On the Offensive.

By Migs

The NBA world's been shaken up by the recent Phoenix-Orlando-Washington trade. Of the three teams involved in the deal, I would have to say that the Magic got the biggest piece of the pie. Orlando got what the wanted- but did they get what they needed?

Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, and Hedo Turkoglu equals tons of offense.

For a team that looks to shoot opponents to the moon, their season low 14 points in their first period against the Hawks earlier today does not bode well for what's to come. They looked discombobulated on the floor, and as expected, it seemed like there weren't enough basketballs for everyone to get their hands on. I recently read an article which posited that Orlando will not win a title so long as Dwight Howard's post game stays in the Triassic era. I totally agree. You could have surrounded Hakeem Olajuwon, for example, with all the Kenny Smiths and Vernon Maxwells of the universe, butif Hakeen didn't have a vaunted post game in him, defenses wouldn't have doubled him and his shooters would have been without any open looks. Furthermore, Orlando needs a backup for Howard now that Marcin Gortat has taken his "hammertime" to Phoenix.

Washington's MO in this deal was to finally be able to move on from Gilbert Arenas. Arenas' tenure in DC has been controversial, and his departure has given the Wizards a shot at a fresh start, with rookie John Wall at the helm. If Wall keeps hitting the rookie wall any more than he has, though, then this is going to be a long season for the Wiz. Rashard Lewis' arrival should help stretch the floor a little bit, and Josh Howard's return should add some punch off the bench in terms of slashing and midrange scoring, but neither are game changers. The most notable downer here is the game of Lewis, who has gone from all around threat to stand still shooter who, err, can't shoot. Ouch. What's more, the Wiz do save $24 million USD by swapping Gilbert for Lewis, but still, they still owe the former Sonic and Magic star a boat load of money. So far, Javale McGee has shown that he's just a glorified dunk contest type player (takes too many defensive risks, limited offensively). Nick Young, who has improved, is still just a poor man's Jason Terry, without the clutch prowess. So yes, the Wizards are still in the doldrums despite this trade having gone down.

The sun is setting and setting fast in Phoenix. Steve Nash keeps getting costly junk to work with (except Grant Hill), and while he may be blase about staying in Arizona with his current cast of puppets, hoops fans would probably be correct to surmise that Nash is not happy with what he's got now. Yes, he's called Phoenix home, and Nash isn't a whiner, but the competitor in Stevie must be eating him up. The Suns are at the .500 mark, and a faded Vince Carter isn't going to help. To me, when lazy, Vince can be the biggest waste of talent there is. He's got ridiculous athletic ability, but has always seemed to be off kilter when called upon to harness it for the greater good of a franchise. He isn't clutch, either, and in the tight Western Conference, clutch could mean everything between nabbing a playoff spot, and calling it a season early on. Marcin Gortat should provide toughness inside which the pillowy-soft Channing Frye lacks, but he isn't exactly Amare Stoudamire. 8-10 points and 8 or 9 boards an outing should be a reasonable set of expectations from the Polish prodigy. Anything more would be a bonus.

The Magic may have gotten the biggest piece of the pie in this move by their usually low risk GM Otis Smith, but then, I think that they are far from being a team that can consistently compete with the Bostons and Lakers night in, night out. Live by the jumper, die by the jumper. Couple that with minimal D and what you've got is a formula for disaster.

Washington isn't in it to win now, so, given how things are, anything more than becoming a cellar-dweller would be a nice touch.

Phoenix, in my opinion, might want to explore trading Steve Nash not only because the organization owes him a shot at a ring considering all he's given them, but also because he ought to be traded while he still has value. They can trade him for a decent piece or two, plus picks, and there you go. Steve gets his shot at glory. Phoenix gets financial flexibility. Trade Grant Hill while you're at it, too. The 38 year old Duke star has been a model NBA citizen for far too long and he, like Nash, deserves to be on a playoff team.

I wouldn't be shocked if all three teams mentioned in this piece make more moves as the season wears on. For all intents and purposes, these squads are all in flux, and in the NBA, "wait a little longer" often doesn't cut it.

