*Stephen Curry is one to watch out for.  He had a few impressive second place finishes during his rookie season: the 2010 All-star three-point contest, which showcased his effortless outside shooting touch, as well as Rookie of the Year voting.  What’s scary is Curry makes his game look easy.  Some highlights of his rookie season include a 36-pt, 10-reb, 13-ast triple-double (joining Jason Kidd, Michael Jordan, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and Elgin Baylor as the only rookies to put up that stat line), as well as setting the rookie record for 3-point field goals with 166.  Curry’s maturity and ability to stay positive and produce make him one of the most promising rising stars in the league.  Look for an all-star caliber sophomore season.

*Does USA Basketball really need a face? What about twelve faces? Kevin Durant’s modesty is refreshing and his desire to be one of twelve faces is smart and mature.  It is no wonder that the Thunder had a fairy tale turnaround this past season.  Chemistry is underrated and Durant seems to be able to bring it-and understand its value-to whatever team he plays for.

*Turmoil in Denver.  The Nuggets were once a few Trevor Ariza steals away from the NBA Finals.  Now, the art of the inbounds pass seems like the least of their problems.  With Carmelo Anthony’s pen still no closer to a 3-year, $65M extension, media outlets are speculating about when and how Melo will leave Denver.  The career 46% shooter (31% from three), averaged nearly twenty-five points over his first seven NBA seasons.  With Amar’e Stoudemire not too subtly doing some recruiting for the Knicks as well as Anthony’s 2003 draft classmates forming the Big 3 in Miami, the pressure to make a change is mounting.  

*Can you answer this: Who signs first: Allen Iverson or Grizzlies’ rookies?

*LeBron James needs to sign with the Bulls and quickly.  Now I’m not from Chicago and not partial to the Bulls in any way.  In fact, I thought Miami was the team that would surprise everyone and sign him.  However, when I heard Dwyane Wade had a second meeting and that Chris Bosh was right along with him (which was later discredited), I immediately thought of the impact these potential signings would have: not on the league–on LeBron.  Everyone thought LeBron’s decision would produce a domino effect and the other free agents would fall into place accordingly.  If Dwyane Wade and Bosh sign with the Bulls (provided the Bulls shed enough cap space to pull it off), the Bulls will have one of the most dominant teams in the NBA.  And now, where does LeBron sign? The Knicks and Heat barely have anyone to build around.  The Nets and Clippers offer some solid players at key positions, though both seemingly have a long hill to climb.  Basically, LeBron needs to pre-empt any of these situations–especially Wade and Bosh signing together and limiting his options.  If LeBron signs with the Bulls, he is already guaranteed a starring role on a talented team.  And the Bulls still have the cash to sign another star.  With LeBron there, what player would decline that opportunity?

*The Knicks did not get better if they sign Amar’e Stoudemire to a max contract.  In the city of basketball smoke and mirrors, this signing just does not make sense.   I personally cannot stand the argument that Lee’s stats are a product of a fast paced, undisciplined, offense-oriented system.  If you are going to make the argument with Lee, you better include Bosh and Stoudemire in those discussions, since their offensive stats are equally “inflated.”  Stoudemire is a more explosive scorer, but David Lee will score without having to be the focus of the offense.  Additionally, Lee crashes the boards every night and is pretty much a guaranteed double-double (even leading the league in double-doubles in 2008-09).  Lee is also a better passer, leading centers in assists per game this past season.  Health is also a concern as Amar’e has battled through knee and eye injuries.  I like Amar’e Stoudemire.  But take a look at these stats.  If Amar’e gets max, his first year’s salary ($17.2M) will be more than the Knicks paid David Lee in 5 years combined (11.5M).  Those numbers may be the most telling of all.

*Lastly, no shame in taking the money.  In the NBA, money is guaranteed, rings are not.  Simple as that.

Pick 1: Washington Wizards

If there’s one franchise that can use a bright spot this season, it’s Washington. What to do? They can take point guard John Wall, widely considered the best player in the draft, and hope he meshes with Gilbert Arenas. A second option is versatile swingman Evan Turner, who spent three years in college developing his game compared to Wall’s one. The Wizards probably can’t go wrong with either decision. However, just because a player is considered the number one talent in the draft does not necessarily mean he will become the best player or be the best fit for your team.

