The Madness!!!

This year the tournament will rock! There is no clear choice for one singular dominate team. There are several potential candidates and intriguing potential match ups. The other really good thing about the tournament, the rest of the basketball world (casual fans) will get an early glimpse at all of the top rated college players. NBA Draft guys like myself love this time of year because it separates the men from the boys. Let us not kid ourselves in thinking only one man cannot win the tournament, Kemba Walker anyone? It's more than possible for a guy to go from fringe 1st rounder, to definite lottery pick.

The landscape is an interesting one that clearly benefits some teams (Michigan State/Arizona) and will be a reality check for others (Wichita St). While I admire Wichita St and the ride they have been on the last two seasons, I fully expect them to fall to either Kentucky or Louisville. I love Russ Smith and Louisville, but this is not the same team they were a year ago. Florida is primed and ready to run through all opposing teams. Several programs such as Michigan, Villanova, Creighton and Kansas will be immensely entertaining.

I am looking forward to watching Jabari Parker put pressure on opposing teams, which will allow Rodney Hood to explode offensively. I want to see Andrew Wiggins realize his potential as the player with the most upside in the nation and lead his team to the promised land with or without Joel Embiid. Every fan on the planet wants to see Doug McDermott deliver at least one 40 point game en route to a huge pay day this summer. I could keep going, but I would rather drop some jewels and deliver to you my Final Four.

FINAL FOUR:

(1) Florida: They have the leadership, the momentum and pedigree to make it to Dallas.

(4) Michigan State: Mr. Izzo prides himself on taking his Seniors to the Final Four, this year will be no different.
(3) Duke: Jabari Parker is a winner, plain and simple. The only way this fails is if he gets hurt or his backcourt forgets he exists (this happens more often than it should).
(1) Arizona: They have depth, shooting, star power and big game potential.

POTENTIAL PARTY CRASHERS:

Louisville: Repeats are insanely rare in college basketball, but Russ Smith and co have recently caught fire.

UCLA: They upset Arizona in the Pac-12 tourney and they have a massive mismatch at point guard (6-9 Kyle Anderson 15 ppg, 8 rebounds, 6 assists).






Syracuse: They have been stuck in the mud since a horrible loss against Boston College, but they have veterans and a Hall of Fame coach. Don't sleep.








Kansas: Young Mr. Wiggins is in the middle of realizing his potential and if you don't have more than a few days to plan for him….you are in trouble.

Iowa St: This team is sizzling and they have a swagger about them that says overlook me if you want…











Michigan: They get buckets, barely turn the ball over and have experience. Oh and a guy named Nik Stauskas.



Kentucky: It took them a while, but they finally figured out playing like a team might get them somewhere. It won't be easy, but this is the bed they made for themselves.

San Diego St: I fee like this team has become the West Coast version of Wisconsin, they always find a
way to be in the picture.




TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Russ Smith
Kyle Anderson
Doug McDermott
Jabari Parker
Julius Randle
Gary Harris
Nik Stauskas
Aaron Gordon
Cleanthony Early
Andrew Wiggins
*Joel Embiid (Currently Hurt, but expected to play)
Marcus Smart
Tyler Ennis
Marcus Paige

MOST FUN FIRST ROUND MATCH UPS:

UCLA/Tulsa
VCU/SF Austin
Ohio St/Dayton
BYU/Oregon
Gonzaga/Oklahoma St
Texas/Arizona St
Kentucky/Kansas St
UCONN/St Joes
Harvard/Cincy

MOST FUN *POTENTIAL* MATCH UPS:

Michigan/Duke 2
Wichita St/Kentucky
UCLA/Florida
Kansas/Ohio St
Virginia/Michigan St
Creighton/Baylor


