Derrick Brooks

It was a sad day for Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans on Wednesday, February 25 as the team decided to cut ties with 5 of its veteran players, including all-time Buccaneer great, Derrick Brooks. Although Brooks’ size was small, playing OLB at a mere 6′, he was much bigger in stature and in the fear he struck opposing running backs and quarterbacks.

Brooks was with the team for 14 years and during those years he was an 11-time Pro Bowler and the Buccaneers defensive leader for the majority of those 14 years. He helped bring the city its first and only Super Bowl title in franchise history in 2002. During that Super Bowl season, he was also the NFL Defensive MVP and broke a record for interceptions for linebackers in a single season and touchdowns for a linebacker. Brooks has been named to the All-Pro team five times and was the Pro Bowl MVP in 2005.

But the impact of Derrick Brooks goes far beyond statistics, and even far beyond the field. Brooks was a hero off the field moreso than he was on the field. He is the founder of the Brooks Bunch charity and youth scholarship foundation in the Tampa Bay area in where he takes local youngsters across the nation and South Africa with the objective of presenting a first hand experience of what the world is like. He also provides scholarships to local high school students hoping to attend college.

Being a long-time Buccaneer fan (Since I was old enough to know what football was when I was just a kid), I always could depend on Brooks to be on the field sporting the #55 in the Buccaneer red and pewter. This coming season will be a very strange one as there will no longer be that fierce leader commandeering the defense for the Bucs. Brooks was one of those players who you wish would’ve retired with the one team for which he will be known for. Hopefully, if he does continue to play, he has success and wins with that new team, but comes back to the Buccaneers franchise in the near future.

Personally, I’ll always remember Brooks’ quote in the Super Bowl season when they were playing at the Philadelphia Eagles during the regular season. After the Eagles scored late and took a big lead, Eagles OT Jon Runyan yelled at Brooks, “Ya’ll just got scored on!!!!” And Brooks replied, “We’ll be back. We’ll be back.” And they did just that as they went on to defeat the Eagles in Philly in the NFC Championship Game on their run to the Super Bowl.

The Buccaneers have done this before as they released safety John Lynch two seasons after their Super Bowl win along with DT Warren Sapp. Unfortunately, these personnel moves show just how much of a business the NFL really is.

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Along with Brooks being released, the Buccaneers released another incredible person, Warrick Dunn. This was Dunn’s second stint with the Bucs after playing for the Falcons for the past 6 seasons. WRs Ike Hilliard and Joey Galloway and LB Cato June were the rest of the players released on Wednesday.

These moves strongly indicate where this franchise is going…and in the near future, it appears that direction is down as the famous “Tampa 2″ defensive scheme, invented by the Bucs, will no longer reside in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are a very young team with Barrett Ruud being the only LB on the roster with any NFL experience and no established QB. The team does have the most cap space available to sign free agents, but I do not expect any big signings.

GO BUCS!!!!

NBA PFs

Here is my list of the top NBA Power Forwards. This, by far, was the hardest one to do, mostly because It was hard putting KG behind Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki, but I tried being unbiased.

1. Tim Duncan (SAS) – As much as it pains me to do this being a HUGE KG fan, I have to say Duncan has better numbers this season. This list isn’t all about numbers, and both KG and Duncan have top teams with top teammates but Duncan does have 3 more rings than KG. I’d still take KG for a career though.
2. Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) – This, too, pains me to put Dirk ahead of KG, but this is for THIS season only and Dirk, too, has better stats. His team is much worse than KG, but Dirk’s been the better offensive player this season.
3. Kevin Garnett (Bos) – If I wouldn’t get heavily criticized for putting him number one, then I would, but everyone will claim how his stats are down a lot this year. But his impact on the league and game goes way beyond stats. He is the heart and soul of the Celtics and is the leader on and off the court. I love KG (no homo).
4. Amare Stoudemire (Phx) – Amare is in the category of Dwight Howard and LeBron James when it comes to each players’ positions. Amare has improved his jumper the last few seasons and is becoming a more well-rounded player. He still needs to rebound better for his athletic ability and size.
5. Chris Bosh (Tor) – Bosh could be higher if he was on a better team. I look at him like a poor man’s KG. Has a nice long distance jumper but he still needs to improve defensively.
6. Pau Gasol (LAL) – I still don’t know how the Lakers made that trade last season. They gave up nothing for a top talent in the league. Gasol fits in with Kobe and the Lakers perfect, but come Finals time, he needs to be tougher and not disappear like he did last season. Perkins shut him down in crucial times.
7. Carlos Boozer (Utah) – Boozer has been injured the majority of the season, but is back and when healthy, he’s hard to handle down low.
8. Zach Randolph (LAC) – Randolph is a high volume player, but puts up impressive numbers. He’s a very versatile big man, but needs to improve defensively before he becomes a winner and leader.
9. Antawn Jamison (Wash) – Jamison is one of my favorite players because of his flick-shot that he’s perfected. He is a finesse player, but can be physical when need be. Great outside shooter and good rebounder for his frame.
10. Rashard Lewis (Orl) – Lewis leads the league in 3 point shooting and has a smooth, (and unorthodox) shot. Good help defender, but still needs more consistency on the defensive end to live up to that huge contract. 11. David Lee (NYK) – Lee is a great young talent who will only get better. Averaging 16.6 ppg and 12 rpg for a guy who was mostly considered a role player coming out of Florida a few years ago.
12. David West (NOH) – West is perhaps one of the best shooting “true” big men. Personally, I think he’s overrated.
13. Paul Millsap (Utah) – Utah has the top insurance plan for Boozer: Paul Millsap. Millsap would start on a lot of teams in this league. Tough guy who finds ways to make the difficult shots look easy.
14. Al Harrington (NYK) – Harrington is an Antawn Jamison type of player. He’s had a few huge games as a Knick lately.
15. LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) – I love LMA’s game. He’s got a high-arching shot and has improved his range since coming out of UT. Putting up 18 ppg and 8 rpg this season and will only get better. He and Oden will be a dominant PF-C combo for years to come.

