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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NBA: Miami Heat Robbed of Competition

For years it has been known that the NBA's Western Conference has been superior compared to its Eastern Conference foes. Western Conference offers the more recent legendary NBA franchises from Kobe's Los Angeles Lakers to Tim Duncan's San Antonio Spurs. For comparisons sake simply look at the 2012-2013 Western Conference playoff teams and an argument can be made that the "Top 6" teams in the conference could have challenged the Miami Heat. Fact is the road to the 2013 NBA Finals for the Miami Heat was full of opponents missing key components to their rosters. Chicago Bulls "no Rose", Indiana Pacers "no Granger" yet the mighty Heatles struggled for a combined 8-5 record versus those opponents in the playoffs, possibly playing to the level of their competition. .

No this is not a Miami Heat bashing or ripping apart of LeBron James. This is just a statement of the facts, the Heat simply faced less than adequate opponents in the Eastern Conference this season. When you rattle off 27 straight wins and your main regular season opponents consist of the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats a sense of superiority can settle in quickly. Now the Miami Heat are embattled in a fierce standoff against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. A battle that has the defending champions scratching their heads searching for answers. As the same tactics the Heat deployed against the Granger-less Pacers, Rose-less Bulls, incompetent Bucks, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Bobcats "geesh" simply will not work against the well dressed Spurs.

At the beginning of the 2013 season the Heatles appeared to meet the challenges presented by the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics four of the top teams in the conference. Unfortunately these teams all had significant injuries down the stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs. While the Pacers tested Miami's resolve the truth is the conference was flawed. It was the equivalent of shopping at the Louis Vuitton Outlet finding an awesome sales deal then arriving at the house to find out one sleeve was shorter than the other. While the Miami Heat found deals against less talented and injury plagued teams this season.The lack of competition in the Eastern Conference is now coming back to bite them in the end. It's not Miami's fault they are used to shopping at the wrong places.

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Basketball Hall of Fame 2013 "The Glove" Gary Payton

Gary Payton known as "The Glove" from his Hall of Fame worthy days with the Seattle SuperSonics has been elected to the 2013 Basketball Hall of Fame. Payton a native of California was born in 1968.He played high school ball for Skyline High School in Oakland, California. Upon graduation Payton traveled North to Corvallis Oregon where becoming one of the most prolific and decorated athletes in Oregon State University history. In 1990 Payton graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as the nations best collegiate basketball player. Payton's list of collegiate awards includes 1990 All-American, 3x All-Pac10 selection, Pac-10 1987 freshman of the year, 3x MVP Far West Classic Tournament, 9x Pac-10 player of the week, Pac-10 All-Decade Team. At one time Payton held the OSU school record in points, field goals, three point field goals, assists and steals. Leading the OSU Beavers to three NCAA Tournament appearances due to his performance Payton's name was etched in OSU Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.

Gary Payton was selected with the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1990. Initially Payton started on the Sonics bench playing behind Nate Mc Millan for most of his rookie campaign. The following season a small starting point guard controversy started as the Sonics had two guards capable of the starting position. Sonics coach K.C. Jones made a decision before the 1991 season began to start the younger Payton. During the first two seasons of his career Payton struggled with shooting the basketball as he averaged 8.2 points per game, (7.2pts rookie season). Through hardwork and determination Payton started to prove himself to Seattle Sonics front office, coaches and fans.

When Sonics drafted another young fella by the name of Shawn Kemp, Paytons level of played elevated to new heights. Payton and Kemp would soon form one of the best duo's in NBA history, forever known as the "Sonic Boom". Payton captivated the NBA and Seattle fan base like a Pacific Coast storm collecting nine consecutive All-NBA Teams selections spanning from 1994-2002, including  9x NBA All Star, NBA Defensive Player of Year Award in 1996 and two time Gold Medal Olympian (1996 and 2000).

In 1996 Payton led the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals against Michael Jordan's infamous Chicago Bulls. Providing a memory that will forever be known in Sonics history. Jumping ahead 3-0 Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman made videos telling Bulls fans don't tear up the city until the Bulls players arrived home. Those comments rubbed Payton the wrong way and a injured Payton urged Sonics coach George Karl to let him guard Michael Jordan for the rest of the NBA Finals after the defensive switch Sonics won games 4 and 5 in Seattle sending the series to Chicago for game six. Payton's Sonics fell short in a high pressured atmosphere for game six but Payton earned Jordan's respect and carried the city of Seattle on his shoulders. Many wondered what the outcome could have been if coach Karl had started the 95-96 NBA Finals series with the defensive player of the year Gary Payton on Michael Jordan.

