Stat Junky

2012-06-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

NBA Finals History: Why King James Will Win His Crown

There are only a few things that are certain in life. The sun rises, we fall in and out of love, people die, Yankees/NYGiants fans are ignorant, and history always repeats itself.

The NBA is no different. You can’t run away from history. Teams always have a “Ceiling” that they need to get through, be it another team or a mental block. There has always been a “hierarchy” in the league. Perceived or not, I feel it is real. The "sports gods" always follow certain patterns, or sports physics. “The Law of Averages” is a great indicator, but not always true.

There are anomalies everywhere. As PapaShaw used to say when a guy comes up for the sox and he is about OH for his last 16 with runners in scoring position: “He’s Due” he would say. It used to be so annoying but more often than not, he was right, Jody Reed would hit a base clearing double. I said More often than not. Sports averages are just that; averages. You flip a quarter 100x and you THINK you’ll get 50/50 but you wont always. But you perceive it to be. In reality at any given 100 there is 50/50, not the First 100.

But there is always History to teach us; to show us probability, but probability using fact. What better way form to build an argument for Lebron than using history? I remember watching Lebron on ESPN in High school. He was the first most HYPED player whose High School career intersected with the boom of 24 hours sports piranhas. Lebron is a physical anomaly. King James, a 6-8 250 power guard with skills of a ninja, the speed of Pheidippides, and the power of Hercules. He loves defense and is dominant on both ends like all of his elite predecessors. Able to defend any position at any time, as well as able to pick the pocket of the best pgs or block KG, he is the perfect weapon on defense.

Since the 80’s, there has always been teams trying to push through another teams to get through. Contenders always have a “mental hurdle” to get through. Larry Bird had to get through eventual Champ 76ers just to make it to the finals. Phily 76’ers and Celtics took turns from 80/81 - 83/84 to represent the east vs Lakers. After 76ers went off of the upper echelon of the east, the Pistons emerged as top contenders to the Celtics Eastern Dominance. The mid 80’s Pistons could not get through theCeltics losing in the playoffs twice in 3 years against the Celtics, including87 ECF. When the 88 Pistons finally defeated a worn down old Celtics team, inthe ECF, they went on to Lose in the Finals to LA Lakers. Next Season 88-89Pistons return to the finals to defeat The same Lakers squad. 89-90 PistonsRepeat as champions, this time against Portland who, coincidentally, had Lostto the Lakers in the previous Playoffs, got lucky and avoided The Lakers on theirway to the finals. 90-91 proved that Portland was not ready as the Lost to LAin WCF. During the Same span 88-91 There was a new team on the rise:MichaelJordan’s Bulls. Once The 88 Pistons had moved on from the Celtics and werecompeting for titles, they were also being challenged by the Bulls. Defeatingthe Bulls in 88,89 and 90. (89 and 90 ECF) When the Bulls finally got throughthe Pistons in 91 (the Infamous “Detroit walkout game”), they were “BattleTested” and ready as they beat Magic’s Last Contending Team in 1991. (Laker haddefeated Portland in the ECF on the way to Finals). 92 Trailblazers defeat 8^th Seed LALakers to get over that mental hurdle, only to have the unfortunately luck ofrunning into Jordan in the Finals.

As you see, there is a pattern toteams trying to get through a “block” or “hurdle”. Once they make it through,their chances greatly improve. The Basketball Gods look greatly upon teams thatmake it through a challenge that was once insurmountable. When you go throughtrials and tribulations, you are usually rewarded for your personal success andvictories.

It is no different for teams in thefinals. If you look back in the HISTORY of the league, Almost every timea team Returns to the finals the year after losing, they win. Starting waaaaaayback in 1954 The Syracuse Nationals Returned to the finals and were victoriousthe year after losing to the Minneapolis Lakers in the finals. The 72 Knicksbeat The Lakers in a rematch of the previous championship were LA had won. The79 Sonics Defeated the Bullets in a Rematch of the 78 final. The 82-83 76ersalso won in a rematch after losing to LA. Then La did the same feat beatingCeltics in 85 a year after losing to Boston 84-85. I did say almost. The LALakers lost 8 Finals appearances spread out over 10yrs!(61-62 to 69-70). TheJazz also lost 2 yrs in a row to The Bulls in 97-98.

This all ties me to Lebron. He wentthrough the biggest sports media scrutiny that I can remember in this, thetwitter era. “The decision” may not have been the best business decision, aswas the numerous games he supposedly had “choked”. We attacked Lebron for notattacking, took shots at him for not taking shots. He has only won 3 straightMVPs. Last year vs Dallas was not only a shock to LBJ but was also a wakeupcall. I think he gets it now. His personal victory over Boston did more thanjust move them into the Finals. Yeah, Heat beat Boston last year in the semisbut we had the whole “Rondo injury” excuse. Besides that, “Wade won it”Lebrondid play well against the C’s last yr. We just didn’t notice. He couldn’t doanything right and DWade couldn’t do anything wrong. Even after he too downRondo like Dan Severn, we still focused on Lebron. We were all “right” duringthe Dallas series. But he hadn’t learnedyet. This victory vs Boston (his chief personal rival) as he dominated the seriesproved, most importantly to himself, that he has what it takes. This kind ofpsychological advantage for a player is huge. This is bigger than PatrickEwing’s legendary-you-know-what. This enables the player to be able to makethat leap and become what we thought he was (Dennis Green Voice). The Celticswere desperate for one more shot. 3 Hall of famers and Rondo could not holdback destiny as The Basketball Gods invites Father time over to watch game 7.

I have always looked at Lebron as a mixbetween Larry Bird, Magic, and Larry Johnson. Grandmama was the first powerplayer of our generation to show Guard skills while wrecking the rim and beingstreaky at the 3 point line. A little bit of Magic for his ability to createfor everyone around him as well as score when he needed to, and Larry for hisVision and anticipation. How often does Lebron make a pass that sets up anassist? He sees the floor almost in a 4^th dimensional way the waythat Larry Bird and Magic did. He is not the go to scorer like Jordan, but heshows flashes of that.

The Heat will win based on the Lawsof Averages and the Basketball Gods granting eternal greatness to those whodeserve it. On the court, LBJ is the Best player on BOTH ends of the court.Durant is just the best scorer and he will be covered by Lebron a lot. Lebronshould also be able to take advantage that KD is not a GREAT defender. IF Lebrongoes to the post more (like he should) it may be too much for Durant, Then youmust but Ibaka on Lebron and hope he doesn’t eat him up. So then who coversBosh? Perkins? Mismatch, Heat advantage there. This will set off a lot ofdominos that I am not sure that the Thunder are ready for. Wade has yet to playgreat since Pacers series and he should get out of his shell here with a sizeadvantage on Westbrook. Look for Sefalosha to Guard Wade when on court. Problemis, he is not a part of the Thunder’s best lineup. Bosh is better than Ibakaand his outside shooting SHOULD disable Ibakasshotblocking to a point. ThunderBench a little stronger but I take Heat top 6-7 players over Thunder top 6-7.Spoelstra gets the coaching advantage not only heads up with Scott Brooks, buthaving “been there before”. That is theme of this blog and “having been therebefore” has proven to be very advantageous throughout the history of this greatSport. History is on the Heat’s side.

