Lost in the shuffle of last night's presidential election was another clash of titans, a culmination of months of positioning, effort, and rhetoric (mostly from Plumber) - I am talking, of course, about the first ever meeting between The Brothers Lopii.
Robin's Phoenix Suns came to New Jersey to take on Brook's Nets.
The results: too close to call. Robin played 20 minutes, was 1-4 from the floor, with 1 rebound and 3 blocks. Brook played 20 minutes and was 1-6 from the floor, with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks. Slight lean to Robin because his team won in a blowout, and because Brook turned 2008 Shaq in to 2004 Shaq for an evening. Slight lean to Brook to account for The Frank Effect, a somewhat incalculable drag on his campaign.
Note: The Captain declared the race "Too lame to call."
The second and final matchup between The Brothers Lopii will be November 30th in Phoenix, unless they happen to meet in the NBA Finals, which is about as likely as a Tim Mahoney career comeback (that was for The Captain).
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Bobcats 100 Heat 87
6 Thoughts
1) Tough night defensively - just couldn't get stops. When they got them, couldn't get the rebound. Didn't create the havoc they did the night before, Gerald Wallace and Okafor were able to get their feet in the paint and score. That was the ballgame.
2) Mike Beasley showed the whole offensive arsenal - 25 points. Not a lot of 19 year olds can score 25 points in an NBA game. Shot the ball well from distance, and was able to create shots off the dribble. However...
3) ...Dwyane Wade needs to figure out how to help Beasley. They are the two best offensive players, and they need to learn to play off of each other. But Wade doesn't seem attuned to feeding Beasley the ball in spots where he can do damage. Beasley had 20 after 3 quarters, but they were not able to get him quality looks in the 4th quarter.
4) Furthermore, for a rookie averaging 17 points a game in his first three games, Mike Beasley doesn't seem to be having much fun. Not much smiling, not a lot of enthusiasm. Spends a considerable amount of time trudging his feet around in seeming exhaustion. Perhaps he is concentrating and/or tired. The whole team seems a little joyless, frankly. The only guys who smile at all are Shawn Marion and Emcee Chalmers.
5) Got outrebounded 41-27.
6) It is odd that Michael Jordan has let himself get so chunky. Spent the night sitting next to Sean May and it felt like a competitive eating contest could break out at any moment. I have always imagined that Jordan would be fairly vain - maybe that's my mistake - but at this point I guess he figures, "I'm Michael Jordan, what the hell is the difference? And, I'm still not as fat as Joe Dumars." Joe Dumars clearly has not received the memo about the possible link between midriff fat and heart trouble. Or, he received it, but that week he was too busy drafting Darko Milicic to read it.
1) Tough night defensively - just couldn't get stops. When they got them, couldn't get the rebound. Didn't create the havoc they did the night before, Gerald Wallace and Okafor were able to get their feet in the paint and score. That was the ballgame.
2) Mike Beasley showed the whole offensive arsenal - 25 points. Not a lot of 19 year olds can score 25 points in an NBA game. Shot the ball well from distance, and was able to create shots off the dribble. However...
3) ...Dwyane Wade needs to figure out how to help Beasley. They are the two best offensive players, and they need to learn to play off of each other. But Wade doesn't seem attuned to feeding Beasley the ball in spots where he can do damage. Beasley had 20 after 3 quarters, but they were not able to get him quality looks in the 4th quarter.
4) Furthermore, for a rookie averaging 17 points a game in his first three games, Mike Beasley doesn't seem to be having much fun. Not much smiling, not a lot of enthusiasm. Spends a considerable amount of time trudging his feet around in seeming exhaustion. Perhaps he is concentrating and/or tired. The whole team seems a little joyless, frankly. The only guys who smile at all are Shawn Marion and Emcee Chalmers.
5) Got outrebounded 41-27.
6) It is odd that Michael Jordan has let himself get so chunky. Spent the night sitting next to Sean May and it felt like a competitive eating contest could break out at any moment. I have always imagined that Jordan would be fairly vain - maybe that's my mistake - but at this point I guess he figures, "I'm Michael Jordan, what the hell is the difference? And, I'm still not as fat as Joe Dumars." Joe Dumars clearly has not received the memo about the possible link between midriff fat and heart trouble. Or, he received it, but that week he was too busy drafting Darko Milicic to read it.