-MC-

Condolences for Yao Ming.

By Migs

I'd like to personally send my condolences to Houston Rockets fans far and wide.

Yao Ming is out because of injury- again.

Yao's been touted to miss the rest of the 2010-2011 campaign due to a stress fracture in his ankle.

The Rockets can talk all they want about Yao Ming being looked at beyond this season and how resilient the others can be in the face of Yao's latest setback, but the truth is, Yao going in and out of the lineup has rendered this team in a state of flux.

If I'm Houston, I apply for injury exceptions with the league, then trade him. With Yao making $17.7 million this season, his salary and non-existence on the court only serve as hinderances to the Rockets' signing top level talent, and a 7,5" distraction with regards to the team maintaining any kind of cohesion/tangible chemistry on the floor.

Can anyone say Ralph Sampson?

The problem with these extra large centers is the fact that due to their immense size, they become injury prone. Yao has been told that he'll be needing reconstructive surgery to flatten/smoothen out his foot so as to better distribute the stress that's put on it during games, but then, how much further can he go? How much of a franchise player can he still be with his body being so gimpy? I hate to say it, but, the future doesn't look good.

Look, injuries to the lower extremities which big men suffer often limit their explosiveness/production moving forward. Look at Chris Webber after his ACL injury. Look at what's happened to Greg Oden. Look at what became of Patrick Ewing later in his career. There are exceptions to the rule in this case (i.e. Amare Stoudamire), but generally, the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Like most other people, I hope Yao Ming manages to somehow bounce back from this career-threatening health issue. If he isn't able to move past this and return to form, I laud him for being one heck of a basketball ambassador and, when healthy, one of the most dominant centers the NBA's seen in some time.

Should he retire, he could enter showbusiness, and hey, he's got a loving wife to go home to. Plus, he's amassed quite a fortune by being an international icon. Not too shabby, but then, Lord knows this guy's first love is hoops, and man who has a good a heart, and as tremendous a skill set as Yao deserves to be on the court- not in the clinic.

-MC-

Il Mago.

By Migs

I love Euro players. Most of them are so fun to watch because of their high basketball IQ. They rely on finesse rather than brute force, and no matter what position a Euro cager plays, he is expected to be outstanding in every facet of the game.

Look at players like Dirk Nowitzki, Toni Kukoc, Arvydas Sabonis, and Sarunas Marciulonis. Boom. No misses there.

Back in 2006, Bryan Colangelo of the Toronto Raptors took a chance on a youngster from Italy named Andrea Bargnani. The former Euroleague Rising Star for the 2005-2006 season posted 11.6 points per game in his inaugural NBA campaign, and his skill set conjured up visions of him becoming the next Dirk Nowitzki. Many have dubbed Bargnani to be a bust because of his "subpar" stats for his number 1 pick status, but for the 2010-2011 season, he is a budding all-star. Yes, Toronto sans Chris Bosh is a team in flux, and while there are many spots that need to be filled across the Raptors landscape, Bargnani has the NBA's only Canadian franchise going in the right direction.

21.0 ppg has come to be expected of Andrea, but then, 5.6 rebounds and 0.7 blocks? That is inexcusable for a 7,0" who aims to become his team's leader. Dirk Nowitzki's averaged 8.5 boards and 1.0 blocks for his career, and so, it is possible to be aggressive despite being a perimeter maven. Bargs has tons of talent, however, he does tend to play passively at times. It is obvious that Bryan Colangelo is trying to build a team with international flavor (the presumption being that taking a group of international players would make for a more well-rounded squad), and as currently constituted, Linas Kleiza, Leandro Barbosa, and Sonny Weems won't cut it as upper eschelon players. The aforementioned cagers are followers, support pillars, at best.

No one baptizes players as stars unless they earn their keep. Not even Kwame Brown was "christened" as a star when he was drafted number one overall by, err, Michael Jordan. We all know what's become of Kwame, consequently.

Andrea Bargnani's got the potential to be a major star, and a few years in, he's got to knuckle up and realize that he's got to get his hands dirty to shine.