- Jason Shaw

@coachshaw989

2012-05-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

Fresh Meat

A Quick Look at the Patriots 2012 Draft Picks

So much has been said about Bill Belichick's drafting tendencies being well- cheap. Whether it was the salary implications, being obsessive about value or just plain old lacking in the talent evaluation department, the war room has traditionally chosen safe picks that lack that swagger, that sexiness... Until now. This draft made a lot of us out there pinch ourselves and wonder if this really is the year the world comes to an end because BB just did something totally uncharacteristic of the way he has conducted his draft philosophy in the past. He drafted players that can help this team win now.

Chandler Jones caught the eye of a lot of teams because he is a very exciting player to watch. Competing at a high level is in his genes as both of his brothers are also professional athletes. Some say his playing style is similar to Jason Pierre-Paul. He is very coachable, and can pick up concepts quickly and sop up new information like a "sponge" (as he referred to himself in an interview with 98.5 the Sports Hub's Gresh and Zo). He can adapt well in an 3/4 or 4/3 hybrid defense which is undoubtedly what Belichick will employ. He might have played in the big east and not had the competition that most of the other first round picks have, but then again what if he had played in a better conference? His performance could have been the same right? Lets hope so...

Dont’a Hightower is a concensus All-American, a first team All-SEC and a BCS National Champion. He has great short area explosion and closing speed and is also very versatile like Jones and can play well in multiple defensive schemes. He can shed blocks quickly and has great vision. His accolades speak for themselves.

Tavon Wilson was kind of a surprise pick. After trading up, they picked the safety in the second round and shocked everyone. The pick left Mel Kiper speachless. I am hoping for something out of this kid, I just don't know all that much about him, but then again, no one really does. I can say that I'm confident overall in the patriots picks for the secondary as they pick some pretty OK second level guys in Chung, Merriweather, Wilson and McCourty. So we'll see.

Jake Bequette is just a Patriot. Hard worker, team oriented, leaves it all on the field. He is versatile as well and can work into many defensive schemes. His story is touching, and you can tell this kid has a lot to play for.

Alfonzo Dennard might end up being the steal of the draft. He might also be the first ever patriot that has was drafted after punching a cop in the face. I wonder if he got the call while in jail. "Hey Alfonso, you get one phone call. Your mom is looking for you and Bill Belichick wants you to give him a call back." I wonder what his choice for his one and only phone call would have been?