Pick 2: Philadelphia 76ers

For a team that took the Orlando Magic to six games in last season’s playoffs, the 76ers in 2009-10 were disappointing to say the least.  Elton Brand didn’t gel any better into the offense and he recorded the first 0-rebound game of his career.  In fact, the offense in general never seemed to gel with the absence of Andre Miller.  Jrue Holiday showed potential on both ends of the floor in his 51 starts.  It will be interesting to watch him develop as a floor leader in his sophomore season.

It is extremely unlikely Philadelphia can significantly retool their team due to over 100 million dollars in salary committed to Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala.  A number two draft selection and a new coach may spark the Sixers to a 2011 playoff push.

Pick 3: New Jersey Nets

It was hard to see the Nets drop to number three after winning only 12 games in 2009-10.  Not long ago, the Nets were competitive with 6 consecutive playoff appearances from 2002-07, including back-to-back trips to the NBA Finals in ’02 and ’03.  According to new majority owner Mikhail Prokhorov, it is only a matter of time before the Nets compete for a championship again.  And it doesn’t look like he wants to wait very long.

Look for the Nets to woo marquee free agents this summer with promises of a rapid rebuild and eventual relocation to Brooklyn.  Franchise center Brook Lopez put up serious numbers this past season and is certainly a player to build around.  Point guard Devin Harris, a victim of nagging injuries for the duration of the regular season, was an all-star in 2009.  With a solid 1 and 5 in the starting lineup, the Nets can hopefully gain players through the draft and free agency to fill the numbers in between.

Pick 4: Minnesota Timberwolves

Many Timberwolves fans sat dismayed as the Wolves dropped from number two to number four in the lotto.  Realistically, the Wolves could have had a franchise-changing draft last season.  With the 5^th and 6^th picks in 2009, the Wolves would have been winners had they selected lottery picks Stephen Curry and Brandon Jennings, late first round picks Darren Collison and Rodrigue Beaubois, or even second rounder DeJuan Blair.  The reality is that a franchise like the Spurs can gamble on a pick like DeJuan Blair, since they aren’t dependent on the draft for a successful season.  The Wolves were dependent last year, and after a 15-win season (9 wins fewer than in 2008-09), the team remains as dependent as ever.

Pick 5: Sacramento Kings

The Kings have some good young talent, with 2009-10 Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans front and center.  Carl Landry and Jason Thompson will be two key players to count on in the franchise’s future.  20-5-5 man Tyreke Evans was the 4^th overall pick in 2009, which gives Kings fans plenty of reason to believe that the 5^th selection could prove favorable as well.  Sacramento can also try and trade the pick for a veteran who can offer immediate help.

* The Orlando Magic. They’ve swept their first two series and people are questioning the level of competition so far. The Charlotte Bobcats (their first round opponent) won the season series vs. the Cavaliers 3-1 and the Hawks (their semifinals opponent) swept the Celtics 4-0. The Magic won the season series vs. the Celtics 3-1. However, the Celtics are looking healthier and more cohesive than they have all season.  What are your predictions for the series?

*The Phoenix Suns.  The Suns didn’t make the playoffs last season. Grant Hill re-signed with the team after exploring his free agent options with teams like New York.  The bench has transformed from a weakness in previous years to an integral part of the team’s success. And not enough can be said about Amar’e Stoudemire’s professionalism and poise both during and after the trade deadline. The Suns have won four of the last five postseason meetings against the Lakers, but the reigning champ Lakers are coming off two straight NBA Finals appearances. Can the Suns finally get past their postseason plateau and make it to the NBA Finals?

*Biggest x-factors going into Conference Finals?

*The Miami Heat have team President Pat Riley in their commercials promising a dynasty. What other teams have their President featured in TV ads? Miami is going to make some big changes this offseason–who would you choose to complement Dwyane Wade? The Heat have also created the site “wewantwade.com.”  Thoughts on that?

*Hunt for head coaches. Everyone talks about candidates that have experience as an NBA head coach. Who are the best candidates that don’t?

