Bynum and Ariza share the same agent and with Trevor being a free-agent at the end of the season, the Jerry Buss may need to open his wallet again. According to the news:
"Ariza makes $3.1 million this season and could command at least double that number next summer if he continues to play as well as he has in a very young season. Through two games, Ariza is averaging 11 points and four rebounds in only 22.5 minutes a game. He has made four of five three-point attempts." -- Los Angeles Times
Is Ariza worth Luke Walton money? The answer to that is obvious, but with the glut of small forwards on long-term contracts at small forward (Vlad, Luke), the Lakers may need to think about this situation...the popular theory is that Trevor may be the more affordable replacement for Lamar Odom, especially if he continues to show an efficient 3-point shooting stroke...
Read more!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Bynum signed! 4 years - $58 Million
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3673083
Good gamble? or knee-jerk reaction after two lop-sided wins over sub-par teams? Read more!
Good gamble? or knee-jerk reaction after two lop-sided wins over sub-par teams? Read more!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Betting: Lakers Vs. Clippers Preview
Mikey chimes in on his prediction for tonight's game, and what he is betting on.
Mikey's Preview:
Last night the Lakers easily defeated Portland by 20+ points. There was little doubt that they would cover the generous spread of -7.5. Their defense looked sharp in the first half, and the Lakers played with heart and urgency for 24 minutes. The problem with the Lakers though, is that they do not play hard for 48 minutes- a knock that has always been with them since 2000. Looking at tonight's game, we see the Lakers are -9.5. I tend not to place any real wagers on a spread that is 7 points or more, and since I have yet to see the Clippers in action I am very hesitant to actually place a real bet. The over and under is set at 200 which looks a little bit more enticing to me. Since I have to place a bet for fun when I don't bet for reals, I'll go with 2 unit bet for Over 200.
The Lakers will be 2-0 after tonight. I think they will win by 11 points, but I'm not confident enough put the bet for -9.5
Final Prediction: Over 200 2 Units
Mikey's Laker Real Money Bets:
0-0-0
0 Units
Mikey's Laker Pick with Non-Real Money Bets:
1-0-0
2 Units
Note: Last night I had 2 unit bet for Lakers to cover, but didn't have time to post it.
Read more!
Mikey's Preview:
Last night the Lakers easily defeated Portland by 20+ points. There was little doubt that they would cover the generous spread of -7.5. Their defense looked sharp in the first half, and the Lakers played with heart and urgency for 24 minutes. The problem with the Lakers though, is that they do not play hard for 48 minutes- a knock that has always been with them since 2000. Looking at tonight's game, we see the Lakers are -9.5. I tend not to place any real wagers on a spread that is 7 points or more, and since I have yet to see the Clippers in action I am very hesitant to actually place a real bet. The over and under is set at 200 which looks a little bit more enticing to me. Since I have to place a bet for fun when I don't bet for reals, I'll go with 2 unit bet for Over 200.
The Lakers will be 2-0 after tonight. I think they will win by 11 points, but I'm not confident enough put the bet for -9.5
Final Prediction: Over 200 2 Units
Mikey's Laker Real Money Bets:
0-0-0
0 Units
Mikey's Laker Pick with Non-Real Money Bets:
1-0-0
2 Units
Note: Last night I had 2 unit bet for Lakers to cover, but didn't have time to post it.
Read more!
AJ's LEASTern conference rankings
OK, so the Eastern conference isn't AS bad as last year, especially since the champs live there, and conference will be competitive this year, so let's see how they stack up...
1: 61 - 21 Boston Celtics
Usually after a team wins a title, it comes back a little fatter and less hungry. It's hard to imagine that will be the case the Celtics. With General Garnett in charge, it's hard to see any drop-off in intensity. They lose Posey and PJ Brown, which may play a factor in the playoffs, but for the regular season, it opens up playing time for developing young talent like Leon Powe and Rondo. We will likely see the injury bug hit one of the big 3 at some point (cough cough, ray allen), but the depth and cohesiveness of this team will lead them to another 60+ win season.
