A New Beginning

Today marks the start of the college basketball season practice sessions. Next week the NBA will begin practices and in the weeks following hordes of high school basketball players will try out for their school teams in hopes of making it. This is my time of year. Year after year several stories begin to bubble during the early fall months in anticipation for upcoming seasons. All three levels of basketball will intertwine as high school studs look to sign on with their dream schools, college players look to extend their seasons in to March in hopes of impressing the scouts and earning a spot in next June's NBA draft.

My wife probably dreads this time of year because I will morph in to a basketball crazed UBER FAN for the next 9 months until the NBA season comes to an end. While actual basketball won't get started until the end of October, I will get my fix from preseason games and detailed reports from practice. This basketball season in particular has several headlines across the three primary levels of play and they will all be closely watched by many. So what are the headlines I am most interested in, below I break them out. Enjoy!



NBA

Defending the Crown: The Miami Heat will begin the season attempting to become the first team since the Shaq and Kobe Lakers to 3 peat. They had a pretty interesting off season, winning the Greg Oden sweepstakes and if that pays off it could be the deciding factor. They parted ways with often injured, big game player Mike Miller but potentially replaced him (at low cost and no risk) with former first round pick Michael Beasley. If Beasley can avoid the pitfalls of being back in South Beach he could be in for a breakout season. Even if Beasley sheds his bad boy ways and Oden emerges from his injury riddled past, it all hinges on the shoulders of the reigning MVP. LeBron has to play like a man possessed to achieve something few have and cement himself among the Giants of the game.

Return To Action: Several players will be returning from gruesome season ending injuries. None bigger than Derrick Rose who missed the entire 12/13 season. From what I hear, the former MVP is back in great shape and ready to return ASAP. Russell Westbrook will also return after being injured in the first round of the playoffs. His return will relieve the large burden that will be placed on the back of Kevin Durant. Rajon Rondo will return to lead a rag tag bunch to the lottery. If Danny Ainge has a heart he will trade the hyper talented point guard as a favor. Finally the Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant is also expected to make his return after a freak injury. While Bryant is in the twilight of his career he continues to amaze us all. I don't believe he will be at the height of his powers until after the All Star break, but I do believe he will find a way to impress as usual.

Tank Ex 2013/14: The upcoming season will have lots of story lines, but none may be more interesting than the race to tank. With the 2014 draft class expected to be the best since 2003, several teams are expected to play with less motivation. Philadelphia, Boston, Orlando, Phoenix and Utah will all play without one Star Player. Which means they will all play to draft one. Charlotte acquired Al Jefferson in the off season giving them a star player, however I fully expect them to join the aforementioned teams in the race for a top draft pick to help change their fortunes.


NCAA

Freshmen Mayhem: As I mentioned above many people believe the 2014 NBA draft could end up being one of the best ever. Reason number 1 for that, the freshmen class. This class is loaded with potential lottery picks and they "should" all lead their respective teams to the tournament. The other exciting aspect, many of the players will meet during the course of the season so we will get a chance to  gauge the legitimacy of each player. This will be fun and I for one am stoked!!!!

The Mighty State of Michigan: DUH!!!! Why wouldn't I be super excited about both Michigan and Michigan St. They both return star talents (MICH: Mitch McGary and Glen Robinson III/MSU: Gary Harris and Adreian Payne). They both have future hall of fame coaches and they will both begin the season ranked in the top 10. I fully expect them both to remain there and then make a serous push in the spring for Championship glory.


Big School Dominance: So in previous years small schools have managed to sneak in to the National picture and wrestle away headlines. Schools like Wichita St., Gonzaga, BYU, San Diego St and VCU have challenged for tops in the nation over the last few seasons however this year I predict they will all take a back seat. All of the power schools (Duke, Kentucky, UNC, Michigan, MSU, Indiana, Kansas, Arizona, UCLA, Syracuse, Louisville) had monster recruiting years and return a lot of veteran talent. I am not saying that a small school won't dethrone one of those programs, just saying its not likely this year. The talent disparity combined with the coaching and traditional rankings love will place these schools further ahead than in previous years. I for one can use a season with the old guard returning to dominance, its good for the sport.