What are your thoughts on these points and any others?

Vince Carter

On going for the championship:

It’s been a great ride.  These guys have made it special.  We’re just excited about the opportunity.  Like I said, guys don’t get the opportunity to play for a championship or be on a championship caliber basketball team.  A lot of these guys are on the team back-to-back years and you know, we’re going for it, why not?

On Rashard Lewis saying you don’t know how many chances you’re going to get to compete for a title:

Right, right, he can’t talk, this is his second go-round (laughing).  This is my first, but like I said, it is [important to make the most of each chance].  You take advantage of the opportunities because they’re few and far between and the time is now.

On Stan Van Gundy saying he’s impressed Magic didn’t play like they had a cushion in the series against Atlanta. What do you guys say in the locker room to enable that?

It’s him, he’s the one that really instills it in our heads.  I think this is a veteran group that understands that and Stan’s gonna make sure just in case we don’t understand it, we understand it…Like I said, we’re about our business.  We’re about taking care of it each and every night we step on the floor.  You want to win the series as quickly as possible, get your rest, and get ready for the next one.

On the team’s mindset:

Our focus has been laser sharp and guys are just in tune with what needs to be done.

On flipping a switch…

We’re definitely capable of it I think, but why not just turn the switch on when that ball goes up from the start and leave the switch on…If your electric bill’s high, it’s alright–you’ll pay for it later (laughing).

Patrick Ewing

What do you see as the difference between this team and the team that made the NBA Finals last season?

I think the biggest thing is Dwight [Howard].  Dwight has definitely improved.  His output in the post and also passing out of double teams has definitely helped us.  And I think we’re a little bit more focused.  Not to say that we weren’t focused last year, but you know getting to the Finals and losing, I think [the focus] has definitely improved.

I see you working with Dwight before every game.  Besides passing out of double teams, what are the main things you’ve worked on with him?

There’s him scoring when he has the opportunity. When he doesn’t–when they double him–do a good job of passing out of double teams, trying to cut his free throws down.  And stepping up and making his free throws.

Magic have the most solid inside-out game of playoff teams?

I’m not going to say of all of the teams.  The Lakers have a pretty good inside-out game, Cleveland the same.  I think that Dwight is having an outstanding year and we’re doing a great job of knocking down shots on the perimeter.

What do you tell the team to mentally prepare for the long haul of the playoffs?

Just got to stay focused and just got to keep playing.  We’re doing an outstanding job right now, can’t let down, just got to keep fighting.

This season, Rondo put his stamp on Celtics history, breaking Bob Cousy’s record for single season assists with 794 and Rick Fox’s record for single season steals with 189. Rondo ranked 4th in the league with 9.8 assists per game and first with 2.3 steals per game. While Rondo shined, the Celtics faltered throughout the season. Kevin Garnett had 10 double-doubles, 19 less than the year the Celtics won the title. And Paul Pierce averaged the fewest points since his rookie season. The Celtics finished 4th in the East and many predicted a first round upset at the hands of Dwyane Wade’s Heat.

The Celtics took care of the Heat in five games and moved on to face LeBron James and the Cavaliers. While the Cavaliers had tremendous front court depth, it would quickly become apparent that they had no one to contain Rondo. In the first two games against the Cavaliers, Rondo–through scoring or assists–played a part in 112 of the Celtics‘ 197 points. After splitting the first two games, the Cavaliers tore into Boston and handed the Celtics their worst home playoff loss in franchise history. Could the Celtics rebound in Game 4? Rondo took it upon himself to make sure they would–literally and figuratively.

The 6’1 point guard delivered a performance nothing short of epic. He finished the night with 29 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists and 2 steals. As Rondo iced the game with free throws, the crowd chanted “MVP,” which may be the understatement of the playoffs. With the 97-87 win, the Celtics have evened the series and put the Cavaliers back on their heels. Suddenly the team everyone counted out looks like a real threat to the No. 1 Cavs.

Despite the above statistics, the most important number to the Celtics is 55: the amount (in millions) of Rondo’s newly signed 5-year deal. After this postseason, it looks like a bargain.