Otherwise he's just going to be another tall white guy who can shoot. Lord knows how many of those the NBA has seen.

-MC-

Diamond in the Rough

By Migs


I don't know about you guys, but I am at the head of a committee that demands that the Rockets' Luis Scola be given an All-Star nod this season.

Let's face it- I believe that Yao Ming's reached his peak. He has suffered from bum luck because of something that can also be one of his biggest assets- his size. His feet, his bones, just don't seem to be sturdy enough to support 300 pounds of oriental basketball power. What does Houston have in light of this? An Argentenian bruiser who, I feel, has been overlooked for way too long.

Scola's netted averages of 20.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season. More importantly, his play in the low block has allowed for shooters like Kevin Martin and Shane Battier to dance beyond the arc. Don't let this former pick by the San Antonio's herky-jerky jumpshot fool you. This fellow can stroke it from 10-15 feet, and if you play on-ball defense with him, he can overwhelm you with his size and strength in the post.

It's both a boon and a bane that the NBA is a awash with top 4-men, especially in the Western Conference. Guys like Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Pau Gasol tend to rule the airwaves, but it's young up and comers like Scola (honorable mention to Utah's Paul Millsap, who's been a beast this year), who really have pundits smiling about the fact that the NBA's future does seem to be in very capable hands.

Apart from Scola, here are a couple of other cagers whom I feel deserve to make their all-star debuts this season:

*Kevin Love, T-Wolves: Yes, Minnesota is cold, drab, and uninspired, but Love represents a glimmer of hope which cannot be ignored. After a 31 point, 31 rebound performance against the surging Knicks in November, I can't help but think that this guy could be the next, you guessed it- Kevin McHale. After 3 years, McHale's prophecy has come true. This is why he has showed so much "love" for Love. Shun the non-believers.

*Blake Griffin, Clippers: Is it possible to go non-positional with regards to the construction of an all-star squad's lineup? In an earlier article, I mentioned that Griffin reminded me of a more athletic Charles Barkley. Like the Timberwolves, the Clippers, as a team, are one amongst the NBA's dregs, but this guy, along with guard Eric Gordon, are gradually make some of us believe that LA's second team may very well be relevant again in the near future.

*Russell Westbrook, Thunder: Thunderstruck, we are. Is there a more electric young duo in the NBA than Westbrook and Kevin Durant, who leads the NBA in points per outing? I don't think so.

*Josh Smith, Hawks: He's taking fewer ill-advised shots, is still a beast on defense, and is a very, very, dangerous trailer on both ends. What's not to like? If Al Horford could have made it last year, why not Smith this year? He should be able to make headlines within the next couple of weeks especially because of Joe Johnson's recent health woes.

*Roy Hibbert, Pacers: Hey look, the Pacers are relevant again! They won't blow teams away with their offense, but then, they've got it going on defensively. For those times when their offense is on, and their defense is brilliant, their young 5-man Hibbert's been sensational. The big man's averaging 17 and 9 on the year, and he can only get better. Not since Rik Smits and Jermaine O'Neal have the Pacers had a real back to the basket threat. Give this team more in-game seasoning and who knows, they could take the 7th or 8th spot in the East as early as this season.

-MC-

Agent Zero-ed

By Migs


Former NBA All Star Gilbert Arenas has become known more for shenanigans like this rather than being lauded for his all-world talent.

"Hibachi", "Agent Zero", is dead.

He died when he became involved in that gun prank with former teammate Javaris Crittenden. He died when I faked an injury. He died when I stopped blogging. Now, Arenas is just an oft-injured, straight-faced, boring, fallen star. Gone are the days when he would terrorize Cleveland Cavaliers fans during his playoff bouts with Lebron James. Gone are the days when he would go into a hostile Staples Center and drop 60 on the Lakers.

Now, he's playing second fiddle to this year's top overall pick John Wall. What's more, he's lost the respect of critics for being a purportedly "selfish" underachiever.

Will Gil join the ranks of Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis and fall from the sky, into the gutter? At least Allen Iverson's still got a following despite now plying his trade in Istanbul.