 

16. Charlie Villanueva (Mil) – One of the weirdest-looking guys in the league, Charlie V is another player in the Jamison/Harrington category. He is a big who lives on the 3 point line and can also slash to the basket. He has stepped up big in Redd and Bogut’s absence.
17. Elton Brand (Phi) – Brand has been a HUGE disappointment in a 76er uniform. He’s been injured most of the season but even when he’s healthy, he just doesn’t fit in very well with the Sixers’ style of play. Only 13 ppg and 8 rpg isn’t what Philly fans were hoping for.
18. Josh Smith (Atl) – Although Josh Smith isn’t the most gifted offensive guy, he finds a way to get the ball in the hole. Inconsistent jump shot, but is a freak of an athlete.
19. Troy Murphy (Ind) – Murphy has to be the least recognizable name on this list. But he’s a solid PF. He’s putting up 13.5 ppg and 12 rpg with limited shots.
20. Drew Gooden (Chi) – 13 ppg and 9 rpg is right where Gooden should be. He’s no star, but he’s a solid PF.
21. Kevin Love (Min) – I thought Kevin Love wouldn’t be able to make it in the NBA, but as a rookie playing 23 mpg, he’s a solid rebounder and alongside Al Jefferson will give the T’Wolves a serviceable frontcourt combo for the next 4-5 years.

NBA centers

Here is my list of the top NBA centers this season…I really should’ve just done it all in one, huh?

1. Dwight Howard (Orl) – Look at LeBron James’ entry in my other list. Howard is a freak. I still believe he’s overhyped and overrated, but when he’s within 6 feet of the basket, no one can stop him.
2. Al Jefferson (Min) – As a former T’wolves fan (KG fan), I know what its like for Big Al being stuck in ‘sota and getting no recognition, but he is one of only a couple of guys who averaged 20 and 10 before getting injured. Best low post player with the best on-the-block moves.

 

3. Yao Ming (Hou) – I feel Yao is overrated too. Too slow for the game and wears down too easily. But when he’s healthy and rested, he’s a big force offensively.
4. Marcus Camby (LAC) – Too bad he plays for the Clippers. He’s a beast on the boards and defensive end.
5. Mehmet Okur (Utah) – He’s the exact opposite of Camby. He’s not that great on defense, but great on offense and the best shooting center. When Deron Williams and Okur run the pick-and-pop, its lethal.
6. Andrew Bynum (LAL) – Bynum keeps getting better year after year and he’s still not done improving, but will he always be injury-prone?
7. Shaquille O’Neal (Phx) – The Big Cactus has found a second life in the Desert. He’s putting up decent numbers (17 ppg, 8 rpg) for an “old” guy.
8. Emeka Okafor (Cha) – Okafor has quietly put together a solid season (14 ppg, 10 rpg, 1.77 bpg) but he’s not the player the Bobcats thought they were getting when they drafted him number two overall behind Howard.
9. Rasheed Wallace* (Det) – ‘Sheed could be in the top three if he wanted to. If he got down on the low block more and played with his back to the basket, he’d be right behind Howard, but he drifts way too much and seems to be interested in many different things than basketball this season.
10. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Cle) – Big Z is a great third option. He struggled as a number two option, but is filling in well behind LBJ and Mo Williams. Smooth jumper from 20 feet and in.
11. Tyson Chandler (NOH) – Chandler, who was traded to OKC but then sent back to NO after failing a physical, is, along with CP3, the best lob tandem in the NBA. He’s also a vicious shot blocker.
12. Andris Biedrins (GS) – The quietest rebounding machine in the league the past three seasons. Horrible offensively though. I could beat him in HORSE using my left hand.
13. Samuel Dalembert (Phi) – Dalembert is probably too high up, but he is a decent player on both ends. He’s a intimidating shot blocker (2 bpg) and is serviceable on the offensive end.
14. Nene Hilario* (Den) – Nene is putting up 15 ppg and 8 rpg and when he’s on the court, the Nuggets are at their best. Plays with finesse, but also is physical at times when needed.
15. Anderson Varejao* (Cle) – I do not like Varejao at all. Maybe its the hair or maybe its how he plays and gets under opponents skin. I don’t know, but he is a great backup center and power forward for the Cavs.
16. Andrew Bogut (Mil) – The Bucks’ season has taken a bad turn the last month as they saw Bogut and Redd suffer season-ending injuries. The Bucks are currently in the 8th seed in the East, but won’t stay there without the talented and fiesty Aussie in the frontcourt.
17. Greg Oden (Por) – Some people would put him higher and considering its his first season, he’s done decent. He is struggling on the offensive end and isn’t yet what people were claiming he’d be on the defensive side.
18. Kendrick Perkins (Bos) – Many people think Perkins is overrated because of the publicity he gets from being on the Celtics, but he’s not. He does exactly what is asked of him, and more. He is KG’s anchor on the defense and helps KG with the rebounding and guarding the rim. He, along with KG, is the attitude of the C’s and throws in a few offensive putbacks.
19. Brook Lopez (NJN) – Lopez is having a great and surprising rookie season. He’s averaging 12 ppg, 8 rpg and 2 bpg, that is great for a rookie taken later in the second round.