2: 52 - 30 Cleveland Cavaliers
After watching 'Bron during the Olympics and the pre-season, it appears he'll be a lock for MVP this year if he can get his team over 50 wins and stay healthy. King James has already claimed that anything less than a championship would be a failure this year, though it is hard to judge whether this is a fair expectation. You gotta love the defensive intensity from team, especially Sideshow Bob Verajao, but even with Mo Williams, you still only have one guy who can create his own shot (tho Mo is a definitely a knock-down open shooter). Wild card: Wally's contract...there are lots of players on their contract year and the Cavs can get creative to get the extra trade for the extra help they need.
3: 50 - 32 Detroit Pistons
The Pistons, or Spurs-East, are the constant team you can always count on to be in the mix. Not too much new here except for the emergence of Rodney Stuckey -- which could be huge for a team that struggles to manufacture points. 2 Wild Cards: watch out for a breakout year from Tayshaun Prince -- with the new coaching philosophy, it will be interesting to see if they can get him to contribute more offensively and exploit mismatches as he did when he was a roookie. Second, if things don't go to smoothly, look for Detroit to dangle around 'Sheed...contending teams will love to add Sheed's savvy and toughness, especially if he is willing to come off the bench for a championship (sheed' for odom?)...
4: 48 - 34 Philadelphia Sixers
The NBA, where trades happen -- and morphing mediocre teams into contenders over night. OK OK, maybe the Sixers aren't contenders yet, but they are definitely a more balanced team than the Cavs right now with a lot of young talent that can get better soon. Elton Brand is great, and will anchor the rebounding in the paint, but the Sixers will be defined by the growth of Andre Igoudala. If he can make that leap as an all-star player and a go-to offensive player during close games, this team will meet the Celtics in the eastern conference finals. Although most of the players are young, the window won't be open for as long as most think, given Andre Miller's conditioning habits, this may be a 2-year window for this nucleus.
5: 47 - 35 Toronto Raptors
This team can score with anyone, as it sports probably the best jump-shooting squad in the league. With Ford gone, the stage is clear for Calderon to go nuts and challenge CP3 for league leader in assists. The only thing this team was missing was toughness...so they went out and traded for J'Oneal. If the trade works out and O'neal returns to his dominant defensive self and plays 60+ games, the Raptors could be in the top 3 of the conference. However, I'm not drinking the J'Oneal Kool-Aid, so i'm going to be skeptic until proven otherwise....either way, it was a great gamble on Toronto's part (much different than last season's shaq trade, cuz the raptors were not championship contenders before the trade AND tj ford is nowhere near shawn marion, in terms of importance to the team)
6: 42 - 40 Orlando Magic
Love Dwight Howard's muscles and athleticism, but you watch him some times and wonder that shouldn't he be so much better? Sure big men are going to have low FT% (except Bosh) and turnover the ball often with so many touches, but if you're going to do all that, shouldn't you at least be dominating the defensive end of the floor every night. That's the funny thing about the Magic last year, they were a defensively challenged unit, with arguably the most intimidating athlete in the league (just barely over 'Bron). Expect Turkoglu to come back to earth this year, but Rashard to pick up the slack, so the the Magic should be a wash in terms of play from their swingmen. Their season will soley be determined by the nightly effort of Superman.
7: 41 - 41 Miam Heat
I know I should not put so much stock into Olympics basketball, but my god, did you see Dwyane Wade this summer?! I am on the record as a notorious Wade-hater, claiming that he needs to get a jumpshot or he will suffer the fate of eddie jones and get too injured in the prime of his career with his slashing style...but it looks like Wade is back, and with vengeance....not only that, he is armed with a contract-year Shawn Marion (a man who plays to get paid), and the ROY-favorite Beasely...but dont forget that Shawn Livingston is quietly contributing early on... this team is primed to no longer be the joke of the eastern conference...
8: 40 - 42 Altanta Hawks
I'm not sure how it's going to work out to motivate a 'bad-attitude' player who had trouble being motivated the previous year BEFORE he got his contract, so good luck to the hawks in getting Josh Smith to play team defense (tho the guy is a physical freak). The Hawks should thank their lucky stars that injuries to Gilbert, Haywood, Jamison (to a lesser degree) will likely squeeze the Wiz out of playoff contention. Combine this with a contract year for Mike Bibby, perhaps Joe Johnson will actually get to be only double-teamed whenever he has the ball. I like Al Horford a lot, look for him to be a mentioned in the conversation of this year's snubbed all-stars
Read more!
