The Pacific Division NBA Preview

Golden State Warriors - 23-43 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, David Lee, Andrew Bogut / Jarrett Jack, Brandon Rush, Richard Jefferson, Carl Landry, Andris Biedrins

Storyline/s: Injuries wrecked their season last year from Curry to their trade acquisitions Jefferson and Bogut, leaving Mark Jackson's side with slim pickins.

X-Factor/s: A healthy Bogut would be a huge bonus for Jackson's defensive plans for the W's.

Prognosis: Exiting in the first round of the playoffs.

Los Angeles Clippers - 40-26 record last season. 5th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals

Ideal Rotation: Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, Blake Griffin, Deandre Jordan / Eric Bledsoe, Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Matt Barnes, Lamar Odom, Willie Green

Storyline/s: Lob City was outclassed by a better San Antonio team in the playoffs, and in trying to remedy that, they upgraded their bench with versatile and smart additions. Contract years for Chris Paul and Vinny del Negro also means huge stakes for the franchise.

X-Factor/s: Which Lamar Odom shows up? The version that helped in the Lakers' title campaigns or the one that manifested in Dallas?

Prognosis: Exiting in the Conference Semifinals.

Los Angeles Lakers - 41-25 record last season. Division Champions. 3rd seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Ideal Rotation: Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard / Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks, Antawn Jamison, Earl Clark, Jordan Hill

Storyline/s: The new parts. Mike Brown using the Princeton offense. Oh and the Black Mamba.

X-Factor/s: Metta World Peace stands out on that start-studded starting unit. In addition, securing Antawn Jamison as an off-the-bench option is an interesting move.

Prognosis: Division Champions. Exiting in the Conference Finals.

Phoenix Suns - 33-33 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Goran Dragic, Shannon Brown, Michael Beasley, Luis Scola, Marcin Gortat / Kendall Marshall, Sebastian Telfair, Jared Dudley, Wesley Johnson, Channing Frye

Storyline/s: Life after Steve Nash has begun. The present (Dragic) and the future (Marshall) attempt to pick up the pieces after the Suns traded the two-time MVP to Los Angeles.

X-Factor/s: Can Michael Beasley be the go-to-scorer for the Suns? Can Scola stabilize the paint alongside Gortat?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Sacramento Kings - 22-44 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Tyreke Evans, Chuck Hayes, DeMarcus Cousins / Aaron Brooks, Jimmer Fredette, Francisco Garcia, Travis Outlaw, Thomas Robinson

Storyline/s: The drama has mainly been about the team staying in the state capital or moving elsewhere, whether to Anaheim or Las Vegas or Seattle.

X-Factor/s: Can Tyreke Evans prove himself to be worthy of an extension to stay with the team?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Western Conference Playoff Manuscript

Well, this was supposed to be the playoff preview for the Western Conference, but since I'm posting this already after the Lakers get bounced (I predicted the Lakers to supposedly advance in 6, so I am terribly wrong in this case), might as well do a little revisionism and post-script action.

So, let's go straight to the nitty gritty.

TWTWTNBA: The Pacific 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 Pacific Division were to set up an All-Star team of their own, this would be their logical pool of candidates:

Golden State Warriors - Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, David Lee, Dorell Wright

Los Angeles Clippers - Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, Baron Davis

Los Angeles Lakers - Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom

Phoenix Suns -  Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Vince Carter

Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins

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

Coach: Phil Jackson - He has 11 rings as a coach and 2 as a player. That's all.

Starters:

Guard: Steve Nash - The two-time MVP is the only reason why Phoenix is relevant.


Guard: Kobe Bryant - The Black Mamba recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of 81.

Forward: Lamar Odom - Khloe's husband was definitely rejuvenated by playing for Team USA. His role there also helped him with his role in LA. He's in near double-double territory.


Forward: Blake Griffin - He's just simply the gift that keeps on giving. There's already Clipper merchandise available dubbing him as "The Poster Child."


Center: Pau Gasol - He is the early season MVP for the defending champs, with Kobe having a slow start.