 

20. Al Horford* (Atl) – I have strong feelings against Horford too, but thats because of last year’s playoffs and how he taunted Pierce, but thats a whole ‘nother story. Horford is a decent big man on a running, athletic team and is a emotional guy.
21. Andrea Bargnani (Tor) – Bargnani is probably closer to a small forward than a center, but he’s listed as a center so here he is. He’s probably the second best shooting center behind Okur but but give me a big guy who is tough down low. Thats what a real center is supposed to be.
22. Jermaine O’Neal (Mia/Tor) – Along with Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury, I don’t think there’s a former all-star whose game has fallen off more than O’Neal’s has. He is a 12-year vet, but is trying to help D-Wade down in Miami and so far is a better piece than Marion was.
23. Erick Dampier (Dal) – I only put him on here because I figure he is good for a couple of offensive putbacks and a blocked shot or two.

Any thoughts or additions are encouraged…

* indicates players who sometimes play another position.

NBA SFs

1. LeBron James (Cle) – As much as I hate it, he’s easily the best SF and he’s right there with Kobe Bryant as the league’s best player period. He’s a freak. He’s like a out of control train going down a court amidst a bunch of compact cars. When he goes to the basket, he’s the most unstoppable offensive force since Wilt.
2. Paul Pierce (Bos) – The Finals MVP is still in the top 3 at his position even though his stats have dropped the last couple seasons. His defense has improved mightily since the arrival of Kevin Garnett and he’s also one of the top clutch players.
3. Carmelo Anthony (Den) – He is a great offensive player, but high volume scorer. Needs to also work on his defense and rebounding.
4. Danny Granger (Ind) – I love Danny Granger, that might be why he’s so high, but he is putting up 25 ppg this season and still doesn’t have the most consistent jumper. He will be an All-Star for the next 10 seasons.
5. Caron Butler (Wash) – Butler has been injured alot the past few seasons, but when he’s out there, he’s a solid scorer. Think LA is still happy with the Kwame Brown for Caron Bulter trade?
6. Stephen Jackson* (GS) – Captain Jack is one of the most overlooked players in the league, mostly     because of his previous attitude problems, but he is one of the fiercest players. I’d love to have him on my team. His defense is nasty (He did shut down Dirk Nowitzki in the ’06 playoffs) and when he’s determined, his offensive game is hard to top.
7. Andre Iguodala (Phi) – Iguodala is still improving…and thats scary. He came into the league as just an athlete but has since developed a well rounded game. Great defender and incredible leaper.
8. Lamar Odom* (LAL) – I only put Odom up this high because when he’s playing aggressively, he belongs here. He could be a 20/10/5 guy if he was in the right position and mindset.
9. Hedo Turkoglu (Orl) – Turkoglu is the Magic’s clutch guy. He is better now than he was when he was the Kings fan favorite. Along with Lewis and Howard, Turkoglu finishes off perhaps the best starting frontcourt in the league.
10. Richard Jefferson (Mil) – Jefferson has become a lost man since his departure from NJ, but is still a great SF.
11. Josh Howard (Dal) – Howard could be way higher, but his off-court troubles and lack of focus at times hurts him, but he is a great 2nd or 3rd option. Good long-range shooter for his size and a great slasher.
12. Rudy Gay (Mem) – Gay is averaging 19 ppg and pretty much is doing what everyone expected him to do coming out of UConn. Athletic player who’s primarily a slasher.
13. Ron Artest (Hou) – Artest used to be in the top 3, but he has fallen off due to injuries and age. He’s still a great defender and a underappreciated offensive guy.
14. Tayshaun Prince (Det) – Everyone on the Pistons’ roster has taken a dive in my standings. Sure, they’ve made 6 straight Eastern Conference Finals, but this season, everyone seems to not care. Prince is only putting up 13.5 ppg this season.
15. Shawn Marion* (Tor/Mia) – This Shawn Marion isn’t the same Matrix as he was with Nash in Phoenix. Even during his brief stint in Miami, he wasn’t the same.
16. Luol Deng (Chi) – Deng is a long and quick SF. He is very inconsistent and not the best defender, but when he’s on, he’s a 20 ppg guy.
17. Marvin Williams (Atl) – Williams hasn’t been the player the Hawks thought he was when they passed on Chris Paul and Deron Williams. He’s just a solid role player who can run the court and throw down the alley-oop.
18. Andres Nocioni (Sac/Chi) – Nocioni has to be one of the most physical and toughest guys in the league. He isn’t scared of anyone and can shoot the ball from deep.
19. Boris Diaw* (Cha/Phx) – Diaw is one of the top versatile big men in the league.
20. Andrei Kirilenko (Utah) – AK47 is still a great piece on a championship contender, but he’s not the All-Star he was a few years ago. He can still fill up the stat sheet and has improved his jumper.
21. Travis Outlaw (Por) – Outlaw is a lot like previous players on this list. He’s a great piece to a playoff team and is an underrated offensive player, when needed. But when you have Brandon Roy on your team, you’re not needed much.
22. Jeff Green (OKC) – I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen much of OKC play, but I saw him in college and he seems to be one of those tough combo forwards who can do the dirty work, but also be the star-type player.
23. Al Thornton* (LAC) – Thornton is a freak and the steal of last years draft. As a raw athlete, he is averaging 17 ppg. His offensive skills aren’t what they can potentially be.   21. Ryan Gomes (Minn) – I love Gomes. I was hoping Minnesota would release him last year so Boston could re-sign him. He’s a gritty player who can knock down shots. He is a great lockerroom and team player.
24. James Posey (NO) – Posey isn’t the best individual player, BUT he’s a championship player. He makes ALL the big plays that need to be made in order for a good team to become great. If you need a rebound, a free throw, 3 pointer, defensive stop, he’s your man.
25. Matt Harpring (Utah) – Harpring is oen of those guys that if he’s on your team, you love him, but if he’s not, then you hate him. He is the strongest guy, pound for pound, in the league and can hit the open shot.
26. Luke Walton (LAL) – Walton isn’t athletic at all and isn’t that great of a shooter, but he’s a great team player who is probably the best passing forward on this list.