The Hawks notched a decisive 95-74 victory in Game 7 to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second straight season. Few expected the 53-win Hawks to go the length against an injury depleted Bucks team, but Milwaukee not only made it a series, but one of the most even series in NBA history. Both teams were separated by 5 total points and 4 rebounds entering Game 7. So one has to ask: does “Now You Know” seem fitting or does this series leave us with more questions than answers?

It may take another series to find out. For now, it’s safe to say the Hawks took care of business when they needed to. After losing 3 straight to the Bucks, turning a 2-0 lead into a 2-1 deficit, the Hawks rattled off two straight wins to clinch the series. In Game 7, they limited Milwaukee to 32 percent shooting, including a 13-point first quarter and 14-point fourth. Brandon Jennings led the team with 15 points on 6-18 field goals while John Salmons shot 5-18 to finish with 11.

The Hawks got it done on both ends of the floor, shooting 47 percent for the night and outrebounding the Bucks 55-34. Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford relaxed towards the end of the series, leading the team with 24 points in Game 6 and 22 in Game 7.

Both Josh Smith and Al Horford averaged a near double-double against the Bucks. While the frontcourt mismatches clearly favored the Hawks, next series will certainly present a greater challenge to get anything going inside with Dwight Howard stationed in the paint for the Magic.

The Magic won the season series 3-1, with the Hawks lone victory coming from Josh Smith’s spectacular buzzer-beating putback dunk. The Magic outscored the Hawks by an average of over 16 points in the season series and held a +10 advantage on the boards.

Dwight Howard was a large part of Orlando’s success on both ends, averaging 21 points, 17 rebounds and 3.5 blocks against Atlanta. Horford struggled in the series, averaging 8 points, 7 rebounds, and under one block against the Magic. The Hawks will need to rely on their guards without becoming dependent on jump shots and isolation plays. The Magic can defend both the paint and the perimeter, so ball movement will be essential.

While the Hawks faced high expectations against the Bucks, it is the Magic that enter every series with the pressure to return to the Finals. The Magic players I’ve talked to–even the ones not on the team last year–all quantify success as championship or bust.

On the other hand, the Hawks are looking to redeem last season’s second round sweep to the Cavaliers to show where they stack up in the East. In 2008, the No. 8 Hawks took No. 1 Celtics to 7 games in the first round before the Celtics went on to win the title. Despite a shaky first round series against the Bucks, it is clear that it’s not how a team starts the post season, it’s how it ends up.

So while the Hawks motto is “Now You Know,” the reality is now we’ll find out.

Before the season, someone asked me to name a bad team with great chemistry. I said the Oklahoma City Thunder (owners of a 23-59 record entering the 2009-10 season). With a 27-win improvement, the Thunder literally became contenders overnight. As the 8th seed in the West, they are locked in a first round battle against the reigning champion Lakers. And the upstart Thunder–the youngest team in the playoffs–are definitely holding their own.

The Thunder’s “big three” of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green had zero games of playoff experience entering the 2010 playoffs. Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant had played in 351 games combined (ranked 2nd and 3rd among active players, respectively).

I was talking to Lamar Odom about how important it is for a team to be playing its best basketball entering the playoffs. “It’s really important because momentum is serious in this league,” said Odom, “and even more serious than momentum is implementing in a lot of these teams–in their heads–that they can’t beat us. That’s the most important. You want to take their confidence away and it’s a perfect time to do it.”

However, the Lakers faltered at the end of the season and would end up losing seven of their final eleven games. I asked Odom about the team’s chemistry and he quickly replied, “The chemistry is great. You can’t make it to the Finals two years in a row if the chemistry isn’t good.”

Odom made a valid point, except the Lakers’ demeanor on the court at times seems to belie a less united front. People should not underestimate Durant’s ease into a leadership role and his readiness to say that he can win now, in Oklahoma City, with the players on the roster. When a superstar puts faith in guys 1-12, it isn’t surprising how individuals will collectively rise to the occasion.

Other Notes:

Cavaliers/Bulls

I think too often people judge a player by whether or not he has won a ring. LeBron James’s performances on the court are epic. Through four games against the Bulls, he is averaging 35 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 2.5 blocks, 1.5 steals, and shooting almost 60% from the field and 55% from beyond the arc. In game 4, he notched his 5th career postseason triple-double, second to Jason Kidd among active players. If the Cavaliers don’t win a ring–it’s not because of him.