1: 61 - 21 Boston Celtics
Usually after a team wins a title, it comes back a little fatter and less hungry. It's hard to imagine that will be the case the Celtics. With General Garnett in charge, it's hard to see any drop-off in intensity. They lose Posey and PJ Brown, which may play a factor in the playoffs, but for the regular season, it opens up playing time for developing young talent like Leon Powe and Rondo. We will likely see the injury bug hit one of the big 3 at some point (cough cough, ray allen), but the depth and cohesiveness of this team will lead them to another 60+ win season.
2: 52 - 30 Cleveland Cavaliers
After watching 'Bron during the Olympics and the pre-season, it appears he'll be a lock for MVP this year if he can get his team over 50 wins and stay healthy. King James has already claimed that anything less than a championship would be a failure this year, though it is hard to judge whether this is a fair expectation. You gotta love the defensive intensity from team, especially Sideshow Bob Verajao, but even with Mo Williams, you still only have one guy who can create his own shot (tho Mo is a definitely a knock-down open shooter). Wild card: Wally's contract...there are lots of players on their contract year and the Cavs can get creative to get the extra trade for the extra help they need.
3: 50 - 32 Detroit Pistons
The Pistons, or Spurs-East, are the constant team you can always count on to be in the mix. Not too much new here except for the emergence of Rodney Stuckey -- which could be huge for a team that struggles to manufacture points. 2 Wild Cards: watch out for a breakout year from Tayshaun Prince -- with the new coaching philosophy, it will be interesting to see if they can get him to contribute more offensively and exploit mismatches as he did when he was a roookie. Second, if things don't go to smoothly, look for Detroit to dangle around 'Sheed...contending teams will love to add Sheed's savvy and toughness, especially if he is willing to come off the bench for a championship (sheed' for odom?)...
4: 48 - 34 Philadelphia Sixers
The NBA, where trades happen -- and morphing mediocre teams into contenders over night. OK OK, maybe the Sixers aren't contenders yet, but they are definitely a more balanced team than the Cavs right now with a lot of young talent that can get better soon. Elton Brand is great, and will anchor the rebounding in the paint, but the Sixers will be defined by the growth of Andre Igoudala. If he can make that leap as an all-star player and a go-to offensive player during close games, this team will meet the Celtics in the eastern conference finals. Although most of the players are young, the window won't be open for as long as most think, given Andre Miller's conditioning habits, this may be a 2-year window for this nucleus.
5: 47 - 35 Toronto Raptors
This team can score with anyone, as it sports probably the best jump-shooting squad in the league. With Ford gone, the stage is clear for Calderon to go nuts and challenge CP3 for league leader in assists. The only thing this team was missing was toughness...so they went out and traded for J'Oneal. If the trade works out and O'neal returns to his dominant defensive self and plays 60+ games, the Raptors could be in the top 3 of the conference. However, I'm not drinking the J'Oneal Kool-Aid, so i'm going to be skeptic until proven otherwise....either way, it was a great gamble on Toronto's part (much different than last season's shaq trade, cuz the raptors were not championship contenders before the trade AND tj ford is nowhere near shawn marion, in terms of importance to the team)
6: 42 - 40 Orlando Magic
Love Dwight Howard's muscles and athleticism, but you watch him some times and wonder that shouldn't he be so much better? Sure big men are going to have low FT% (except Bosh) and turnover the ball often with so many touches, but if you're going to do all that, shouldn't you at least be dominating the defensive end of the floor every night. That's the funny thing about the Magic last year, they were a defensively challenged unit, with arguably the most intimidating athlete in the league (just barely over 'Bron). Expect Turkoglu to come back to earth this year, but Rashard to pick up the slack, so the the Magic should be a wash in terms of play from their swingmen. Their season will soley be determined by the nightly effort of Superman.
7: 41 - 41 Miam Heat
I know I should not put so much stock into Olympics basketball, but my god, did you see Dwyane Wade this summer?! I am on the record as a notorious Wade-hater, claiming that he needs to get a jumpshot or he will suffer the fate of eddie jones and get too injured in the prime of his career with his slashing style...but it looks like Wade is back, and with vengeance....not only that, he is armed with a contract-year Shawn Marion (a man who plays to get paid), and the ROY-favorite Beasely...but dont forget that Shawn Livingston is quietly contributing early on... this team is primed to no longer be the joke of the eastern conference...