Heat 103 Kings 77
6 Thoughts
1) After the season opening loss in New York, if you had told me the Heat would lead any game by 38 points, at any point during the season, against any team, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But there they were up 38 last night in the 3rd quarter, albeit against a bad, bad Sacramento roster. The more encouraging thing, though, was you could see the defensive template - try to use pressure to keep the ball from getting below the free throw line, because once it does, they can't stop it at the rim. They tried to jam all pick and rolls, and tried to use rotations to take away the next pass. Sacramento lacks ballhandlers, so on this night it worked well.
2) Wade and Marion played extremely hard defensively. Wade had 4 steals and 4 blocks, including a vicious rejection of a Spencer Hawes' turnaround. Marion had 4 steals and 3 blocks, and was usually sitting in the paint trying to play as a free safety. When Wade plays hard defensively, you know you at least ensure effort on that end from the younger guys.
3) Beasley had a nice 17 point 9 rebound game. He needs to learn how to take contact at the rim, though, so that he can get to the line. He is such a skilled shot maker that he is looking to avoid all contact in the belief that he can make any shot no matter where he is - as he plays more, he'll learn to initiate and absorb contact and walk to the line.
4) Mark Blount had 1 rebound in 15 minutes. One of his problems in rebounding is that he generally just reaches up with one hand and bats at the ball, instead of going up with two hands and trying to catch it.
5) Heat color commentator Tony Fiorentino has been reading a copy of Alonzo Mourning's new autobiography "Resilience." There is almost no basketball lesson, almost no life lesson that Tony Fiorentino is not going to be able to apply one of Zo's anecdotes to help resolve. How did the Heat bounce back from the opening night loss to Knicks? "It is like Zo's book: resilience," said Tony. How do young players improve? "It is like Zo said in his book - hard work," said Tony. How would Mike Beasley celebrate his first NBA win? "Like Zo said in his book: white women at Bed on South Beach," said Tony.
6) Loved Kings rookie big guy Jason Thompson who looked big, athletic, and agile. Note to the Captain: Donte Green was mostly quiet in 10 minutes, although he did take one classic Donte Green pullup three in transition which smashed off the backboard at about 30 miles an hour.
--------------------------------------
Watched a few moments of Boston and Chicago after the Heat. Breen, Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were working the game. Breen pointed out that they show old clips of American Bandstand on the video screens during timeouts in the Fleet Center. Van Gundy commented that he didn't watch American Bandstand as a kid. "Where did you get your dance moves, then," asked Mark Jackson? "On the streets," claimed Van Gundy.
1) After the season opening loss in New York, if you had told me the Heat would lead any game by 38 points, at any point during the season, against any team, I probably wouldn't have believed you. But there they were up 38 last night in the 3rd quarter, albeit against a bad, bad Sacramento roster. The more encouraging thing, though, was you could see the defensive template - try to use pressure to keep the ball from getting below the free throw line, because once it does, they can't stop it at the rim. They tried to jam all pick and rolls, and tried to use rotations to take away the next pass. Sacramento lacks ballhandlers, so on this night it worked well.
2) Wade and Marion played extremely hard defensively. Wade had 4 steals and 4 blocks, including a vicious rejection of a Spencer Hawes' turnaround. Marion had 4 steals and 3 blocks, and was usually sitting in the paint trying to play as a free safety. When Wade plays hard defensively, you know you at least ensure effort on that end from the younger guys.
3) Beasley had a nice 17 point 9 rebound game. He needs to learn how to take contact at the rim, though, so that he can get to the line. He is such a skilled shot maker that he is looking to avoid all contact in the belief that he can make any shot no matter where he is - as he plays more, he'll learn to initiate and absorb contact and walk to the line.
4) Mark Blount had 1 rebound in 15 minutes. One of his problems in rebounding is that he generally just reaches up with one hand and bats at the ball, instead of going up with two hands and trying to catch it.