The Hall of Fame career of Gary Payton would continue away from Seattle in 2003 when a five player trade between the Sonics and Bucks would seen Ray Allen to Seattle in exchange for Gary Payton. Payton's NBA career with Milawaukee Bucks lasted 28 games before forming a Hall of Fame four-some w/  Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquile O'Neal add Phil Jackson and you have possibly the most historic line-ups in NBA history coached by the greatest coach.The journey continued that season with Payton's second trip to the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons. "In all honesty the only team in NBA history capable of defeating the Lakers 2004 NBA Finals team was the Pistons defense of 2004".

Before the 2004-2005 season Gary Payton would be reluctantly part of a trade deal sending the West Coast native to the Boston Celtics. Payton, Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker captured the 04-05' Atlantic Division title before a first round versus the Indiana Pacers. During the 2005 off-season Payton now a Unrestricted Free Agent signed a one year $1.1 million deal to join former Celtics teammate Antoine Walker and NBA Lakers buddy Shaquille O'Neal with the Miami Heat. In 2006 Payton played a crucial role down the stretch for the Miami Heat. None bigger than game three of the 2006 NBA Finals with Miami down (0-2) staring at a possible three game deficit when Payton hit the game winner and series changing jump shot against the Dallas Mavericks. For Payton "three times was the charm" as the prolific point guard captured the long awaited NBA Finals trophy.

Since his retirement Payton has been a key figure in the search for returning NBA basketball back to the city of Seattle attending several functions and rallies as a key note speaker. His contributions to the NBA will forever be remembered and now honored as a member of Basketball Hall of Fame. Ceremony takes place during half-time of the 2013 NCAA National Championship.

Bonus Video: Gary Payton vs. Michael Jordan 1996 NBA Finals Game (5)

Personal Note: Living in Seattle Gary Payton was my favorite Basketball player growing up so it was a pleasure writing the article and reviewing hundreds of highlights of the man we call "The Glove". Most articles I write are done without bias but this one is special. Hope you enjoyed the highlights and timeless article. Gary Payton thank you for the memories including the picture with me and my family below... 

Picture Cousin Dean Garrett, Grandmama (RIP), Cousin Brandon Bishop (back), Brother Burre Collins and  me (Light Skinned dude). One of the Greatest moments of my childhood.... Thanks!! 

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Dethroning the Champs: Miami Heat "Rules"

The NBA season has been great so far watching players, coaches and ultimately NBA franchises get ready for what we call the stretch run of the NBA season. As teams fight for a spot in the NBA playoffs there is one common denominator, one purpose and that is winning the NBA Championship. The trade deadline has passed and the blockbuster trades never materialized. Therefore the DNA of your favorite team is already set; remember the phrase "They are who we Thought they were". Well its true barring major injuries or dramatic increase in player level the type of dramatic increase that turns Joe Johnson into Reggie Miller  NBA teams are set.

Like the great Ric Flair once said "In order to be the man you have to be the man" and the 2011-2012 NBA Champion Miami Heat are currently storming the NBA on a 12 game winning streak. Dwayne Wade "W.O.W" or Way Of Wade is taking over 4th quarters and the Miami Heat look primed to defend their NBA Championship. So it’s not a matter of who will make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, it’s who has the better shot of defeating the Miami Heat in the postseason. In the end it comes down to matching strengths versus weaknesses.

Deep analysis of the Miami Heat shows glaring holes in several categories 46.6 is the number of rebounds the Heat average per game ranking 30th in the NBA. Miami's Offensive rebounding percentage 22.5% allows opposing NBA teams to grab at least 77.5% of Miami's missed shots on the boards. Heat average a total of 8.5 offensive rebounds tied 28th with the Boston Celtics in the NBA worst in the Eastern Conference. Miami is able to combat these stats with an Effective 54.9% FG best in the NBA and low turnover rate of 12.9%. Miami's perfect storm would be a team that can apply pressure on defense forcing turnovers while controlling the glass. Perimeter and Paint defensive oriented teams with an effective offensive system. Reasons why the Boston Celtics with Rajon Rondo normally give the Miami Heat great intense battles.