The Draft Fanatic

Carmelo's Lot

Carmelo Anthony will eventually retire as one of the greatest pure scorers in NBA history. There its been said. Carmelo is currently scoring 25 points per game for his career and (barring injury) has another 5 years as a peak scorer. Now that I have that covered I can dive in to what this is really about, the curse of the PURE SCORER. Through out NBA history the league has had several guys who could out right put the ball in the hole. Every generation has a player or players that it seems no matter what, could deliver 30 or more on any given night. The common theme usually shared by many when these players are dazzling crowds and picking apart opposing defense's is that they are a one trick pony. They can only get you points, but they can't deliver a title. In most cases this is actually and sadly true. Many players, not just Carmelo have been saddled with the expectation and reputation of being a great scorer means you won't be able to lead your team to a title. I say while many have failed, many more have also succeeded.

23 years ago this year (Ironic huh) Michael Jordan (Career scoring average 30.1 ppg, Career High 69 points, Career Points 32, 292) was in the process of breaking that barrier down. From the time he entered the league it was thought that he would never be able to lead a team to the Finals and win, because he was only a scoring/dunking machine. This is hilarious since prior to winning a title Jordan also won a Defensive Player of the Year Award and managed to essentially will his team time and time again to the playoffs. Of course once Jordan was paired with Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson the narrative changed. Not only did Jordan win, but he didn't stop scoring either. Eventually leaving the game and returning to deliver 3 more titles, while still scoring at a high rate. Is Jordan alone in this feat? No, there are a few others; including a predecessor. 

Julius Erving (Career scoring average 24.2 ppg, Career High 65 points (ABA), Career Points 30, 026), predecessor to Jordan as the league poster child for excitement and aerial assault was able to win a NBA title, while maintaining his points production as well. The Dr. had already won as an ABA player, but many felt that he wouldn't be able to duplicate the act of both scoring points and winning in the NBA. They were right for a time, but then Moses came. Once Moses Malone arrived in Philly, it was only a matter of time before the Dr. would deliver. That he did, in 1983. So now we have a pair of players, but has anyone done it more recently? Kobe and LeBron have. 

Kobe Bryant (Career scoring average 25.5 ppg, Career High 81 points, Career Points 31, 700) had the benefit of winning early with Shaq as his teammate, but also was left with a world of expectations when the big fella was traded. Many wondered whether or not Kobe, who had earned a reputation as selfish would be able to win without Shaq. For a time they seemed right, but once Pau Gasol arrived his life was made just a little easier. Kobe was able to lead the Lakers to 2 consecutive titles, while remaining amongst the league leaders in scoring. 

While LeBron (Career scoring average 27.5 ppg, Career High 56 points, Career Points 22, 531) statistically and physically is more Magic then Jordan or Doc, he had a similar burden placed on his shoulders after entering the league. He was dubbed the "Chosen One" and seemed well on his way to delivering a title in less then 5 years. He like the others before him, could manage the heavy scoring burden, but he fell short time and time again. Then he departed for Miami, joining forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to form a superstar trifecta. His scoring took a slight dip, but nothing major and he was able to deliver a pair of titles while currently working on a third. 

So this brings us back to Carmelo Anthony. As you can see there is a precedence for high scoring Small Forwards/Shooting Guards to lead there teams to victory. There is also the common theme of them not doing it alone. They were all paired with a great player, making there journey much easier. If Carmelo is unable to deliver a title to the Knicks, then it wouldn't be the worst idea to leave and find a place where it can happen. Either that or the Knicks need to do some serious soul searching and figure out how to bring in more complimentary talent. Carmelo will eventually grow weary of the Manhattan lights if they don't bring him glory. Night in and night out, you see him laboring through games doing all he can to score. That is his primary job, get the ball in the hole. He is in need of 4 players that can compliment him as well as one that will relieve some of that burden, like Pau or Scottie. Hopefully he finds that, so he is able to deliver a championship and escape the scrutiny. 

Now before I end this, I want to leave you with a list of other high scoring players that have failed to deliver, but are considered great players. I think its important to realize that not everyone can win, but that doesnt take away from their greatness. There is still more then enough time for Carmelo, but for these gentlemen time has moved on. 