Leaving anyone who plays small forward out?

NBA SGs

Here is my list of my top NBA shooting guards this season:

1. Kobe Bryant (LAL) – Like Chris Paul atop the PG list, how can you question Kobe being at the top? The game’s best offensive talent and a great individual defender too.
2. Dwyane Wade (Mia) – D-Wade IS the Miami Heat. Finally healthy and has been leading the league in scoring all season long.
3. Joe Johnson (Atl) – JJ, along with Mike Bibby, is the veteran leader on the young Hawks’ team. He is a clutch scorer and when he is hot, no one in the league can guard him.
 4. Brandon Roy* (Por) – Roy is one of my favorite players in the league. He will one at least one MVP before his time is done and will bring a title to the Rose City if he, Oden, & Aldridge stay together. Roy has every asset of a great offensive player.
5. Manu Ginobili (SA) – Ginobili is the Spurs’ best player in my opinion and he is what makes them roll. He, too, is one of the most unguardable players in the league as he can twist and turn his way down the lane like no other.
6. Kevin Durant* (OKC) – Durant has been averaging a very quiet 26 ppg this season on a struggling Thunder team. Durant will help lead this franchise to the playoffs, along with Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green, in the next 3 or 4 seasons as long as all three continue to improve. But this season, Durant’s been a top 5 offensive player.
7. Ray Allen (Bos) – Old Ray Ray still has the smoothest J in the game. Once he put on that arm sleeve in the playoffs last season, he found his sweet stroke again (Thanks Rip Hamilton). Allen is finally fitting into Boston’s offense much better than he did last season and he was the C’s leading scorer in the first half of the season.
8. Vince Carter* (NJN) – Many people will say he’s too high up, but I still think Vinsanity is still alive. He’s had many great moments this season and still has what it takes to be an All-Star SG.
9. Michael Redd (Mil) – Redd is out for the season, but that doesn’t take away from how great of a shooter & scorer he is. He would be the best Robin to a star player’s Batman that I could think of.
10. Jason Richardson – (Phx) Richardson has flourished in the Suns’ run and gun offense and is a threat from deep as well as slashing to the basket.
11. Richard Hamilton (Det) – What has gone wrong in Detroit? Upon the arrival of Iverson, everything has gone wrong for the Pistons, including Rip’s game.
12. Jason Terry* (Dal) – The Jet has been the Mavs MVP so far this season. He’s been injured for a month or so, but has been a huge lift off the bench for Dallas and is a top 4th quarter player in the league.
13. Ben Gordon (Chi) – Ben Gordon, the Bulls all-time leader in 3 point field goals, is always a silent assassin, and he is the definition of quick offense.
14. Jamal Crawford (GS/NYK) – Crawford is one of those high volume shooters who exlpodes from time to time, but he’s never been on a winning team. With that said, he’s still a decent scorer, just a little bit too much And1 in him.
15. Allen Iverson* (Den/Det) – The Answer has been anything but the answer in Detroit. He’s still able to put up 20 points a night, but has struggled in Mo-Town. He only has one 30-point game this season.
16. O.J. Mayo (Mem) – I was wrong about O.J. Mayo. He has been a freak of a rookie and along with Rudy Gay, they make up the most athletic swingman combo in the league.
 17. Ronnie Brewer (Utah) – I think he is the most underrated SG in the league. Underrated athlete who can jump out of the gym and a great and efficient scorer as well as a top defensive SG.
18. Kevin Martin (Sac) – No one knows much about him. Why would you since he’s stuck in Sacramento? But he has a smooth stroke and a quick first step. Put him on a winning team and he’d be an All-Star and household name.
19. J.R. Smith (Den) – J.R. Smith is just like Ben Gordon. Both are instant offense off the bench and J.R. has unlimited range and is a very explosive athlete.
20. Tracy McGrady* (Hou) – I only put T-Mac this far down because he has become the most injury-prone player in the league the last few seasons, and he’s never won a playoff series. He also talked about retiring from basketball because its not his true passion – that doesn’t help.