Contrary to belief the Miami Heat only excel greatly in three out of eighteen major/sub stat categories Points per Game 103.9, Turnover % 12.9 and Steals 8.7. Heats moderately perform in two major stat categories Point Differential +7.1 and Effective FG% 54.9. Miami is great at making up their flaws in the post offensively with great perimeter play as well last season the Heat shot 35.9% from three point range this number drastically increased in the NBA playoffs against the OKC Thunder when Mike Miller and Shane Battier got "White Heat Hot" from downtown. During the 2012-2013 NBA season the additions of Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen has increased the Heat's three point percentage to a scorching 39.1%

While the Miami Heat has several flaws mostly in the post/ paint it would take a multi-faceted team in order to dethrone the NBA Champions. List of Eastern Conference playoff teams with the ability to create havoc in the playoffs and strip the Heat of another NBA Finals appearance is slim. Here's a list of playoff teams with the ability to control the post defensively and offensively Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks fit the bill here. Defensively the Heat could struggle against a defensive and aggressive Indiana team Pacers lead the NBA in PPG Allowed 89.6 other notable Eastern Conference playoff teams include Chicago  Bulls 91.6, Brooklyn Nets 94.8, Boston Celtics 96.1 and Atlanta Hawks 96.2. Only three playoff bound teams hold opponents to a worst FG% Indiana Pacers 41.3%, Chicago Bulls 43.4% and Boston Celtics 44.1%.  Once we look at the overall Adjusted FG% which shows the effectiveness of the opponents offense versus the defense only the Pacers 44.5%, Bulls 46.7%, Bucks (8th seed) 48.2%, Celtics 48.2%, Hawks 49.2% are same or better than Miami Heat.  Once again the Heat combats these issues with effective offense and unmatched intangibles in LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

Eastern Conference playoff teams prove that defense is the call Miami Heat’s offense sets them apart and beyond the rest of the pack. Heat average 103.9 ppg , 49.7 fg% and effective 54.9% fg rate. New York Knicks average 100.1 ppg but the offensive system is only generating a 44.3 fg% and Miami's defense is more effective due to lack of perimeter pressure. Atlanta Hawks DNA proves they have a good offensive system with Jeff Teague at the point and Josh Smith and Al Horford controlling the post generating a 46.3 fg% and Effective/ Adjusted 51.9 fg%. Issue for Hawks terrible home court more Heat fans in Philips Arena than Hawks fans you can actually hear the "Let's Go Heat Chants" drain out the announcer saying "Defense" when Heat have the ball, secondly Josh Smith and Al Horford always look overwhelmed by James and Wade being on the same basketball court. Injuries to Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose eliminates the Celtics and Bulls, I wonder what the Bulls offense would look like versus the Heat with a healthy Rose in uniform.  Brooklyn Nets offense despite Deron Williams at point guard are terrible 95.2 ppg, 44.1 fg% and 49.1 effective fg%. Brook Lopez and Reggie Evans undoubtedly have the ability to control the post offensive/ defensive but where is Williams and Johnson?

 Indiana Pacers represent the Miami Heat’s greatest defensive threat but lag far behind in all offensive categories 94.0 ppg, 43.4 fg% and 47.6 Adjusted/ Effective fg%. Middle to end of the pack NBA free throw and three point team. Since the All-Star break the Indiana has outpaced their offensive season averages posting 125pts v. Knicks, 114pts v. Pistons, 90pts v. Pistons and 108pts v. Warriors opening up to a 4-0 start after the break. Former All-Star Danny Granger is back from injury and the Pacers seemed posed with all the potential to threaten the Miami Heat if the offensive explosion continues. Most of all the Pacers don't seem fazed by the intangibles LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

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NBA Mid-Season Report: Wild Roller Coaster Full of Injuries

     If you been following the NBA this season it has been a roller coaster of high-fives and disappointments . Golden State Warriors have been a great example of the NBA ride I am determined to point out. Riddled with injuries (Andrew Bogut) Mark Jackson's club has been to the top of the mountain and now heading into the All-Star break losing five games in a row the Warriors have essentially turned back into pumpkins at the stroke of midnight. Los Angeles Lakers front office has been horrible, terrible, implorable down right ugly. First the disrespectful firing of Mike Brown, the shady under cut move to dismiss the great Phil Jackson to hire the Big Apple destroyer in Mike D'Antoni. Then the injury bug started spreading around like the plague in the Lakers locker room down goes Nash, then D. Howard and now Gasol ouch! Karma from the Zen Master?