Reserves:

Guard: Monta Ellis - He's ballin' at a ridiculous level. Apparently, only a moped can derail him.


Center: David Lee - He's an offensive upgrade compared to what they had previously. Plus, the Warriors went in the tank when he was sidelined.

Guard: Tyreke Evans - Plagued with plantar fasciatis, he's still producing numbers harkening to his 20-5-5 ROY.

Guard: Stephen Curry - Hard to argue with the numbers. He really can shoot the lights out.


Forward: Dorell Wright - Golden State needed a small forward. He needed to prove himself. Perfect match.

Guard: Baron Davis - He definitely needs to thank Blake Griffin for re-energizing him as well as figuring out his new role as a distributor first and scorer second. (Update: This was supposed to be Eric Gordon, but he's injured)

Forward: Grant Hill - I will take him over Vince Carter. The wonders of the Phoenix Suns Medical Staff at work.


Inactive Roster:

Guard: Eric Gordon - Beneath all the flash of Blake Griffin is a smooth suave killer instinct Ambrose provides for Clipper Nation. He's now ready to take over games. (Update: He's out until the All-Star break, so I moved him here.)

Guard: Vince Carter - I just don't know how he can be revived. What started out with a bang will end on a whimper.


Center: DeMarcus Cousins - If only he can get his head screwed on straight. Definitely needs mentoring from someone with similar attributes: Zach Randolph

TWTWTNBA: Western Conference Christmas / New Year Wish List

It's the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 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 West on a Tier - An Alternative Look at the Western Conference

You have seen the Pacific, Northwest & Southwest Divisions as previewed by someone. Time to put in my two cents on the picture.

Yes, I know the season has started. Been a little busy. And as per someone's wishes, the Miami admiration / bashing via the one-off posts will be kept at a bare minimum.

Here we go.

1st Tier: The Champs

Los Angeles Lakers

What I Like: Adding Steve Blake, Theo Ratliff and Matt Barnes is certainly a huge upgrade.

What I do not Like: Injury woes with Andrew Bynum still dogging them.

The one key factor: Pau Gasol. He's gonna carry this team (especially early on) with Kobe taking it nice and easy due to his knee issues. I think he will be in the 20-10 range this season.

2nd Tier: The Wily Veterans

Dallas Mavericks

What I Like: Having Tyson Chandler to lob to for Jason Kidd. Dirk being Dirk. Mark Cuban. The possibility of Mavs games at the Jerryworld.

What I do not Like: Kidd is 38. He's reduced to shooting threes at this point.

The one key factor: Do the veterans still have it in them? They always seem to come up short. Dirk has logged in a lot of minutes as well and can he withstand the long season (although he did not participate in Istanbul).

San Antonio Spurs

What I Like: They are the most fundamental team on earth. They'll bore you to death.

What I do not Like: Injury concerns with Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker.

The one key factor: DeJuan Blair as the starting center of the Spurs. Timmy D's is in the downward slope of his career. He needs to help him carry the weight, so to speak.

Utah Jazz

What I Like: How the Jazz stole Al Jefferson the way the Lakers stole Pau Gasol. A stud PG in Deron Williams. Jerry Sloan still coaching the pick & roll.

What I do not Like: The hole in their shooting guard position, because Portland millsap'd Wesley Matthews after his playoff performance. All up to CJ Miles and Raja Bell.

The one key factor: Whether AK-47 will return to his peak form. If not with the Jazz, he's a good expiring contract to use as an asset.

3rd Tier: The Wildcard

Oklahoma City Thunder


What I Like: Pretty much everything. I got a mancrush on this team, have to admit.

What I do not Like: They don't have a savvy veteran leadership who would say, "I've been here before." Does Mo Pete apply in this case? Law of averages? (They were pretty much injury-free last year.)

The one key factor: Can they handle the pressure of being one of the top teams in the conference? Lots of eyes are on them. Will they live up to the expectations? Remember, they were one-and-done last time.