Don't get me wrong- 22.5 ppg for your career isn't shabby, but then, if for the year, you're netting 17.4 ppg at 38.6 % from the floor, and are poisoning your younger 'mates like John Wall and Andray Blatche with antics even Shaquille O'Neal would deem borderline ludicrous, the 100-something million you're being paid is an absolute injustice.

Because of Gilbert's salary, he's pretty much untradeable, and so, Wizards fans, don't you wish you had Michael Jordan again?

Well, not really. But then, here's the thing- so long as Arenas has a blue and gold uniform on, Wizards fans will probably find themselves constantly looking over their shoulders whether they like it or not. Nobody likes a loose cannon, not in the NBA especially, and this one could be just another franchise-wrecker.

Only Gilbert can stop himself from being forever dubbed as deadweight. Nobody else can answer the question, "Can Gilbert Arenas get out of this unenviable predicament?" except, you guessed it- Gilbert Arenas.

He can't look to others for answers now. After all, 1, 2, or even a million times an Agent Zero would still result in one big, empty, gaping, hole.

-MC-

'Melo Touch.

By Migs

Let's forget about Lebron, the Lakers, and the streaking Mavericks for a moment.

So what of Carmelo Anthony and his expiring deal?

I feel that it is pretty much a slam dunk that the former Syracuse star will be dealt either at the trade deadline, or, in the offseason. Where will he go? Here are some possible scenarios for 'Melo.

I. Orlando

Proposed Deal= Vince Carter's Expiring Deal and Jameer Nelson for 'Melo and JR Smith

Basketball wise, this would be great for the Magic because it would give them a scorer who knows how to be a closer and a supersub in JR Smith, assuming he can keep his head on straight (perfect if and when people double-up on Dwight Howard late in games). Jameer Nelson could team up with Chauncey Billups in the backcourt to create an intriguing small-ball combo, and Vinsanity's expiring deal would provide Denver with enough flexibility to eventually go under the cap. Damn that oft-injured Kenyon Martin and his $16,545,454.

II. Dallas

Proposed Deal = Caron Butler, JJ Barea, and DeShawn Stevenson and cash for 'Melo, and Arron Afflalo.

Mark Cuban's trigger finger is always itchy, and so, who knows, he may be able to orchestrate a deal that would net him the player that torched his Antoine Wright some seasons back in the playoffs. Anthony would give Dallas the bonafide star it has yearned for to place alongside Dirk Nowitzki, and Arron Afflalo would be able to temporarily provide relief while French phenom Rodrigue Beaubois is on the shelf. Butler could work out as a short term star to appease Denver fans, JJ Barea could be an affordable spark plug off the bench, and DeShawn Stevenson could compete with Chris "Birdman" Andersen for wackiest hair in the league. Here's to hoping DeShawn doesn't do his Beelzeebub beard on us again anytime soon.

III. Knicks

Proposed Deal = Kelenna Azuibuike, Eddy Curry, Danilo Gallinari, and cash/a pick, for 'Melo, and Chris Andersen

'Melo would have to put his fist down for this to happen. The trend in the NBA lately has been for stars to team up with other stars in pursuit of basketball glory, and 'Melo taking a possible paycut for this deal to become a reality wouldn't be out of the question, considering that Anthony's fellow stars, Kevin Garnett, Dwyane Wade, Lebron James, et al, have already jumped onto the "Superfriends" bandwagon. Putting Anthony alongside Amare Stoudemire would be nasty. Throw in Mike D'Antoni's devil may care system and what you've got is a beast. The Nuggets would be able to get a quality young player in Gallinari (he can only get better), an expiring deal in Curry, and a decent reserve in Azuibuike, who has been somewhat beset with injuries as of late. Doing this deal would mean the Mile High city going into rebuilding mode, and New York going gangsta.

IV. Washington

Proposed Deal = Gilbert Arenas, and a bag of Lays for 'Melo and a Leprechaun

Yes we can? Only Obama can say that in Washington. This deal? Dream on, Wizards fans. Denver's not going to do it.

Or he could just go to Boston, play for peanuts, and assist in vanquishing those Lakers forever.