High School

Only one story truly matters, where will the dynamic duo of Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones go to school. The top ranked Center and top ranked PG announced that they will be choosing the same college. This makes them the most coveted duo since Jalen Rose and Chris Webber. They will certainly bring with them certain expectations and if they remain healthy they could assure a team a place in the Final Four during the 14/15 college season.

So as you can see there is plenty to be excited about this year. I only mentioned what I am looking forward to, there are additional stories that combined with mine will make for a huge year in basketball. HAPPY WATCHING!


The Draft Fanatic.

My Top 30 of My First 30

Well its September 14th and its my 30th birthday. In my life there are few things that I have loved unconditionally. My wife, my two sons, God and basketball. In honor of my love of basketball and my 30th birthday I have decided to release what will certainly be a controversial blog, my top 30 basketball players that have been drafted in the last 30 years. This means they were drafted after September 14th 1983. So all of the players listed were drafted between May 1984 and May 2013. I know what you are thinking, that's only 29 years...well I have a extra 5 spots for the future, its my party and I blog what I want!!!!

This is not to say that I won't give credit where credit is due; Magic, Wilt, Zeke, Oscar, Kareem, Bird, West, Russell, Dr. J and many others fall outside of the parameters of this post, but they were all dynamic ball players.

Now on to the list. I have the list broken out in sections to make it more comprehensive. The first is the Platinum Standard, meaning they are without a doubt the cream of the crop  and certified legends. The next is the Gold Star group, players that are either all ready in the hall of fame or will be soon. The third group is for the Sure Fire first ballot guys, guys who were outstanding talents that sometimes are forgotten. The fourth group is the Stud group, guys who are on every one's must watch list. The Final list is The New Veterans list. Guys who are also worth the price of admission and are in the upper echelon of today's game.

So without further or do I present to you My 30:

PLATINUM STANDARD:
1. Michael Jordan: The name itself explains more than I can with numbers, but in case you need some: Averages: 30.1 ppg, 6.2 reb, 5.3 ast.
Accolades: 6x NBA champion, 6x Finals MVP, 5X MVP, 1985 Rookie of the Year, 2x Dunk Champion, 1988 Defensive Player of they Year, 14x NBA All Star, 10x NBA Scoring Champion.
My moment: The Madison Square come back game. Solidified his return to the throne with a 55 point game. "Money, it must have been the shoes".





2. Kobe Bryant: The heir apparent if there ever was one or ever will be to Mike Jordan seat. His style and swag are similar, but his motivations might run deeper.
Averages: 25.5 ppg, 5.3 reb, 4.8 ast.
Accolades: 5x NBA champion, 2x Finals MVP, NBA MVP, Dunk Champion, 15x NBA All Star, 2x Scoring Champion, 11x All NBA First Team
My moment: 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Superbowl Sunday, could there be any other moment?



3. LeBron James: We all know who my favorite player is, so lets not kid ourselves about how much I love his game. Genetically engineered to play the game, the Drago of basketball.
Averages: 27.6 ppg, 7.3 reb, 6.9 ast.
Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 4x NBA MVP, 2004 Rookie of the Year, NBA Scoring champion, 9x NBA All Star, 7x All NBA First Team
My moment: Before he won a title in South Beach, he taught the Pistons in 2007 what greatness was all about. He scored 29 of the final 30 points and ended with a near triple double. 48 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists. Talk about making a believer out of everyone.

4. Hakeem Olajuwon: Who was drafted number 1 in 1984 ahead of Mike Jordan, Hakeem. Who benefited the most nationally when Jordan took his hiatus in 1993, Hakeem. So much skill and so much fury.
Averages: 21.8 ppg, 11.1 reb, 3.1 blk.
Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP, 12x NBA All Star, 2x NBA Defensive Player of the Year and All Time NBA Leader in Blocked Shots (3,830)
My moment: Dream destroying David Robinson in the playoffs after Robinson won the MVP. Guess we learned who should have won the award.



