All-NBA, NFL Roster

A couple of my friends told me about how they took a look at NBA rosters, and selected the best players for each position on a football team. Here's what I came up with: 

Offense:

Quarterback: Russell Westbrook

Running Back: Derrick Rose

Full Back: Jameer Nelson

WR 1: Lebron James

WR 2: Kevin Durant

Tight End: Carmelo Anthony

Slot: Dwayne Wade

Guard: Zach Randolph

Guard: Demarcus Cousins

Left Tackle: Kurt Thomas

Tackle: Paul Millsap

Center: Tyler Hansbrough

Defense:

DL: Marc Gasol

DL: Kenneth Faried

DE: Jared Sullinger

DE: Dwight Howard

CB: Chris Paul

CB: Mike Conley

LB: Jae Crowder

LB: Brandon Bass

LB: Tony Allen

SS: Kyrie Irving

FS: Rajon Rondo

Chris Wallace/Wayne Ellington Quotes

Chris Wallace Quotes:
Wallace on the move for Wayne Ellington: “We had to trade Dante Cunningham, who was a big factor on our team last year. There was a log jam at Dante’s position (power forward).”

Wallace on free agency moves: “We said prior to free agency that we wanted to bring in more 3 point shooting.”

On Ellington's overall game: “That (3 point shooting) was his calling card in college, shooting over 40 percent at North Carolina. He’s young enough to get his shooting eye back. He is almost strictly a 2 guard. He will compete with guys for time there.”

Biggest obstacle for the Grizzlies: “Its tough to keep winning games when you have the disparity at the 3 point line that we often face."

Wallace on free agency and the trading market: “Trading is very difficult to predict. A trading partner could walk into our position at any time. There are probably very few more signings we are going to have in free agency. The biggest hole is at back up center.”

Any word on the team being sold?: “I can’t comment on that. That’s above my pay grade. Go to the top on that."

Jeremy Pargo departing: “We wish Jeremy the best up in Cleveland, and he will likely have more of an opportunity there."

Thoughts on Summer League: “The summer league as good as we get in the NBA. We just need to get used to these young players and exposing them to the NBA”

Wayne Ellington Quotes:

On the trade to Memphis: “I was really excited. They have a great thing going on here in Memphis. Playoffs, winning are the most important. I’m happy to get to work and ready to go.”

Ellington on playing in Minnesota: “ It was a tough situation in Minnesota. We had a lot of young guys and a lot of people at the same position. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my best opportunity in Minnesota, but I have a fresh start here in Memphis.”

On what he likes about the Grizzlies: “You see a lot of opportunity for open shots from the perimeter, which is one of my strengths.  I am a guy that can knock down shots from the perimeter, and continue to get better defensively. I think I can be a piece that can fit in well.”

On meeting some of the guys:  “I know TA from playing against him. I know Rudy, and also Darrell, Mike, Quincy because we all came out the same year of high school.”

Jersey number for next season: “Still trying to decide which number to get. I was actually talking to the coaches. They were trying to help me. Maybe 21 since its close to 22, maybe 4 (2+2), maybe 23 because of my connection at UNC.”

On his shooting woes last season: “Its tough to get into rhythm when your playing time is up and down. I can get a lot more open looks here. Teams won’t focus on 3 point shooting when you have guys that are killing you inside.”

---GM

Draft of 2012 Team USA/ Dream Team

This morning on the U92 Sports Desk, Ben Rainwater and I drafted 10 players each from the 1992 Dream Team and the 2012 Team USA. The players are listed in the order they were drafted. I had the first pick:

Grant's Team                                                                                     Ben's Team  

1. Michael Jordan                                                                            1. Lebron James
2. Kevin Durant                                                                               2. David Robinson
3. Patrick Ewing                                                                              3. Charles Barkley
4. Kobe Bryant                                                                               4. Larry Bird
5. Karl Malone                                                                                5. Magic Johnson
6. Deron Williams                                                                            6. Chris Paul
7. Carmelo Anthony                                                                        7. Scottie Pippen
8. Tyson Chandler                                                                           8. Kevin Love
9. Russell Westbrook                                                                      9. James Harden
10. Anthony Davis                                                                            10. Clyde Drexler

Team Grant Starters: Deron Williams, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing

Team Ben Starters: Magic Johnson, James Harden, Lebron James, Larry Bird, David Robinson

I think it's funny that I ended up with seven players from the current Team USA. I considered drafting John Stockton, but just don't think he belongs in this game of speed and size. He was one of the greatest of all time at the point guard position, but I don't see him matching up with Magic or Chris Paul. I do find it interesting that we each start three players from the 1992 team, and two from the 2012 team.