And if the Bulls don’t advance, it’s not because of Joakim Noah. Averaging 16.5 points, 14.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals in the first four games against the Cavs, Noah is one of the best centers–and best soundbites–of the postseason.

Suns/Trail Blazers

The Suns won 14 of their last 16 regular season games. They led the league in three main offensive categories with 110.2 points per game, 49.2 FG% and 41.2 3-PT%. In the first four games against the Blazers, the Suns have been held to 103.5 points per game (and 93.5 in their two losses). The Blazers are one of the best teams at controlling the game’s tempo–a quality that makes them a very formidable opponent.

Mavericks/Spurs

While the Spurs aren’t a typical 7 seed, the Mavericks have one of the deepest and most talented teams on paper. If they can’t win a title–or at least contend for one–with this team, I don’t see how they’ll be able to win one in the future. I’d also like to see rookie Rodrigue Beaubois get some minutes in this series, but then again, I would’ve liked to see him on the court more during the regular season as well.

I think the 2010 playoffs have been significant in embodying the “it takes 5–or rather 12” mentality of basketball. The Spurs, Jazz and Thunder have shown how intangible qualities produce tangible wins.

However, I immediately noticed that Kevin Durant ranked 2nd in first place votes. While his team (Thunder: +27 wins and a playoff appearance) was most improved, I think a more applicable award for Durant would be MVP over MIP. Don’t get me wrong, my vote is LeBron James for MVP. However, with Durant in every MVP discussion, I find it strange for a player to be considered so strongly for both awards.

Durant was a star on the rise last season. This season, he became the youngest scoring champion in NBA history. Some nights he simply couldn’t be guarded and his 29-game streak of 25+ points was the most since Michael Jordan in 1986-87. Durant also improved his defense on the other end of the floor, and Oklahoma City ranked 7th in opponent FG% and 3rd in opponent 3-PT%.

Does Kevin Durant’s incredible season make him more worthy of MIP, MVP or both? Kevin Durant was already on the map before this season, but now he is in the record books.

And one other note – Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova received four total points. He last played in the NBA in 2006-07 and played the last few seasons in Europe. Is it right to use that span of time to judge his improvement?

What are your thoughts on the MIP voting, who do you think deserved it most, and how would you define the award?

Deron & Dimes

Jazz PG Deron Williams has 18 20-pt/10-ast games this season. (Utah’s franchise record is 28 – John Stockton) & the only other player with more is LeBron James with 19.

BIG game for Beaubois

Usually OKC is on the money with their draft picks, but after selecting Rodrigue Beaubois 25th overall in ’09, they traded him to the Dallas Mavericks for Byron Mullens.  Beaubois has shown his ability to provide instant offense, regardless of how inconsistent his minutes are.  Last night, Beaubois lit up the Warriors for 40 pts & nine 3-PT FG!  Warriors are making the rookies look really good this season.

On Point

Not only was this draft saturated with point guards, but it seems like it was saturated with excellent point guards, no matter how late the pick.  In a draft people referred to as ‘light,’ it looks like franchises have found their point guard for years to come–and some look primed for superstardom.

Speaking of Point Guards

The scariest thing about the Mavs is that they have three legit point guards to back up future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd.  Not only that, but their three backups (Jason Terry, Rodrigue Beaubois & J.J. Barea) are among the fastest guards in the NBA.

Matchups of the Night

Grizzlies vs. Bucks – the Bucks, currently struggling due to injuries, will take on one of the top starting 5′s.  It will be hard for the Bucks to contain Zach Randolph if Andrew Bogut doesn’t play & to keep up with the Grizzlies, Jennings will need to score tonight.

Trail Blazers vs. Thunder – Blazers, winners of 7 of their last 8, are coming off a good win in which they eliminated New Orleans from the postseason.  The Thunder are coming off an even better win in which they held the Lakers to 75 points.  Something’s gotta give…

With the west standings so tight, look for some exciting & ultra competitive games down the stretch.