1. Pete Maravich: 15,948 career points (24.2 ppg career average): Career High 68 points.

2. David Thompson: 13,422 career points (22.7 ppg career average): Career High 73 points.

3. Benard King: 19, 655 career points (22.5 ppg career average): Career High 60 points.

4. George Gervin: 26, 595 career points (25.1 ppg career average): Career High 63 points.

5. Dominique Wilkins: 26, 668 career points (24.8 career average): Career High 57 points.

6. Reggie Miller: 25, 279 career points (18.2 career average): Career High 57 points.

7. Charles Barkley: 23, 757 career points (22.1 career average): Career High 56 points.

8. Allen Iverson: 24, 368 career points (26.7 career average): Career High 60 points.

9. Tracy McGrady: 18, 381 career points (19.6 career average): Career High 62 points.

10. Vince Carter: 22, 938 career points (20.4 career average): Career High 51 points. 

The Draft Fanatic 

My All Time Favorite All Star Moments.

Around Mid February every year  something really beautiful occurs. Its a time of year where people from all over come together to celebrate love. No not their love for one another (although that happens too, Happy Valentine's Day) but the love for the game of basketball. For over 20 years I have spent the upcoming weekend glued to the TV for the entire weekend. I LOVE NBA ALL STAR WEEKEND. Even when they removed the dunk contest (worst idea ever!!!), I remained loyal to the weekend festivities. Unlike many who continue to find flaws with the format, I embrace. Not everything can remain the way it was in 1991, although I wouldn't upset if they brought back the Old Timers game.

I decided to get this All Star Weekend started with a nod to my favorite moments. I would've filled this list with a combination of moments from LeBron James and Michael Jordan, but I decided not to let my mega fandom interrupt my objective. Hope you enjoy it and enjoy the weekend ahead. Oh and if you didn't do your due diligence by appeasing that significant other, prior to the weekends events; SHAME ON YOU!!!

                    *******BONUS NON GAME OR COMPETITION MOMENT********

In 1996 the NBA revealed its then top 50 players of all time. This to me is one of the most important moments in sports history. It's the only time that Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlin, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas and countless others were all in the same place at the same time. It put in perspective that while we as fans constantly rank our favorite players against one another, there is room at the top for all of them.


10. 1991 SLAM DUNK CONTEST: My first great memory of watching any portion of NBA All Star weekend came in 1991. That was the year Dee Brown won the slam dunk contest while wearing Reebok Pumps. Like ever other kid watching that year, I knew that I needed a pair so that I could fly through the air with my arm over my eyes. I wanted a slick hightop fade and cheering section that included Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins and a young Will Smith.




9. 1994 SLAM DUNK CONTEST: While the year before introduced pop culture to Harold "Baby Jordan" Miner, I was more enamored with Isaiah Rider. Rider pulled off a dunk so cool and innovative that no before him could claim to have pulled it off. The East Bay Funk Dunk.

8. 1992 NBA ALL STAR GAME: This was an iconic game, with iconic stars. Jordan, Thomas, Bird, Worthy, Robinson, Olajuwon, Drexler. All of those stars were huge, but none were bigger than Magic Johnson in that moment, nor that year. This was months after informing the world he had contracted HIV and would have to retire immediately. Magic was so nice that even the assumed death sentence couldn't keep him from capturing All Star MVP honors, while leading the west to a massive blowout 153-113.





7. 2004 ROOKIE/SOPHOMORE GAME: This was the first time LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh were all on the same team (Precursor to the Redeem Team). The game also featured Yao Ming, Amar'e Stoudemire and Manu Ginobili. This was about as entertaining a game as the All Star Game that year. LeBron dazzled with an off the glass alley-oop to himself past Yao Ming, then as he trotted back up the court he through up the ROC! Classic.