So who's crazy now, me, or those Wizards fans?

-MC-

Remember the Alamo.

By Migs

While Lebron and the Heat have been the number one show on daytime TV drama, while the Lakers have been floundering a little bit, and while the Celtics have won the East by finding the fountain of youth, the San Antonio Spurs have once again snuck up on us.

It looks like the original Big 3 from the past decade still has one title run left in them.

Everything begins and ends with Tim Duncan. Duncan's averging 14.2 points and 9.5 boards per game this season, definite career lows, but experience has shown that the 6,11" Virgin Islands native is the Spurs leader and emotional rock. His calm demeanor exists in stark contrast to his playing style which works on cutting-edge precision and unrelenting efficiency. Without Timmy, the Spurs lose the maturity and sensibility that has made them stalwarts in the Western Conference for years.

Tony Parker has been going through marital troubles as of late, but his solid point guard play (16.8 points and 7 assists per outing) has helped propel the Spurs into 4th in the NBA in scoring (106.6 points per game) and 4th in offensive efficiency overall (109.00 ppg). They vaunted Spurs defense has not wilted all that much, either, as the boys from the Alamo still rank in the top ten in defensive efficiency (100.7 ppg).

Manu Ginobili, to me, has always been one of the most underrated stars in the game. His 21.7 points per outing leads the team, and his toughness and clutch play has pulled the Spurs out of many a tight spot. I remember a story I read a few years ago on the steel-willed Ginobili, one which involved a reporter commenting on how his body was "full of bruises" after a tough playoff game- evidence of the Argentinian's "devil may care" playing style. I don't know what it is about those guys from Argentina, but yeah, most- if not all- of them are tough customers.

I think that beyond the Spurs' top dogs, the team's young guns have provided a measure of oomph that had been missing from previous Spurs teams. Young "budget" pickups like Gary Neal (who makes a "meager" $525,000), the electric George Hill (who makes $854,389), and center of the future DeJuan Blair (his rookie contract nets him $910,000 for now), have critics raving about why the San Antonio front office could be the most shrewd in the entire NBA. Recent acquisition Tiago Splitter (a hoops star from Brazil) is no slouch, either, as he is touted to be their power forward of the future and could end up being one of those "out of the ballpark" acquisitions for the Spurs, ala-Manu Ginobili. All in all, the past was stellar, the present is radiant, and the future, quite auspicious.

Can the Spurs compete with the likes of Boston and the Lakers come April, May, and June? Perhaps, assuming they can stay healthy. Passion and intensity has never been a problem for this talented bunch (unlike say the veteran Pistons of a few seasons ago). How close to glory these guys reach is incumbent on whether their knees will hold- or buckle- under the physical strain which comes with playing basketball day in and day out. Drama/hysterics, making excuses, and pressure have never been issues in San Antonio. Age, and durability, however, have.

Either way, one would be remiss not to remember the Alamo, lest they find themselves on early flights home in 2011.

-MC-

Dallas Drive.

By Migs Cortez


Dirk Nowitzki is up to his old tricks again.

With their victory against the gritty Utah Jazz today, the Mavericks moved to 15-4, good for second in the tough Western Conference. In 19 games this season, Dirk Nowitzki is averaging 24.9 points and 7.8 caroms per outing, while shooting an out of this world 54.9 percent from the field. While Dirk stands at 7,1", he is primarily a perimeter player, and this fact only serves to support the awesomeness of his ridiculously high shooting clip.

He hasn't built his team's hot start alone, however. This year, the Mavericks look to be stacked from top to bottom. Shawn Marion and Tyson Chandler have provided defensive teeth, while finding the fountain of youth on the offensive end. Chandler, in particular, has shot a career high clip for free throws (80.2%), which has made opponents wary about fouling him. He's also led the Mavericks in rebounds, grabbing 9.4 per contest. Jason Terry's been his usual consistent self, doing what he's being paid millions to do at a decent rate (15.4 points per game, at 45% from the floor and 85% from the charity stripe). While initially stricken by injury, Caron Butler's slowly found the toughness that made him an all-star. Dallas has been winning games with defense. While only averaging 97.7 points per outing (19th in the NBA), they also have a 98.6 defensive efficiency rating, good for 4th in the league behind Miami, the Lakers, Boston, and Orlando.