The Last Super Bowl Preview That You Read

2012-02-05T09:30:00.001-08:00

The Most important game in Patriots Universe is upon us…..
But this is not just one game. Or even “just a Superbowl” to me, this is almost cosmic!
Let’s look at this Memento style:
Feb 3rd 2008….This was supposed to be the greatest Team Ever. 19 And OH. My Boys, My Pats. But Tyree, Eli, Took that away. Now some kids in a 3rd world country have shirts that say “New England Patriots World Champions; 19-0” … This is a slap in the face. If I was rich, I would seriously go to whichever country had the “19-0” shirts, pay them extra in whatever money value system they use. Throw in some interest, a new T-shirt (Colts 2010 Champion shirts?? “2001 NY Giants Superbowl” shirts? Or ‘ 94 Steelers) and a big ”Thank you Mr. 3rd World Chief. Peace” . We need to preserve these shirts, people! For the future… Or Doc Brown and his flux capacitor will die in the old west.
Take it back to when I was a kid, and how we HAD to watch NY Giants because of the NFL blackout rules. Well, The “Patsies” sucked. I will always remember The 90 season with a record 1and 15 as the yr I loved our Losers, because they were OUR losers.
Then:
-Kraft, Parcells, and Bledsoe changed everything we knew about Hometown football.
-Belichick and Brady Changed it ALL, they Made our hometown team into a Dynasty.
-Brady /Belichick > Parcells Bledsoe
…. I think I can sum up the Drew Bledsoe era: I, WE Loved Drew for his gun slinging, his lack of short yardage accuracy, for his teenage-chill-attitude, as flawed as he was, we loved him. From his 1st game with the dolphins, to his last TD in Pittsburg in ‘01AFC Title Game, all of his TDs were powerful. After working to get through the Steelers, The 97 Packers Game was the first Wound.
“Bradichick” made us a Dynasty. Belichick and Pioli Built the team around unselfish Stars who have high Football IQ and a will to win. They brought in a new way to evaluate players. They put the word “value” in “evaluate”!. Our ‘Boys won in 2001-02, and then won 2 more in 3 years. I used to think NO victory was EVER going to be sweeter than the Victory vs STL Rams in NOLA. But I am wrong…
THIS Game will be the sweetest REVENGE! This is some story book shit! Another Victory vs a New York team! First in we broke the Yankee curse… But THIS is FOOTBALL, and The Pats are the ones who Stand above all. The mission: To write the Wrong written by Eli and David Tyree. And to beat that Bad ass pass Rush.
Belichick is the football Super Coach. He is able to harness all egos for a common goal like Phil Jackson, Leadership and focus from Krzyzewski, Credibility of Joe Torre; always ahead of the Curve like Red Auerbach. Mastermind like Professor X. He is The Braniac of NFL. The Picard of The Patriots. (Yes, 2 Patrick Stewart References); Attention to detail like John Wooden/Dean Smith; The Defensive Wizardry of Sun Zu; The Killer instinct like Suge Knight (too soon?), ok, Stone Cold Killer like Kobe.
Tom Brady. What can I say? He is Literally a Legend Leading the Offense through a Labyrinth of Defenses like he has a License to Kill. He is The Anniken Skywalker if He didn’t go Dark, The Drake of young money. Joe Montana 2.0. (Superbowl Completions: Tom 103 vs Joe 83. 4 games each.sportspool.com) read that again. Montana had Rice (2nd best player EVER),John Taylor, Brent Jones, Roger Craig (1st player to get 1k yards rushing AND receiving), The new (at the time)“West Coast Offense”, Brady has only PLAYED w one ELITE WR in his PRIME. (Moss). Brady HATES to lose. Its his one and only character flaw. He is so hypercompetitive. How do you get that way? All of his life he has been breaking through barriers. From Michigan, the 6th round pick, the “Peyton Manning is better” myths. All of this HAS to eat at him? Right? Even Jordan thinks Brady dwells on past slights! Why do you think he is a Legendary Gym Rat? Because he is complacent? Am I the only one taking note?
This win is Big, in the Big Picture. This is the 4th Superbowl in 7 appearances. Only teams w 4 Superbowl Victories: Steelers (6), Cowboys (5) and Packers (4). The Winner of this Superbowl will have 4 total. (NYJyantz 3-1). (Pats 3-3). So to further stress how important this game is in “big picture view”; if Pats lose, Giants move ahead of them in total Superbowl wins, they would have lost to the NY Jyantz 2x, and the Pats would have an overall record of 3-4 in the Superbowl (teams with 4 losses: Denver Broncos 2-4, Buffalo Bills 0-4 and Minnesota Vikings 0-4) .
Mike Ditka says:
“This Football game is going to be played by two tough Football Teams, With Tough Football Players and 2 Great Football Coaches. What this Football Game is going to come down to is this: Which Football Team makes the most Football Plays. This is the NFL, and this is a man’s game, a man’s Football Game. “
Anyways, I will never forget that day in Feb 2008. But this win could do some great Scar removal surgery. This win could ALMOST make up for #19. This game is #18.5. HOW bad would this be if NY Jiantz win? Those NY’ers with their crappy, uninventive sports-shit talk. They get confused when they can not say “1918” “26 rings” or “2008”. Sox took 2 of those away already…
Am I nervous?? HELL YEAH. They beat the Packers, they are a more balanced team, they are the favorite. The Giants Have a Great Coach in his own right, They have the “swag, and they have what kills every good-great QB, a Pass Rush. Their front 4 is enough to get pressure on Brady, so they allow themselves more guys to cover our Passing Game. We need to run effectively and run early. If you watched the Baltimore game, you would notice that our running game, while it wasn’t great, was enough to keep the Raven’s defense honest. Extra men up in the box allowed Brady to make the throws he needed to make. He would say he “sucked” but I say we won the game!! The 2 teams Tom Brady has the most problems with are the Ravens and the Giyants. Another thing: If the NY Jyantz win this week, they will be the first team to win with a 9-7 reg. season record AND got outscored in the regular season! CANNOT let this happen!
The X Factor(s):
-Our Tight Ends. NOT just Gronkowski, but Hernandez too. In 08 we did not have the TE’s that we have now. I’m willing to bet that these two guys strike much more fear in the Defense then Ben Watson and Kyle Brady. I’ll also take Benjarvis Green-Ellis, Stevan Ridley, and Woodhead over Laurence Maroney, K Faulk, and Sammy Morris!
Ok, I don’t care about your stupid commercials and all that. You can have your Doritos and Bud light laughs. This is a game for no distractions. If there is ever ONE game that you should live and die by each play it is this. I seriously want to win 55-10 (just as a little shout out to ‘Chitown Bears. I was only six but one of my very first sports memories was the Bears demolishing the hometown boys. (My other “first sports memory” is Magic hiiting some halfcourt shot vs Celtics in 84 or 85??) I seriously want to embarrass the Giants so bad. I have never said that about a superbowl, ever. I always ask for a competitive game. NOT THIS YEAR. Even IF we win by 100, I still will feel the pain. It’s like if you survive a fire but get burns on your face, the burns will always be there, even if you get rich from the insurance.
Pats Fan’s biggest fears:
Eli comes out accurate, Jacobs/Bradshaw run straight through our inconsistent Defense. The pass rush of the front four of the Jiyants gets to Brady, disallowing any kind of passing game. The Jiyants (mostly) weak secondary keeps the passing game underneath, taking away all big plays, making solid tackles with the first man to make contact on Welker and Co. The Patriots “bend but don’t break” defense (reg season 31st ranked (yards) Defense but 15th in points allowed per game = great “red zone” defense; Jiyants conversely, have the #27 ranked defense in the league, while allowing the 25th most amount of points) what that means is, our offense is gonna score, can the NY offense keep up? Which Patriots Defense is going to show up?? Which D do we get? The Pats dominant D that stifled the Ravens/Broncos or the team that looked horrendous against the ‘Skins, Colts and Dolphins this yr? I’m betting that the Dominant D. We have the Best coach in the league, a defensive Guru. He had 2 weeks to prepare for this game!
Why The Patriots WILL win:
Besides the fact that Tom Brady will have his BEST GAME EVER?? Ya, I said it, this will be the game that defines his greatness! His Coup de Gras, if you will. Im sure he has thought about Feb 2008 as much as he has had sex with a supermodel ( a lot, I would bet). That game is the type of stuff to make a man go crazy. A reason to go to the gym a little longer. Remember, the first game AFTER that super disappointment was the one against the Chiefs when he got injured for the year and (enter:Cassell) hads to sit out that whole season, thinking about his bad performance vs the New York, football Jiaynts.
Let’s be real though. The fact we have the best Tight End combo (Hernandez/Gronk) will eliminate the vaunted Jiyants pass rush. The 2 tight end set will spread their defensive ends out further to allow Brady more time and negate the pass-rush. Hernandez was the main guy last year, so don’t be shocked if he is MVP. I see Ocho FINALLY getting his due in this game, Maybe a TD, maybe a key first down catch, maybe even some huge block that frees Edelman or something. But doesn’t that make sense? Doesn’t Ocho-Cinco get rewarded for swallowing his Pride and being such a good soldier this year? What about Deion Branch? He has been relatively quiet. Bradichick will see this, and exploit whatever weakness that the Jiyants have. Just when you fall asleep on those quick hitting short passes to Welker and Hernandez…then BAM! Deep to Branch or Ocho. I mean, they went deep to Slater vs the Ravens! I predict an epic 4th Quarter collapse by NY Jiyantz. The Pats will be down 21 at the half, we will all feel like it’s over, then the BEST coach/QB combo EVER will make adjustments, and we will be celebrating like its 2002!
In the end, this will prove to be a Legendary Game ….The stakes have never been higher, I cannot think of another Superbowl (or even Pro Sports championship game) where there was so much was on the line; maybe the 98Bulls/Jazz series where you kind of had the feeling that The Bulls where not coming back the next season due to Jordan’s Free Agency/end of Phil Jackson’s contract vs last chance for Stockton/Malone. There has never been so many legacies on the line (Bradichick getting a 4th ring and redemption vs Coughlin/Eli getting #2 and vaulting up the all time lists). Never have I been so nervous before a game. I have never watched such a cosmically “must win” game. If The Patriots lose, we will have to listen to those “GD” obnoxious NY fans for an eternity. And you thought “1918 clap-clap, clap-clap-clap” was annoying. “Let’s call this 18.5 for #4” Call it what you want, but just understand the magnitude of this game. (I mean, Im already stressed out, I might break my 31 year streak of not smoking tobacco!)Don’t just do it for you, do it for the third world children who don’t need another Patriots Shirt!

YOUR (Last minute) DRAFT PREP

2011-06-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome all you hardcore fans and average fans to MY favorite time of the year....NBA draft!

As you all know, this is the time when all of us geeks do our draft to prove that we are all smarter than everyone else....Kind of a "rock/paper/scissors" mentality in my mind. I am just like all of you, I love the draft and I think I am smart enough to get these picks. I know Im going to be wrong, heck, The Cavs ALREADY basically said they are going to take Kyrie Irving. But I want to go by my own march, and my Gut (as big as it is getting) My Gut says Derrick Williams!

I am the guy that spent 4 hours and 2500 words on why the Blazers should take Durant over Oden.. I was wrong about the actual pick, but as of right now, Im right about the player (although you CANNOT fault the Blazers for going after a potential Franchise Center Like Yao Oden )

Lets Start off VERY CLEAR. Derrick Williams IS the Best Player in this draft. He is the Best player from this draft in 3 years. In ten years we will still be saying he was the best player from this draft. This is no knock on Kyrie Irving.

Lets start

As a Duke fan, you would assume I would just blindly chose Irving just because, well, just because. oh yeah, he played for Duke?? As a duke fan I didnt ACTUALLY see that much of him. He played 8 games, All non conference (one NCAA Tourney game). So we didnt see him vs the toughest conference in the nation.