6. 2003 NBA ALL STAR GAME: Michael Jordan had long been considered the greatest player of all time. It was only fitting that he be allowed to go out on top, the way a king should; or so he thought. While Jordan was able to force OT with his ICONIC fadeaway jumper over Shawn Marion in the clutch, it was Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant that had the last laugh. It was an outstanding goodbye to the All Star of All Stars.






5. 2002/2003/2004 SLAM DUNK CONTEST: In 2002 Jason Richardson took home the Dunk Contest crown. He brought back the memory of Dominique, while using a new school flare. In 2003 he left little doubt that he was the reigning king. Its not often people can say they have done something that has never been seen before, but Richardson was able to do just that. His off the bounce between the legs jackknife was insane. In 2004 he was robbed after completing an off the glass between the legs dunk, but he left us all with new bar for the dunk contest. A bar that has not been reached since.

4. 2001 NBA ALL STAR GAME: This game had the makings of a blowout. It was a game that seemed to get out of hand rather quickly. A game that seemed like it was in the bag with 9 minutes left became really interesting, really fast. Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury (from that mythical class of 1996) spearheaded a massive comeback to win by 1. Iverson scored 15 points in the final 9 minutes of the game, while Marbury hit 2 big 3 pointers to put the game away. Classic comeback, in classic fashion.





3. 2006 NBA ALL STAR GAME: By 2006 LeBron James had cemented himself as one of the top 5 players in the NBA. The All Star game appeared to be the perfect stage for a young man of his many talents. Talents that he did not mind displaying, while leading his East team to a victory. James finished with 29 points becoming the youngest All Star MVP ever.




2. 2000 SLAM DUNK CONTEST: It had been 2 years since the last dunk contest and the league was desperate for redemption in the post lockout era. Lucky for them an infusion of talent had just invaded the league led by Vince Carter. Carter was joined by his teammate/cousin the slender Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis. They put on a show that at the time could only be rivaled by the days of Jordan for Wilkins. This still stands as one of the top moments in NBA history.

1.1998 NBA ALL STAR GAME: To me in my life time this is the best All Star game. This game featured several future and current hall of famers including a young Kobe Bryant and rookie Tim Duncan. It was held in the basketball Mecca, Madison Square Garden. The game featured Shaq, Gary Payton, Reggic Miller, Grant Hill, Shawn Kemp, Penny Hardaway, Tim Hardaway, David Robinson, Jason Kidd, Kevin Garnett, Karl Malone and of course Michael Jordan. Jordan dropped his jersey number in points (23) and captured MVP honors.

The Draft Fanatic.

Mock Draft 2.0

It has been a very interesting last few months of college basketball, but it's helped to paint a great picture of the potential NBA draft landscape. Several of the potential top picks have performed at a high level and remained pretty consistent through out the first half of the season. Usually at this point in the season we can weed out the hype over the golden guarantee. The other good thing about being this far in to the year is having a pretty good idea of what NBA teams will go on to become lottery teams. The season is far from over and some of the teams can still make a push for the playoffs, but the picture is much easier to predict based off of what has happened thus far. I will attempt to paint a picture of what could happen based off of need, want and the performances of the top players in the nation.

Keep in mind, many of the players on this list would have to declare for the NBA draft because they have several years eligibility remaining. This list assumes that they will all declare and go on to become lottery picks. Also this list will reflect teams in the NBA, not just as they currently stand but with the trades that they have made so some teams (Knicks, Pistons) have made deals that may place them outside of the lottery if they fall within a certain range.

MOCK DRAFT 2.O

1. Milwaukee Bucks: Andrew Wiggins, 15.6 ppg/6.0 rebounds: I believe the Bucks came in to the season believing they may be able to compete, but things have not turned out the way they wanted. Wiggins has had a really good freshman year at Kansas. He hasn't always lived up to the tremendous hype he came in with, but he delivers when necessary. Wiggins along with Giannis (The Greek Freak) Antetokounmpo would form a Durant/Westbrook style duo within the next few years, hearkening to the days of Glen Robinson and Ray Allen.

