This past week was the NBA draft lottery. If you are not familiar with the lottery system it is when all NBA teams who did not make the playoffs are ranked in order of record and are given odds to win accordingly. For example, the team with the worst record will have the highest percentage out of a 1000 possible combination's in order to obtain the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. The highest percentage is normally 25% with the exception of a tie for the worst record.
Now lets get to why this system is the definition of a hate love relationship.
Minnesota Timberwolves President David Kahn was not the Lottery's biggest fan Tuesday night. After the Timberwolves had the highest chance of "winning" with 25%. The number one spot was instead taken by the Cleveland Cavaliers not with their 19.9% chance but with the pick acquired from a trade with the L.A. Clippers with only a 2.8% chance. Cleveland also walked away with the fourth overall pick. Cleveland was represented by the owners 14 year old son who was born with neurofibromatosis, a condition that causes tumors to grow anywhere on the body. Nick has already undergone brain surgery once as well as multiple rounds of chemotherapy. This made a great story and seemed to bring some joy back to Cleveland for the first time since "The Decision".
David Kahn however was not pleased with the Timberwolves missing the first overall pick again (they have never had the first overall pick) despite being in the lottery numerous times. Kahn said this, "This league has a habit -- and I am just going to say habit -- of producing some pretty incredible story lines". While I can see Kahn's frustration with missing out on the top pick, I do not think that there is some sort of conspiracy concerning the lottery. In Kahn's defense, he later said that:
"I joked last night that it's a heck (of a) better story for a 14-year-old kid to beat out a couple of middle-aged executives standing together on a stage on national TV -- and that our league seems to always have its own share of luck in being a part of these stories."
Personally I do not believe that Kahn was joking while he made these comments. I am also not sure that he was accusing the NBA of rigging the lottery however, his frustration from the lottery got the best of him after wards.
This is an example of why you might disagree or even hate the lottery, if you have been a team struggling and are the worse in the league and you are not given the first pick.
The lottery can be your worst enemy or best friend. And in Cleveland's case they are loving it. Every team has a chance to win big in the lottery and it is all chance. Which is fair?
This is why I like the lottery, you are not automatically awarded for being horrible, unlike other professional sports leagues. At the same time it does help combat the issue of having a lopsided league. Only non playoff teams are automatically entered into the lottery and the odds still say that if you are the worst you have the best chance to "win" but there are no guarantees. This makes organizations, managers, coaches and players have to do more on their own to resurrect fallen franchises instead of being given the first pick with a pretty bow on top.
The NBA lottery might be the purest definition of a love hate relationship. You love it and/or hate it for the exact same reason. It just depends on how it treats you that one night of the year.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
NBA Eastern Conference Finals Preview
The last time the Bulls or the Heat reached the Eastern Conference Finals each went on to win the championship. The Heat in 2006 led by Dwayne Wade, and the Bulls? They have to go back to the reign of His Airness Michael Jordan.
Both teams at the beginning of the season were Eastern Conference favorites. At the beginning of the postseason they were still favorites and now they will decide who will represent their conference in the finals.
The Bulls came into the playoffs looking like they could take out the Heat with their superior team play on defense and with Rose orchestrating their offensive attack. The past two rounds have shown the opposite however. The Bulls have been struggling defensively against the Atlanta Hawks. They were not bad but they did not play up to the level they had all season. While the Heat put away the Boston Celtics last round like it was a first round match up and not a brutal series against the defending Eastern Conference champions.
Despite the Bulls lack of dominance thus far in the playoffs they still have the NBA's MVP in Derrick Rose who has been leading the Bulls charge. Rose's teammates have not been playing well enough to be able to have a chance against the Heat. Rose is good, but the Heat have these tow guys named Wade and James, and they are pretty good as well.
I thought that the Bulls having a stronger supporting cast, deeper bench and better team defense would be able to advance past the Heat at the beginning of the playoffs. While I still believe they can, I do not think they can if they continue to play at the level they have the past two rounds.
Regardless of who comes out on top, this is going to be a series that will go at least six games. If it doesn't it is because Wade and James will go off and the Bulls will not respond accordingly.