5. Shaquille O'neal: The Big Diesel next to Wilt Chamberlain might be the most unstoppable person in NBA history. Had he remained healthy through out his entire NBA career, he could've rivaled Jordan as number 1 all time.
Averages: 23.7 ppg, 10.9 reb, 2.3 blk.
Accolades: 4x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, NBA MVP, 15x NBA All Star, 2x Scoring champion, 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year
My moment: Happy birthday Shaq, against the Clippers on his birthday he decided to go H.A.M: 61 points and 23 rebounds.




6. Tim Duncan: The Big Fundamental has always maintained a professional and poised disposition. He has been consistently great for his entire career and usually delivers when needed.
Averages: 20.2 ppg, 11.2 reb, 2.2 blk.
Accolades: 4x NBA Champion, 3x Finals MVP, 2x NBA MVP, 14x NBA All Star, 1998 Rookie of the Year
My moment: His first title in the 1999 shortened season came and went without much glitz, but it happened. He was dominant and if you pay attention he continues to be dominant even in defeat.




GOLD STAR GROUP:
1. John Stockton: Arguably one of the greatest ball players ever. He was professional, tough and a great leader. He failed to win a title, but he still managed to carve out a large place in history. All time leader in Assists and Steals.
Averages: 13.1 ppg, 10.5 ast, 2.2 stl







2. Charles Barkley: "Sir Charles", "The Round Mound of Rebound" or just simply Chuck is one of the most talented players ever and probably my favorite basketball personality. His antics sometimes garner more shine than his on court efforts, but make no mistakes...Barkley would own the league today if he played.
Averages: 22.1 ppg, 11.7 reb
My moment: Chuck man handling the world in the 1992 Olympics. Many had no idea that he was capable of leading and playing consistently at a high level, he proved everyone wrong.




3. Karl Malone: Lets be clear, if Malone wins two chips along with his other accomplishments he remains a top 5 player. He can blame MJ, like many on this list can for his fall into the 15, instead of remaining in the top 5. Check the numbers below, The Mailman delivered and dominated.
Averages: 25 ppg, 10.1 reb
My Non-NBA moment: Karl Malone in the WCW.....Nuff Said...

4. Reggie Miller: From that early 90's fade to that ridiculous stroke it was hard not to be a fan of Reggie Miller. He had a swagger and edge that not many ball players could match. His late game heroics and battles with the Knicks will always earn him a spot on my favorite ballplayers list.
Averages: 18.2 ppg, Second All Time in 3 pointers
My moment: Reggie silences New York, sweet enough to earn a documentary from ESPN.



5. Jason Kidd: I like to think of Kidd as the Peyton Manning of the NBA. He was a coach on the floor and always knew everything that was going on around him. He played at an elite level for well over a decade and led several teams to playoff success. He is a former Co-Rookie of the Year and probably should have won an MVP or possibly two. Not many players will ever have the ability to score, pass, defend and create as well as Kidd for as long as Kidd.
Averages: 12.6 ppg, 8.7 ast, 6.3 reb (107 career triple doubles)






6. Grant Hill: Hill was the first local superstar (not named Barry Sanders) I looked up to. All of the stars prior to him played for teams outside of Detroit. Hill had that "Next Michael Jordan" label hanging over his head for a while and he almost lived up to it. Like Kidd, he was a walking triple double and the golden guarantee to produce. Even after overcoming severe string of injuries he remained productive and closed out his career on his own terms.
Averages: 16.7 ppg, 6.0 reb, 4.1 ast (29 career triple doubles)
My moment: My father took me to meet Grant Hill in Highland Park. With my father being a high profile police officer he always got the political assignments and glamour duty. One of those moments was escorting Grant around Detroit Public schools. Grant returned the favor by kicking it with me for a little while, quality guy.

SURE FIRE FIRST BALLOT:
1. Dirk Nowitzki: Second best import next to Dream ever. Dirk has one of the most unstoppable shots ever in that step back fade away. Big time scorer and huge team guy. He has an MVP and a title to prove his worth.
Averages: 22.6 ppg, 8.2 reb








2. Kevin Garnett: The Big Ticket was the first of the new wave of ball players to leave high school and take their talents to the league. He is the NBA's version of Moses. He is wise, spirited, talented and he has aged gracefully. Garnett could have averaged 20 plus points virtually every year he has played, but opted to tone down the offensive output in order to win a title. Garnett was my long time favorite player until a kid from Akron changed that, but he will remain in my top 10 forever.
Averages: 19.5 ppg, 10.5 reb, 1.5 blk (694 career double doubles)
My moment: Watching Garnett win a championship was huge for me, felt like we all won. One of those guys you needed to see win to know that hard work pays off.