If defense wins titles, then this should be the Mavericks' season. They are healthy, and are deep at nearly every position. If they can somehow shake off the stigma of seemingly folding when the lights are on the brightest, and if, well, they can avoid the Lakers until the Western Finals, then, Dirk may have something to brag about when he meets his best buddy Steve Nash for their annual summer barbecue.

Can Cuban's kids make believers out of us? I sure think so.

-MC-

Waking Up Them Sleepin' Dogs

By Migs Cortez

You just aren't going to let this go, are you?

Reports have emerged that Cleveland Cavaliers owned Dan Gilbert has decided to throw yet another liter of petrol into an already profusely burning flame surrounding Lebron James' move from Akron to South Beach. Gilbert has pumped in hundreds and thousands of dollars into investigating whether James and the Miami Heat broke league protocol concerning the aforementioned player's transfer.

On one hand, Gilbert has a valid bone to pick. The rules are the rules, and any sort of collusion between team officials and players prior to the proverbial "hunting season" coming along is a big no-no. On the other hand, Gilbert really does have a penchant for drama, with all of this information concerning an investigation, etc., coming on the cusp of Lebron's return to Quicken Loans Arena this week. A few months ago, Gilbert was fined $100,000 by NBA Commissioner David Stern for his high-schoolish open letter which bashed James and basically egged Cavaliers fans to believe that they could metamorphose into a title team by paragraph number three. Apart from having a penchant for drama, Gilbert also does seem to have a ton of resentment for James, whom he claims to have betrayed the fans of Ohio in, seemingly, an almost American-in-Al Qaeda fashion.

In a way, I think that the only collusion that is obviously going on now is the collusion between Gilbert and the media. Certain things, in my estimation, have become grossly overblown. James is in Miami, the trade's been done, and if an investigation is set to happen, then so be it. At the end of the day, though, this is still about basketball, and so, we should focus on just that.

So yes, let this Lebron thing go, Gilbert, even a little bit. At the same time, you are free to stick to what you believe in- just do it quietly.

-MC-

Free Steve Nash

By Migs

Steve Nash winning his 2 MVP awards seems like an eternity ago.

The Phoenix Suns are 8-9, and ninth in the Western Conference. On a team with guys like Hakim Warrick, Josh Childress, a deceptively aged Grant Hill, and a declining Hedo Turkoglu, one would expect that the Suns would be on the same footing with the Clippers at this point.

The fact that they are still knocking on the door of the 8th spot in the West can be attributed to a little Canadian weaving his magic as if he were the Stevie Nash of 5 years ago. At age 37, Nash is still ridiculously well-conditioned, and because he's still one of the best play makers in the NBA, I can't help but feel sorry for the guy at this stage in his career.

Let's face it- without Amare Stoudemire, the Suns are destined to miss the postseason, or at least, get knocked off in the first round. They still don't play defense, and because they've fallen back on offense in that they rely on the 3-ball now more than ever, they stand to last shorter than a hiccup in the grueling Western Conference.

Rumor wires have said that Nash does not wish to be traded. Whatever is keeping Stevie in Phoenix, it must be good, because all the Ben Gay in the world from the Suns' reknowned training staff (they've helped the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill go from arthritis to awesome) can bring the 2 time MVP a ring in the Valley of the Sun at this point.

If the Suns do end up trading him, where would he go? Given his salary, age, skill level, and desire to win a championship? A return trip to Dallas would be out of the question despite his friendship with Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki given how he made his exit as a free agent in 2004. Going to Knicks would be intriguing in that it would allow him to mentor Raymond Felton, and would reunite him with Mike D'Antoni and Amare Stoudemire, but then, he'd probably still miss the postseason, or get knocked off early, given how good we know New York can be (sarcasm; go Toney Douglas!). A possible destination would be Orlando, assuming they can get Phoenix to take on the lofty contracts of Vince Carter or Rashard Lewis. Dwight Howard's game would skyrocket with Nash as his running mate, even if the partnership only lasts a year or two. Nash would probably be able to come at a reasonable price now, too, so Otis Smith won't have to lose sleep like he did when he declared Rashard Lewis the next coming of Larry Bird. I can't see Nash wanting to possibly go anywhere else, unless he wants to go to a young team like Atlanta and take a pay cut.