     In the Eastern Conference Brooklyn Nets started off hot in their new surroundings appearing to emerge as early  NBA Finals contenders and are now looking like a simple NBA playoff team. While making the playoffs is a great stride for the Nets franchise Joe Johnson, Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace weren't assembled to be a mere Eastern Conference playoff team they were meshed together to challenge the Miami Heat. Boston Celtics bit the injury bug hard Rondo partially torn right knee ACL out for the season, then the "Brazilian blur" Rondo's point guard replacement Leandro Barbosa goes out with a torn left ACL. This after the Celtics proved they had enough heart to survive without Rondo on the court winning seven contest in a row.

     Take a sharp look at this seasons NBA injury laundry  list and it reads like a who's who of the NBA or an All Star lineup. Derrick Rose*, Danny Granger, Anderson Varejao, Joakim Noah, Rajon Rondo, Pau Gasol, Mo Williams, Chris Kaman, Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Andrei Kirilenko, Andrew Bynum, Andrea Bargnani, Amare' Stoudemire, Kevin Love and more. All NBA players listed have missed significant time with injuries this season.

Hopefully the injury plague will come to an end after the All Star break. Unfortunately the roller coaster of rising and falling NBA teams will undoubtedly continue as playoff teams in both the Western and Eastern Conference are not etched in stone. I still believe Toronto and Philadelphia have an opportunity to slide into the 8th spot with Milwaukee Bucks currently on a down slide. While Kobe and the Lakers will not go quietly....

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Greg Oden "The BIG Anemic" Returning to NBA...

Greg Oden the "BIG Anemic" is returning to the NBA. According to news sources around Cleveland Ohio the anemic one is close to a two year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Akron Beacon Journal reported Oden signing with the Cavaliers after the February 21st trade deadline. Oden has been working out and a third year team option is attached to the deal.

(Sam Forencich/Getty Images)

Cavaliers are currently $4 million under the cap and exploring several different trades to revamp a roster around young NBA superstar Kyrie Irving. Last week Oden's agent Mike Conley Sr. confirmed to the press that Oden had been working out/ meeting with the Cavaliers. While several other teams including the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have been very interested in signing Oden. The Big Anemic is ready to stay home in his native Ohio and play for the Cavaliers. 

Minus injury concerns Oden and Anderson Varejao could form a great one-two punch in the post with Marreese Speights coming off the bench. If Cavaliers find success between now and the off season of 2014 LeBron James could have a lot to think about before resigning with the Miami Heat. 

Oden's last appearance in a NBA uniform was during the 2009 NBA season. Drafted in 2007 his career has been plagued with multiple severe and serious knee injuries. According to Sports Illustrated " Prior to that round of surgeries, Oden also had left knee surgery in 2009 after fracturing his patella, microfracture surgery on his left knee in 2010 to address a “defect” that occurred during non-contact rehabilitation work, and a microfracture surgery on his right knee in 2007." Since rehabbing Oden has moved back to Columbus and attended Ohio State finishing his degree. 

FYI:

1.) Greg Oden is 25 years old

2.) Agent Mike Conley Sr. is father of Memphis Grizzlies PG Mike Conley

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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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Sixers and Celtics Game 7: Ingredients of a Boston Massacre...

Philadelphia Sixers the most uninteresting team in the world, the team without a true superstar their the opposite of a "Dos Equis" commercial. Pushing the Celtics into a Game 7 the Sixers are committed to playing hard nose tough style 1990's defense. Head coach Doug Collins a legendary Philadelphia 76ers has invested every ounce of energy coaching this young yet wise defensively talented bunch and the personality has been adopted by the players. While fans across America are scratching their heads wondering how are the Sixers one game from the Eastern Conference Finals. Doug Collins is proclaiming that his a Sixers for life and Allen Iverson is receiving standing ovations. How is this happening?

Key Answer: Boston Celtics are playing poorly in the middle of a playoff series.  Something tells me the Celtics understand the playoffs are a 7 game series and their bodies are just a little bit tired. Okay maybe not a lil bit their exhausted the offense is not flowing correctly and the Sixers are about 20 years younger. Don't turn your back against the Boston Celtics yet, this could be the last hit single put together by "Rajon Rondo and the BIG 3" and the platinum winning 2008 NBA Finals champions is gearing up for their final tour.

