Why Seth Greenberg Deserved Better from Virginia Tech
Seth Greenberg was fired Monday during a bizarre press conference that was scheduled before the coach was even notified that his “contract had been terminated.”
The second-winningest men’s basketball coach in Virginia Tech history was let go after a nine-season run in Blacksburg and a 170-123 overall record.
Greenberg’s most impressive feats were his 61-67 mark in ACC play and three victories over the No. 1 ranked team in the country at the time (Duke, UNC, Wake Forest).
He lifted Tech a notch or two as he stewarded the Hokies’ transition into the ACC, but things had stalled a bit and Greenberg was not without his faults as a coach.
That said, the callousness with which this firing materialized is surprising.
Greenberg deserved to know last week when athletic director Jim Weaver was suddenly overcome by an epiphany that his men’s basketball coach wasn’t on the same page with him and the Tech athletic department family.
You can’t praise Tech’s family atmosphere in one breath and then cut ties with a coach who was doing his job, hosting a recruit, the day you fired him.
If nothing else, it makes the athletic department look like a bunch of bumbling fools trying to jack up the website hits by teasing the presser for a fired coach.
At best it’s inconsiderate and unfair; at worst it’s a calculated, cold-blooded move.
It’s hard to say any of this is calculated, though. Many surmised that Weaver must have had someone ready to take the job already by making this move a month after most coaching moves occurred.
That doesn’t appear to be the case so far, and that’s no surprise.
Some 40 schools have hired a new coach already this offseason. As Ken Pomeroy tweeted yesterday, “If you’re firing your coach on April 23, that coach better have done some Brad Greenberg-type stuff. Otherwise, awful move.”
That is of course a reference to Seth’s brother Brad who got in some trouble during his brief stint as the head coach just down the road at Radford.
There’s never been anything to indicate Seth cut corners. He was aggressive in recruiting and had to work harder than a lot of coaches to overcome the various obstacles Tech faces in an area dominated by ACC flagship schools like Duke and North Carolina.
Seth Greenberg was exactly what Tech needed for a time, a firey, brash personality who wasn’t afraid to stick his nose in the face of Coach K and to challenge the ACC elite.
The players bought in and realized Virginia Tech wasn’t just a bottom-of-the-league program as many had predicted, but a team capable of finishing in the top third.
It’s no surprise that over time Seth’s personality wore thin with people. Blacksburg isn’t used to big personalities. We’re used to “aw shucks” Frank Beamer and the rock and stability of the football program.
Still, I will remember Seth for the excitement and energy that he infused in a dormant program.
I loved his sometimes brutally honest media relations and can’t wait to see him on ESPN. He will instantly be the best basketball analyst for them or whatever network hires him.
He has two ACC Coach of the Year awards, one NCAA tournament appearance and a plethora of NIT bids to show for his time storming up and down the sideline in Cassell Coliseum.
Many of the most exciting athletes in Hokie hoops history have come through during Seth’s time, and he leaves having helped build a beautiful multi-million-dollar basketball practice facility that has helped make Tech’s facilities relevant.
Say what you will about Greenberg, love him or hate him, he gave Virginia Tech everything he could and did a great deal to advance the program.
If you can’t see that, you’re certifiably insane.
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2012 NBA Mock Draft: Prospects Who Will Be Better in Pros
There are those prospects who excel in college and predictably go on to bigger and brighter things, and then there are those prospects who have the potential to be better players in the pros than they were in college.
Some players are just realizing their potential heading into the 2012 NBA draft. Here’s my latest mock draft, complete with prospects who will be better in the pros (in italics).
1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky
Anthony Davis is the premier prospect in the 2012 draft class. He’s explosive around the rim, crashes the glass and has the ability to change games with his defense.
2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky
The Wizards need star power and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is the do-it-all prospect they need. MKG can run the floor and score, rebound, play staunch defense and has a never-ending motor.
3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas
The Hornets have been looking for a difference-maker at power forward ever since David West left town. Thomas Robinson, with his explosiveness at the rim and elite rebounding ability, is hard to pass up.
4. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C, Connecticut
Andre Drummond certainly has his fair share of character concerns (based mostly on his inconsistency), but he has the athleticism and explosiveness to be the next Dwight Howard. However, he also could be the next Kwame Brown. He’s hard to pass up in the Top Five, though.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bradley Beal, SG, Florida
Bradley Beal is the unquestioned No. 1 shooting guard in the class. He’s a dynamic scorer, both inside and outside, rebounds the basketball and gets into passing lanes and plays solid defense. He would look nice next to Kyrie Irving.
6. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina
The Raptors need more scoring beyond Andrea Bargnani and if there’s one thing Harrison Barnes can do, it’s score the basketball. There are concerns about his overall game, but his scoring ability may trump all of that.