Sunday will tell a lot about if the Bulls have come to play or not this series. And if not, at least they have until Wednesday since Oprah will be taking over the United Center Monday and Tuesday.
Both teams at the beginning of the season were Eastern Conference favorites. At the beginning of the postseason they were still favorites and now they will decide who will represent their conference in the finals.
The Bulls came into the playoffs looking like they could take out the Heat with their superior team play on defense and with Rose orchestrating their offensive attack. The past two rounds have shown the opposite however. The Bulls have been struggling defensively against the Atlanta Hawks. They were not bad but they did not play up to the level they had all season. While the Heat put away the Boston Celtics last round like it was a first round match up and not a brutal series against the defending Eastern Conference champions.
Despite the Bulls lack of dominance thus far in the playoffs they still have the NBA's MVP in Derrick Rose who has been leading the Bulls charge. Rose's teammates have not been playing well enough to be able to have a chance against the Heat. Rose is good, but the Heat have these tow guys named Wade and James, and they are pretty good as well.
I thought that the Bulls having a stronger supporting cast, deeper bench and better team defense would be able to advance past the Heat at the beginning of the playoffs. While I still believe they can, I do not think they can if they continue to play at the level they have the past two rounds.
Regardless of who comes out on top, this is going to be a series that will go at least six games. If it doesn't it is because Wade and James will go off and the Bulls will not respond accordingly.
Sunday will tell a lot about if the Bulls have come to play or not this series. And if not, at least they have until Wednesday since Oprah will be taking over the United Center Monday and Tuesday.
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Law on Sports is expanding
Dear readers and fellow sports fanatics.
For the past eleven months I have been sharing my thoughts and analysis' on various sports topics. It originally started as a hobby that I did for fun. However over the past eleven months I have officially changed my major to sports broadcasting and want to pursue a career in covering and presenting sports.
With this being said I am still writing entries in my blog. I also now have a Twitter account that I update more frequently with random thoughts and opinions. My user name is @TheLawOnSports but you can also view my recent Tweets and follow me right on the homepage of my blog right here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You can also subscribe to my blog via email right below my twitter feed.
I have also been writing weekly articles for www.oregonsportsnews.com I update my twitter with the link to my articles with the direct link so you can access them easily.
I hope that you enjoy my various opinions and thoughts on the sporting world and its current events. Thank you for all your support and I hope you continue to follow me.
Nick Law
For the past eleven months I have been sharing my thoughts and analysis' on various sports topics. It originally started as a hobby that I did for fun. However over the past eleven months I have officially changed my major to sports broadcasting and want to pursue a career in covering and presenting sports.
With this being said I am still writing entries in my blog. I also now have a Twitter account that I update more frequently with random thoughts and opinions. My user name is @TheLawOnSports but you can also view my recent Tweets and follow me right on the homepage of my blog right here >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You can also subscribe to my blog via email right below my twitter feed.
I have also been writing weekly articles for www.oregonsportsnews.com I update my twitter with the link to my articles with the direct link so you can access them easily.
I hope that you enjoy my various opinions and thoughts on the sporting world and its current events. Thank you for all your support and I hope you continue to follow me.
Nick Law
Friday, May 6, 2011
Five Reasons the Mavericks Have the Lakers Down 3-0
Reviewing the past three games, the Lakers need to reverse their game plan in order to make NBA playoff history. However, for the sake of this entry, here are five reasons that the Mavericks have an opportunity to sweep the Lakers come Sunday.
1. The Mavericks have had better team defense.
As a team the Mavericks have been better defensively than the Lakers. In game 3 the Mavericks showed the Lakers early how to play team defense WITH FULL ROTATIONS. After a screen switch Kidd ended up guarding Odom with the ball on the right block. After Odom kicks it out to Kobe, then Kobe to Fisher, then Fisher to Gasol in the left corner, who was guarding him? Kidd. The Mavericks rotated all the way around and Kidd went from one side of the court to the other to pick up the open man. A second example of team defense was when Dirk and Kidd doubled Gasol baseline and Chandler took away the passing lane and was able to get the steal.