Follow Ben on Twitter @BenRainwaterMR

Follow me on Twitter @milnergolf

--GM

Shaq Goodwin Presser Notes/Quotes

A small amount of media members positioned themselves around the lobby of the Finch Center, anticipating the arrival of Shaq Goodwin. Across the lobby were another set of doors. I noticed a tall, burly looking figure trying to get in. It was Shaq. He looked at me laughing when I opened the doors and said, "I don't have any codes or nothin man." It was a nice way to break the ice right before his first appearance with the Memphis media.

Josh Pastner spoke before Goodwin did, but wanted to guarantee that the attention stay on his new star power forward. Pastner confirmed that the schedule is done for next year, but that they are just waiting to release it. He also said that former Tiger Charles Carmouche will likely land at LSU next season.


Here are some of the memorable quotes from today's presser with Shaq Goodwin.



On playing with Team USA in Brazil: "I learned that I didn't like to lose and that I'm a team player. I  knew I could make the sacrifice to not be selfish."


What it will be like working out with Frank: "There is no shape quite like Frank shape. All I hear is that he is a tough guy who will push you to your limit and that's what we need."


Shaq on the food in Brazil: "We were expecting to stop at McDonald's and get a couple of burgers and go back to the hotel. We got there and all they had, I kid you not, were beans, chicken, and rice."


On rumors of him playing football in 2013: "I'm still going to play football next year and I'm looking forward to it."


The transition from AAU to college hoops: "If you come in with the mature approach that you need to get better and better you will be successful. I grew up with five sisters. They always told me confidence kills."


On how much different college hoops will be: "Everyone is good, and will come to win every single game. This will be the biggest challenge of my life."


His fluctuation in weight: "When I first got to Colorado to train for Team USA, I was at 268. When we got back from Brazil, I was at 255. I'm sure when Frank gets done with me I'll be like 240."




Overall, I liked what I heard from Goodwin. He is a very well spoken, confident guy that will play a huge role for the Tigers next season. Pastner blatantly said that there is no way Shaq will be playing football, so there is obviously some confusion there. My guess? He never sees the football field. Shaq awaits a physical before he can be cleared to work with the team/coaches. Pastner said that once the physical is completed, Shaq will undergo a five week plan to get him ready for the season. Goodwin even admitted he is not in the best shape, but no need to worry about that as long as Frank is running his conditioning.


--GM

NBA Draft Winners and Losers

Boo's were raining down from the rafters of the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on Thursday evening throughout the NBA draft. However, the fans weren't booing the players. They were booing David Stern, commissioner of the NBA. I don't think I have ever seen someone enjoy getting booed as much as Stern did last night.

There are always going to be teams that draft better than others. Whether it be in the NFL draft, the MLB draft, or in this case, the NBA draft, some teams always come out better than others. I'll start with the positives from last night.

--The New Orleans Hornets had no problem at the top of the pecking order, selecting Anthony Davis with the overall number one pick, and then getting a dynamic guard in Austin Rivers at the tenth pick. I'm not quite sure where Rivers fits in on this roster, but I believe this was a situation where they drafted talent, not a need. Eric Gordon will likely resign with New Orleans this offseason, which is why I somewhat question where Rivers will play, but overall a fantastic draft for the Hornets. Throw in Darius Miller in the second round and things are looking up for this troubled franchise. Anthony Davis is the kind of player that can change a franchise with his defensive intensity and his improving offensive skillset.

--I absolutely LOVED the Raptors taking Terrence Ross at number eight. He will fill an opening that this team truly needs. He is extremely athletic, and improved his rebounding tremendously last season averaging over six boards a night. Watch out for this Raptors team next season. They will likey throw the kitchen sink at Steve Nash in free agency, and will pick up Jonas Valanciunas, their 5th overall selection from last year's draft. A healthy Andrea Bargnani will move to the power forward position, a spot he is more comfortable in. I could see the Raptors contending for a playoff spot next season. 

There were a host of other teams that succeed in last night's draft, but now on to the less fortunate teams.

--Let's start with the Memphis Grizzlies, who only had one selection in last night's draft. This team needs help in a couple of places: shooting guard, and at point guard. They decide to draft Tony Wroten Jr, the PAC-12 freshman of the year. I'm not a big fan of this pick. Wroten has a lot of talent, don't get me wrong, but he just doesn't fit in with this team. Wroten shot SIXTEEN percent from behind the arc last season. He is the kind of player that likes to drive to the basket, with the opportunity to kick it out to a shooter. After all, Wroten shot only 44 percent from the field overall last season. If the Grizzlies had shooters, he could be a nice backup guard that could come in and find the open guy on the wing for a shot. However, the Grizzlies don't have shooters, which makes this selection irrelevant to me. Wroten will join the other young, inexperienced point guards on the Grizzlies roster that Lionel Hollins refuses to trust or even play.

