Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Dwyane Wade: Florida's Hero


I found this story while watching the news on Christmas Day, and I'm sorry that i didn't put this on here sooner, but this story truly is a great one. Dwyane Wade bought a home for a Florida Family, just in time for Christmas.

A Florida woman, had a nephew of hers accidentally burn down their home. So, on Christmas Eve, Wade presented Dawn Smith, with the keys to her home, as well as furnishings, clothes and gifts, and made commitments to make some of the mortgage payments.

This story truly shows that Dwyane wade is a true hero, not just from rejuvenating the Miami Heat franchise, but also bringing hope to the families around him. Dwyane Wade is not just a great player, but also a great person, as he told the associated press, "It's not about what you're going to receive--it's what you can give to others from what you've received."

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Under-Rated Players

We all know the superstars in the NBA: Kobe, LeBron, D-Wade, that sort of thing. However, there are those that don't receive nearly as much recognition and publicity that I think that they rightfully deserve. Here are some of my picks for the most Under-Rated players in the NBA:
  1. Al Jefferson- Minnesota Timberwolves: This guy has been the face of the franchise ever since the Garnett trade took effect. He has been scoring, rebounding, passing, everything that a true center needs to be dominant in the NBA. Al has done it all, and should be at least a reserve in this upcoming year's All-Star game. To me, he is the most under-Rated player in the NBA, and is one of the best centers in the western conference.
  2. Rajon Rondo- Boston Celtics: The only reason in my eyes why this man is Under-Rated, is because of the fact that he has 3 superstars being the poster-boys for this team. This kid has been the catalyst as of late for the Celtics, and is on of the key reasons why the Boston Celtics are a whopping 27-2! He has always been there for KG, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. He is the leader, hands down.
  3. Devin Harris- New Jersey Nets: The face of the Nets right now. I love Vince Carter, but Devin has done so much more this year for them. He averages 24.4 points a game, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. That's amazing. He has not gotten enough respect from the league, but is beginning to turn heads. He has to make the All-Star team this year or I will personally ban watching it all together. He is one of the best point guards in the NBA.
  4. Andres Biendrins-Golden State Warriors: Mr. Rebound. He averages almost 20 rebounds a game and is the man behind the defense of the Warriors. Excellent defense, great offense, a true post player.
  5. Al Horford-Atlanta Hawks: The runner-up rookie of the year last year is the defense for the Hawks, and in my eyes will become one of the most dominant big men in the league for years to come.
  6. Danny Granger- Indiana Pacers: He is the Pacers. That's it. He is the offense, he is the defense. He is everything for the pacers. He is a DEFINITE for the All-Star team, the only downside is that he is on a bad team. if he was on a better team, he would be in the All-Star game every year.
  7. LaMarcus Aldridge-Portland Trailblazers: Remember him???? He was the guy the Blazers relied on in the post last season after the surgery that put highly-anticipated Greg Oden on the sidelines. He is a rebounder and he was born to be such a player.I have a lot of respect for this guy and he certainly in legit.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Christmas Games to watch

Happy Holidays hoops fans! What a great year it has been in basketball and around the world. so much has happened and so much is yet to come. For starters, the Suns and Spurs play on Christmas day. Now, this has always been a great match up because both teams have met with each other not just during the regular season, but also the postseason. Key Match up for me would definitely have to be Amare Stoudemire versus Tim Duncan. Both All- Star power forwards who are looking to get it done for their team.

And of course, the match up everyone has been looking forward to. Celtics, Lakers. perhaps on of the most praised match-ups in the history of sports. the Celtics, pending if they beat the 76ers in Boston, they will look to go an NBA record 28-2! The Lakers are going to try to add revenge on the Celtics reign to NBA supremacy. After losing the finals in 6 games, I'd be pissed, and I know that the Lakers are mad. If you miss this game, you will miss a lot, because this is a huge game for both teams. Key Match-up: Odom versus KG. You may be surprised by this, but both of these players are crucial to the success of their respected teams and this is going to be a great match up to watch.

Well, I just wanted to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a happy and safe New year! 

Friday, December 19, 2008

Haier Play of the Day


The top plays courtesy of NBA.com

The Nets: Roller Coaster of Inconsistency

For New Jersey, this is nothing new. Not anymore. The minute they trading beloved Richard Jefferson, the whole season we knew was going into the crapper. Their record as of today is 12-12. That's still not bad. So why am I saying that this team is inconsistent? How about this little stat? The Nets, according to ESPN, are the only team in the entire NBA with a winning road record and a LOSING home record! How do you lose at home?! The Nets recently played the Raptors, beating them by 9. During the game they brought up a stat, saying that the Nets are an undefeated 2-0 against the Raptors in Toronto. However, they are 0-1 against them at their own home court in New Jersey. Now me personally, I'm a Nets fan. I'm from New Jersey, born and bred, but it just never gets easy for the home club. Without the help from J-Kidd and RJ, we're in trouble. We do however, have Devin Harris. He was given to the Nets during the transaction for J-Kidd. He's been phenomenal for the Nets. But all of that has gone unnoticed because of how the Nets have struggled. Hopefully they'll snap out of it, but unfortunately, I wouldn't count on it.

The Downward plunge of the Oklahoma City Thunder


There's the good, then there's the bad, and then there's the Thunder. How bad could you possibly get? This isn't even a team, it's practice for the other teams in the NBA! I mean, look at there record of 2-24! Are you kidding me? Why would you even bother showing up to games with that kind of a record! The worst team in NBA history was the Philadelphia 76ers back in the 80's I believe. There full season record was 9-73! If the Thunder aren't careful, they could end up surpassing this team 20 years ago. They certainly need to get their act together, and fast! Sorry Oklahoma, but the High School all-star team could beat the Thunder! With there eyes closed! Kevin Durant cannot possibly lead this team by himself, so something has to give.

Roy's 52 point outburst


Yesterday, Brandon Roy was amazing. He scored a career high 52 points against the Phoenix Suns. The Blazers would end up winning the game 124-119.Brandon Roy has certainly been the catalyst for this Blazer squad, and has been leading them every step of the way.

Here's a recap:www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2008/12/19/nba_pho_por_0020800376_recap.nba/