* indicates players who sometimes play more than one position.

Top NBA PGs

Here is my list of NBA point guards from best to worst, currently. Not based on their careers. Strictly my opinion…

1) Chris Paul (NOH) – What can you say? He’s absolutely the best PG in the League now. No questions asked. Without CP3, the Hornets would be nothing.
2) Deron Williams (Utah) – CP3 and Williams will forever be linked together. It will be interesting to see who finishes with more rings out of these two. D-Will is the better scorer, but that’s all he has on CP3.
3) Devin Harris (NJ) – Think Cuban is still thrilled with the Kidd/Harris trade? Harris will win Most Improved Player this year and he has been by far. Leads all PGs in scoring.
4) Chauncey Billups (Den) – Billups is still a top PG in the League. He’s clutch and a great leader. He has Denver in the top 3 in the West.
5) Tony Parker (SA) – He and Rajon Rondo are very similar. Great PG on a great team who has become more rounded on the offensive end.
 6) Rajon Rondo (Bos) – Think about this: He’s a top NBA PG, but I could probably beat him in a jump shooting contest. IF he continues to be consistent with his jumper and develop it even more, he’ll easily be the 3rd PG on this list soon. Probably the best defensive PG, can easily get into the paint any time and is a great assist guy, and he’s still only 22 years old.
7) Steve Nash (Phx) – Nash is on the decline. Rondo has abused him the last 3 games they’ve played. His defense is worse than ever, but he’s still a magician when the team is running.
8 ) Mo Williams (Cle) – Before last season, no one knew who he was…now they do. LeBron finally has his Robin (Sorry Larry Hughes). Mo can shoot the lights out and is a great leader that LeBron can lean on at times.
9) Jameer Nelson (Orl) – Former college player of the year has helped lead the Magic to a possible top seed in the East. Now injured, but deserves to be up here for what he accomplished so far.
10) Jose Calderon (Tor) – He has quietly become the top assist to turnover ratio leader. Great decision maker and fiesty player.
11) Andre Miller (Philly) – Miller is an aged vet who can still run & gun with the young athletic forwards on the Sixers. He is also a great post-up guard. 12) Jason Kidd (Dallas) – Kidd would be much higher up if he was a little more effective shooting. He can be hot at times, but when he’s cold, the Mavs don’t stand a chance.
13) Baron Davis (LAC) – Davis isn’t doing too great with the Clippers. He should’ve stayed in GS. His bad attitude is showing on a pathetic franchise. But he’s still an explosive player.
14) Mike Bibby (Atl) – Bibby is the Hawks’ leader and is doing a much better job running the team than last season. He is a clutch scorer and will push the Hawks to the 2nd round of the playoffs.
15) T.J. Ford (Ind) – Ford is one of the most underrated PGs in the League. He is a poor man’s Tony Parker.

This is actually a lot harder than you would think. I’m only going to 15 because I think there are really only 12 or 13 GOOD point guards. Did I leave anyone out? Who are your top NBA PGs?

KG vs. Dirk

Amidst the Celtics sweeping the Mavericks for the 2nd straight year, and amidst many people claiming Dirk Nowitzki is waaaay better than Kevin Garnett, I’ve decided to look at each player, their stats, teammates and accomplishments throughout their career…mostly for fun because I have no homework due this weekend and I don’t work til later tonight.

Accomplishments/Awards:
Kevin Garnett, 6’11″-253 lbs
14th NBA season
2007-08 Defensive Player of the Year
2007-08 NBA Champion
2003-04 NBA MVP
12-time All-Star
2003 All-Star MVP
7-time All-NBA Defensive First Team
9-time All-NBA
NBA All-Rookie Second Team

Dirk Nowitzki, 7′-245 lbs
11th NBA season
8-time All-Star
2006-07 NBA MVP
8-time All-NBA
2006 3-point Champ

Career Stats (Career Highs):
Kevin Garnett
20.2 ppg (47)
11.1 rpg (25)
4.4 apg (12)
1.5 spg (7)
1.6 bpg (8)
.496 FG%

Dirk Nowitzki
22.6 ppg (53)
8.6 rpg (23)
2.7 apg (12)
.9 spg (9)
1 bpg (7)
.472 FG%

Career head-to-head
Garnett: 24 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.3 bpg, .530 FG%
Nowitzki: 22.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2.1 apg, .7 spg, .9 bpg, .454 FG%
Team records head-to-head are 15-15 in the series.