--I also thought Portland wasted a couple of top eleven picks. They drafted Damian Lillard in the sixth spot, and Meyers Leonard at number eleven. Generally, if you have two picks this high in the draft, you would like to get a couple of players that are franchise defining players. To me, they are taking a major chance on both of these players turning out to be stars. Lillard played in a weak conference and faced no top 25 teams last season, but put up incredible numbers at the point guard position. Leonard is a true center that has a lot of upside, but isn't a great scorer. He improved dramatically at Illinois over two seasons, and rebounds the basketball pretty well. I just don't trust either of these picks by Portland, which is why I view their draft as a poor one. Throw in Will Barton and Tyshawn Taylor in the second round and you now will have nine guards on that roster next year. Yikes.

It was an amazing night for the SEC, as we saw the top three selections come out of their conference. It was also a big night for Kentucky and North Carolina, who each had four players selected in the first round. That will be a pretty decent recruiting tool for John Calipari and Roy Williams.

The NBA draft provides optimism for many teams headed into next season. It is always nice to pick up players that can make an immediate impact in the win/loss category. There were many teams that added crucial pieces to their rosters. Most teams are just hoping that their guys don't bust. There will be players that fan out, which is unfortunate, but this is a business. It is pretty simple: perform and get paid, or flop and you'll be looking for another job.

--GM

Lebron James is the King

“This fall, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat. I feel like this is going to be the best opportunity to win, and not just this season, but in multiple years." -- LeBron James on "The Decision," 2010.
That seems like a long time ago. I remember sitting at my parent's house watching "the decision" unfold. I wasn't happy. I loved Lebron James in Cleveland. I loved the fact that he was playing in his home state of Ohio, and that he was going to be the savior of that franchise.

When he left, I was disappointed. I now shifted my focus toward cheering against the Heat, especially after the celebration in Miami, before training camp had even started. I didn't care about how many titles that they believed they were going to win, but how many they could actually win. The Heat opened up the 2010-11 season 9-8 through 17 games. I was loving it. Building a super team seemed wrong to me. I lost respect for Lebron because he took the easy way out of Cleveland. He went to the players, the players didn't come to him.

When Miami made the Finals after surviving the most scrutinized season any team has ever played through, I thought they would win it. Dirk and the Mavs stole the show. Lebron and company went home without a ring, and more questions than answers. The mockery was on.

This season was different. Sure, the scrutiny still existed, but the Heat played their role as villains differently. Lebron went back to the basics, and played the game with joy and passion, not out of spite like the previous season.

I guess it paid off. Lebron is now a champion. The Heat were on the brink of elimination long before the Finals, trailing 2-1 to the Indiana Pacers, and 3-2 to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. However, nothing was going to stop this team. Lebron put up one of the more classic performances in playoff history in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals scoring 45 points, along with 15 rebounds and 5 assists. This was his time to shine.

Still, most had doubts heading into the Finals. Questions surrounded the bench of the Heat, as well as their inferior frontcourt in comparison to the Thunder. The Heat slammed the door prety easily on those questions as their bench put up an impressive 80 points over the five game stretch in the NBA Finals. They also out-rebounded the Thunder in the final three games of the series. Not bad eh?

I'm happy for Lebron. My opinion has changed on putting a team together to win a title. Every great player has had help. Magic had Kareem and Worthy, Jordan had Pippen, Kobe had Shaq, and now Lebron has Wade and Bosh. That's just the way the game goes. You can't win a title by yourself. It takes a complete team effort to take home the hardware.

I said it before the Finals, but I'll reiterate once again. We are on the precipous of history in the NBA. As long as these two teams stay together, we could see Heat-Thunder in the Finals for a while. This could be our modern day Bulls-Jazz rivalry. How special would that be?

The pressure now shifts to Kevin Durant to win that elusive title. However, I don't think we will hassle him to win quite as much as we have Lebron. After all, it took Lebron eight seasons to finally get a ring. Durant has only been in the NBA for five. He still has plenty of time to get it done.

The Miami Heat have accomplished the most difficult thing: getting the first title. The NBA should beware, because the flood gates may have opened for Lebron James and company. The Heat will now try to match some of the NBA's greatest teams and win a handful of titles together. Shaq and Kobe won three together, Magic and the showtime Lakers won three, Jordan and the Bulls won six, and now the Heat will try to make their mark on the NBA forever.

Can this team continue to win titles? Of course. Does it get harder from here? Most likely. Lebron has established himself as the greatest player on the planet. He averaged 30.9 PPG in the postseason, as well as 9.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists. Those kind of numbers are staggering.