5) Heat color commentator Tony Fiorentino has been reading a copy of Alonzo Mourning's new autobiography "Resilience." There is almost no basketball lesson, almost no life lesson that Tony Fiorentino is not going to be able to apply one of Zo's anecdotes to help resolve. How did the Heat bounce back from the opening night loss to Knicks? "It is like Zo's book: resilience," said Tony. How do young players improve? "It is like Zo said in his book - hard work," said Tony. How would Mike Beasley celebrate his first NBA win? "Like Zo said in his book: white women at Bed on South Beach," said Tony.
6) Loved Kings rookie big guy Jason Thompson who looked big, athletic, and agile. Note to the Captain: Donte Green was mostly quiet in 10 minutes, although he did take one classic Donte Green pullup three in transition which smashed off the backboard at about 30 miles an hour.
--------------------------------------
Watched a few moments of Boston and Chicago after the Heat. Breen, Van Gundy and Mark Jackson were working the game. Breen pointed out that they show old clips of American Bandstand on the video screens during timeouts in the Fleet Center. Van Gundy commented that he didn't watch American Bandstand as a kid. "Where did you get your dance moves, then," asked Mark Jackson? "On the streets," claimed Van Gundy.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Follow up by D in Cincy
Follow up question:
No apology necessary and I would love to have a Mojito with you at the DM offices.
I feel a little warmer about said trade after your breakdown. Now, I have a related follow-up question.
Even considering that the Cavs’ backcourt is somewhat crowded and has some good balers the frontcourt has some very capable balers but the circumstance is somewhat weaker (either youth, age/health, depth), do you think the more pressing need for them is actually at the 2 or is it the 4 or at least somewhere in the frontcourt for some low block scoring/depth/defense?
I love AV and there are things BW (D, intimidation, rebounding) and Z (shot, O/D rebounding) can bring to the table but that also come with serious limitations but non have any low block scoring. Expecting that from the rookie Hickson is not wise. There isn’t much depth if one or any go down. It seems as if all the Cavs’ frontcourt guys are situational or role players. There isn’t one that is a complete, all-around, strong D/O, size, athleticism, health, scoring, etc. in the bunch.
Of course, the 2 position is exactly the same: role players, each guy has strengths and weaknesses and not one all-around good baler. But, the rest of the backcourt is very good.
What about AK 47 at the 4? He brings some scoring, athleticism, D. Or some others at the 4 or 5 I have heard thrown about: Okafor.
LeDirk
Dos Minutos responds:
My initial inclination is that Kirilenko is not a great fit for the Cavs because he struggles on the offensive end of the court - he isn't a good jump shooter, or creative with his dribble, and he has no post up game. He is actually the opposite of Carter - he is more adept at running cuts and receiving the ball on the move to finish inside.
On the other hand, the Cavs frontcourt is thin, and Kirilenko is an excellent and versatile defender. He certainly is a far better player than Ben Wallace at this point. If I couldn't have Carter and Kirilenko, I think I would go for Carter by a hair.
Okafor is a no brainer - he would give them a little low post offense, he is an excellent rebounder, and a goaltender at the rim. He may underperform his contract a little, but I don't think the Cavs have the juice to get him.
No apology necessary and I would love to have a Mojito with you at the DM offices.
I feel a little warmer about said trade after your breakdown. Now, I have a related follow-up question.
Even considering that the Cavs’ backcourt is somewhat crowded and has some good balers the frontcourt has some very capable balers but the circumstance is somewhat weaker (either youth, age/health, depth), do you think the more pressing need for them is actually at the 2 or is it the 4 or at least somewhere in the frontcourt for some low block scoring/depth/defense?
I love AV and there are things BW (D, intimidation, rebounding) and Z (shot, O/D rebounding) can bring to the table but that also come with serious limitations but non have any low block scoring. Expecting that from the rookie Hickson is not wise. There isn’t much depth if one or any go down. It seems as if all the Cavs’ frontcourt guys are situational or role players. There isn’t one that is a complete, all-around, strong D/O, size, athleticism, health, scoring, etc. in the bunch.
Of course, the 2 position is exactly the same: role players, each guy has strengths and weaknesses and not one all-around good baler. But, the rest of the backcourt is very good.