2. Orlando Magic: Marcus Smart, 17 ppg/4 assists/5.7 rebounds: A year ago had Smart declared he was  number 1 on the Magic's wish list. Their second choice Victor Oladipo is a rookie of the year candidate and has worked out just fine. A young back court with Smart/Oladipo would be devastating on the defensive end and a nightmare for the opposition in the open court. Smart is strong, smart and makes great decisions.




3. Philadelphia 76ers: Julius Randle, 16 ppg/9.9 rebounds: Randle has had a superb year. When he gets going he can be a hand full. He has proven quite capable of able to operate out of the both the pick and roll as well as in an isolation set. Teamed with both Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel, the 76ers would have an excellent foundation for the future.








4. Sacramento Kings: Joel Embiid, 11 ppg/7.6 rebounds/2.6 blks: Embiid is far from a lock to leave school because of developmental concerns, but if he does and he falls to four the Kings will snatch him up. He has the potential to be a Hall of Famer and would be perfect next to Cousins as the defensive cornerstone. I almost went with a point guard here, but the Kings love Isaiah Thomas and he has the respect of the team. If Gay re-signs that eliminates the need for a SF, so Embiid is the logical choice.

5. Boston Celtics: Jabari Parker, 18.8 ppg/8 rebounds: The Celtics need a franchise player that will replace the void left by Paul Pierce. Parker has that Carmelo Anthony ability to get buckets in bunches. He can rebound, defend and has a great natural feel for the game. Its no secret that Danny Ainge loves the kid and that he would fit well in any environment.






6. Los Angeles Lakers: Dante Exum, 18 ppg at FIBA U-19: The hyper athletic Australian wing declared for the NBA draft and now has the world focused on him. Exum has elite athleticism, the ability to play the PG/SG positions and All Star potential. He hired Rob Pelinka, who also represents Kobe Bryant and has hinted that he wouldn't mind learning from the future Hall of Famer. The Lakers may even try to move up to secure this, he may have the most upside of any player in the draft.



7. Cleveland Cavaliers: Gary Harris, 18.8 ppg/4.5 rebounds: Harris has maintained his high value through his sophomore season. He has managed to remain healthy and lead a veteran Michigan State team to a great season. The Cavaliers on the other hand are in trouble. They have already fired their GM and several players are available via trade including former top pick Dion Waiters. Harris doesn't have an ego, is very coachable and would fit well alongside All Star Kyrie Irving.




8. Utah Jazz: Nik Stauskas, 18.5 ppg/3 assists/ 3 rebounds: The Jazz have played much better during the last two months since lottery pick Trey Burke made his debut. The Jazz may lose starting small forward Gordon Hayward during the off season, so drafting a player with a similar game for cheap is a good idea. It's a really good idea considering that same player is someone Burke has established chemistry with during college. Stauskas can both create and shoot the ball with great range.





9. Denver Nuggets (From Knicks): Zach LaVine, 12 ppg: LaVine would fit in well up there in the high altitude run and gun environment. He oozes potential and can play both guard spots. He is also a human highlight reel waiting to happen.





10. Charlotte Bobcats (From Pistons): Rodney Hood, 17.4 ppg/4.6 rebounds: The Bobcats (Hornets) may move this pick before the trade deadline, but if they manage to keep this pick and the Pistons finish  don't reclaim the pick (Top 8 protected) they need a guard. Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson shoulder almost all the scoring burden, Rodney Hood would ease that burden. The silky smooth wing can put up points and doesn't need a system to accomplish that. He would play well hovering around the wing while Jefferson dominates the post and Walker creates opportunities.


11. Philadelphia 76ers (From Bobcats) Doug McDermott, 24 ppg/7 rebounds: Mr. McDermott is the likely player of the year. He has been on a tear and continues to put up big time numbers for his mid major school. McDermott would add maturity and poise to a young team.