We can longer question if Lebron is going to win a championship. We now must wonder, how many more will he deliver? I can't wait to find out.


--GM

"Major" Change

Tiger Woods took the 36 hole lead at the Olympic Club in the 112th United States Open last week. He fired scores of 75 and 73 on the weekend to finish six shots back. Wait, what? Tiger Woods? Yep, that wasn't a misprint.

Golf is in a transition stage. We have now seen fifteen different players win the last fifteen majors, including the last nine by first time winners. Those kind of things just don't happen. It began with Graeme McDowell at Pebble Beach in 2010, as he stole the title from a headline of players including Ernie Els, Tiger Woods, and Phil Mickelson. Most recently, Webb Simpson took the title at the Olympic Club, beating out McDowell and a host of other great players.

The era that I have grown up in has been dominated by one player: Tiger Woods. This "balance of power" is just not something we are used to seeing. Even the players at the top of the World Golf Rankings aren't dominating the game. Luke Donald, the world's top ranked player, has yet to win a major. Even Lee Westwood, who is ranked third, still lacks that elusive major title as well.

Indeed, having nine different players win the last nine majors has been strange. However, I urge golf fans to be patient. This is an auspicious beginning, not an ominous one. Each of the nine previous winners are all relevant at this point in golf, with the exception of Darren Clarke. Players like Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, and Keegan Bradley are going to win more majors. These players are emerging at young ages and are going to be the faces of golf for a long time.

I truly believe that we are past the days of Tiger Woods dominating the game of golf. Woods isn't going to win nine times in a year anymore like he did back in 2000. He isn't going to win four consecutive majors at a time. Unfortunately, we are past that time in his career. Let's be happy for what we had with Tiger, and just hope there is something left in the tank to thrill us a few more times. I'm sure there is.

Don't get me wrong. Tiger is going to win more majors and a plethora of other tournaments on the PGA Tour. I just don't see him winning at the ridiculous level as he did in past years. I would be foolish to count out a player that has won 73 times on tour, and 14 major titles. So, I'm not going to count him out.

Golf may never be the same. If you are one of those people that tunes in to watch the majors and maybe a few tournaments other than that, you probably aren't happy with the way the game is evolving. "Oh Tiger's not winning? I'm not watching that," is what we will continue to hear. But for those of us die hard golf fans, this change in power is not so bad. There are more first-rate players than ever in the game today including six Americans in the top 10 of the World Golf Rankings.

I enjoy seeing parody and new faces emerge to rule the game of golf. We are on the verge of having 25-30 really super players battle it out every week. It is only a matter of time before one of these nine first time majors winners closes out their second major title. It may even come as soon as next month at the Open Championship in England. So watch out golf fans, new faces are emerging to lead the charge in this great game we all love. If you've got a problem with a host of players leading the way, rather than just one, I suggest you get ready for Wimbeldon.

--GM

NBA Finals: Heat vs. Thunder

It was a Wednesday night in April. There were twelve NBA games being played that night, but there was one in particular that caught the attention of most. This was the second meeting of the season between the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Talk about a headline matchup. As I sat there watching this game, it was hard not to imagine what an NBA Finals would be like between these two teams. I desperately hoped that these two teams could keep it together and battle it out for a title in June. My dream has come true.

This has set up one of the sexiest NBA Finals we have seen in a long time. What's not to like? We have two superstars that will go head to head in Kevin Durant and Lebron James, two excellent guards in Russell Westbrook and Dwayne Wade, and then of course good inside players such as Chris Bosh and Serge Ibaka. 

I continue to look at these teams on paper and there aren't a lot of differences. However, the production from the Thunder bench could cause a lot of problems for Miami. James Harden, the NBA's sixth man of the year, is averaging 17.5 points per game in the playoffs coming off of the bench. The Heat don't have a player that can match that level of production, which has to worry Heat fans. I think if Miami is going to win this series, they are going to need more from guys like Norris Cole, Mike Miller, or even James Jones. 

Miami will also need to attack the basket. If Lebron James and Dwayne Wade settle for outside jumpers, rather than getting into the paint, this series could end quickly. Miami must attack Ibaka and Perkins and force them to either foul or give up the easy score. Miami clearly can't matchup physically with Oklahoma City, but if they can force the front court of the Thunder to make decisions, I think Miami could do some damage. 

Russell Westbrook has an opportunity to have a special series. Dwayne Wade can't guard Westbrook for 48 minutes a night, so there are going to be situations that he has Chalmers or Cole guarding him. This is a major advantage for the Thunder. Westbrook is stronger and quicker than anyone the Heat can throw at him. If he plays like he did in the final four games of the San Antonio series, look for Russell Westbrook to go off against the Heat. 