7. Portland Trail Blazers (via NJ): Damian Lillard, PG, Weber State
Damian Lillard is one of the premier scorers in the draft this year. He can simply light it up and he gets to the paint almost at will. He needs to find his teammates a little bit better, but he has all the tools to be a star at the next level.
8. Utah Jazz (via GS): Kendall Marshall, PG, North Carolina
Kendall Marshall is the best pure point guard in the draft and he’s developed his perimeter game. He simply makes those around him better, which is the primary attribute every star point guard must have. The Jazz could use a point guard after Deron Williams left town.
9. Detroit Pistons: Perry Jones, PF, Baylor
Perry Jones is a very raw prospect, but his explosiveness and athletic ability is hard to match. If he can ever hone his game and become more consistent, he’s going to be a nightmare scoring the basketball, crashing the glass and disrupting on defense. He could form a solid combo with Greg Monroe.
10. New Orleans Hornets (via MINN): Terrence Jones, F, Kentucky
Terrence Jones has risen up draft boards since the NCAA tournament, and deservedly so. With the ability to contribute in multiple areas and defend both forward spots, he has the potential to be the next Lamar Odom (pre-Dallas). Combined with Robinson, that would be quite the steal for the Hornets.
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Jeremy Lamb, SG, Connecticut
A silky-smooth athlete and shooter, Jeremy Lamb could become a dependable starter in the NBA. His length allows him to cause havoc on defense and the Trail Blazers need a shooting guard of the future.
12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina
Tyler Zeller knows how to rebound and his ability to run the floor and soft touch at the rim would make him a nice complement to speedy guards Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis.
13. Houston Rockets: Meyers Leonard, C, Illinois
Meyers Leonard is raw and inconsistent right now, but he has the size, scoring, rebounding and shot-blocking ability to be a solid starter in the NBA down the line. The Rockets have been searching for their starting center since Yao Ming retired.
14. Philadelphia 76ers: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State
Elton Brand continues to play at a high level, but he’s aging and the 76ers will want to find a successor. There are questions about Jared Sullinger‘s athleticism and explosiveness, but his post game is well beyond his years and he’s a solid rebounder.
15. Utah Jazz: Austin Rivers, SG, Duke
Austin Rivers certainly needs to learn the game better and become more consistent, but he has the tools to be a star in the NBA. He’s a dynamic scorer.
16. Phoenix Suns: Dion Waiters, SG, Syracuse
The Suns need to find their shooting guard of the future and Dion Waiters has soared up draft boards after the NCAA tournament. Waiters is an explosive slasher who frustrates defensively. He has a lot of potential at the next level.
17. Houston Rockets (via NY): Arnett Moultrie, PF, Mississippi State
Arnett Moultrie needs to add size, but he has the explosiveness and athleticism to be a star at the next level. It’s scary imagining what he could do around the rim with some work. The Rockets wouldn’t mind some depth in the frontcourt.
18. Denver Nuggets: Terrence Ross, SG/SF, Washington
Terrence Ross has the ability to slash to the rim or knock down the outside shot and his length and explosiveness makes him a good defender, too. He could provide depth at shooting guard or small forward for George Karl.
19. Dallas Mavericks: Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington
The Mavericks need to find the successor to Jason Kidd. Tony Wroten has the talent, explosiveness, passing ability and speed to be a lottery pick, but he needs to become more consistent and play more within the game.
20. Orlando Magic: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt
Dwight Howard is leaving Orlando. There, I said it. The Magic need to find their center of the future and Festus Ezeli has the size, rebounding and defensive ability to make an impact right away. He is raw offensively, though.
21. Boston Celtics: Royce White, F, Iowa State
Royce White’s anxiety disorder and character concerns make him a bit risky, but he could be a star if he develops on a veteran-laden team like, say, the Celtics. He’s a point-forward type player who will do a little bit of everything for you and he has great size.
22. Memphis Grizzlies: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
Even if Fab Melo’s offensive game never comes around, he’s enough of a defensive prospect that he’s going to get plenty of attention on draft day. He held down Syracuse’s 2-3 defense last season en route to the NCAA tournament.
23. Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt
I really like Jeff Taylor’s game. He’s committed on defense, has the explosiveness to crash to the rim and has developed his mid-range game significantly. He has all the makings of a player just realizing his potential. Not a bad replacement for Josh Smith if he leaves town.
24. Boston Celtics (via LAC): Doron Lamb, SG, Kentucky
How can the Celtics resist a shooting guard with a silky-smooth touch? Doron Lamb could be the successor to Ray Allen with his perimeter shooting and long wingspan.
25. Cleveland Cavaliers (via LAL): Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s
Small forward is a spot the Cavaliers need to address. Moe Harkless has the length and explosiveness to be trouble driving into the lane and he’s a solid rebounder and shot-blocker. He’ll need to improve his mid-range game, however.
26. Indiana Pacers: Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
Adding depth behind Danny Granger would be a wise move for the Pacers. Draymond Green is another one of those point-forward type players who contributes across the board. His lack of athleticism and tweener size has caused some to back up, though.