4th Tier: Central Question Marks

Portland Trailblazers

What I Like: Brandon Roy. Their head coach Nate McMillan. The mix of good veteran leaders and youngsters.

What I do not Like: Greg Oden going the Sam Bowie route. And he did the Brett Favre (even though he predated it). The lingering row between Miller and Roy.

The one key factor: Injuries have kowtowed their chances to succeed the past few seasons, especially last year. I know Sam Presti has seen what the Blazers have gone through, because what Portland was before, Oklahoma City is now.

Houston Rockets

What I Like: Kevin Martin and Aaron Brooks shooting lots and lots of FT attempts. That and Luis Scola.

What I do not Like: None, really. But if pressed, probably the Chinese obsession in All-Star voting.

The one key factor: What Yao Ming can do in 24 minutes/game. Career wise, that would be translating into 14-7 with 1 blk.

Denver Nuggets

What I Like: The altitude factor. Chauncey Billups. The promise of Ty Lawson. The Fight against Cancer by George Karl.

What I do not Like: The atrocious neck tattoos on Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen.

The one key factor: The Carmelo situation, also known as the white elephant in the room. Everything follows once that is settled. Could last as long as Lebron's.

5th Tier: Good, but not THAT Good

Phoenix Suns

What I Like: Alvin Gentry's version of the SSOL. Steve Nash. Jared Dudley. Josh Childress. Sideshow Mel a.k.a Robin Lopez. Alvin Gentry's daughter (she's an avid tweeter.)

What I do not Like: Too much wings, which may result in Hedo playing PF. God held him.

The one key factor: As always, the medicine men of the Suns. Grant Hill was finally healthy. Imagine that.

New Orleans Hornets

What I Like: Current GM Dell Demps used to play in the Philippines as a reinforcement. The Skip Prosser connection (CP3 / David West)

What I do not Like: Still bogged down by bad contracts (although not as much as before). Marco Bellinelli starting alongside CP3. I still remember Marco as the Summer League stud.

The one key factor: How Monty Williams fares in his head coaching debut. I think I still have his NBA trading card. My how old I am.

6th Tier: On the Cusp

Los Angeles Clippers

What I Like: Admittedly biased, I like almost everything with them. Starting with Blake Griffin.

What I do not Like: Knowing that the Clipper malaise is just around the corner, waiting and waiting. Losing Steve Blake to the other side of Staples.

The one key factor: Baron Davis. All I ask him is to Getcha Head in the Game. And stay healthy, too.

Memphis Grizzlies

What I Like: How these guys can go up and down the court and showcase their athleticism.

What I do not Like: They'll be making a lot of financial decisions this coming offseason, starting with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Still think they overpaid Rudy Gay.

The one key factor: Will Mike Conley be the PG that can run this team? They need a capable PG to run an offense.

Sacramento Kings

What I Like: The young cast of characters. The uptempo nature of Paul Westphal.

What I do not Like: Logjam with Cousins, Dalembert, Landry, Thompson at the bigs and Garcia, Greene, Casspi at the wings.

The one key factor: #Reke4ROY is over. What's the next step for Tyreke? His development will determine if they would be able to go up to the tier above within the next two years.

7th Tier: Needs Reimaging

Golden State Warriors

What I Like: Steph Curry, who is one of the smartest young studs out there. The fans who stood by with this team even when they stink, and out here, there are a lot of people I know who trace their links to the Bay Area who love them as well.

What I do not Like: How this team is really that bad defensively. Dorell Wright starting at the 3. Monta Ellis, because he really is overrated.

The one key factor: How Keith Smart will do in his first head coaching job. Will he keep the Nellieball concept? Based from how things are, he just might.

Minnesota Timberwolves

What I Like: As a Clipper fan, having their first round pick in 2012 (Thank you, Marko). Kevin Love.

What I do not Like: David Kahn running this franchise, knowing Stephen Curry could have made wonders.

The one key factor: The potential of Michael Beasley could be realized. Or it could set them back so far...

Blog Outsourcing 6/7

Welcome to the newest edition of Sparty and Friends.