For the first time in a while, we have the league's MVP squaring off against the league's scoring champion in an NBA Finals. We saw it in 1997 with Carl Malone (MVP) and Michael Jordan (scoring title) battling it out for a championship with the Bulls coming out on top. Kevin Durant is a three time scoring champion in the NBA. Thats quite an accomplishment at age 23. Lebron James is now a three time MVP of the league at the age of 27. James is likely the best all around player the game has ever seen. He can guard any position on the floor from the point guard, to the center, all while averaging 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists per game throughout the regular season. Impressive right?

The Thunder have to frustrate Lebron as much as possible throughout this series. Force Lebron to take jump shots and harass him whenever he enters the paint. It's not easy to stop a guy with incredible strength, skill, and size, but the Thunder have to get him out of a groove and force someone else to beat them. Its not going to be easy, as Lebron has improved his play in the postseason this year. He is averaging 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in the playoffs. Those kind of numbers aren't comparable to anyone else in the league. The guy is a freak and nearly impossible to stop.

What a series this should be. I can't wait to sit back and watch these games unfold. The series could go either way really. I have had a difficult time making a pick, so I went back to see what I thought about the finals, prior the the playoffs beginning. 

PICK: Heat in 7

If you go back and see my entry that I wrote on the NBA playoffs before they began, I predicted this finals matchup and it came true. I also predicted that Lebron James would finally get the monkey off of his back and get a ring this season. I'm going to stick with my gut as I have for most of the postseason. I think the fact that Lebron James and Dwayne Wade will each be playing in their third finals will play a role in this series and that they can steal a game early on the road. With the Finals format of 2-3-2, it is crucial for the Heat to win one of the first two. If Miami falls behind 2-0 early, that puts a lot of pressure on them to win three in a row at home, which lets be honest, will be tough to do against the Thunder. If Miami can take a 3-2 lead back to OKC for the final two games, I think they can win the series. I truly believe that Lebron is going to be unstoppable in the finals and silence the critics that believe he isn't clutch. It's time for Lebron to get that ring he covets so much. Both the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as legitimate finals contenders for years to come. Buckle up NBA fans, because we are about to see a run with the Heat and Thunder that we may never experience again. 

--GM

Blackmon booked for DUI

Well, another athlete has found himself in the slammer on a DUI charge. And for Justin Blackmon, this is the second time in just two years. What is this guy thinking? He was a star in college, drafted 5th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars who were looking to make him a franchise wide receiver. But now, he has been arrested on a DUI charge twice since 2010, which will certainly jeopardize his entire career.

How do you get a DUI on that stage? You are about to become a multi-millionaire and potentially the face of a franchise, but you can't call a friend or a cab for a ride home when you have had too much to drink? Come on man.

The Jags traded up for Blackmon, knowing the level of talent that he possesses. He scored 38 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Oklahoma State. Blackmon closed out his college career in the 2011 Tostito's Fiesta Bowl where he caught eight passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. This performance had NFL scouts foaming at the mouth. His performance last night? Not so much.

I guess I've just never understood the DUI thing. It is a pretty simple thing to just call a cab when you have had a few too many, but yet we see athletes at the highest of levels, arrested all the time on DUI charges. From Charles Barkley, to Hines Ward, to most recently Nick Fairley, it's puzzling to see these guys make such a dumb decision to drive home drunk when you have so much on the line.

Its pretty simple: Call a cab. When you are in the position to become a franchise player, and especially when you are starting your career, you want to make a good name for yourself around the league. Justin Blackmon is not off to a good start. Sounds like this guy needs some serious help if he wants to obtain longevity in the NFL.

--GM

Heat erupt back to the Eastern Conference Finals

Merely seven days ago, things looked bleak for the Miami Heat. They were trailing in their best of seven series with the Indiana Pacers 2-1, and were without Chris Bosh for the remainder of the series. The Pacers had all of the momentum. Dwayne Wade was playing poorly, mustering only 5 points in Game 3. Something had to change or this team was going to be headed home early. My, how quickly things changed.

The Heat overcame a 10 point deficit in the 2nd half behind monster performances from Dwayne Wade and Lebron James, who combined for 70 points on the night. The series was tied and back in the hands of the Heat. 

Game 5 was a bloodbath. Headlined by three flagrant fouls, most overlooked the brilliant showing by the Heat in a 32 point victory, taking a commanding hold on the series. Once again, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade stepped up big when their team needed them most combining for 58 points on the night. The Heat were now just one win away from a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

Indeed, Game 6 was going to be tough on the road, especially without Bosh (injured) or Haslem (due to suspension). The Pacers were off to a hot start, leading 10-2 shortly into the game. Indiana's intentions in this game were clear early: pound the ball inside. Eleven out of their first twelve field goals came in the paint giving them a 28-21 lead after the first quarter. The Heat rallied in the second quarter behind 20 points from Dwayne Wade alone and were trailing by only two headed into halftime. 

