NBA Draft 2013 Recap: They Stole the Show...

On Thursday night the burrough of Brooklyn held the 2013 NBA Draft. The start to the NBA draft was full of surprises Nerlens Noel dropped to #6, Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive drafting streaking selecting UNLV's Anthony Bennett #1. Many pundits (except us) predicted Noel to be the #1 draft pick in 2013 they were wrong and Noel's family was shocked holding their breath as Noels slipped down from #1 to #6. Finally Noels was selected by New Orleans Pelicans appearing to team w/ another Kentucky athlete and former #1 draft pick Anthony Davis. After the selection Kentucky Coach John Calipari was interviewed giving vivid thoughts of a possible Davis and Noel duo in the NBA. Pelicans looked to have secured a young front court full of potential. A few minutes later Twitter exploded with reports of Noels being traded to Philadelphia for Jrue Holiday. After dropping from a perceived #1 draft pick to #6 then being traded from Pelicans to 76ers minutes later. Noel told USA TODAY Sports "oh I am going, to make them pay".

Nerlens Noel is from Haiti his mother worked several jobs just to put food on the table. Through all he has endured he never quit he never gave up on his dream. His mother told reporters that Noel has been dreaming of this day since he was a child. Noel suffered a season-ending ACL tear forcing the young Mc Donald's All American to miss most of the 2012 season at Kentucky. It was the ACL tear that caused Noels to rapidly drop in the draft the look on his face became memorable everyone including ESPN announcers were shocked "wow".

During a pre-draft conversation with Atlanta's Jarvis Davis of 92.9 FM "The Game" we discussed the the possibility of Noels not being the best fit in Cleveland. Reason's discussed Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson already provide a good level talent at the post positions. Minutes before the draft I sent a two word text message to the producer "Anthony Bennett". With his strength, size and athletic ability Bennett reminds many of another former "Runnin Rebel" Larry Johnson. Bennett is a more prepared polished player when compared to Noel and has the ability to defend the SF and PF positions. When called with the #1 draft pick Bennett appeared shocked and you can't Google one website in the world where "Mock Drafts" listed Bennett at #1. History was set last night at Anthony Bennett became the first Canadian selected #1 in the NBA draft.

David Sterns goal was global he wanted to reach places where the NBA was less known. Stern believed the  basketball was an international sport that could catch fire around the globe expanding other countries from Canada to Nigeria. In the end Stern's dream was achieved, it all began in 1984 when the Houston Rockets selected Hakeem Olajuwon from Lagos Nigeria. It ended Thursday night during the 2013 draft when Stern called the surprising name of Canada's Anthony Bennett. Stern achieved his international goals the NBA has improved greatly international athletes have come from almost every continent since his commissioning except Antarctica of course.

The night should have ended with those three highlights Bennett, Noel and Stern but in the end the greatest immediate impact was felt when the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics stole the show. The writing was on the wall Tuesday afternoon when the much anticipated trade of Celtics coach Doc Rivers was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers. Celtics brass had already watched former BIG 3 band member Ray Allen jump ship last season to rival Miami Heat and win a Championship as the NBA Finals parade drove through South Beach on Monday. Then Thursday night the Celtics completed their overhaul sending Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett to Brooklyn. In the end Brooklyn hosted the 2013 NBA Draft and then stole the draft for keepsakes  with a Mega Deal. It's possible Boston's received way too much compensation for the once heralded NBA athletes, their tanks are close to empty but for the immediate future Brooklyn Stole the Show.... 

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Clenaure Carter is now the Writer for http://www.football.com covering Georgia Tech Football

Also check out Pro Sports Lives (Atlanta GA 1190AM) at http://www.prosportslives.com/ every Saturday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST....

NBA Playoffs: Are They Ready?

NBA playoffs, where good players turn into all stars and hopefully become legends. The 2013 NBA playoffs is no exception. This post-season the eyes of NBA fans and pens of analysis experts will be busy looking for the next all star or legend to rise to the occasion. In the postseason games become tighter, you see the same anoying opponent for a week, match-ups become more intense and only the best survive. The NBA regular season is simply regular, the postseason well that's where the real action begins. Opponents really zone in on a players weaknesses and strengths every move is examined and calculated in film rooms. Players go to sleep and wake-up thinking of only their opponent, tempers flair and rivals begin. Athletes must be ready to accept the challenge, the only question is are they ready?

Blake Griffin: Los Angeles Clippers ultra athletic power forward popularly known for his great highlight dunks has to be more than just a highlight show. During the 2012 NBA playoffs Griffin averaged 19.1pts, 6.9rebs and 0.9blks against the Memphis Grizzlies. Griffin has to do better 0.9blks by a ferocious athletic freak of nature is not a a glowing endorsement for "Defensive Player of Year". Controlling the paint is an area where he must excel, requesting a near double-double with 1.5 - 2.0 blocks per game is not much for Clippers fans to request from their all star athlete.
NOTE: Statistically Griffin is currently having his worst NBA season 18pts, and 8.3 rebs below career avaerages of 20.4pts and 10.4 rebs.