What about AK 47 at the 4? He brings some scoring, athleticism, D. Or some others at the 4 or 5 I have heard thrown about: Okafor.
LeDirk
Dos Minutos responds:
My initial inclination is that Kirilenko is not a great fit for the Cavs because he struggles on the offensive end of the court - he isn't a good jump shooter, or creative with his dribble, and he has no post up game. He is actually the opposite of Carter - he is more adept at running cuts and receiving the ball on the move to finish inside.
On the other hand, the Cavs frontcourt is thin, and Kirilenko is an excellent and versatile defender. He certainly is a far better player than Ben Wallace at this point. If I couldn't have Carter and Kirilenko, I think I would go for Carter by a hair.
Okafor is a no brainer - he would give them a little low post offense, he is an excellent rebounder, and a goaltender at the rim. He may underperform his contract a little, but I don't think the Cavs have the juice to get him.
"Ask Dos Minutos"
Today's question comes from "D in Cincinnati:"
You never responded to my inquiry regarding a Cavs dead line trade for VC. I don’t like him much but could see him helping a little but not a “guarantee” that would put the Cavs over the top or make them that much better. How do you see it and why?
D
You never responded to my inquiry regarding a Cavs dead line trade for VC. I don’t like him much but could see him helping a little but not a “guarantee” that would put the Cavs over the top or make them that much better. How do you see it and why?
D
Dos Minutos Responds:
First of all, I would like to apologize profusely for not answering your question in more timely fashion - I do not remember receiving it.
I do think Vince Carter would be a tremendous fit for the Cavs. He is an excellent shooter who would be even more effective when he did not have to create his own shot. He is a veteran who is not scared in big moments, though his rate of success is not necessarily that high - but with LeBron those situations would be few and far between for VC. Also, the Cavs run a very stationary, motionless offense with LeBron doing a lot of dribbling and driving from the top while the wings space the court - this fits well with VC, who is not particularly effective at running cuts, since he jogs them at half-speed.
He is also bigger than Delonte West or Daniel Gibson, which would give them a more favorable matchup against bigger two guards defensively, though defense is not necessarily his strong suit either.
Although Carter seems happiest when expectations are low, the optimist in me wants to believe that he has an untapped reserve of competitive fire welled deep within him somewhere, and that a run with LeBron could bring that out.
I think the Nets would be happy to exchange Vince for cap space and a #1 somewhere around the trading deadline, after he has helped them to maintain some competitive standing for a good portion of this year. I give this the thumbs up. I think the Cavaliers can win the championship as presently constituted - how good was Varejo in the 4th quarter against Boston opening night? - but I do expect them to make a deal, and this one would be great, and I'd be willing to swallow the extra years of Vince's contract to make the run right now.
Thanks for your question, D., and we hope to see you at the Dos Minutos offices sometime in the near future, when you will be welcomed with a warm handshake and a mojito.
Knicks 120 Heat 115
6 Thoughts
1) The biggest problem the team has - and it is a huge problem - is defensively. They can't stop anyone at the rim. Haslem, Beasley, and Marion were all bullied inside by David Lee, Wilson Chandler, and Zach Randolph, who are not a collective Murderer's Row of inside players. This puts added pressure on the perimeter guys not to get beat - and they aren't particularly strong at that either.
2) The rookies: Beasley was tentative about shooting the ball and looked very nervous, finishing with just 9 points. Tough to remember he is only 19 - he will be fine. Chalmers, on the other hand, saw the ball go in early and became energized, finishing with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists. Most importantly, just 1 turnover. He looked like an above-average NBA point guard athletically. Excellent beginning for him.
3) You have to admire Mike D'Antoni's commitment to pushing the ball up the court and shooting open shots. It places constant pressure on the defense. Particularly impressive was the last play of the first half when on a missed Mario Chalmers free throw, a Knick flew up each wing on a fly pattern - one got the pass and drew a foul from Chalmers, the shooter, who was forced to try to get back after shooting a free throw. Clearly a designed play demonstrating the Knicks commitment to run at all costs.
4) Dwyane looked healthy and lively, but frustrated. He continued a trend he developed last year of dribbling out of good midrange jumpers in to traffic. Needs to establish that mid-range jumper as a weapon again.