A quick look at his stats: 11gp; 27mpg; 17.5ppg; 4.2apg; 52% shooting 3.3 rpg; and 1.45steals per game; 46% on 3's (18 of 39)

again, all non-conference games: Princeton, Miami of ohio, Colorado, Marquette,Kansas State, Oregon, Mich ST. Butler in the reg season and against Dwilliams' Arizona Wildcats in the NCAA's

Lets average the most important games on that list and throw out the duds, shall we?

Princeton- (because it was his college debut) 17points 25m;9asts, 2 stls, 3-6 3pointers;4 rebs and 4-10 from field (1turnover)

-Damn good game against a tourney team and even better as it was his debut...although there was no one on the Tigers that can run with him.

Kstate- was ranked #4 at the time, and was looking like a potential final 4 team. Plus had Jacob Pullen is a 3rd team all american pg so this should be a good test: 31m 17points 6 assists 5 rebs 3 turnovers; 2 stls; and 4 fouls 5 for 12 shooting (also held Pullen to 1 of 12 shooting and 4 turnovers)

Marquette- another NCAA tourney team,They did not start well, but finished strong in the big east

Irving had 34mins, 11points; 7 asts, 2stls, 2 rebs, and 5 turnovers; shot 1-4 from 3 and 4 of 9 overall.

-EHH game vs not a great opponent

Michigan State- Always a contending team; Also has a future NBA player at PG Kalin Lucas...Another good test

Kyrie's Line-36mins, 31points, 6rebounds, 4 assists; 2 stls; 3 turnovers shot 8-12 from field and got to the line 16 times making 13 of them.

Kalin Lucas had 14points 3rebounds 2 assists , and 2 turnovers a win for duke and a definite win for Kyrie in this matchup against a really good guard.

Butler- Rematch of title game from yr before, Butler also has an NBA ready guard in Shelvin Mack who was critical the season before helping to push the Bulldogs to within a half-court heave of the title. This is also Kyrie's last game before the injury

Irving-34m 21points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal 5 turnovers, 6 of 10 from field 6-6free throws and 3-6 from 3.

Mack-11points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists,3 turnovers 4 of 6 from field

-Another win for Duke and another head to head victory for Irving against another quality pg (who is slated to be drafted end of 1st round early 2nd round Thursday)

NCAA's

Fast forward to 3rd round (is that what they call it now? I mean, there are how many play-in games?)

Vs ARIZONA

(Let me say this, HUGE lift and showed some real guts coming back. Kyrie could have shut it down and not A)risk another injury and B)risk playing like shit and having his stock drop)

The numbers:31m; 28 3 assist; 1 stl; 1 turnover; 9-15 fg and 2 for 4 from 3 point line.

Duke's season ends.

Let's Do some fast math here:In HIS 6 MOST IMPORTANT games of his college career and we have 25ppg; 3.6 rebounds per game; 1.6 stls; 5.1 assists; 3TO's; 52% from field and 44%(11-25) on 3's NOT BAD AT ALL.

Kyrie Irving (6'3") is not the most athletic guy and that is a problem in a league with Derrick Rose, John Wall, Rondo (1 name guy now) playing his position. He was very advanced for his age and obviously (OBVIOUSLY) had Great Coaching with Coach K. But can he translate to the pro's? He only played 8 games and was a HUGE impact in all those games.

Lets Also point out that Duke was 24-3 without him (including 2 wins against UNC!!)

DERRICK WILLIAMS- a 6 foot 9 scoring machine. Think Michael Beasley without the Marijuana and immaturity.... He is VERY efficient with the ball. He score 19.5 points per game on only 10 shots attempts per game!! read that again...19.5 on 10 shots, (Kobe needs 30 shots to get 30 points)....He gets to the line 25% of the time when he gets the ball (and makes 75% of his Free-throws); he made 57% of his 3 pointers. He can post Low or post mid range. he can back you down or he can turn and face you. Makes "loud" dunks and seems to be an emotional player (in the positive sense). He has a "soft touch" around the rim, does not take bad shots and works hard on the offensive glass. Whats not to like?? Well, he isn't an athletic freak, in last yrs draft we would be #10, Average athleticism and wingspan (7foot 1). Not a great defensive rebounder and can turn the ball over. I think that can change with some NBA coaching.

To the picks!

Cavaliers- By my count, there are more/better PG here than top notch big men. I am really teetering on who the Cavs should draft even though I am pretty sold that Williams is the best player. You ALWAYS take the best player with #1 pick, no matter what position your team needs. The Cavs need a lot of help. PG is a need, but a go-to franchise scorer is also a need here. Take the best player!

Another benefit to drafting Williams is that the Cavs have the #4 pick (trade w Clippers ->Mo Williams/Jamario Moon for Pick and Baron Davis in a cost cutting move by the Clips). So you can still get your pg of the future at 4.

My Pick: Derrick Williams

(they will probably go with Kyrie here because everyone says they should, except for me)

#2 Minnesota Timberwolves- David Kahn is confused. "should I take the PG? I love point guards!!!"

ok serious, The Wolves are looking to get big. They just got Spaniard Ricky Rubio (finally) and Kevin Love is undersized at Power Forward So I see them taking Enes Kanter (6'11 Kentucky).

I love everything I have read about this guy. The only reason he could not play at Kentucky last yr was because he got paid as a pro in 2008-09 as a backup on a turkish team. I could type in the name of that team here, but I think some of you will have an eye fall out. He has a high basketball IQ and is very athletic for his size. He is very coach-able as well. Very good post player. Has a TON of upside!!

#3 Utah Jazz- Kyrie Irving (6'2 Duke)

The Jazz are very happy if this draft goes my way. They want to groom a pg of the future after loosing Deron Williams in the (other) blockbuster Trade this past season. (Which is how Jazz got this pick from the Nets) I may have sounded like I was down on Kyrie earlier. I am not, I just love Derrick Williams. Kyrie is a True Point Guard with shooting range. I also LOVE that he wants to play for Australia in International competition (born there) as opposed to US. Shows me has Pride and is not a Front-runner. I love the underdog mentality and I also love what he did for Duke. On my next video game I am going to shut off "early entry" to see how he would have looked his Sr. Yr. He is the REAL DEAL at PG.

#4 Cleveland Cavaliers-Jan Vesely (Serbia 6'11) GO SIZE!! U have Baron Davis locked in for the next two years at $13 million each. You can pair Vesely with Verajao and make a formidable frontcourt. Vesely is very athletic. Verajao is a defense first bigman, and Hickson is developing so the Cavs have seriously strengthened thier frotncourt with these 2 picks. The Cavs already have a top pg in Baron Davis and have committed $26m over the next 2 yrs so I think they are set at pg. Look for the cavs to trade this pick Can shoot it outside or go to the post. He is a matchup problem as he is a little too quick for power-forwards but big enough to give small forwards a problem. He can creat off the dribble and is a threat to knock down the 3. A very competitive man. Needs to become a better rebounder.