Josh Smith: Atlanta Hawks highlight to the "Highlight Factory" one of the best all around athletes in the NBA. Criticized for his lack of decision making and ill-timed shooting must make a significant contribution in the postseason. Smith is a 9yr NBA veteran playing in his sixth straight post season appearance with Atlanta. In 5 of 6 NBA playoff post seasons Smith's numbers have dipped from regular season stats. While most NBA star athletes raise their level of play in the playoffs Smith has a track record performing the opposite. This postseason Smith must takeover in order for the Hawks to advance past the Indiana Pacers. Stuffing the regular season with stats is awesome to watch but stuffing stats in the NBA playoffs will make you an "All Star".
NOTE: Smith believes his talents are All Star written but NBA playoff numbers tell the real story.

James Harden: Former Sixth Man of Year, Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA Finals appearance, and NBA All Star. Most of Harden's awards were achieved as a member of Oklahoma City Thunder playing next to friends Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Now he Harden is OKC Thunder "Enemy of the State". Before the regular season started Harden wanted to be more than just a member of the "3 Stooges" he wanted his own stage. Well Harden welcome to the big stage first opponent OKC Thunder. Defeating Westbrook and Durant's Thunder in Western Conference playoffs could make Harden an instant NBA legend or at least make him unforgettable in NBA history.
NOTE: Harden career postseason career averages 13.8pts, 1.3stls, 3.3ast, and 4.8rebs (Thunder)

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NBA Off Season 2013...

The NBA Finals are over LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have ushered in a new era ready to take the NBA to a new level. Now the shift occurs the "BIG BOOM" to the NBA 's new Miami Heat era has exploded and now there are casualties. NBA players are on the move and NBA franchises including the L.A. Lakers and Brooklyn Nets are creating tidal waves in free agency. As the casualties fall and NBA empires young and old are rebuilt to compete in the NBA's new market defectors have also changed sides. Ray Allen once a Boston Celtic general "the only player to shake the hands of Miami Heat players after game 7 in Miami" has agreed to a new deal in South Beach.


Steve Nash signs with rival Lakers creating a MVP back court with Kobe Bryant. Move puts Lakers into prime position to challenge OKC Thunder for Western Conference supremacy. Nash trade also keeps Bynum and Gasol in L.A. giving the "Purple and Gold" brass an opportunity to keep most of the Lakers "Boom or Buss" plans intact.


New York Knicks sign Jason Kidd believing the veteran point guard can help the trio of Carmelo, Chandler and Stoudemire mesh on the basketball court. Kidd says he signed to help with the maturation process of Jeremy Lin. Lin is currently being pursued heavily by the Houston Rockets.


Los Angeles Clippers are progressively moving forward during the off season adding Jamal Crawford and Lamar Odom two of the best sixth man in the NBA over the past 4-5 years. Clippers re-signed Chauncey Billups creating possibly the deepest roster in the NBA. Clippers are ready to challenge the Thunder this season youth, athleticism, veteran sharp shooting and excellent inside paint presence will keep the Clippers in the race in 2013.


Brooklyn Nets acquired Joe Johnson in a big trade deal keeping franchise "face" Deron Williams in a Brooklyn Nets uniform. The re-signing of Gerald Wallace plays a significant role in the movement of the Nets moving forward. Don't look now but Nets have enough pieces with Brook Lopez serving as a dominant presence to challenge to Miami Heat for the next several seasons.


 Ray Allen to Miami many "NorEasters" believe     Allen turned red coat and ran to the side of the enemy. Only issue the Celtics treated Allen like an after thought during his last season in Boston. Canceled trades to Memphis and bickering with team PG Rajon Rondo created a rift that could not be repaired. Kevin Garnett returned to Boston with a 3yr $34million contract while the Celtics offered Allen a 2yr $12 million contract big difference. Celtics shook hands with PG/SG Jason Terry prior to Allen's decision. Yes, Allen was offered more cash from the Celtics but something tells me this is personal and Allen wants to stick it to the Celtics.


Miami Heat made the landscape of the NBA shift to a new era. Franchises jumping on board and moving forward will have a chance to compete. Organizations not sitting on the sidelines will continue in mediocrity. Example Brookyln Nets in / Orlando Magic out...


So what are we to expect, what will be the next fall out as we turn to the next chapter in the NBA. Here's a few thoughts.


1.) Expect the Brooklyn Nets to vastly improve (automatic dark horse..)
2.) Boston Celtics v. Miami Heat rival will intensify (Bad Blood..)
3.) Western Conference Thunder, Lakers, Spurs, and Clippers one of these four teams are NBA Finals bound 2013...
4.) Dwight Howard the wait will continue, will he explode psychologically or will Orlando ship him out...


Note: Yes I know a NorEaster is a generally a term used for snowstorms duh....

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