5) The Heat was 3-19 from 3 before Daequan Cook made 3 in the waning moments. It is probably the worst roster of three point shooters in the league.
6) Mark Blount had one rebound in 9 minutes - to be fair, it was in traffic. He almost had another one, but Shawn Marion tipped it away from him.
Next game: Friday vs. Sacramento
1) The biggest problem the team has - and it is a huge problem - is defensively. They can't stop anyone at the rim. Haslem, Beasley, and Marion were all bullied inside by David Lee, Wilson Chandler, and Zach Randolph, who are not a collective Murderer's Row of inside players. This puts added pressure on the perimeter guys not to get beat - and they aren't particularly strong at that either.
2) The rookies: Beasley was tentative about shooting the ball and looked very nervous, finishing with just 9 points. Tough to remember he is only 19 - he will be fine. Chalmers, on the other hand, saw the ball go in early and became energized, finishing with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists. Most importantly, just 1 turnover. He looked like an above-average NBA point guard athletically. Excellent beginning for him.
3) You have to admire Mike D'Antoni's commitment to pushing the ball up the court and shooting open shots. It places constant pressure on the defense. Particularly impressive was the last play of the first half when on a missed Mario Chalmers free throw, a Knick flew up each wing on a fly pattern - one got the pass and drew a foul from Chalmers, the shooter, who was forced to try to get back after shooting a free throw. Clearly a designed play demonstrating the Knicks commitment to run at all costs.
4) Dwyane looked healthy and lively, but frustrated. He continued a trend he developed last year of dribbling out of good midrange jumpers in to traffic. Needs to establish that mid-range jumper as a weapon again.
5) The Heat was 3-19 from 3 before Daequan Cook made 3 in the waning moments. It is probably the worst roster of three point shooters in the league.
6) Mark Blount had one rebound in 9 minutes - to be fair, it was in traffic. He almost had another one, but Shawn Marion tipped it away from him.
Next game: Friday vs. Sacramento
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Roster Questions on the Eve of a New Season
Joel Anthony
What we know: he is a scrappy, undersized shot blocker
Question: will he ever develop enough offense to get him on the court?
Marcus Banks
What we know: he can create his own shot and score, and is a pest defensively
Question: can he be consistent enough to warrant significant minutes?
Michael Beasley
What we know: can score from the high post, wing, and at the rim, with either hand - he is a 20 point game waiting to happen
Question: can he contribute defensively and stay on the court by avoiding the foul trouble that plagues so many rookies?
Mark Blount
What we know: started two exhibition games in which he combined for one rebound, and went rebound-less in a third off the bench
Question: is he conscious?
Mario Chalmers
What we know: he is quick and can get to the rim, and is a gambler defensively
Question: can he limit his turnovers enough to be a long-term asset?
Daequan Cook
What we know: he has a beautiful looking stroke
Question: can he figure out how to get quality shots so that the beautiful stroke translates in to baskets?
Yakhouba Diawara
What we know: he can't shoot
Question: can he be a lockdown defender of use in spot minutes?
Udonis Haslem
What we know: will start at center and though he is severely undersized he will battle opposing big guys with everything that he has
Question: how much of a toll will the beating he inevitably is going to take affect him over the course of the season?
James Jones
What we know: out until at least midseason
Question: what kind of dresser will he be on the bench? Suits? Sweater and slacks?
Shaun Livingston
What we know: he sees the court well, understands how to play the point guard position
Question: will he regain enough athleticism to compete in the NBA?
Jamal Magloire
What we know: before he broke his hand, he still stunk
Question: how quickly will the hand heal and allow him to come back and stink some more? Will he stink at the exact same level, or will the broken hand make him even stinkier?