The second half belonged to the Heat, just as it had all series long. Dwayne Wade continued his outstanding performance answering almost every basket the Pacers were able to score. Wade was in one of the zones last night that are hard to explain. He hit multiple running floaters that made an ocean sunset seem dull. Wade finished the game with 41 points to lead the Heat. James chimed in with a mere 28, just as he always seems to do. 

In my mind, THIS was the Miami Heat that I have wanted to see for almost two years now. Dwayne Wade and Lebron James playing together and simply running this team. There are few teams in the NBA that can beat the Heat when James and Wade are playing in this sort of fashion. In the final three games of this series, they combined for 187 points. 187! What a performance these two put on in a span of six days. Almost reminds me of a few guys named Jordan and Pippen. 

If the Heat want to take home the hardware in June, they need to continue letting James and Wade run the show. They are at their best when James and Wade do most of their scoring, especially with Bosh out indefinitely. I have a feeling Erik Spoelstra will take a look at the last three games of the Pacers series and realize that he just needs to get out of the way and let them play. As long as these two superstars continue their hot streak, the Miami Heat will be a tough out the remainder of the playoffs.

--GM

Western Conference Finals Preview

The San Antonio Spurs are on fire. They have won a franchise record 18 consecutive games heading into the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs are the closest thing to flawless the NBA has seen in quite some time. 


The Oklahoma City Thunder are far from inferior. The Thunder have only lost 1 game in the playoffs thus far and are lead by the most dynamic duo the NBA has to offer in Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. This makes two consecutive Conference Finals for the Thunder who feel they have unfinished business. 


"It's going to be a mental challenge for us," Westbrook said when talking about the Spurs. "They haven't lost in a while and we've got to be prepared to play." 


The Thunder will stroll into San Antonio Sunday evening looking to spoil the year long rodeo that has been the Spurs season. This will be a battle of old and new. Experienced against unfamiliar. Seasoned versus fresh. The Spurs won 2 out of 3 in the regular season against the Thunder including a 114-105 win at Chesapeake Energy Arena in March. 


The matchup that sticks out to me is in the backcourt between Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook. Parker went off for 42 points in a win over the Thunder during the regular season and is averaging 19.1 PPG and 7 assists in the postseason thus far. 


Russell Westbrook is no slouch either. He has scored at least 20 points in all, but two of the Thunder's playoff games including a 37 point performance against the Lakers in Game 4. Westbrook is triple-double threat on any given night.


Tony Parker is one of the best facilitators in the game and is underrated as a defender as well. He lacks size in the matchup with Westbrook, but I don't see that as too much of a problem. Both players like to slash into the lane and look for an opening or kick it out to a shooter for a bucket. 


What makes these players so difficult to guard is the supporting casts around each of them. With Harden and Durant threatening to score at any moment for the Thunder, Westbrook often finds himself a little more open than most would think. Same goes for Tony Parker. With Duncan and Ginobili looming, defenses tend to back up when Parker drives to the rim, almost anticipating a pass rather than a score. 


Each team has been excellent all season long. This will be one of the better series we have seen as fans in a long time. I just think that the Spurs ability to play in multiple paces will be the difference. They can run with teams at any point and just as easily slow it down into a half court battle. The home court advantage for San Antonio will be big as well. They out played the Thunder in April to obtain the top seed, and I think it will be a big factor in the outcome of this series. 


I find it hard to believe that Kevin Durant will come of short of the NBA Finals for a second consecutive season, but I just don't see any way that the Spurs are going home without a ring. They are 10-12 deep on their bench, and have a 36-year old Tim Duncan who is playing with more energy than we have seen in a long time. I originally picked the Thunder to represent the West in the NBA Finals, but like I said, San Antonio is simply stupendous. 


--GM

Can Memphis Remain Patient?

Things never going according to plan. The Grizzlies were supposed to defeat the Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, but that didn't happen. The Clippers played spoiler in the largest of ways defeating Memphis on their home floor in a decisive Game 7 Sunday afternoon.

The entire series was unusual. We saw the Grizzlies blow a 27 point lead in the 4th quarter of game one, a nine point lead in the 4th in game three, and then win games five and six after trailing 3-1 facing elimination. No one gave the Clippers a chance in Game 7, especially not in Memphis. But the Clippers proved to be resilient enough to prevent the Grizzlies from becoming just the ninth team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit in a best of seven series. I still can't believe it.