3. Ray Allen: Jesus Shuttlesworth is all about 2 things, hitting big shots and quieting opposing arenas. Ray Allen can shoot the ball under any conditions, in any gym, against any team. Whether it was in Milwaukee, Seattle, Boston or now in Miami, we all know that one thing is certain; he will get his shot off.
Averages: 19.4 ppg, Career 40 percent 3 pt shooter (All time leader in 3pt shots).
My moment: Only one matters, Game 6 against the Spurs....CLUTCH

4. Tracy McGrady: T-Mac was a monster for solid 6 years. He was unstoppable. No other way to put it. His game grew fast and before we knew it he was for a brief moment the best player in the league. He went shot for shot with Kobe, went head to toe with Mike in his last All Star game and threw himself oop after oop. What was not to love about the "individual" game of Mr. McGrady?
Averages: 19.6 ppg, 5.6 reb, 4.4 ast
My moment: McGrady going bonkers against the Spurs when everyone (me included) thought it was over. Silly us.




5. Allen Iverson: The Question and The Answer. The pint size scoring machine from VA was all about buckets and heart. No one man will ever be able to say they locked him up and it can truly be said that only AI could stop AI. His handle was sick, his shoes were the best (once owned 3 pair at once) and the hip hop style solidified his importance. He was able to win several scoring titles, Rookie of the Year and even the MVP award because of his God given ability to get buckets.
Averages: 26.7 ppg, 6.2 ast, 2.2 stl
My moment: No its not the vs Jordan moment, its the vs the Lakers moment. You know the one, Game 1, crossover, three pointer, step over. Poor Tyron Lue.



6. Ben Wallace: Its not just the same last name that placed him on my list. How about the dominant defensive performances, locking down Shaq in the Finals and the coolest fro the NBA had seen since 78. Ben Wallace was as important a symbol to my city (Detroit) during his tenure with the Pistons as any player ever has been.
Averages: 5.7 ppg, 9.6 reb, 2.0 blk (4x Defensive Player of the Year)
My moment: Watching him hoist the trophy after the Pistons destroyed the Lakers.




THE STUD GROUP:
1. Kevin Durant: I've been a fan since before he suited up for Texas. Its only right that the lanky ballplayer with a wicked handle and smooth jumper make the list. The pride and joy and Baltimore is lethal. He is the heir apparent to LeBron James as the best player in the league and his that gap gets smaller every season.
Averages: 26.6 ppg, 6.8 reb, 1 blk
My moment: Kevin Durant essentially taking the second best player in the NBA title from Kobe Bryant in LA last January. Tuned him up to the tune 42 points to Kobe's 28 in the high profile shootout. In case you thought it was a fluke, he hit 40 a couple of weeks later against LA.

Here is an idea of how incredible a 6'9 dude with a crossover can be.

2. Blake Griffin: Whats not to love about the latest incarnation of the human highlight reel gene pool. He has been a potential MVP ever since he played his first full season. When his defense catches up to his offense the second coming of Shawn Kemp could evolve into something much more.
Averages: 20.4 ppg, 10.4 reb
My moment: Kendrick Perkins, Pau Gasol, The 76ers...Who will be next???

3. Russell Westbrook: So explosive, so angry, so much swag. Durant's wing man has just as much potential to be a top 3 player in this league and the attitude to match it. I love that he embraces a good challenge and isn't afraid of playing against anyone.
Averages: 19.9 ppg, 6.9 ast, 4.8 reb
My Non NBA moment: I think this will suffice:

4. Kyrie Irving: Uncle Drew has one insane handle. He came in to the league under bigger than normal lights because he was looked up as the Savior to Cleveland after LeBron departed. I believe its safe to say Cleveland is in good hands.
Averages: 20.6 ppg, 5.7 ast, 1.3 stl
My moment: Mr. Irving had a coming out party during the 2013 All Star weekend. He owned the field in the 3pt contest and held his own during the All Star Game. His true moment though was during the second half of the Sophomore/Rookie game when he ruined the defensive credibility of Brandon Knight.

