers that eventually helped his game.
I wouldn’t expect Shaq to reveal everything to him but damn….”just go get the ball”?!
I sense some selfishness in that response.
GN:
I know — that’s why I mentioned both Moses and Hakeem.
Jordan knew he was done, so that’s not such a surprise.
Hines Ward does that with everyone. He did it Troy Edwards (who didn’t care, ignored the advice, and plays for the Pittsburgh PlayStation Steelers); he did it with Randle-el. He did it with Plaxico. Santonio listened. Nate listened. We’ll see if Limas listened.
GN — I feel you. You’re expecting old grizzly Shaq to be big, magnanimous and gracious. I think he will be, but the timing was bad. He’s been Mr. Irrelevant for a couple of years and since his infamous “How My A$$ Taste?” video, he’s been less than a role model. He just got another glimpse of the old days with the All-Star game and his back-to-back break out games. He’s feeling himself being his old self a little too much.
That’s nothing a couple of back-to-backs won’t cure. He’ll be gracious once again when he comes face to face with his age. You know what they say, “It’s just not a good time for me. It’s not you. It’s me.”
LOL….I feel ya bruh.
Haha ^^ nice, is there a section to follow the RSS feed