12. Orlando Magic (From Nuggets): Noah Vonleh, 12 ppg/9.6 rebounds: Vonleh has had a solid season and would add some quality depth to a good young team. He has a great shooting touch and is a quality rebounder. Some scouts think he has more upside than Julius Randle, if so this would be a steal.




13. Minnesota Timberwolves: Aaron Gordon, 12.3 PPG/7.8 rebounds: Gordon has top 5 potential and in a real world scenario depending on the team may not even make it this far. He has Blake Griffin 2.0 ability, but he has also hinted that he may not leave early. Gordon would be perfect in the event Kevin Love decides to depart in 2015.


14. Dallas Mavericks: Dario Saric, 15.5 ppg/8.4 rebounds: The Mavericks planned to draft Saric last season before he withdrew his name. Saric can play four positions and would be a great apprentice to Dirk Nowitzki. Saric has been a star in Europe for a few years now, so the transition to the NBA wouldn't be quite as difficult for his as it usually is for the young college players.



The Draft Fanatic.

Post Football, Basketball Primer

As the NFL season draws down and the sunsets on another quality football season, basketball will take the Main Stage as the primary sport of choice. The timing could not be better. We are currently in the meat of the basketball season and their are lots of story lines playing out amongst the various levels of basketball. Below I will break down a few of those to serve as a cheat sheet so that you can get caught up in a hurry.

The League

The Climate:

This NBA season got off to a bit of an awkward start. Several of the games ELITE stars and lottery picks were either on the mend or just returning from injury. Never before have injuries dictated so much so early in the season. Much of that you get to avoid if have been focused on football and not on the league. So where do we stand? Chris Paul should be back after the All Star Break. Both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are expected to return within the next week. Derrick Rose could be back for the playoffs. Russell Westbrook will be back around the All Star Break and Rajon Rondo made his debut last night. Kevin Love has had a pretty strong season after missing most of last season.

The Rookies

Lottery picks Alex Len, Anthony Bennett and Shabazz Muhammad have all played sparingly with several degrees of disappointment. Michael Carter Williams, Victor Oladipo and Trey Burke have had strong seasons and are STUDS.

The Stars

So far its been business as usual for the stars. Kevin Durant and LeBron James continue to lead the pack as MVP candidates. Steph Curry, Blake Griffin, LaMarcus Aldridge and Paul George all appear to be chomping at the bit. The duo of James Harden and Dwight Howard has been successful, but not dominant. The Brooklyn Nets older stars (Garnett, Pierce, Kirilenko, Johnson) had a rough start but have recently got back on track (6-1 in January so far). Carmelo Anthony looks ready to leave NY as soon as possible.

Pleasant Surprises

The University of Kentucky has produced studs! DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Anthony Davis, Terrence Jones and (before being hurt) Eric Bledsoe are having MONSTER seasons. At least 3 of these players should be in the All Star game. Darren Collison has played good in Chris Paul's absence. Aaron Afflalo looks like a legit star that needs a shot in a big market. Wes Matthews has played great. Lance Stephenson has fully blossomed in to an all round threat. Kyle Lowry began the season as potential trade bait, but has since become the leader of the rag tag Raptors.

Trades

Lots of movement so fart this season.

1. Rudy Gay to the Kings
2. Luol Deng to the Cavaliers
3. Jordan Crawford to the Warriors
4. Jerryd Bayless to the Celtics
5. Derrick Williams to the Kings

Teams

The teams at the top are not the usual suspects. With the exception of the Heat, Spurs and Thunder; the majority are teams with recent success. The Suns, Trailblazers and Pacers are achieving at a high level and beating quality teams. The Wizards and Raptors are both coming on strong, which is good because up until now the East has been horrific. Missing from the group of top teams are the Celtics and Lakers. They both appear to be heading to the lottery. The last time both teams picked in the lottery was 1994.