#5 Toronto Raptors New Coach Dwayne Casey is a Defense first coach and the Raptors were the worst defensive team last yr They could use a defensive Center to off set Bargnani or a defensive SF . All that said, I see them excitedly taking Brandon Knight (6'3 Kentucky Freshman) as their franchise PG. Night is a well rounded PG who shows strong Character and is super competitive. He has good clutch shooting and quick first step. High level speed and quickness and a professional demeanor to go along with his killer instinct he showed in the NCAA's. (note, the Cavs might take him only because he decided not to join Lebron and his Super Agent Leon Rose and the CAA staff..just saying) He is also VERY confident as he wanted to go against the other best guards in draft workouts. Shows me he isn't scared of anyone.

#6 Washington Wizards All info I have read points to the Wizards selecting Kawhi Leonard (6'7 SF from San Diego St) Kawhi Led the Aztecs to their best season ever last yr and he is leaving early to test his skills at the next level. He is an all around athlete, and has been favorably compared to Gerald Wallace in that aspect. He needs a little work on his offense, but he has a "high motor" and he is a very good athlete with long arms. He is also a better passer than people give him credit for. He is a defense first type of player but athletic enough to run with John Wall. Adds toughness to a relatively soft frontcourt.

#7 Sacramento Kings- Kemba Walker (6foot, Connecticut) Bring leadership and a very underrated PG set to a team that needs both. Enables the kings to move Tyreke Evans off the ball as well as he can score/spread the floor when they use Evans in the pick and roll. His maturity and fearless clutch shooting will bring a spark to the kings similar to what jj berea does for the Mavericks. He will be able to help spread the floor to give Evans and Demarcus Cousins some space to work with. Look for the kings to also look at Chris Singleton with this pick. I have read they really like him and have a need at SF.

#8 Detroit Pistons-Jonas Valanciunas (6'11 Center from Lithuania) I would like to see the Pistons grab Klay Thompson here, but it makes sense for them to go with Valanciunas. He is one of the few "legit Centers" in this draft...Long and athletic,a solid offensive game. He needs to add weight and quickness before he becomes an impast player, but he would be a great development project for the pistons who also have Greg Monroe from last yr's draft. Can play both together in the future. Jonas has a great wingspan and is a hard worker, 2 things that go well together. He could stay in Europe 1 or 2 more year, but that isnt the worst thing considering the logjam at that position (Jason maxiel, Monroe, Charlie Villanueva, Jonas Jerebko,Chris Wilcox) that the Pistons have as well as the prospect of a Lockout this yr (I hated writing that!!) BLAH LOCKOUT TALK
I could also see detroit trading this pick to move Richard Hamilton and his huge salary off their team.

#9 Charlotte Bobcats Chris Singleton (6'9, Florida State) He would be a great replacement for the Gerald Wallace role on this team. He is an athletic defensive wing that can cover inside and outside (thing Loul Deng without the scoring)...I keep reading that the 'Cats are looking to maybe take Marcus Morris here, but Im not sure how good he is going to be. A BARELY 6'9 as a slow PF in thisc league?He doesnt have much outside shot and has as high a BUST potential as anyone.. the cats arent that smart so I can see them taking him. Jordan is not as good a basketball guy as he is player, as we all know...back to Singleton, he is versatile and has an improving offensive game. He claims he can cover anyone, and with that attitude, Ill take him!! (Is Jordan even going to be there at the draft room??)

#10 Milwaukee Bucks- Klay Thompson (6-6 Washington St.) I think the Bucks would get a hard-on if this kid falls here. They definitely need a shooting guard and Klay has been said to be the most NBA ready shooting guard in this draft. He has a very refined perimeter game. He comes off screens and is a high percentage outside shooter (which will make Brandon Jennings Very happy)

LATE NOTE: Bucks might be trying to trade this pick to get rid of Corey Maggette
#11 Golden State Warriors Donetas Montiejunas (7 foot Lithuania born 1990) New Head Coach Mark Jackson will look to add some balance to this warriors roster. They need a big combo Guard that has a defensive presence to offset their 2 small Guards in Stephen Curry and Monte Ellis (Alec Burks would be a good choice) and they need a scoring Big Man to offset andris Biedrins. Lack of offensive skill (LACK being a HUGE understatement) Hence my choice of Donetas. He can score inside and out, has great size, athleticism and scoring skill. Needs to work on Defense...He is like a young Dirk or Andrea Bargnani. (read, skinny and can shoot)

#12 Utah Jazz-Tobias Harris (6'8 Tennessee) As a freshman he showed great "polish" and is a VERY WELL ROUNDED player. He can do anything well and is almost exactly, in my opinion, what you would want from a Small Forward. can shoot outside or post his man up. great handle and court vision. Not the greatest athlete in the world, but can defend pretty well. Very high basketball IQ and good mid range game also. Needs to improve his body as he is only 19 and has room to grow.
Since, in my draft, the Jazz have already taken Kyrie Irving, its a shame they cannot draft Jimmer. It would have been a great story. The Jazz are also loaded at Center and power forward. Andrie Kirilenko is also a free agent this yr which puts even more emphasis on the small forward position. "AK47" says he wants to coe back to Utah and take a paycut, but NOTHING is guaranteed. I also like Alec Burks in this spot for the Jazz as they need to groom a shooting Guard because Raja Bell and CJ miles are their best at that position (aka needs help)

#13 Phoenix Suns- Marcus Morris (6'9 Kansas) The Suns still looking to replace Amare Stoudamire, Look to impove their frontcourt with this pick. He is a little "smallish" @ a BARELY 6'9, but VERY versatile. He has a good "soft" touch around the rim, and range out to deep mid range. He can play the 3 and the 4 and will only get better playing with Steve Nash. He has good Basketball IQ and a few off the court questions, but I think maturity will set in for him. He does have a lot of goods to bring to the table though. Kind of a tough matchup and a future big off the bench who can really impact a game.

#14 Houston Rockets- Alec Burks (6'6 Colorado) With the risk of losing Yao Ming to free agency (even if they keep him, they would need to suppliment Center position as he is injured all the time and they also have EHEM BRAD MILLER!!) Bismark Biyombo has been mentioned for this pick, but I dont think that would go well since they already have a 1 Dimensional Defensive player inHasheem Thabeet (acquired at deadline in Shane Battier Deal) who, like Biyombo has limited offense (put nicely). Unlike Hasheem, Biyombo is big and strong, rebounds really well, and is a very hard worker. They also have a glut of Power forward (Luis Scola, Jordan Hill, Patrick Patterson) It think they need some wing help and some off the bench scoring. I think Alec Burks can help. He is a well rounded player who's versatility is his main strength. Very Similar to Kyle Weaver. Not the best athlete but excels in the open court with his handle. Ability to play both Guard spots and some small forward. Look for the Rockets to maybe take Marshon Brooks, or Kennith Faried here. They are very active in trade talks, as they have 2 first round picks.

#15 Indiana Pacers- Jimmer Fredette (6'2 BYU) If you haven't heard of Jimmer Fredette,well, What are you doing reading this? Really, exit out now. I think it is a perfect match here as the Pacers look to add depth at the Guard position, and Jimmy Chitwood err Fredette is a solid combo Guard who can score whenever he wants. I can see the Hoosiers/Pacers going for Biyumbo or Marshon Brooks here as well.