8: 40 - 42 Altanta Hawks
I'm not sure how it's going to work out to motivate a 'bad-attitude' player who had trouble being motivated the previous year BEFORE he got his contract, so good luck to the hawks in getting Josh Smith to play team defense (tho the guy is a physical freak). The Hawks should thank their lucky stars that injuries to Gilbert, Haywood, Jamison (to a lesser degree) will likely squeeze the Wiz out of playoff contention. Combine this with a contract year for Mike Bibby, perhaps Joe Johnson will actually get to be only double-teamed whenever he has the ball. I like Al Horford a lot, look for him to be a mentioned in the conversation of this year's snubbed all-stars
Read more!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Top 8 Teams of the West for 2008-2009
The 2008-2009 NBA Season is around the corner. Mike breaks down his top 8 teams in the West! Who will be the number 1 seed, and which teams are slipping?
1: 57 - 25 Los Angeles Lakers
Barring no major injuries to Kobe, Bynum, or Gasol, this team will be number one again for the west. The return of Bynum makes this team deeper and deadlier than before, and brings the much needed defense that was lacking last year. If Odom can come off the bench and be the 6th man of the year, this team will be down right scary. I think their bench is solid, watch out for Farmar taking a starting position away from grandpa Fisher this year as well. The best part about Odom coming off the bench is that it eliminates the amount of time he has to pick up stupid fouls and stupid turnovers.
2: 56 - 26 Utah Jazz
Deron Williams may be one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA because he plays for a Mormon team. This team, while not really changing much to its roster, is making waves here in the NBA. Why? Well first of all, AK-47 and Okur are both playing in a contract year. If they want the money, they better play their asses off. In addition, offensive rebounds, physical play, and interior scoring make this a tough team. If Boozer can stop being a chode, this team will be very tough to beat come post season.
3: 52 - 30 New Orleans Hornets
People know this team now, so I don't expect them to sneak by undetected like last year. One thing is definitely for certain: Chris Paul is legit. It will be a race between Chis Paul and LBJ for MVP this year. With the addition of overpaid Posey, this team has gained a decent 3 point shooter and a defensive ball hustler. Whether Posey can push this team into the WCF remains to be seen, but it will definitely be a strong team.
4: 50 - 32 Houston Rockets
I know, how can I put Houston below NO? Simple, there's no way in hell T-Mac or Yao is staying healthy for the entire season. On paper, this is a deadly Video Game team. The addition to Artest not only beefs up their defense, it provides some much needed offense. Houston biggest problem is that T-Mac and Yao are not getting any younger. They only have a couple years left before they are too old to hang, and this will definitely be the season they get out of the first round. Look for big help from Scola and Battier to keep this team in the top half of the West.
5: 45 - 37 Dallas Mavricks
Poor Dallas. They had their shot and blew it. A head scratching disaster trade for Kidd has only made things worse. On paper this is a decent team, unfortunately for the Mavricks, Kidd just blows. I'm so glad that Kobe didn't get his way and trade Bynum for Grandpa Kidd. Jason Terry and Kidd are going to need the season of their lives to keep this team competitive. Luckily Dallas is strong at the forward position with Howard and Dirk. It will be interesting to see how this team plays with their new coach. Either way, this team will be stuck in this middle spot until they trade Dirk or rebuild.
6: 43 - 39 Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is stupid. That trade for Shaq was deadly for them. It is definitely bold of me to put this team over the aging Spurs, but I'm going to do it. Even though Raja Snoob and Steve Nash are getting older, I think the addition of Matt Barnes could be their X-factor this season. This team also will be sporting a new coach, and really at the end of the day, they are destined to remain in the lower half of the top 8. No one buys them as a championship team, and will face another first round exit.
7: 42 - 40 San Antonio Spurs
Injured Manu. Grandpa Finley. Grandpa Bowen. Grandpa Duncan. Grandpa Vaughn. Grandpa Thomas. This team is just getting older, and I know experts are expecting this team to at least make top 5, I just don't see it. Manu is now more injury prone than ever, and he will continue to receive injuries as the season goes by. This team is just too old, too set in their ways, and no longer capable of being scary. If I'm the Lakers, I would be hoping for a first round match up with the Spurs rather than the Trailblazers!