I'm not going to sit here and pry through each game and tell you where things went wrong. I'm just not up for that at this point. But, I will tell you this. It is hard to win a series without any contribution from the two guard. OJ Mayo played the worst five game stretch arguably of his career in the final five games of the series and Tony Allen just can't score. I can sit here and tell you all that it's Lionel Hollins' fault that the Grizzlies lost or that Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph just can't play together. Give me a break. They haven't been healthy together on the court for an extended period of time in two years. How do you expect them to gel? And as for Lionel Hollins, he has saved this franchise. Three years ago people would've killed to have the success this team has had.

Its time to move forward. In a month, we will look back at the past season and see it for what it was: the best in franchise history. But you can not settle now. This can't be enough. Its now time to go out and find some pieces that can't make this team worthy of a championship. Its not the starters fault that the season is over. There just wasn't enough production from the bench to make a title run.

Start in the draft. The Grizzlies will pick in the 25th position overall. Yep, its not that great, but you can still find value at that position. The Grizzlies clearly need players who can handle the ball and/or shoot. They need a backup point guard for Mike Conley, not a two guard who will play the point, but an ACTUAL point guard. I think they need to grab a guard in free agency, so in the draft, I'd look for a sharp shooter. Multiple players stick out to me that would fit what the Grizzlies are looking for. John Jenkins, Dion Waters, and Doron Lamb will all likely be available for Memphis to choose. Any one of these guys could solve the Grizzlies' shooting woes.

You might ask, why not draft a point guard? My response to that would be that the Grizzlies just don't have time to sit and wait two or three years for a 19-20 year old to develop his game. They have the small window of opportunity with this group of players and need to win now. And clearly the city of Memphis has no patience for young players to develop. Josh Selby and Greivis Vasquez, the last two point guards and overall draft picks by the Grizzlies, have been heavily criticized for their play as ROOKIES. Memphis isn't going to sit around and wait for Marquis Teague or another young gun to develop. After all, how many players that the Grizzlies have drafted in the last 10 years are still on the team? Two. Mike Conley and Josh Selby. That's pretty unbelievable. Go out and pick up a veteran, an Andre Miller or Delonte West. Just make it someone that can handle the ball please.

The Memphis Grizzlies went 41-25 this year, the best winning percentage in franchise history. They also finished 4th in the Western Conference, their best finish in franchise history. This team has a solid core of players with Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, Marc Gasol, and Zach Randolph. So smile Memphis, good times are on the horizon. We just have to be patient.


--GM

Grizzlies Win, Force Game 7

When your back is against the wall, you must perform, and perform the Grizzlies did. The Grizzlies defeated the Clippers Friday night in an elimination game six to find themselves in a 3-3 series tie headed back to the FedEx Forum Sunday afternoon. After a loss in game 4, things looked bleak. We had yet to see a start to finish performance from the Grizzlies, but most still believed the series was not over. The Grizzlies kept battling and kept grinding and it has paid off in a big way. There is now an opportunity to play on your home floor on Sunday and advance to the Western Conference semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs.


Tonight's win was far from perfect. The Grizzlies turned the ball over TWENTY times in the game overall and struggled through a second quarter that was plagued by nine hiccups. Yet, the Grizzlies still found themselves with a lead at halftime. Things were nodded up at 66 a piece headed to the fourth quarter, a period that the Grizzlies have struggled in all series long. Indeed, things looked rough when the Clippers exploded to an eight point lead early in the fourth, but there was no stopping the grit or the grind tonight. Memphis used a 10-0 run to blaze back into the lead and never looked back.

Lionel Hollins left Tony Allen in the ball game for the majority of the fourth quarter and it paid off. Allen played inspired basketball on both ends of the court. However, in the end, you can not say enough about the "brothers from another mother," Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The pair combined for 41 points and 25 rebounds. That is massive. The Grizzlies crushed the Clippers on the glass 48-32 behind the brilliant performance from Z-Bo. And let's not forget about Mike Conley. He clearly outplayed Chris Paul all night long. Conley finished with 13 points and 9 dimes including 3 three pointers. We all knew Conley was going to play major minutes this evening and he stepped up in the largest of moments. Way to go Mike Conley.


So, this all sets up the first Game 7 in franchise history on Sunday afternoon in Memphis. You can guarantee mayhem in the FedEx Forum all game long. The Grizzlies are now just one win away from becoming the ninth team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 series deficit. I truly believe that the Grizzlies have figured this thing out. Get the ball inside to your bruisers, and good things will come. Continue to pound the ball inside on Sunday, and we just may have more basketball to play. See you Sunday for a game that will be the biggest in Grizzlies franchise history. I can't wait to watch it all unfold. Go Grizz.