Today is June 7. At this time of the year, it would be the first day of school. A new school year. Where people are giddy for allowances, scared of teachers and nervous about the uncertain. The true fun for me came a bit late, in college, where it was always fun. Yes, that university Sparty highlighted in one of the comments. College made it fun. High school for me was focused on academics and not much on the trivial stuff. Makes me wonder what could have been. Then again, if I hadn't had the academic chops, I would not be able to withstand the academic rigors of my alma mater.

Today is the day Daniel Boone discovered what is currently Kentucky. The day before, it was D-Day. All I know is that June is one special month. It should be for everyone.

Here are the links:

The Blackhawks are one game away from Lord Stanley. But like what has been the norm, still overshadowed.

Who overshadowed Lord Stanley? The glam of the NBA Finals, where Boston secured the split. Rondo took over when Jesus Shuttlesworth was done shooting the **** out of Staples.

Oh and here is Kareem and Bill on Coach.


Can Dan Gilbert really snatch Tom Izzo over Sparty's dead body?

I am sure Trey has more details on Pac-10 becoming the new Southwest Conference. Meanwhile, Boise State mulls over a move. You know, all of this can be avoided really if South Bend joins the Big Televen.

Rafael Nadal is back where he belongs, as the master of Roland Garros.

The Lombardi Trophy has a new job, to uplift people's lives.

Ubaldomania goes on and on....

Yankees relied on Javy Vasquez to avert a sweep. Who knew? Meanwhile Rays keep in step while the Sawx gift one to Juan Samuel.

This Mike Stanton might make us forget the old Mike Stanton. Meanwhile, everybody is waiting for this version of Super Tuesday.

Oddly enough, I still remember him as a player.

Greece not getting good press lately. This does not help matters. Talk about partisan fans.

A soccer stampede? Not a good sign. At least it is insured. Here's a good sign for the Elephants.

What's up with England? A warm-up. Another World Cup injury, this time for the Dutch. And sometimes, one has to quit his job to see a dream.

Floyd Mayweather is a sissy. Meanwhile, Yankee Stadium was home to boxing again.

Parting shot: Here's a classic. Dedicated to Walter Ray Allen.

TWTWTNBA: The Finals Preview

From 30 to 2. With one trophy that two will fight over. Who will win? We will know the first step tonight.

How they survived the Conference Finals: Both teams advanced 4-2 in their respective series. The losers (Suns and Magic) both won two straight games in those series. Lakers won with offense, as all of their games with the Suns went over the century mark (Of course, it bears noticing that they are facing SSOL 2.0). In addition, the last time they were held below 100 in this stretch was Game 6 of their 1st round series with Oklahoma City. On the other hand, the Celtics scored between 92-96 points the entire series, winning with physical defense. Other than the Game 5 outlier, Beantown smothered Orlando.

X-Factors: For LA: it remains to be seen how effective Andrew Bynum is at this point. He was "the missing link" in 2008. If he can give them Kendrick Perkins-like numbers (9-8-1 blk), it would be of great help. Ron Artest, by being Mr. Queensbridge, is an X-factor by himself. For Boston: Perkins cannot get any more technicals. I hope he had Anger Management lessons. Boston does not really have a go-to-guy on their bench like Mr. Kardashian has been for LA, but anything additional from either Big Baby, Sheed, Tony Allen or even Nate Robinson will be highly welcomed and encouraged.

Keys: Making Kobe excessively work on the defensive end. That would be up to the Boston perimeter guys and Rajon. It is expected that Kobe will play heavy minutes, so any way you can get him to expend more energy that he would like would be welcomed. KG's play. We all know this is not the KG that was dominant in 2008. But any approximation of his play (not his mouth) from that time will be appreciated. Rondo. If you want to know how us here in the islands play ball, watch Rajon. In 2008, he was the caddy to the Big 3. Two years later, he's the floor generalissimo. And yes, that four straight tough PG matchups for Fisher, Farmar and Brown (@russwest44, @D_Will_8_4real, @the_real_nash).