Don't worry- Steve isn't going to LA because Phil isn't handing the keys to someone who will bring the triangle offense in half, nor is he going to Boston because everything happens in slow motion in Beantown nowadays (it works, though).

Whatever does go down, I hope it happens with the best interests of the greatest uptempo point guard since Magic Johnson, in mind.

Free Steve Nash- now. Or at least, give him a 3rd MVP award, or at least a nomination. With the crew he's got, and at the decent rate they're going, to not include him in the conversation would be a cardinal sin.

-MC-

King Nothing.

By Migs Cortez

We have all been witnesses, yes, to a drama that isn't worth our while.

First, we had Lebron's decision to "take his talents to South Beach". Then, we had the party that made it seem like the Heat had been transported back to 2006. After that, we had the highly anticipated opening night game against the Celtics, which Miami lost. Then, we've had to sit through Lebron and Coach Erik Spoelstra downplaying what can be obviously characterized as palpable tension on the Heat bench.

Lebron James is slowly showing that he isn't in the same league as the Jordans, Kobes, Birds, and Magics of the hoops universe because of the fact that he seems to be out for one person and one person alone- himself. 'Bron has said that he wanted to be a "facilitator" in Miami, but what's happened is that he's inevitably become the ballhog he was in Cleveland. That's part of the reason Dwyane Wade has looked so out of sync, because D-Wade is the sort of baller, who while he can be effective off the ball, is primarily an on-ball type scorer. Chris Bosh is sort of the same, and it doesn't help that he hasn't exactly been getting enough help in the banging department from the creaky knees of Ilgauskas, Magloire, and Howard. There's a story behind King James having been criticized for supposedly "coasting" through certain games in the Cavaliers playoff tiff against Boston last year. Lebron is human, yes, and he is entitled to the injury alibi as much as the next player, but then, it was what it was. He settled for long twenty footers instead of going to the hole, and on defense, he sometimes lacked interest, and only looked pumped with chances at highlight reel type blocks on breakaway layups. Apart from that, he didn't look to much like an on-court monarch to me.

Pundits have mentioned that this Heat team should be given time to mesh. Yes, I do expect the chemistry to improve, but so long as the poison from Akron dons a jersey for Riley's squad, 2006 may not come again for a very long time.

Maybe the Heat not winning a title would add more drama before a denouement which would only bring vindication for Lebron James through absolute, unadulterated, victory. Who knows? Maybe the denouement would simply be written out as, "One of the best never to win a ring".

Right now, both sides would probably call an odds on 50-50.

-MC-

The Next Big Thing

By Migs Cortez

A year removed from suffering a stress fracture in his left knee, Blake Griffin has broken through with a vengeance.

The former Oklahoma Sooner is averaging 20.2 points and 11.6 rebounds per game this year for the woebegone 3 and 15 Clippers. After watching him for a couple of games, I can't help but liken him to a young Charles Barkley, sans the off-court craziness. Blake's got range to go along with his ridiculous athleticism and impressive footwork which he has used to frazzle opponents. A 52% field goal clip for a 6,10" rookie who plays inside and outside is ridiculous, and, while his team is stuck in the doldrums (and looks to be stuck there for a while longer, so long as they have Baron Davis' contract on the books), at least he, and guard Eric Gordon, have blossomed into major bright spots for a franchise that is starved for success.

Being the top overall pick in the NBA draft has its fair share of pressure tied into it. Just ask guys like Kwame Brown and gasp, Michael Olowokandi. Most times, the number one overall selection finds his way to stardom ala Dwight Howard, Shaquille O'Neal, Lebron James, and Yao Ming. There too are number one overall picks who remain on the undercard, like Andrew Bogut and Andrea Bargnani. Griffin, I believe, has staked his claim as a member of the "destined for stardom" group. Give this fellow a decent playmaking point guard and in a few years, he could be the best power forward in the game.