--GM

Mickelson Inducted to Hall of Fame

Phil Mickelson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame on Monday, receiving one of the highest honors a golfer can obtain. But as usual, Mickelson wasn't thinking of himself. He began by thanking the people who had helped him along the way in life from friends and family, to his coaches. Yet, he wanted to make sure he thanked the most important people of all: the fans. 

"The fans have made this such a fun ride," Mickelson said during the induction ceremony. "There have been a lot of highs and a lot of lows that we've shared together. There have been a lot of times where I've struggled, and it's been their energy that's helped pull me through."

That's just how Mickelson does things. He knows how much of an advantage it is to tee it up and have the gallery on his side each and every round. You can't take that kind of thing for granted.


Mickelson has earned over $55 million dollars on the PGA Tour in his career. He was won 40 PGA Tour events to go along with four major championships: 3 Masters, and a PGA Championship. Phil never made it to #1 in the world, but has been ranked #2 multiple times throughout his career. His best year was likely 2005 in which he won four times on tour and a PGA Championship to close out the season.

Mickelson will always be compared to Tiger Woods because of the time period that he played in. Woods is the best, and Mickelson along with everyone else would agree that Tiger has had the better career. However, "Lefty" is going to be one of the few players to be able to say that he got the best of Tiger Woods head-to-head in the prime of his career. Dating back to 2007, Mickelson has beaten Tiger five straight times in head to head competition and has gone on to win the tournament three of those times. Most recently, Phil beat Tiger by 11 shots in the final round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am going on to win the tournament. Don't forget, Tiger got a front row viewing to the beat down he was handed by Lefty. That must have stung.

Charity has also been a major emphasis of Mickelson's career. He has started three different charities including Birdies for Brave, Home For Our Troops, and The Phil and Amy Mickelson Foundation. He also spends time working with "Start Smart" and the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teacher's Academy.

Mickelson has had a brilliant career. Most players would kill to have achieved the things that he has, but that's just not plausible. Mickelson has as much raw talent as any player that has ever played on tour and is truly one of the best ambassadors golf has ever seen. He is a great golfer, a family man, and a role model to every younger player out there. There aren't many arguments against Phil Mickelson.

I believe that Mickelson will not always be remembered for the things that he has done on the golf course, but more importantly, his actions off of it. I look forward to 30 years from now, when Mickelson will strike the honorary opening tee shot in the Masters. I'm sure Augusta National wouldn't have it any other way.


--GM

Grizzlies Lose Game 3, Trail 2-1.

The Memphis Grizzlies lost another tough one Saturday afternoon to the Los Angeles Clippers leaving them in a 2-1 series deficit. What makes the loss even more bothersome is that the Grizzlies had a seven-point lead going into the fourth quarter. We have seen the Grizzlies struggle in the fourth quarter already this series. Their offense seems to go stagnant late in games, failing to convert possession after possession. Indeed, at times, they are able to get away with their lack of offense, but not today. The defense was not the suffocating manor that Grizzlies fans have grown to cherish. At one point, I noticed four defenders stationary watching Chris Paul knife right down the center of the lane for a score. That won't get it done in the playoffs, plain and simple. All of this occurred with the team’s best defender on the bench in Tony Allen. There were two straight possessions that O.J. Mayo gave up straightforward baskets to Chris Paul, yet Lionel Hollins refused to sub in Allen.

Allen changed the entire culture of this Grizzlies franchise, and yet for some strange reason played all of a minute in the fourth quarter. I will never understand Lionel Hollins substitution patterns. He left Mareese Speights in the ball game way too long today, as Marc Gasol sat on the bench and watched Speights give up two consecutive offensive rebounds leading to Clipper points. Yet, in spite of all of this, the Grizzlies had the ball with 8.3 seconds left and a chance to win the ball game. However, Rudy Gay’s final jumper went begging and the Grizzlies fell 87-86.

This series is not finished yet. What concerns me is that people continue to talk about the fact that the Grizzlies are the superior team. Yes, that may be true, but the better team doesn’t always win. A series is not decided by opinion. The Grizzlies still have to play, and play they must. Monday night in Los Angeles is the closest thing to a must win ballgame and may be the biggest game in franchise history. Indeed, game 7 against the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals was huge last year, but no one expected Memphis to win that game or series for that matter. The series with the Clippers is one that the Grizzlies should win. They are the favorite. It’s time to put up or shut up. Win on Monday or you will be headed home down 3-1, facing a difficult path to a series victory. However, a victory will change everything including the outlook on the series. Homecourt advantage will return to its rightful owner if the Grizzlies can pull out a win on Monday. Its time for the Grizz to show that grit and tenacity that got them to the playoffs. They can't afford not to. 

--GM