Key Teammates*
Kevin Garnett:
With Timberwolves:
Sam Mitchell, Tom Gugliotta
Stephon Marbury, Anthony Peeler
Cherokee Parks, Terrell Brandon
Rasho Nesterovic, Joe Smith
Wally Szczerbiak, Chauncey Billups (prior to becoming the All-Star he is today)
Troy Hudson, Gary Trent
Sam Cassell, Latrell Sprewell (Made it to the WCF in first season together with these two guys)
Michael Olowokandi, Ervin Johnson
With Celtics:
Paul Pierce, Ray Allen (Won Title in first year with Boston)

Dirk Nowitzki
Michael Finley, Steve Nash
Juwan Howard, Raef LaFrentz
Nick Van Exel, Avery Johnson
Antawn Jamison, Antoine Walker
Keith Van Horn, Josh Howard
Jason Terry, Devin Harris
Jerry Stackhouse, Jason Kidd

*All players included in list were key contributors/starters during their stint with each team…Players’ names appear by season from earliest to present.

Intangibles/Other
Garnett: One of the most intense and versatlie players in NBA history. Is a monster on the defensive end and a great leader. Can take over a game without scoring.
- First player in 20 years to forgoe college and enter the NBA draft straight from high school.
-Only player in history to average over 20 ppg, 10 rpg and 5 apg for six straight seasons.
-Only player in history to average over 20 ppg, 10 rpg and 4 apg for 10 straight seasons.
-Only player in history to reach at least 20,000 points, 11,000 rebounds, 4,000 assists, 1,500 blocks and 1,200 steals in a career.
-17 career triple-doubles
-Led NBA in rebounding for 5 straight years.
-Was traded for a record five players (Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green and Theo Ratliff, along with draft picks were sent from Boston to Minnesota).
-Minnesota all-time leader in every statistical category.
-2000 Olympic Gold Medalist

Nowitzki: One of the most unique and versatile players in NBA history. A 7-footer who is deadly from behind the arc. Plays like he is 6 feet 5 inches, and is a top offensive player during his time.
-First European born player to win the NBA MVP.
-1 career triple-double
-Led Mavs to a historic 52-5 run over 57 games after starting the season 0-4 in 2007.
-Led his team to the 2006 Finals, but lost in 6 games to the Miami Heat.
-FIBA World Championship MVP 2002
-Holds many Mavericks team records

Final Words:
Both Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki will be in the Hall of Fame as soon as eligible. Both are top players during their era. Both are equally unique players and both, in a way, has changed the game. Even I would be happy if Dirk Nowitzki was on my team, but give me Kevin Garnett. Both are unbelievable talents. It isn’t a coincidence that the series between each player is an even 15 wins to 15 losses for each.

NBA All-Star Starters Announced

The Starters for the 2009 NBA All-Star game were announced tonight.

West:
Chris Paul
Kobe Bryant
Amare Stoudemire
Tim Duncan
Yao Ming

East:
Allen Iverson
Dwyane Wade
LeBron James
Kevin Garnett
Dwight Howard

Some of the choices I agree with, some I surprised at, and a couple I think are bogus. I have no problem with Paul, Bryant, Duncan, Wade, Howard and James being selected All-Star Starters. As the biggest KG fan you’ll ever meet, I admit, I am surprised he was named a starter, but happy he was voted in. KG is averaging a career low (minus his rookie year) 16.5 ppg, but his Celtics are once again a top team in the League.

However, I’m not sure I agree with Yao, Amare, and ESPECIALLY Iverson. Yao, like always, has been injured part of the season, but what are you going to do? Every person in China votes daily and freakin’ Yi Jianlin is in the top 5 in fan voting. Amare has had a good season, but I’m not so sure there aren’t a couple other forwards who didn’t deserve to start ahead of him (Brandon Roy). And the BIG problem I have is Allen Iverson. He left Denver when the Nuggets were 1-4 (who are now in 1st place in their division) and went to the Pistons (who were doing well) and Detroit has gone downhill since the Iverson’s arrival.

My choices for the reserves, which will be announced next Thursday are as follows:
West:
Al Jefferson (Min)
Brandon Roy (Por)
Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas)
Carmelo Anthony (Den)
Steve Nash (Phx)
Chauncey Billups (Den)
Shaquille O’Neal (Phx) – He has had a decent year and you can’t have an All-Star game w/o the Big Cactus.

East:
Paul Pierce (Bos)
Chris Bosh (Tor)
Danny Granger (Ind)
Devin Harris (NJ)
Ray Allen (Bos)
Joe Johnson (Atl)
I don’t know about the last spot, the East doesn’t have another legit big man to make the all-star team. Kendrick Perkins is 2nd in center voting, but I don’t want to be too biased, so I’ll take Hedo Turkoglu (Orl).