8: 41 - 41 Portland Trailblazers
Oden. Roy. Outlaw. Aldridge. Rudy! This is the team to watch, they are young, they are talented, and they are going to be dream killers. Say what you want, I almost want to push this team to the 7th or 6th seed. I have high hopes for them, and I think they are going to be the new Golden State Warriors of the play offs. An absolutely dangerous team, full of potential, and definitely going to become an elite team within 3 years time.
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1: 57 - 25 Los Angeles Lakers
Barring no major injuries to Kobe, Bynum, or Gasol, this team will be number one again for the west. The return of Bynum makes this team deeper and deadlier than before, and brings the much needed defense that was lacking last year. If Odom can come off the bench and be the 6th man of the year, this team will be down right scary. I think their bench is solid, watch out for Farmar taking a starting position away from grandpa Fisher this year as well. The best part about Odom coming off the bench is that it eliminates the amount of time he has to pick up stupid fouls and stupid turnovers.
2: 56 - 26 Utah Jazz
Deron Williams may be one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA because he plays for a Mormon team. This team, while not really changing much to its roster, is making waves here in the NBA. Why? Well first of all, AK-47 and Okur are both playing in a contract year. If they want the money, they better play their asses off. In addition, offensive rebounds, physical play, and interior scoring make this a tough team. If Boozer can stop being a chode, this team will be very tough to beat come post season.
3: 52 - 30 New Orleans Hornets
People know this team now, so I don't expect them to sneak by undetected like last year. One thing is definitely for certain: Chris Paul is legit. It will be a race between Chis Paul and LBJ for MVP this year. With the addition of overpaid Posey, this team has gained a decent 3 point shooter and a defensive ball hustler. Whether Posey can push this team into the WCF remains to be seen, but it will definitely be a strong team.
4: 50 - 32 Houston Rockets
I know, how can I put Houston below NO? Simple, there's no way in hell T-Mac or Yao is staying healthy for the entire season. On paper, this is a deadly Video Game team. The addition to Artest not only beefs up their defense, it provides some much needed offense. Houston biggest problem is that T-Mac and Yao are not getting any younger. They only have a couple years left before they are too old to hang, and this will definitely be the season they get out of the first round. Look for big help from Scola and Battier to keep this team in the top half of the West.
5: 45 - 37 Dallas Mavricks
Poor Dallas. They had their shot and blew it. A head scratching disaster trade for Kidd has only made things worse. On paper this is a decent team, unfortunately for the Mavricks, Kidd just blows. I'm so glad that Kobe didn't get his way and trade Bynum for Grandpa Kidd. Jason Terry and Kidd are going to need the season of their lives to keep this team competitive. Luckily Dallas is strong at the forward position with Howard and Dirk. It will be interesting to see how this team plays with their new coach. Either way, this team will be stuck in this middle spot until they trade Dirk or rebuild.
6: 43 - 39 Phoenix Suns
Phoenix is stupid. That trade for Shaq was deadly for them. It is definitely bold of me to put this team over the aging Spurs, but I'm going to do it. Even though Raja Snoob and Steve Nash are getting older, I think the addition of Matt Barnes could be their X-factor this season. This team also will be sporting a new coach, and really at the end of the day, they are destined to remain in the lower half of the top 8. No one buys them as a championship team, and will face another first round exit.
7: 42 - 40 San Antonio Spurs
Injured Manu. Grandpa Finley. Grandpa Bowen. Grandpa Duncan. Grandpa Vaughn. Grandpa Thomas. This team is just getting older, and I know experts are expecting this team to at least make top 5, I just don't see it. Manu is now more injury prone than ever, and he will continue to receive injuries as the season goes by. This team is just too old, too set in their ways, and no longer capable of being scary. If I'm the Lakers, I would be hoping for a first round match up with the Spurs rather than the Trailblazers!
8: 41 - 41 Portland Trailblazers
Oden. Roy. Outlaw. Aldridge. Rudy! This is the team to watch, they are young, they are talented, and they are going to be dream killers. Say what you want, I almost want to push this team to the 7th or 6th seed. I have high hopes for them, and I think they are going to be the new Golden State Warriors of the play offs. An absolutely dangerous team, full of potential, and definitely going to become an elite team within 3 years time.
Read more!
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