2. The Lakers lack of team defense
Just as impressive as the Mavericks team defense has been, the Lakers have been almost the complete opposite. Between Kobe, Bynum, Gasol, Odom, and Artest, the Lakers not only have excellent defenders but length and athleticism at their disposal. Now if someone could only get them to play team defense. After game two, Bynum told the media that the Lakers had "trust issues". When Kobe was asked about this he attributed it to the lack of help defense. The play where Barea split the lane and Bynum gave perfect help only for his man to get a sideline slam is a perfect example. One rotation is not enough! You make the required rotations when you gain possession of the ball.
3. The Mavericks have a plethora of three point shooters, oh yeah and they make them!
The big four of course are Dirk, Kidd, Terry and Peja. In each game they have had way too many wide open looks. Dirk alone had three three point shots he drained when there wasn't a Laker within almost ten feet of him in game three. Those four combined are shooting just below 42% from the three point line. While the Lakers have not shot better then 26% from three and as bad as 10% in game two. Give it to the Mavs, they are hitting from deep and the Lakers defensive is helping them out.
4. Freaky Friday has become reality
As far as I am aware, the Lakers were still in possession of the better and more experienced Gasol brother, right? Either way, Pau Gasol is no where to be seen this postseason. His numbers have dropped from last year’s playoffs and this year’s regular season as if he had a critical injury. FG% down 10 percent, rebounds down 2 a game, and points down 5 a game in comparison to the regular season. I was under the impression that stars and leaders of teams played better in the postseason. (See Derrick Rose and Dirk Nowitzki)
5. Dirk Nowitzki
I never expected Dirk Nowitzki to play the way he has been this series; better than I have ever seen. Shooting, passing, driving, and yes, even defensively. And before you bring up the choke in the finals, Dirk and his Mavericks have out scored the Lakers in the fourth quarter every game this season. Like Kobe, Dirk is basically impossible to guard. And game three he drove and drew fouls as well as passed it out of the double team extremely well. You can't stop Dirk, but you don't have to give him wide open looks from the three point line.
1. The Mavericks have had better team defense.
As a team the Mavericks have been better defensively than the Lakers. In game 3 the Mavericks showed the Lakers early how to play team defense WITH FULL ROTATIONS. After a screen switch Kidd ended up guarding Odom with the ball on the right block. After Odom kicks it out to Kobe, then Kobe to Fisher, then Fisher to Gasol in the left corner, who was guarding him? Kidd. The Mavericks rotated all the way around and Kidd went from one side of the court to the other to pick up the open man. A second example of team defense was when Dirk and Kidd doubled Gasol baseline and Chandler took away the passing lane and was able to get the steal.
2. The Lakers lack of team defense
Just as impressive as the Mavericks team defense has been, the Lakers have been almost the complete opposite. Between Kobe, Bynum, Gasol, Odom, and Artest, the Lakers not only have excellent defenders but length and athleticism at their disposal. Now if someone could only get them to play team defense. After game two, Bynum told the media that the Lakers had "trust issues". When Kobe was asked about this he attributed it to the lack of help defense. The play where Barea split the lane and Bynum gave perfect help only for his man to get a sideline slam is a perfect example. One rotation is not enough! You make the required rotations when you gain possession of the ball.
3. The Mavericks have a plethora of three point shooters, oh yeah and they make them!
The big four of course are Dirk, Kidd, Terry and Peja. In each game they have had way too many wide open looks. Dirk alone had three three point shots he drained when there wasn't a Laker within almost ten feet of him in game three. Those four combined are shooting just below 42% from the three point line. While the Lakers have not shot better then 26% from three and as bad as 10% in game two. Give it to the Mavs, they are hitting from deep and the Lakers defensive is helping them out.
