TWTWTNBA: The Central Division All-Star Roster Pool

All-Star Voting for the Starters ended on Sunday, with the final ballot numbers to be released on Thursday in TNT at Madison Square Garden (Friday for those in the Motherland). Heat vs Knicks being the reason why Ernie and his crew will be in Broadway instead of their cushy Atlanta studios. A week after that, the All-Star Reserves are to be named.

Now, if the Central Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:

Chicago Bulls -Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah,

Cleveland Cavaliers -Antawn Jamison, Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao

Detroit Pistons - Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey

Indiana Pacers -  Danny Granger, Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert

Milwaukee Bucks - Andrew Bogut, Brandon Jennings, John Salmons

Based from this, I believe this would be their roster composition.

Coach: Tom Thibodeaux - He's the only choice.

Starters:

Guard: Derrick Rose - MVP Candidate. Really elevated his game to top tier status among the best in the league.

Guard: Darren Collison - Really sound acquisition by the Pacers during the offseason. He was handed the keys to the offense and is running rings around like he was last year when CP3 was unavailable.

Forward: Danny Granger - He's Mr. Do It All for Indiana.

Forward: Carlos Boozer - Has been a nice complement alongside Derrick Rose that the top brass of Chicago needed. That is, when he is healthy

Center: Andrew Bogut - the Innovator of Squad 6 and the linchpin down low for the Bucks.

Reserves:

Guard: Brandon Jennings - If he was healthier, he would be starting alongside Rose. (4-6 weeks from his injury would be around early February, so he's on the reserves instead of the inactive roster).

Forward: Luol Deng - Just like Elton Brand, a nice bounce back year, but still a disappointment due to the amount he is getting paid.


Forward: Tayshaun Prince -He's the most consistent Piston around. He and Rip are the most valuable asset they have that is available for trade.

Guard: Rodney Stuckey - If there is a future for Detroit Basketball, he'll probably be in it (or maybe not).

Forward: Antawn Jamison - The only bright spot offensively for Cleveland, and it's a very dim one.

Guard: John Salmons - He's here because of a need to fill out the roster.

Center: Roy Hibbert - See John Salmons.

Inactive Roster:

Center: Anderson Varejao - Once he was sidelined for the season, whatever positive hope that still remained, left Cleveland.

Center: Joakim Noah - If he was healthy, I'd be having a hard time choosing either he or Bogut to start.

Guard: Mo Williams - He's only here because of a need to fill the roster and because he is out indefinitely.

Post-script reflection:

Admittedly, there is only one certifiable All-Star from this division (Rose). There are two who deserve consideration for inclusion (Granger and Bogut). Another three had injury issues (Noah, Boozer, Jennings) that prevented consideration for inclusion. Richard Hamilton would have been considered if not for the pouting that eventually resulted in the current stretch of DNP's he is on.

TWTWTNBA: Eastern Conference Christmas / New Year Wish List

It's the end of 2010 and we already know the good, the bad and probably the ugly in the current 2010 season. So, it is appropriate to compose the not-so-weekly-post that I do. The center of conversation would be what Santa Stern would give to the teams in theory for Christmas? Or what would their New Year's resolution would be? Here's a small sample size.

The East on a Tier - An Alternative Look at the Eastern Conference

You have seen the Atlantic, Southeast & Central Divisions as previewed by someone. Time to put in my two cents on the picture.

1st Tier: The Big Threes

Boston Celtics

What I like: Having a chip on their shoulders. Because quite simply, all the attention in South Beach just set off a rejuvenation of Beantown. In addition, the continued evolution of Rajon Rondo into the post-PGA Tour leader. Their bench depth, by the way, rivals Orlando's.

What I do not like: Perk being unavailable until post-All Star Break, because again, they never lost with the Pierce-KG-Ray-Rajon-Perk starting 5 in the postseason. Looks like the O'Neals will have to do until then.

The one key factor: the Celtics medical staff. I hope they can be a creditable facsimile of Phoenix, because the health of their veterans will dictate how far they can go.

Miami Heat

What I like: Having three superstars team up like this will be something worth paying attention to.

What I do not like: How they are really dependent on the glue guys. Already a bad sign with Mike Miller being out until next year.

The one key factor: Lebron. It's all up to him. He needs to prove himself and show it.

2nd Tier: Armed to the Teeth

Orlando Magic

What I like: Their depth comes in very handy, as they can go big or small.

What I do not like: Rashard Lewis not stepping up to the value of his contract. Having to rely on Vince Carter. PG drop-off after Jameer Nelson

The one key factor: Will Dwight mature enough? Better yet, will the Olajuwon apprenticeship pay off?

Chicago Bulls

What I like: The development of Derrick Rose and the fiery yet possibly annoying Joakim Noah.

What I do not like: Their chase of Carmelo Anthony, because there really is not a fit for him with the roster as currently constituted. Carlos Boozer's injury history.

The one key factor: Tom Thibodeaux. A definite upgrade over Vinny Del Negro in coaching acumen, but the players liked Vinny.

3rd Tier: Good, but not THAT Good

Atlanta Hawks

What I like: They're high-flying. They're exciting. The Philips Arena is said to be called the "Highlight Factory".

What I do not like: That ridiculous contract of Joe Johnson. Still lacking size on the bench save for Zaza Pachulia.