The Sixers playoff success is a product of style and injury mishaps "Derrick Rose".  Despite the Bulls first round injury voodoo or hex the Sixers style is perfect versus the Boston Celtics my favorite top analyst John Hollinger could see the writing on the wall calling for a game 7 between the Sixers and Celtics two weeks ago . Celtics are not known for scoring their a little bit older and the Sixers younger legs are winning over the aching "old bodies" of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.  The key to a Sixers victory is defense and a slow offensive pace mirroring the blueprint of the Boston Celtics. A young team playing slower than the "Grandfather" Boston Celtics?

As my father once told me "I may be old but wisdom and knowledge conquers all". Four of the six playoff games in this series have been decided by 10 pts or less. with game seven, "sudden death", winner take all series on the line Saturday in Boston here's the call and details...

Philadelphia Sixers: Hold Boston under 100 pts and keep the game close...  Boston has scored over 100 twice in the series winning both games by 16 points.

Boston Celtics: Field Goal percentage Celtics 3-0 against Sixers when shooting over 43.9% in the series. Sixers defense has been lock down solid during the playoffs Rajon Rondo has to initiate the offense create a free offensive pace for the Celtics sounds "backwards or upside down" but the slower pace falls to the style of the much younger Sixers...

Prediction Winner: Rajon Rondo, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen Boston Celtics hit recording group "Rondo and the BIG 3" are 2-10 when attempting to close a playoff series on the road now the band group returns to TD Gardens where the Celtics are 17-4 in game 7 as a franchise. Doc Rivers knows his history and will have his troops prepared. Rajon Rondo will have a triple double, pencil in Kevin Garnett for 19pts 10rebs, Paul Pierce's 25 pts and Ray Allen to hit clutch 3 pointers and you have the ingredients for a Boston Massacre at TD Gardens...

2012 NBA Playoffs Opening Weekend: Wild, Crazy and Unpredictable

When it comes to the NBA playoffs the journey of a champion is a destiny unknown. Warriors battling on a hardwood floor is tales of folklore. Men battling for the one opportunity to be the best and race to that finish line we all call the NBA Finals.

During the NBA Playoffs arguments become testy, emotions take more rides than a 15 yr old at an amusement park. Every player eager to showcase their knowledge, skill and athletic talents against the worlds best competitors. NBA playoff moments are more memorable than an 82 or 66 game regular season. The playoffs represent the moment when "Boy's become Men" Earvin becomes Magic, Bird becomes Legend, Michael Jordan turns into Greatness and Kobe becomes the Black Mamba. What's success, beyond success, beyond success Michael Jordan winning the 1998 NBA Finals.

NBA playoffs is the time of year when Linkin Park's "Burn it Down" blares in the speakers and Kanye West (2011 playoff theme) "All of The Lights" goes full stage. Regular season excuses get "Burned" and all that matters from late April until mid June is winning.

The 2012 NBA Playoffs has already provided Wild, Crazy and Unpredictable moments and terrible tragedies. Playoff atmosphere started April 22nd the weekend before the NBA playoffs when the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder.During the game Metta World Peace landed a vicious elbow on the side of James Hardens head and the NBA script continues to be unpredictable.

Opening weekend began with a tragic phantom injury to 2011 NBA MVP Derrick Rose possibly the most unexplained disappointing injury in NBA playoff history and an emotional buzzer beater by Kevin Durant over the outstretched arms of Shawn Marion and the 2011 defending NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks. L.A. Lakers Andrew Bynum registered 10 Blocks against the Denver "midgets" Nuggets in a historic performance becoming only the second player in playoff history to record at least 10pts, 10rebs and 10 blks in a NBA playoff game. Boston Celtics Rajon Rondo found his inner Kevin Hart chest bumping referee Marc Davis. Then in a late night affair the Memphis Grizzlies totally collapsed like a "ton of bricks" against the Los Angeles Clippers blowing a 27 point lead.

With all of the mayhem already displayed during the 2012 NBA playoffs and the condensed pressure of the 66 game regular season schedule life in the NBA has become incalculable. Thus the Miami Heat are still the heavy odd on favorite to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2012 NBA Finals and the Western Conference continues to be a toss up between the Associations best NBA teams. So after a Wild, Crazy and Unpredictable opening playoff weekend full of mayhem, who will when the NBA Finals??

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