4. Freaky Friday has become reality
As far as I am aware, the Lakers were still in possession of the better and more experienced Gasol brother, right? Either way, Pau Gasol is no where to be seen this postseason. His numbers have dropped from last year’s playoffs and this year’s regular season as if he had a critical injury. FG% down 10 percent, rebounds down 2 a game, and points down 5 a game in comparison to the regular season. I was under the impression that stars and leaders of teams played better in the postseason. (See Derrick Rose and Dirk Nowitzki)
5. Dirk Nowitzki
I never expected Dirk Nowitzki to play the way he has been this series; better than I have ever seen. Shooting, passing, driving, and yes, even defensively. And before you bring up the choke in the finals, Dirk and his Mavericks have out scored the Lakers in the fourth quarter every game this season. Like Kobe, Dirk is basically impossible to guard. And game three he drove and drew fouls as well as passed it out of the double team extremely well. You can't stop Dirk, but you don't have to give him wide open looks from the three point line.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Portland Timbers Stand Tall at Home
I will be the first to admit that I did not have much faith in the Timbers at the beginning of the season. Not many people do in an expansion team, mostly because they normally take a few years to get going. Just look at the Grizzlies in the NBA, they finally got their first playoff victory (and almost knocked out the Spurs last night) since they began in 1995. I made other arguments or “excuses” why the Timbers would not have an outstanding season. To put it simply I was wrong.
The Timbers lost their first two games of the year, but both were away. Little did I know that the Timbers would bring their “A” game along with their own “army” while playing at home. Now I am not going to take a complete 180 and say the Timbers will make a playoff run. But I do want to give them credit.
They tied the New England Revolution in New England, and then won two in a row at home against the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas. And they did it in exciting fashion, scoring a combined seven goals between the two games. Sure being comfortable while playing on your own field helps, but I think a lot of it goes to the support behind the Timbers as well. The energy a crowd brings can help or hinder a team more than one might think. And the Timber “army” is LOUD. It helps when your mascot is a giant rugby playing, ex bare-back bronco riding, chainsaw wielding man. Timber Joey is his name, and he made me want to start yelling and jumping around and I was sitting on my couch a few hundred miles away from JELD-WEN Field.
There are still plenty of games left. The Timbers could move to the top of the standings, they are already tied for fifth with Dallas, they could tank and fall, or they could stay right where they are. It is hard to tell but one thing is for sure, if they continue to play at home with the energy and passion they have thus far it will be hard to keep them down.
The Timbers lost their first two games of the year, but both were away. Little did I know that the Timbers would bring their “A” game along with their own “army” while playing at home. Now I am not going to take a complete 180 and say the Timbers will make a playoff run. But I do want to give them credit.
They tied the New England Revolution in New England, and then won two in a row at home against the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas. And they did it in exciting fashion, scoring a combined seven goals between the two games. Sure being comfortable while playing on your own field helps, but I think a lot of it goes to the support behind the Timbers as well. The energy a crowd brings can help or hinder a team more than one might think. And the Timber “army” is LOUD. It helps when your mascot is a giant rugby playing, ex bare-back bronco riding, chainsaw wielding man. Timber Joey is his name, and he made me want to start yelling and jumping around and I was sitting on my couch a few hundred miles away from JELD-WEN Field.
There are still plenty of games left. The Timbers could move to the top of the standings, they are already tied for fifth with Dallas, they could tank and fall, or they could stay right where they are. It is hard to tell but one thing is for sure, if they continue to play at home with the energy and passion they have thus far it will be hard to keep them down.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
NBA Finals Predictions
The NBA playoffs are upon us. And this year has the potential to be one of the most competitive and entertaining playoffs in the past decade. There are 3-4 "champion contenders" coming out of each side of the bracket. So I thought I would attempt to sort through it all and make some predictions.
I'm going right to the conference finals and on.
West: Thunder vs Lakers
The Thunder will have a tough series against the Spurs, going 6-7 games but will continue on with their high tempo style of play and younger legs.
The Lakers will have a harder time coming out of the bottom half of the bracket then some might think. Chris Paul won't roll over and the Mavericks or Blazers (I think it will be the Blazers) will also take the Lakers to 6 games.
Advancing: The Thunder shake up the purple and gold and advance to the finals.
East: Bulls vs Heat
The Bulls will run through the Pacers and be delayed by the beast that is Dwight Howard but push on to the semis.
The Heat will also push through Philadelphia and be pushed to 5-6 games by either the Celtics or Knicks (upset alert).
Advancing: This will be a very hard fought series going to 7 games. Ultimately the better team work and point gaurd play of Derrick Rose will be the difference (as well as the home court advantage) at the Bulls return to the first time since his "Airness" retired.