I am not a big fan of fan voting for All-Star games or Pro Bowls. Yes, I think they should be allowed to vote, but it shouldn’t be the final decision. Take 1/3 vote from the fans, 1/3 from the media and 1/3 from the coaches to decide the All-Stars of each league. Fan voting leads to ridiculous results such as Yi Jianlin on the verge of being a starter, Antoine Walker last season almost making it, and players in the NFL who deserved to make it…didn’t.

Midway through the NBA Season…

My Power Rankings:

1) Cavaliers – The Cavs are at the top for me because they are playing tremendous defense. Throughout the season, Cleveland has bought into defense and the team chemistry is growing after a full season playing together.
2) Lakers – Los Angeles seems to be coasting. I would think they would be running away with the best record, but inconsistent defense is keeping the Lake Show from the top spot.
3) Magic – Orlando has been a force this season. Their defense has improved 100 times since last season and with the emergence of PG Jameer Nelson and the continued dominance of Dwight Howard, the Magic have the best record as of Jan. 21.
4) Celtics – After Boston’s tremendous start to the season, they endured a rough stretch. The lack of bench play has been the C’s Achilles Heel. They will need to add a player or two to defend their crown.
5) Hornets – New Orleans has just about the same record they had last season at this time. With the same core group of player and the addition of James Posey, the Hornets should end up with the 2nd seed in the West.
6) Spurs – San Antonio is right back at the top after a slow, but expected slow, start. Ginobili has been back and the Spurs are getting big contributions from role players lately. How long will those role players keep that up is another question.
7) Nuggets – Denver has missed Carmelo Anthony the last few games, but is still in first place in a competitive Northwest Division. Once ‘Melo gets back and if they find a way to improve their already improved defense, the Nuggets could finally move on to the 2nd round.
8 ) Blazers – Portland has continued to be right behind Denver all season. Greg Oden has been inconsistent at times, but when he comes to play, Portland is an elite team with Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, etc.
9) Suns – Pheonix is still a mystery to me. One night they look good enough to play for a title, but the next night (like vs Boston the other night) they look like they’ll miss the playoffs completely.
10) Rockets – Same ole story. IF the Rockets could ever get healthy, they’d be a hard out, but until Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Shane Battier and Ron Artest are all on the same page, it’ll be another painful exit for T-mac.
11) Jazz – Utah has showed some guts this season as the Jazz have been plagued with injuries thus far. Mehmet Okur has had a nice season and will need to keep it up and Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer must get healthy if Utah wants to make a run.
12) Mavericks – Dallas started off real slow, but has improved. The Mavs have been inconsistent this year, beating a decent team one night, then losing to a bad team the next, however they have been without Josh Howard for a majority of the year.
13) Hawks – Atlanta keeps surprising people. They won’t win their division, Orlando has that locked up, but the young Hawks should be alive come postseason time. Mike Bibby seems to finally have begun to fit in with the high-flying (literally) hawks.
14) Heat – Dwyane Wade is leading the league in scoring. They got the steal of the draft in Mario Chalmers. And Michael Beasley hasn’t even been half what the heat expected from him. If he becomes that, then watch out.
15) 76ers – Philly has been playing better lately without their big offseason acquisition, Elton Brand. When Brand comes back, the Sixers need to maintain their run and gun offense to fully utilize the roster’s weapons, i.e. Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Louis Williams, etc.
16) Pistons – “Mo-Town” has been experiencing many problems after trading Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson. They are now benching Richard Hamilton. The Pistons will struggle to make the playoffs and this proves Allen Iverson is more of a problem than people have realized.
17) Bucks – Milwaukee has been playing well as of late. Michael Redd is still one of the most underrated players and along with Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva, the Bucks won’t be an “easy” win for teams like they have been the last few seasons.
18 ) Nets – New Jersey is still laughing at Dallas for the trade last season. Devin Harris is an All-Star. The Nets have one of the best backcourts in the league, but are still a young and not very talented team.
19) Bulls – Kirk Hinrich is back to help out Derrick Rose. The Bulls are a tough and physical team. But with talent such as Hinrich, Rose, Luol Deng, Ben Gordon and Joakim Noah, they should be better.
20) Raptors – Toronto is still struggling to find itself. The Raps are now trying to get rid of Jermaine O’Neal. Andrea Bargnani has improved and made O’Neal expendable, but unless Toronto gets a steal in a trade, they will be home come playoff time.
21) Pacers – The young Pacers, and specifically Danny Granger (who I still wish the Twolves would’ve drafted a few years ago), like the Bucks, aren’t an “easy” win anymore. Granger has been playing out of his mind and T.J. Ford is still the quick-tempo PG that every team would like to have. No playoffs though.
22) Bobcats – Do we still need this franchise? Although the ‘cats give my Celtics trouble each and every time out, Charlotte will never be a good NBA franchise again. Even with numerous NCAA All-Americans, such as DJ Augustin, Raymond Felton, Adam Morrison, Sean May, etc, etc, etc, the Bobcats STILL are dull.
23) Timberwolves – The T’Wolves are a much better team than earlier in the season. Randy Foye is finally showing why he was a top ten draft pick. Kevin Love and Al Jefferson will be a dominant force down low in the next 2 years.
24) Warriors – I knew Golden State was doomed when they let Baron Davis go. The Corey Maggette (although I love his game) hasn’t worked in Oakland and Stephen Jackson is being used as trade bait (Calling Boston!!!)
25) Knicks – New York has improved a little under Coach D’Antoni, but not enough. When, oh when, will the Knicks be worth it again? The world may never know.
26) Kings – Sacramento fans must really be depressed these days. After 5 years of knocking on the door to a title, the Kings have fallen from the top of the league faster than a fat man running away from a salad bar.
27) Grizzlies – OJ Mayo has been a surprise to me and Rudy Gay keeps improving. If the Grizz could ever get a good ball-distributing PG and knowledgeable coach, the young Grizzlies could be a real basketball team in a few years
28 ) Clippers – The Clippers wish they could go back to the day where they signed Baron Davis and spend the money elsewhere. B-Diddy has been a cancer to the Clips and this Los Angeles team is right back where it normally is – the Pacific Division cellar.
29) Wizards – Could a player ever be more overrated and overpaid for doing nothing than Gilbert Arenas is?
30) Thunder – Does OKC really need a franchise? They have a couple of decent players, Kevin Durant…ok, one decent player, with a boat-load of lousy role players that would normally be the 8th or 9th man off the bench for other teams.