5. James Harden: The bearded one. He entered the league as a high powered 6th man for OKC. He out grew that role and was traded to Houston where he blossomed. The man with the Old Man Game has elite ability and now that he has been joined by Dwight Howard he has a chance to challenge for a seat on the throne.
Averages: 16.2 ppg (25.9, 5.8 ast, 1.8 stl in 2013)
My moment: Harden was already having a great year last year, but it was made better when he dropped 46 against his old team. I am sure the icing on the cake was the fact that it came in a victory.

6. Steph Curry: The sweet shooting small guard from the small school has a serious talent for scoring. No guard has posed this much of a threat since Allen Iverson was black balled from the league. He can score and create in any situation and his only weaknesses are his ankles.
Averages: 19.2 ppg, 6.3 ast, 1.7 stl
My moment: What better place in the world to put on a show then in New York. Mr. Curry reached official superstar status against the Knicks, going for 50 plus in Madison Square. Light skin brotha's have game too!


THE NEW VETERANS:

1. Chris Paul: My generations version of the perfect "traditional" point guard. He is one of the select few that would thrive in any era of basketball. He can lead, pass, handle, score and has the clutch gene. His only weakness, he is playing in the LeBron era, if not for that he could be the best player in the league along side Durant right now.
Averages: 18.6 ppg, 9.8 ast, 2.4 stl
My moment: I have seen Paul live 3 times and every time he puts on a show. His handle is insane to see in person. Next to LeBron, he is my favorite player to watch in person because you always know he will deliver.

2. Carmelo Anthony: Mr. Melo can score the ball. Not many have the size, talent and quickness to get buckets in bunches the way he can. He is feared and respected through out the league as a premium scorer. Like Durant, Paul and many others he is a victim of the LeBron era but he has the ability to overcome.
Averages:
My moment: Carmelo went bonkers in the 2012 Olympics! He shot 10-12 from 3pt land and scored 37 points to break Stephon Marbury's record 31 points.



3. Rajon Rondo: Rondo has a bad attitude. He is not the nicest guy in the league, but he knows how to use his skill to maximize the game. Outside of LeBron he is essentially a walking triple double. Its hard to say he is not in contention for a spot in the top ten.
Averages: 25 ppg, 6.4 reb, 3.1 ast







4. Dwyane Wade: LeBron's right hand man delivers when needed. Some believe he is slowing down, but he is still a top ten player and probably the best 2 guard not named Kobe or Mike to play the game. People can say what they want, but if you sleep on Wade, he will make you pay.
Averages: 24.7, 6.1 reb, 5.1 ast
My moment: It was the year before the big 3 joined forces and it was one of those LeBron/Wade showdowns. Wade got out on the break and went bonkers all over Anderson Verajao.

5. Derrick Rose: The Chicago born and bred, Chicago Bull made an immediate impact on a franchise in need of change. In the few years he has been in the league and played, he has won Rookie of the Year and MVP. He has turned the Bulls in to real contenders and opposing players fear him. He sat out all last season, but he will certainly make his presence felt this year in his return to action.
Averages: 21 ppg, 6.8 ast, 3.8 reb
My moment: 2011 playoffs, Rose decided it was a good idea to own Joel Anthony. That moment will live forever in terms of one of the better "you just got dunked on" moments.

6.  Zach Randolph: He's big, sturdy, gifted and he doesn't back down. All of that coupled with immense talent and the ability to scare opposing teams makes him a perfect fit in my top 30. The fact that he played for Tom Izzo just makes it a little easier for me to place him on this list.
Averages: 17.2 ppg, 9.3 reb
My moment: During the 2011 playoffs Randolph destroyed Tim Duncan and officially claimed a spot as a top tier players. His play helped to lead the Grizzlies over a veteran and Finals ready Spurs team.

The Draft Fanatic.