Potential End Game

While the Heat have hit a minor holding pattern, I fully expect Pat Riley to figure out a way to add one more piece to the Championship puzzle. Greg Oden looked good in his first minutes of the season and first in over 4 years. They just recently acquired Toney Douglas who can hit the open 3, lock down on defense and can play off the ball. Michael Beasley has been consistent and they are regaining their health. Meanwhile the Pacers look focused and will be a tough out. In the West the Spurs continue to defy father time, but for how long? The Clippers might be able to push through with the recent signing of Hedo Turkoglu and return of Chris Paul. Don't sleep on Golden State or Portland. The Thunder with a healthy Westbrook are still the most formidable. Durant is in a special place right now and I see him and LeBron meeting up once again.

The Draft Fanatic

Steph Curry and the Bay Area Madness

A few years ago a young man with a pretty good basketball pedigree was lighting up big name schools all over the country. He didn't fit the prototypical mold of the new age stars like Durant, Griffin or even more recently Parker. He had a ability to destroy dreams and create havoc for opposing defenses. Who is the player? Steph Curry (Davidson). That name created a frenzy while he was in college and did just enough to land him inside of the lottery in 2009. The son of the one time great shooter Dell Curry, Steph had an ability to hold a team hostage while carrying the weight of his team to new heights. Once selected, he was expected to play alongside then back court mate Monta Ellis and form a super quick tandem that could drive NBA defenses crazy. While there were flashes of potential, the two super quick scoring guards didn't deliver the way management anticipated. Enter the rebuilding phase.

Steph Curry, Davidson:

06-07: 21.5 ppg - Record: 29-5 (30 points vs Maryland, first round of NCAA tournament)
07-08: 25.9 ppg - Record: 26-6 (20 win, undefeated in conference play) (40 points vs Gonzaga, first round of NCAA tournament)
08-09: 28.9 ppg - Record: 27-8 (44 points vs Oklahoma)

With Steph Curry in place as the future star of the organization, the Warriors management began a massive overhaul that would land them in the spotlight and on the short list of potential contenders to come out of the deep Western conference. The team hired Hall of Fame point guard Mark Jackson as head coach,  signed NBA All Star's David Lee and Andre Igoudala. Traded for big man Andrew Bogut and drafted college studs Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Festus Ezeli. Throw in veterans Jermaine O'Neal, Marreese Speights and Toney Douglass, now you have a potential contender. Rebuilding phase complete.

When healthy this team is capable of going BONKERS! In Miami against the defending champions they shot lights out and won a great game (123-114) at their pace. Curry led the way with 36 points (8 three pointers)  and 12 assists. As a team they shot over 50 percent from both field goal range and three point range against a Miami defense that has three straight trips to the Finals. This is a sample size of what this team should and could be capable of with a top 4 seed in the playoffs against anyone. They have depth at the leagues premier position (small forward), with Igoudala, Barnes and even Green able to match up with anyone. They have the size to bother or compete with teams that rely on large quantities of paint production. They have a good combination of youth and experience with a coach that has given their star player and his back court mate the ULTRA GREEN LIGHT and they can dunk you!

Golden State Warriors:

2010-2011: 36-36
2011-2012: 23-43 (lockout shortened season)
2012-2013: 47-35 (eliminated from 2nd Round of Playoffs)
2013-2014: Currently 22-13 (projected to win at least 50 games)

What's not to love about a team that is both entertaining and competitive? With Steph Curry as their leader and star they will keep eye's glued on the screen and opposing coaches frustrated. No matter how you plan, prepare and scheme if Curry, Thompson and Igoudala get hot its pretty much over. They can slow it down and pound it (they prefer to out pace you), but that will just lullaby you in to a false sense of security eventually opening the flood gates for the Splash Brothers. If you don't have league pass I suggest you get it, because you don't want to miss a moment of Steph Curry. No matter the moment (44 points, 11 assists vs Spurs second round of the 2013 playoffs), the stage (54 points, 11/13 from 3 against the Knicks in Madison Square) or opponent (38 points, 9 assists vs Chris Paul, second game of the year) he will show up and he will bring his friends with him.