The one key factor: Jamal Crawford is in a contract year. And is still seeking an extension. He could make or break them.

Milwaukee Bucks

What I like: The #FearTheDeer concept. Squad 6. Brandon Jennings.

What I do not like: The trend of Scott Skiles burning people out the next season. Lack of a veteran PG to guide Jennings (like how Luke Ridnour played last year). Balancing minutes with the swing wings (Delfino, Maggette, Salmons, Mbah a Moute, Ilyasova).

The one key factor: Andrew Bogut being back in form after that horrific injury. Huge drop-off, although the Bucks made moves to shore it up. but still...

Charlotte Bobcats

What I like: C & C (Music) Factory in Gerald "Crash" Wallace & "Captain Jack" Stephen Jackson.

What I do not like: As pointed out, high probability of the "checking out" concept, from Larry Brown to Jackson. Boris Diaw out of shape again.

The one key factor: DJ Augustine being asked to play the right way. Raymond Felton bolted to the Knicks, and the promise of Shaun Livingston remains unfulfilled. Could be a bit too much.

4th Tier: Mediocrity Reign

Cleveland Cavaliers

What I like: JJ Hickson looks primed to emerge.

What I do not like: Small forward rotation is composed of Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon and Joey Graham. That happens when the person who they called "Quitness" leaves them on a lurch.

The one key factor: How Byron Scott can properly channel the energy that came after The Decision.

Philadelphia 76rs

What I like: Doug Collins being the taskmaster on this underachieving bunch.

What I do not like: Elton Brand being a shell of his former Clipper self.

The one key factor: Jrue Holliday. He's going to be given the keys to the offense.

New York Knicks

What I like: Exciting offense. The SSOL is always fan-friendly. Having a decent point guard like Felton running the team. Adding people who knew about it helps (Amar'e and the former Warriors who ran a similar offense dubbed as Nellieball)

What I do not like: Eddy Curry's still on the roster.

The one key factor: The Carmelo Sweepstakes. If the Knicks can find a way to get him without having to trade away Gallinari, it would be great.

Indiana Pacers

What I like: The acquisition of Darren Collison, making the team less scrappy.

What I do not like: Josh McRoberts starting at the PF position.

The one key factor: the PF position. Currently held by McRoberts, but Psycho T is creditable backup. Danny Granger can play it in a pinch.

Detroit Pistons

What I like: Hard to find one, honestly. Rip Hamilton running through screens the way he does it is something worth seeing as a basketball nut.

What I do not like: Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon, the overpaid guys not starting. Jonas Jerebko being out.

The one key factor: The ownership situation. Who takes over this franchise? That then dictates the next step, which is the idea of trading Rip Hamilton and or Tayshaun Prince.

5th Tier: Needs Reimaging

New Jersey Nets


What I like: The Russian Billionaire. Jay-Z. Brook Lopez and Devin Harris. The signings, because they acquired role players that can contribute immediately.

What I do not like: Not playing in the Barclays yet (Brooklyn), being stuck in the nowhereness of Newark.

The one key factor: Avery Johnson and Devin Harris. Avery was the coach during Devin's first few seasons in the league.

Washington Wizards

What I like: The development of John Wall, the acquisition of Kirk Hinrich.

What I do not like: Unproven mettle of their big men. Josh Howard being hurt.

The one key factor: What they will actually do with Gilbert Arenas. He's such a wildcard that could help or hurt them. The contract is definitely a huge millstone.

Toronto Raptors

What I like: The cosmopolitan surroundings of Canada. There has to be a reason why Hedo decided to party party last year.

What I do not like: The fact that they are a mess. Period.

The one key factor: Someone has to step up and lead this team. Whether it would be either of Calderon / Jack or Bargnani remains to be seen.

TWTWTNBA: Eastern Conference Semis assessment

All Four teams have been identified, so let's see how they will roll:

1. Cleveland vs 4. Boston (as of this writing, Series is even at 1 apiece)

1st round assessment: For the Cavs, @mogotti2 was a creditable #2 to the MVP, with his only dud performance being in the closeout game (Game 5) against the Bulls (now headless with Paxson exercising his authority). Cavs-Bulls was memorable for Joakim Noah. For the Celtics, I thought Nate was going to be a factor, but he is only visible on Twitter. I was terribly disappointed in Miami's play.

Key people to watch: For the Cavs, Jamison's play against Garnett will be a major factor. Doc Rivers has said that Sheed needs to play better and he did on Game 2. Then again, that's probably the first pulse we felt from Sheed since whenever.

Prediction: Cavs in 6. I did say that in the previous round, the Celtics will be barbecued by the Cavs. But Akron's elbow is a major cause of concern.

2. Orlando vs 3. Atlanta (as of this writing, Series is 1-0 favoring Orlando)

1st round assessment: I thought the Magic would have a much more difficult time against the Bobcats, but they swept past them, but not without much whining from Dwight and Stan Van regarding the physical play. The Hawks, I thought, would have an easier time against the Bucks, but the Deer proved to be feisty, and extended the series to the limit. No doubt these guys helped.

Key people to watch: After the hardships re: NBA officiating, let's see what Dwight does this round. On the other side, let's see how Al Horford matches skill with D-12.

Prediction: Magic in 5. This is a bad matchup for Atlanta. You saw for yourselves in Game 1.