#16 Philadelphia 76ers Bizmark Biyumbo (6'9 Congo) 76ers VERY happy as thier main weakness is at the center position. Biyumbo is a Shot Blosker/Rebounder who is tough and strong. Needs a lot of work on his offense but he has the work ethic. He is favorably compared to Ben Wallace. Like cannot shoot at all like Ben Wallace. A BEAST like Ben Wallace. Almost a clone, he just needs a 'fro and we have the cover of nba 2k5 reborn!

#17 NY Knicks Nikola Vucevic (7' 260 USC) I have read rumors that the Knicks are looking for a pg of the future. Well, RIGHT NOW they need a big man who can compliment Amare. They have an obvious lack of size and interior defense. Vucevic does not solve the Defensive part but he is the best Center available. With a 7'4 wingspan, he will help in the rebounding dept. He is a SKILLED offensive player who has soft touch around the ri and range to 3 point line. Good handle and above average passer. Already has a lot of post moves @ the age of 20. needs to work on his defense and athleticism. They could also go w Markieff Morris here.

#18 Wizards- Markieff Morris (6'9 Kansas) Wizards still need to get bigger to add to Javelle Mcgee and Andray Blatche, who both are skinny dudes playing big man position. Mcgee played for team USA last summer and his confidence is fueling him along with his great wingspan and acrobatic dunks and blocks. Blatche has imporved to be juuuust a level under All-Star and, even ifKG hates him, he stil has good game. Marshon Brooks also makes a little sense here as they continue to build around John Wall, but my money is on the other Morris Twin. He is more of an inside gy than his twin, Marcus,but almost as versatile. He is a "Tweener 4/5" as opposed to his brother being a "tweener 3/4". Markieff has a high basketball IQ and can post up w his back to the basket and he has an improving face up game. He is also a hard worker on and off the court.

Next 2 picks are tough as you will never know what Jordan or Kahn are thinking...Well, Because I don't think even THEY know what they are thinking......

#19 Charlotte Bobcats- Trey Thompkins (6'9 Georgia) I had to think long about this pick. Bobcats still need to get bigger here but could also go with SG Marshon Brooks. I choose size w Thompkins. He is a highly skilled offensive bigman who can really help spreaed the floor with his shooting. Not known as an high level athlete, Trey still compliments the Bobcats Tyrus Thomas, who is an athletic freak but weak offensively.Thompkins is very smooth with the ball as if he has already been in the league. Not known as a guy with high work ethic on or off the court.'Cats could also draft Darius Morris here also.

#20 Minnesota Timberwolves- Marshon Brooks (6'5 Providence) I think they would be ecstatic if Brooks fell here. A true Scoring Guard, he has been to Kobe (in a good way). Was a one man show last year at UPROV and showed his scoring and versatility. He has long arms and hence rebounds well and blocks a lot of shots for his position. Unfortunately, Like Kobe, he has a poor shot selection but shoots a high % from 3 point line. He would be great to pair with Rubio as the young Spaniard loves to play with a scorer. Should also take some pressure off of Kevin Love also. Maybe KAHN gets it right after all? Oh, did you hear that they already decided to fire their coach but are waiting to fire him?? WOW

#21 Portland Trailblazers- Darius Morris (6'4 Michigan State) The need for a young PG or Center is well known. I know the Blazers really like Kennith Faried, but I think logic makes will make this decision. Darius Morris is the only "pure point guard" in this draft. He wont WOW you with his athleticism, but he is a playmaker and makes others around him better. The Blazers could also draftDavid Bertans as they are not afraid to draft Euro players that need another year or 2 overseas to get better.

#22 Denver Nuggets- Kennith Faried (6'6 Morehead St.) Denver needs to add more froncourt depth and the athletic rebounder is perfect at this slot. Some compare him to Dennis Rodman (WITHOUT the hair or dress). Has no offensive game to speak of, but has a great wingspan and is tireless on the glass. Very athletic and passionate. He will be a great role player for a playoff team in the future. only 6'6 nut has a 7' wingspan

#23 Houston Rockets- Iman Shumpert (6'6 Georgia Tech) Shumpert was not even on the draft radar a few months ago, but his combine work and the fact that he is the best defensive point guard in the draft as well as a good perimeter shooter. He has good leadership skills and can run a team. Rockets could also draft Reggie Jackson here.

#24 OKC Thunder- Tyler Honeycutt (6'7 UCLA) They sure do like their athletic wings in OKC, and Honeycutt fits the bill. He is a defensive player who has shown flashes of outside scoring ability and he has above average passing skills for a forward. Thunder could also select Reggie Jackson or Kyle Singler here also.

#25 Boston Celtics- Jeremy Tyler (6'11 San Diego High school, Israel, Japan) The need to get bigger and younger is paramount with this pick to compliment the big 4 I think the Celtics take a flyer on Jeremy Tyler was a high ranking recruit as a junior in HIgh school, but he decided to go overseas to learn how to be a pro. He has a 7'5 wingspan and a very good athlete for his size. at 260, he needs work on his body. He has a good mid range jumper but needs work on his post game (offense and defense) Celtics could also draft Jordan Williams, Jajuan Johnson, Kyle Singler or Justin Harper here

#26 Dallas Mavericks- David Bertans (6'9 Latvia) And a perfect scenario unfolds for Dallas. This team is full of veterans and doesn't seem to have much Roster room (or salary room) for a new player now. Brendan Bertans fits here because he needs some time overseas to get better, which is the reason he fell this far in the draft. He is a Sharpshooter who excels at every type of jumpshot with a high release point. great court vision and makes use of his average athleticism with smart cuts and a dangerous 3 point shot. Great Character. He is a little one dimensional now as a shooter, but that is exactly why he would stay overseas for a year or two.

#27 New Jersey Nets- Malcom Lee (6'5 UCLA) Looking to build around Deron williams, Lee is very intriguing here. A combo guard, has great footwork and an improved jumpshot. a great athlete. He has great length, and a quick first step. He has great handle but not great decision making skills. Could also draft Jordan Williams here.

#28 Chicago Bulls- Jordan Hamilton (6'7 Texas) The bulls would love it if my mock draft would be true. Their #1 need is a Shooting Guard to stretch the Defense and give Derrick Rose some breathing room. I doubt he will really fall this far as I am the only one who has him falling this far. Im just not a huge fan of his. He should have stayed another year at Texas. He is an excellent shooter but not a great defender. He lacks quickness and overall defensive technique (which might work since Tom Thibideau is a top defensive Coach and will surely bring the best out of him). They could take Norris Cole,

#29 San Antonio Spurs-Nicola Mirotic (6'10 Montenegro) Needs a yr or 2 overseas, but is right up the alley of the spurs. He has a high Basketball IQ (offensively and defensively), great jumpshot. Also has a wide array of post moves going both ways using both hands and spin moves. He has a great court vision and ball handling skills. He is an above average athlete, and a better defender than people give him credit for. He is also a good offensive rebounder. Could also take Jordan Williams, Justin Harper, Norris Cole, or Jajuan Johnson here.