Midseason awards
MVP: LeBron James – As much as I hate him and think the League is pushing him to be the next MJ, he is a beast and is the NBA’s MVP so far, and will be by season’s end too.

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard – Leads the League in rebounding and blocked shots, by a landslide. Has the Magic at the top of the East and a top-ranked defensive team.

Rookie of the Year: Derrick Rose – Rose has been a solid starter for a Hinrich-less Bulls team. He is more explosive than all the experts said he would be.

6th Man of the Year: Jason Terry – You could argue that “The Jet” has been Dallas’ MVP.

NBA All-First team:
Chris Paul (NOH)
Kobe Bryant (LAL)
LeBron James (Cle)
?Chris Bosh/Dirk Nowitzki?
Dwight Howard (Orl)

My Finals prediction (Jan. 21)
Cavaliers vs Lakers

A Great Coach & Man

After hearing the news that Tony Dungy retired today, January 12, 2009, at the age of 53, to spend more time with his family and spread the word of God, I decided to write a few thoughts about the greatness of this man.

Not only was he an incredible coach, not only was he the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl, not only has he led his teams to the playoffs for a record 10 straight seasons (Tampa Bay 1999-2001, Indy 2002-08), not only is he the ONLY coach in NFL history to beat all 32 NFL teams, not only was he a great safety in the NFL in the ’70s, he has been one of the most incredible men off the field, ever. Unlike many coaches who erupt and yell vulgarities throughout the entire course of a football game, Dungy consistently kept his cool. Very rarely would you see Dungy with his headset off yelling at an official. Dungy was a much different coach than many in the harsh NFL. He instilled in his players and assistant coaches that God came first, then family, then football. Dungy strongly believed in respecting his players and treated the 53rd player on the roster with as much respect as he did the number one player on the roster. Dungy has been an active speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action. One of the main reasons Dungy is leaving the NFL is to become a better disciple for God. Dungy is a very strong believer and always talks about his Faith in God during interviews.

Even when tragedy struck the Dungy family in 2005 after hearing one of their sons committed suicide at the age of 18, Dungy showed his emphasis on family values throughout the rest of his career. Many analysts said Dungy would retire after his son’s death, but Dungy kept his faith and each week honored his son.

Dungy has been one of the best NFL coaches in history, in my opinion. He took the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (my favorite team) and turned them from the laughingstock of the NFL to a perennial playoff contender. During his time at Tampa, he led the Buccaneers to the playoffs four times, reaching the NFC Championship game vs St. Louis in 1999. He invented the defensive scheme the “Tampa 2″ which is now used by a number of teams across the league. Dungy groomed many current NFL head coaches during his stint in Tampa. Current NFL head coaches that coached under Dungy include the Chicago Bears’ Lovie Smith, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Herm Edwards, and the former Detroit Lions’ Rod Marinelli.

After being fired by Tampa Bay management (a move I, as a Bucs fan, still question to this day) in 2001, Dungy became the head coach of the Colts. Over the next six seasons, the Colts would reach the playoffs each year and would win at least 10 games each season, another record, including five straight division championships. In 2006, Dungy led the Colts to a Super Bowl win over the Chicago Bears and Lovie Smith, becoming the first African-American coach to ever win a Super Bowl.

As a longtime Buccaneer fan, I will miss seeing Tony Dungy on the sidelines once this next season starts. He is an amazing man of God, an incredible person, and a great football mind. You will be missed Coach Dungy. Thanks for all the memories.