Prediction: Yes, I was wrong in picking the Suns. I hope I can make it up with the Lakers in 6. I expect a split in LA, then 2 wins for the Lake Show in Boston. It will be close, though.

TWTWTNBA: Western Conference Finals Preview

Finally, out of the rubble, two teams left standing in the West. Let's break them down.



Los Angeles Lakers

How they got here: Survived a scare from the Thunder before sweeping the Jazz off the floor.

2nd Round Assessment: Kobe and Pau were A-List against the Jazz, with Derek Fisher hooked up to what Ray Allen was taking so far. The Tru Warier even played well in Game 3.

Key players: All eyes are on Andrew Bynum's knee (again). The three guard triumvirate of Derek Fisher, Jordan Farmar and Shannon Brown need to be adequate and/or at least be at the level of the Phoenix guards not named Steve.



Phoenix Suns

How they got here: Withstood the M*A*S*H Unit based in Portland, then finally ended what could be the great Spurs run in NBA history.

2nd Round Assessment: I am pretty much dumbfounded as to how they did it. They pretty much made sure Pop's boys played old. They abused George Hill (who ended up being a bad matchup for the Spurs) and realized that Richard Jefferson is not who he used to be. They also took advantage of Tim Duncan's newfound deficiencies (due to Father Time catching up to him).

Key players: Tempo will be important, and if the Suns were to win the West, they need to control it. How the likes of Barbosa and Dragic push up the pace will be essential. Also, if Sideshow Mel is ready to play for this series, that would free up Amar'e to do what he does best, which is posterizing people with reckless abandon. He, along with Channing Frye, will provide the foil to the Laker bigs.

Prediction: The Suns win in 6. The reason why I chose the Suns is that there is so much good things going on with Phoenix. I believe that this is the year that they will be able to extinguish all their ills from their entire NBA History. So far, they have been able to finally overcome the Spurs. Then, they will then overcome the Lakers, whose Showtime era overshadowed a good period of Phoenix basketball. And then, let's revive the memories of that memorable Finals match with Boston, extracting revenge for the likes of Gar Heard, Paul Westphal, Alvan Adams and all those who played in the 1976 Finals (which is why I picked Boston to advance against Orlando, to ensure a complete karmic reversal).

TWTWTNBA: Western Conference Semis assessment

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

1. Los Angeles vs 5. Utah (as of this writing, Series favors Los Angeles 2-0)

1st round assessment: Lakers held off a feisty Oklahoma City that is really a year ahead on their time table. Jazz took advantage of an already headless team in Denver that lost a key big man for a game.

Key people to watch: No Memo and (so far) no Kirilenko are ailing the Jazz, so the efforts of their unheralded draft finds (Wesley Matthews, CJ Miles and Paul Millsap) will the measuring stick. They have competed, in spite of Kyrylo Fesenko. On the other hand, Andrew Bynum needs to show those double-double nights like what he just pulled in Game 2 to quell those Chris Bosh rumors.

Prediction: Lakers in 6. Memo's absence is really telling for Utah. Again, Phil is 45-0 when winning Game 1. With their Game 2 loss, that is 16 straight now for the Jazz at Staples. But like OKC, this team is a feisty bunch that plays hard and shows effort. The anti-Sheed team, so to speak.

3. Phoenix vs. 7. San Antonio (as of this writing, Series favors Phoenix 2-0)

1st round assessment: Phoenix took advantage of Brandon Roy's injury, ousting them in 6. Dallas, on the other hand, just did what Dallas always does. Spurs now 11-1 in the 1st round.

Key people to watch: Can George Hill provide the same oomph like the first round. Also, the nose strap that holding on Manu's nose needs to do its job. Channing Frye played well in Game 2. He needs to do that to free up the lanes for the likes of Sparty's J-Rich and old man Grant Hill. Oh and we need to share some love to the JMZ. (Jared Dudley)

Prediction: Spurs in 7. Amidst all the things, I trust in the Pop way of things when it comes to the Spurs vs Suns. All I know, something happens when it is Los Spurs vs Los Suns.