#30 Chicago Bulls (Justin Harper 6'10 Richmond) The bulls, looking to improve their bench, will look to get this offensive big man who can shoot and spread the floor. They can also draft Shelvin Mack at this spot. Mack had a great tun w Butler to 2 straight Championship Monday appearances. The 2nd one was more impressive because they lost their best player Gordon Hayward to the NBA. Mack has clutch shooting and he is a winner. Helps that he played pg in college and can move over to shooting Guard.

That's it!! I look forward hearing YOU tell me how bad I did!!

Jason Shaw, YOUR Basketball Geek.

A look at the Bruins top 3 choices in the 2010 NHL draft.

2010-05-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

Decisions, Decisions...

The 2010 NHL draft will take place between June 25 and June 26. With Boston winning the #2 pick in the 2010 NHL draft lottery (from Toronto) . Here is a breakdown of the top 3 prospects:

#1 Taylor Hall LW

Taylor Hall was the 2008 OHL and CHL rookie of the year. In the 2009-10 season. He scored 40 goals and had 66 assists for a total of 106 points. In the 2010 playoffs he scored 17 goals and had 18 assists for a total of 35 points in only 17 games. He was instrumental in Spitfires' 2010 J. Ross Robertson Cup championship. He has explosive speed and has a knack for slowing the game down. He's versatile as well, and can play some center if need be. He can change directions with ease, and breaks down a defense effortlessly. He might leave himself open to some big hits, but overall an offensive powerhouse. Taylor wears #4 in tribute to Bobby Orr.

#2 Tyler Seguin C

In the 2009-10 season, Tyler Seguin played 63 games for the Whalers. Seguin scored 48 goals and had 58 assists for 106 points, tying him for the first overall in OHL points with Taylor Hall. In 9 playoff games, Seguin scored 5 goals and added 5 assists for 10 points. He can maneuver easily through defenses, and has exceptional puck handling abilities. He has an accurate shot and tends to get most of them on goal. After having a slow start in the 2009-2010 OHL season he came alive and was able to showcase his skills with ease. He might end up being the most realistic choice for the Bruins pick in 2010.

Cam Fowler D

In 2009-10, his OHL rookie season, Fowler played in 55 games for the Windsor Spitfires. He scored 8 goals and added 47 assists for 55 points while posting a +38 rating for the season. In 19 playoff games, Fowler scored 3 goals and added 11 assists for 14 points as the Spitfires won the OHL championship for the second consecutive year. He has all of the makeup of a top tier NHL defenseman. Agile, focused, light footed and has uncanny offensive potential. He has an enormous Hockey I.Q, and is adept at distributing the puck. He doesn't always play the man before the puck though, which might lead to some lost one-on-one battles.

So we know The Bruins have the second pick overall. We know who the top 3 prospects are. The only question is: which one of these very talented prospects are the Bruins going to pick and why? It seems Seguin might be the best player left if Edmonton takes Hall with the first pick. Either way the Bruins could find a spot on their porous roster for any of these guys. Stat Junky will have a more in-depth breakdown of whoever it is the Bruins end up with after round #1 of the draft.

Pure Domination- Eastern Conf Finals Game 3

2010-05-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

Celtics D Demolishes Magic

What a dominant defensive performance tonight. The Celtic Defense held the Magic to just 36.9% shooting in the 94-71 Game 3 victory. They out rebounded the Magic 43 to 36, and stole the ball a total of 12 times. Despite having Dwight Howard the Celtics limited the Magic to just 22 points in the paint. They let the Magic score just 12 points in the first quarter, and just 13 in the second quarter and at one point had a 32 point lead. All of this points to one definitive fact about this game and the whole series to this point: The Celtics just want it more. This is easily one of the most memorable moments in recent Boston Celtic Basketball:

After the game, Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo sat at the podium and took questions from the press. Here's a snippet from that press conference:

The Future is scary for Rajon Rondo as he continues to develop as a player, a leader, and a teammate.

Shorty Man

2010-05-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Heir To The Throne

Rajon Rondo: The Big #1 of the Celtics big 4.

Having the big three of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce has its perks. They have the wisdom, the talent, the basketball IQ and the experience to make it through any game situation you can throw at them. You throw Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo into the mix, and you have at least one NBA championship team... for now.

Rajon Rondo is the most fascinating point guard to watch in the NBA, and one of the most exciting players you will ever see on the court. He has a style all his own, and the most dynamic and multi-faceted player the NBA has seen in a long time. Here is some background info on him from Wikipedia:

"Date of birth February 22, 1986 (1986-02-22) (age 24) Place of birth Louisville, Kentucky

Listed height 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight 171 lb (78 kg)

NBA Draft 2006 / Round: 1 / Pick: 21
Selected by the Phoenix Suns

Pro career 2006–present
Career highlights and awards:

NBA Champion (2008)
NBA All-Star (2010)
All-Defensive First Team (2010)
All-Defensive Second Team (2009)
NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2007)
2004 McDonald's All American

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Rondo attended Eastern High School and Oak Hill Academy for his high-school basketball career, before receiving a scholarship from the University of Kentucky. He played for two years at Kentucky before declaring for the 2006 NBA Draft, represented by agent Bill Duffy.

During the draft, Rondo was selected 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns, and was subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics, where he made his NBA debut as a rookie during the 2006–07 season. He played a supporting role before he established himself as the starting point guard for the Celtics during the 2007–08 season. That season, Rondo earned his first NBA Championship, playing alongside All-Stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.(Wikipedia)"

So Rajon's game developed pretty early in life when he started out among all things as a quarterback. His mom wanted him to play Basketball, because it would be a little easier on his "skinny frame" (I guess that explains where he got speed). During his junior year at Eastern High School, he averaged 27.9 points, 10.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists which earned him a spot on the All-State team and was named the 7th Region Player of the Year. He transferred to Virginia's Oak Hill Academy for his senior year where he averaged 21.0 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game and 12.0 assists per game and finished the 2003-04 season with a 38-0 record. He holds the single-game assists school record of 31, merely four away from the all-time national record. He also had a 55 point game in high school, second highest all-time in Oak Hill Academy. Not bad for a "skinny kid."

His pick in the draft has an interesting timeline itself:

August 6, 2004: Traded by the Los Angeles Lakers (as a 2006 1st round draft pick) with Rick Fox and Gary Payton to the Boston Celtics for Chucky Atkins, Jumaine Jones and Chris Mihm.

February 24, 2005: Traded by the Boston Celtics (as a 2006 1st round draft pick) with Tom Gugliotta, Gary Payton and Michael Stewart to the Atlanta Hawks for Antoine Walker.

August 19, 2005: Traded by the Atlanta Hawks (as a 2006 1st round draft pick) with Boris Diaw and a 2008 1st round draft pick (Robin Lopez) to the Phoenix Suns for Joe Johnson.

June 28, 2006: Drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the 1st round (21st pick) of the 2006 NBA Draft.

June 28, 2006: Traded by the Phoenix Suns with Brian Grant to the Boston Celtics for a 2007 1st round draft pick (Rudy Fernandez).