Finals: Thunder vs Bulls
This will be one of the most non Laker vs Celtic finals in the past decade. Series will go to at least 6 games. Both teams will be tired coming from long semi-final rounds previous. While originally the Thunder seemed like the better pick. The defense and teamwork of the Bulls will be enough to slow down the Thunder as the NBA championship returns to the Windy City.
I'm going right to the conference finals and on.
West: Thunder vs Lakers
The Thunder will have a tough series against the Spurs, going 6-7 games but will continue on with their high tempo style of play and younger legs.
The Lakers will have a harder time coming out of the bottom half of the bracket then some might think. Chris Paul won't roll over and the Mavericks or Blazers (I think it will be the Blazers) will also take the Lakers to 6 games.
Advancing: The Thunder shake up the purple and gold and advance to the finals.
East: Bulls vs Heat
The Bulls will run through the Pacers and be delayed by the beast that is Dwight Howard but push on to the semis.
The Heat will also push through Philadelphia and be pushed to 5-6 games by either the Celtics or Knicks (upset alert).
Advancing: This will be a very hard fought series going to 7 games. Ultimately the better team work and point gaurd play of Derrick Rose will be the difference (as well as the home court advantage) at the Bulls return to the first time since his "Airness" retired.
Finals: Thunder vs Bulls
This will be one of the most non Laker vs Celtic finals in the past decade. Series will go to at least 6 games. Both teams will be tired coming from long semi-final rounds previous. While originally the Thunder seemed like the better pick. The defense and teamwork of the Bulls will be enough to slow down the Thunder as the NBA championship returns to the Windy City.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
It's Only A Matter Of Time
Charl Schwarztel did what no other player has ever done previous at the Masters, birdie the remaining four holes to walk away with the green jacket.
However, what might have proven to be more insightful to golfing future then Schwartzel's win, was Tiger's "comeback". Yes Tiger still came up short, yes he still hasn't won that major while coming from behind, and yes according to "Tiger" standards he choked on the back nine. If I was on the Tour, I would be worried that the only thing that stood between Tiger roaring back and taking the Masters were a few puts that were within ten feet. Because if that is all that is standing between Tiger and his old self then it won't be long.
Lets go back a little bit. Remember when Tiger first left the game of golf for his "personal" issues. Then and upon his return Tiger surpassing Nicklaus for 18 career majors was put into question. And after the first full year of Tiger playing, his own talent and greatness in the game of golf was also questioned. Obviously Tiger was not what he once was but that's what happens when you take time off. It took Michael Jordan a year and a half before he got back to championship form after his first stint away from basketball.
The point is, Tiger is gaining his stride and he still has plenty of time to cement his legacy. He is only 35 years old and only four majors away from tying the great Jack Nicklaus. Oh and by the way, Nicklaus won his last major at the age of 46. You better believe Tiger is capable of winning one at that age to if his knee doesn't fall apart by then. Tiger has roughly a decade left, give or take a few years possibly, to win four or more majors. He is gaining his stride, and it's only a matter of time.
However, what might have proven to be more insightful to golfing future then Schwartzel's win, was Tiger's "comeback". Yes Tiger still came up short, yes he still hasn't won that major while coming from behind, and yes according to "Tiger" standards he choked on the back nine. If I was on the Tour, I would be worried that the only thing that stood between Tiger roaring back and taking the Masters were a few puts that were within ten feet. Because if that is all that is standing between Tiger and his old self then it won't be long.
Lets go back a little bit. Remember when Tiger first left the game of golf for his "personal" issues. Then and upon his return Tiger surpassing Nicklaus for 18 career majors was put into question. And after the first full year of Tiger playing, his own talent and greatness in the game of golf was also questioned. Obviously Tiger was not what he once was but that's what happens when you take time off. It took Michael Jordan a year and a half before he got back to championship form after his first stint away from basketball.
The point is, Tiger is gaining his stride and he still has plenty of time to cement his legacy. He is only 35 years old and only four majors away from tying the great Jack Nicklaus. Oh and by the way, Nicklaus won his last major at the age of 46. You better believe Tiger is capable of winning one at that age to if his knee doesn't fall apart by then. Tiger has roughly a decade left, give or take a few years possibly, to win four or more majors. He is gaining his stride, and it's only a matter of time.
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