Shawn Marion
What we know: he has looked awkward offensively, but he is the Heat's best defender and rebounder
Question: will his trade value be worth more than the cap room Miami will gain by holding him and letting his contract expire at the end of the season? he will be the subject of constant rumors until the trade deadline passes
Chris Quinn
What we know: he can make open shots, but is not athletic enough to compete in the NBA on a regular basis
Question: how much will he play? If the answer is anything more than spot minutes, that is a very bad sign for Miami
Dwyane Wade
What we know: he was fantastic in the Olympics, fantastic in the preseason, and has regained the athleticism that he was forced to play without last year
Question: can he play 75 + games? for Miami to be at all competitive, he will have to
Dorell Wright
What we know: he is a little stiff coming back from knee surgery, and has never had a sustained stretch of success in the league - still, he is the one player on the roster who could conceivably significantly outperform expectations
Question: can he reinvent himself as a high energy/defensive stopper/ball acquisition guy? in previous seasons he has tried to play like a wing scorer - but he needs to be active in the painted area at both ends of the floor to be of value
Erik Spoelstra
What we know: the players seem to like him
Question: can he fashion a legitimate identity and rotation for the team that allows them to be competitive most nights?
Season Predictions: 31-51, 11th in the East; Marion traded at deadline for two competent contributors and a #1 draft pick ; Wade plays 68 games; Beasley averages 16 and 7; Dorell Wright and Livingston are non-factors; Chalmers shows enough to possibly be the long-term answer at point guard
What we know: he is a scrappy, undersized shot blocker
Question: will he ever develop enough offense to get him on the court?
Marcus Banks
What we know: he can create his own shot and score, and is a pest defensively
Question: can he be consistent enough to warrant significant minutes?
Michael Beasley
What we know: can score from the high post, wing, and at the rim, with either hand - he is a 20 point game waiting to happen
Question: can he contribute defensively and stay on the court by avoiding the foul trouble that plagues so many rookies?
Mark Blount
What we know: started two exhibition games in which he combined for one rebound, and went rebound-less in a third off the bench
Question: is he conscious?
Mario Chalmers
What we know: he is quick and can get to the rim, and is a gambler defensively
Question: can he limit his turnovers enough to be a long-term asset?
Daequan Cook
What we know: he has a beautiful looking stroke
Question: can he figure out how to get quality shots so that the beautiful stroke translates in to baskets?
Yakhouba Diawara
What we know: he can't shoot
Question: can he be a lockdown defender of use in spot minutes?
Udonis Haslem
What we know: will start at center and though he is severely undersized he will battle opposing big guys with everything that he has
Question: how much of a toll will the beating he inevitably is going to take affect him over the course of the season?
James Jones
What we know: out until at least midseason
Question: what kind of dresser will he be on the bench? Suits? Sweater and slacks?
Shaun Livingston
What we know: he sees the court well, understands how to play the point guard position
Question: will he regain enough athleticism to compete in the NBA?
Jamal Magloire
What we know: before he broke his hand, he still stunk
Question: how quickly will the hand heal and allow him to come back and stink some more? Will he stink at the exact same level, or will the broken hand make him even stinkier?
Shawn Marion
What we know: he has looked awkward offensively, but he is the Heat's best defender and rebounder
Question: will his trade value be worth more than the cap room Miami will gain by holding him and letting his contract expire at the end of the season? he will be the subject of constant rumors until the trade deadline passes
Chris Quinn
What we know: he can make open shots, but is not athletic enough to compete in the NBA on a regular basis
Question: how much will he play? If the answer is anything more than spot minutes, that is a very bad sign for Miami
Dwyane Wade
What we know: he was fantastic in the Olympics, fantastic in the preseason, and has regained the athleticism that he was forced to play without last year
Question: can he play 75 + games? for Miami to be at all competitive, he will have to
Dorell Wright
What we know: he is a little stiff coming back from knee surgery, and has never had a sustained stretch of success in the league - still, he is the one player on the roster who could conceivably significantly outperform expectations
Question: can he reinvent himself as a high energy/defensive stopper/ball acquisition guy? in previous seasons he has tried to play like a wing scorer - but he needs to be active in the painted area at both ends of the floor to be of value
Erik Spoelstra
What we know: the players seem to like him
Question: can he fashion a legitimate identity and rotation for the team that allows them to be competitive most nights?
Season Predictions: 31-51, 11th in the East; Marion traded at deadline for two competent contributors and a #1 draft pick ; Wade plays 68 games; Beasley averages 16 and 7; Dorell Wright and Livingston are non-factors; Chalmers shows enough to possibly be the long-term answer at point guard
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