I guess the Celtics were destined to end up with him somehow. Rajon played a big role for the C's in the 2008 Championship averaging 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists. In the 2009 playoffs, he averaged almost a triple double, as he was good for 16.9 points 9.7 rebounds and 9.8 assists. He is first team 2009-10 NBA All-Defensive. He was an all-star for the first time in his career too, averaging 9.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 4.4 rebounds, warranting the Celtics to sign him to a 5 year $55 million contract in November of 2009. During the 2010 playoffs so far, he is averaging 17.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 10.6 assists, all while at the helm of the star-studded Boston Celtic offense. Here is something I found on youtube.com from his epic game four of the Eastern Conference semifinal performance of 29 points, 18 rebounds and 13 assists:

Rondo hasn't been known to be a shooter, although his mid range jump shot has shown significant improvement. He has developed an elbow jumper that he relies on heavily if he doesn't have an immediate passing option. His close range floater has shown some improvement this year and is his weapon of choice after some dribble penetration. 82games.com has a breakdown that says that most of his shots this year have been jump shots (53%) followed closely by the close range floaters and layups (45%).

He also holds some all-time records in the historic Boston Celtics franchise with the most assists in a single-season with 794 (2009-10 1st in NBA) and the most steals in a single-season with 189 (2009-10 1st in the NBA in steals /game) and we at Stat Junky think he'll continue to build on that legacy and stay on the path of developing his game and becoming the premier point guard in the NBA for quite some time.

Bruins Take a Rest

2010-05-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Season in Stats

The Bruin's playoffs were a wild ride which ended in a crash and burn that went down in the history books. The Bruins fell to the Philadelphia Flyers who became only the fourth team in North American major-league sports history to overcome an 0-3 deficit in a best-of-seven playoff series. The previous 3 were the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs, the 1975 New York Islanders and, of course we all remember the 2004 Boston Red Sox who won four strait after being down 3-0 against The Yankees and then went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.

The Bruins hovered around the bottom of the league in almost every offensive category scoring 196 goals, 31st (dead last) in the NHL, 117 goals behind the #1 Washington Capitals. They were 23rd in power play percentage with 16.6%, and 30th in assists with 348, 175 behind the Caps. Goaltending was a bright spot with Tuukka Rask getting allot of ice time. Bruins were 2nd in the NHL with a Goals against avg of 2.28, and tied for 1st with the Buffalo Sabres in save %.

This team needs some soul searching offensively and hopefully with the addition of our #2 pick in the 2010 NHL draft along with some much needed off season changes we can get just that. Stat Junky and management agrees, there are changes to be made:

Statistical info Courtesy of Yahoo Sports, thehothand.blogspot.com, espnboston.com, thebostonbruins.com.

2010-05-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Celtics 2, Magic 0

Celtics defense shines again

Rajon Rondo continues to turn heads. He dished out eight assists and scored 25 points as his leadership continued to develope in game 2. He's scoring 17.2 PPG in the 2010 playoffs with 6.10 RPG and 10.8 APG. Paul Pierce got knocked down and got right back up and scored 28 points. The Magic went on a 13-4 run to cut Boston’s lead to 85-83 with about six minutes left. Vince Carter’s jumper with 4:05 left in the game gave Orlando a 90-89 lead. But Doc and the Celtics dug deep and made it happen.

Another Junky Stat: This is the first time the Celtics have gone up 2-0 in a playoff series on the road. Any time they do go up 2-0 in the playoffs they are 32-0. Maybe thats why Paul tweeted this after the game (this since has been deemed the workings of a hacker)

Sources: Espn, Bostonceltics.com, NBCsports

Tonight's Celtics/Magic Game 2 ECF Matchup

2010-05-18T12:48:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Stat Junky Positional Matchups:

Celtics                         Magic

Point Guard:

R. Rondo                     J. Nelson

Points: 13.7                 Points: 12.6
Rebounds: 4.4             Rebounds: 3.0
Assists: 9.8                 Assists: 5.4

Shooting Guard:

R. Allen                       V. Carter

Points: 16.3                 Points: 16.6
Rebounds: 3.2             Rebounds: 3.9
Assists: 2.6                 Assists: 3.1

Small Forward:

P. Pierce                    M. Barnes

Points: 18.3                Points: 8.8
Rebounds: 4.4            Rebounds: 5.5
Assists: 3.1                Assists: 1.7

Power Forward:

K. Garnett                  R. Lewis

Points: 14.3                Points: 14.1
Rebounds: 7.3            Rebounds: 4.4
Assists: 2.7                Assists: 1.5

Center:

K. Perkins                 D. Howard

Points: 10.1               Points: 18.3
Rebounds: 7.6           Rebounds: 13.2
Assists: 1.0               Assists: 1.8

Courtesy of ESPN

Ellsbury and Cameron Can't Come Back Soon Enough

2010-05-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

We might be seeing just how bad (video) we miss Jacoby Ellsbury and Mike Cameron every time someone else that's playing in their absence makes a fool of themselves in the outfield. This has happened all season, but last night was the icing on the cake. It makes you wonder how different things would have been if we had Ellsbury, who Stat Junky has 1st in the AL in fielding % in 2008 (1.000) and Cameron, the 3 time Gold Glover in our outfield.

David Ortiz MAY be back...

2010-05-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

In the 12 games David Ortiz has played so far this May, he is hitting .348 with 6 home runs and 14 RBI. It could be too early to tell but a comeback from Big Papi is just what us at Stat Junky and Red Sox Nation needs.

Sox bats filling in where pitching and defense comes up short

2010-05-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Though the Boston Red Sox have been hovering around the middle of the pack in the AL defensively (7th in Field %, 6th in errors, 6th in double plays) Their pitching has not been what everyone, including management, expected going into the 2010 regular season. Stat Junky has Boston's overall pitching ranks 13th (1 away from dead last) in the AL in ERA with a 4.83. With opponents batting average at .258 (Josh Beckett's is at .311) it seems that hitting the ball off of these pitchers comes a little easier than everyone expected. This pitching staff ranks 11th in hits with 343 total. They have given up the most amount of runs in the AL with 201 with 41 of those coming by way of the long ball. Is it chemistry issues? Is the almost "catcher by committee" status too confusing for them or is it just too early in the season? Nobody knows but with Daisuke back and a healthier rotation, now there are no excuses.

Welcome To Stat Junky

2010-05-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

Stat Junky was created as a sports blog to publish stats and stories that have an impact on certain games/scenarios/trends in sports. As of right now, Stat Junky is used primarily for Boston Sports. This blog will cover some stats that will hopefully stimulate your brain cells and have you thinking of the reasons why some trends occur in sports and what stats factor into certain game situations. Some stats will be obscure, some will be mundane and simple and others will be mind blowing. I hope you enjoy this blog and I hope it opens your eyes as to why certain things happen in sports and forces you to question things as well. If you have any questions/concerns or question the validity of the information you can email me KeithSchiavoni@gmail.com. Also, if you would like to make contributions to the blog you are welcomed to do so by emailing me. All information in your contributions must be accurate, and is subject to review by myself and my team of stat junkies. All of our information comes from stat websites and informational resources such as Baseball-reference.com and 82games.com and is a result of their research. So don't be mad at me if some information is incorrect. Enjoy! :)

hostgator discount code