Vinny Del Negro isn't exactly the most flexible coach in the basketball, therefore, he should be considered lucky to have Blake. This is similar to Paul Silas having Lebron those first few years. Once Elgin Baylor and the other members of the Clippers brass get tired of losing and playing second fiddle to the Lakers (and pretty much everybody else), then maybe they'll go on and find a more seasoned mentor to hone Griffin, along with cap friendly pieces to help lead him to the promised land. Then again, we've been praying for rain in the Clipper desert forever, and images of players like Loy Vaught and Matt Fish come to mind alongside their seemingly unending mediocrity.

That mediocrity COULD vanish if Griffin is left to be the beast he can be, while still holding the reins tightly enough to help him through the NBA's growing pains.

-MC-

Miami Mice

By Migs Cortez

This was taken last July.

What a difference a couple of months makes.

The Miami Heat currently have a record of 9-8, with their most recent loss coming at the hands of the surging Dallas Mavericks. After the game, Dwyane Wade and company held a players-only meeting.

In my opinion, neither that, nor Erick Dampier, can save them now.

It's early in the season, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that this Heat team is one that is discombobulated, teeming with talented pieces which don't fit together well. For the year, Lebron James has averaged 23.4 points per outing, Dwyane Wade has netted a 21.3 ppg clip, and Chris Bosh has averaged 17.9. For all the talent that those three possess, and for all of the veteran smarts than guys like Jerry Stackhouse, Carlos Arroyo, and the crafty Juwan Howard bring, the Heat have been beaten at one aspect of the game that requires the most moxy- defense.

While Miami averages 100.4 points a night and is 6th in points allowed at 94.5 per game, they can't seem to find ways to protect them rim. Zydrunas Ilgauskas' age is showing, and Juwan Howard and Jamal Magloire aren't exactly whippersnappers. Miami is only 22nd in rebounding at 40.7 per game, with 30.9 being defensive. It is often said that defense wins championships, and right now, the Heat's interior D isn't enough to win them a game of HORSE.

Injuries to co-captain Udonis Haslem and shooter Mike Miller have not helped, either, with their losses being tremendous blows to an already shaky team chemistry. Pat Riley's trigger finger must be getting itchy, and young Erik Spoelstra must be peeing in his pants. Lebron is chucking up bricks and being a primadonna, Wade is beginning to force the issue on offense, and Chris Bosh is averaging career low numbers.

The difference between Miami and teams like the Lakers and Celtics is the fact that, on top of the players from the latter teams having more experience playing together, they too have learned to tag their troops with certain roles and stick to those roles no matter what. Knowing your roles means placing egos on the shelf. Personally, I don't think that Bosh, Wade, and especially Lebron are adept at making ego management a primary concern.

And goodness gracious, for all his skill, Lebron doesn't seem to have Jordan or Kobe-esque drive to improve at every facet of the game. After years in the league, you would surmise that maybe this man who has been dubbed as the second coming of Basketball Jesus might just get a better looking jump shot.

King James' field goal percentage to this point is a measly 43.6, which, for a guy as athletic and as large as he (6,8", 250 lbs), is insanely low. He's been settling for outside shots, and such is a shame, not only because he hasn't improved his perimeter game, but also because you'd expect that he'd have a take-no-prisoners attitude and barrel his way to the hole more.

I guess that the King has been iffy about getting his hands dirty. All he's seemingly brought to South Beach is trouble.

What started as the infamous "Decision" has ballooned into something much more worrisome- the clashing of styles and egos, and the impending demise of a team that seems to be melting under the klieg lights.

When the cat is away, the mice play, but then, once the cat comes back, the mice might as well go home- lest they be eaten alive.

The clock is ticking for the boys from South Beach, and as the biggest villains the NBA has seen since the 80's Bad Boy Detroit Pistons, the entire world is raring to see them fall, and fall hard.

-MC-