27. Miami Heat: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky
If the Heat landed Marquis Teague, they would be ecstatic. Teague still needs to learn the game more, but he improved exponentially in his freshman season at Kentucky and he’s a balanced player, with the ability to drop buckets and dish off to his teammates.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure
The Thunder really only need depth. Adding some depth in the frontcourt with Andrew Nicholson wouldn’t be a bad move. Nicholson needs to add strength, but he’s a long, athletic player who will rebounds and block shots for you, as well as hit his fair share of three-pointers.
29. Golden State Warriors (via SA): Evan Fournier, SG/SF, France
N.C. State’s C.J. Leslie would have been a nice fit with the Warriors, but now that he’s staying in school, the Warriors could take a chance on France’s Evan Fournier, who has a smooth jump shot and penetrates the lane well. He’s a work-in-progress at 19 years old, but he has tons of potential.
30. Chicago Bulls: Will Barton, SG, Memphis
I continue to be a believer in Will Barton, whose scoring ability, combined with his rebounding and leadership skills, could make him a nice fit in Chicago alongside Derrick Rose. He’s vastly underrated in my opinion.
Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about the 2012 NBA draft together.
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Bulls vs. Heat: Breaking Down Which Team Has Better Chance to Reach NBA Finals
It may be easy enough for Miami Heat fans to dismiss losing two of three games to the Chicago Bulls this season. They were regular season games after all, and we all remember how the Conference Finals went a year ago.
Never mind that Derrick Rose didn’t even play in one of those two losses. Miami must not have really wanted that game, right?
Wrong. Miami knew that losing a game with Rose sidelined would be exponentially more embarrassing than in an evenly-matched duel, and no one on this Heat team wants to be embarrassed—certainly not Dwyane Wade in front of his home town at the United Center.
Ever the superstars, Wade and LeBron James combined for a predictably amazing 71 points. It seems like they wanted to win this game at least. But Chris Bosh shot 3-of-15, and Miami’s bench was pitiful.
These are weaknesses that the superlatively-coached Bulls can exploit. Chicago’s bench outscored Miami’s bench 56-15 in a lopsided advantage that was emblematic of the Bulls’ depth.
Derrick Rose, of course, managed to take the floor in Miami’s second loss…sort of. He had a game to forget, scoring two points and going 1-of-13 from the field. It’s fair to say rustiness play no small part in the matter.
This time, Coach Tom Thibodeau’s defense was exceptional, holding Miami to no more than 22 points in any quarter, with just two in an overtime in which the Bulls won by 10 points. Again, Chicago’s bench was dominant, outscoring Miami’s by a 47-7 margin.
Carlos Boozer also improved on a two-point performance in the first win, tallying 19 points and 11 rebounds.
There’s a simple explanation for Chicago’s edge: This is a team in the truest sense of the term, and you never know which guys will beat you on any given night. This is also a club that believes in defense and hustle, and you better believe Joakim Noah‘s presence will be felt on Miami’s thin front line.
Miami’s not a soft team by any means, and the talent of its core All-Stars knows no limits. But it remains a team that has a dangerously thin margin for error. If the bench disappears or one of the superstars struggles, the results aren’t pretty. The Bulls have proven capable of playing without their most valuable player, but it’s hard to imagine the Heat doing the same.
There’s something to be said about that kind of well-roundedness. The Bulls’ locker room is filled with guys who can make a difference in any given game, while Miami’s is filled with guys who seem to shrink on the road.
Last season may have proven something about talent, but this one may prove something about heart. Adding a healthy Richard Hamilton to the mix, along with the collective improvement and confidence of Rose’s supporting cast, won’t hurt the talent side of the equation either. This Bulls team is better than the one that in the Conference Finals and—with a healthy Derrick Rose—may be unstoppable.
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4 Ways Miami Heat Must Utilize Chris Bosh Better
As weird and twisted as the Heat season has been thus far, the key to their success is quite simple. Chris Bosh is the one and only key that can unlock the door to success for Miami.
I’m said it time and time again, Bosh’s inside presence is what separates the Heat from other contenders throughout the league, like the Bulls and Thunder, who lack an All-Star big man. But Bosh has disappeared more times than not this season.
The good news is, the season is not over and as of late, Bosh has been playing much better. Moving forward, the Heat staff have to make the proper moves that will help Bosh continue to play well. This may sound difficult, but here are a few simple steps Miami should take in order to ensure success.
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Lakers better without Bryant? Yeah right
LOS ANGELES If there’s anyone alive who still believes that the Lakers are a better team with Kobe Bryant sitting on the bench in a 5,000 suit rather than hoisting jumpers in shorts and a tank top…well…the late Betty Ford’s people are holding a suite in Rancho Mirage with your name on it and a 28-day stay included.
It has been the latest rage among some fans and local media-types to suggest that that since the Lakers were 4-1 with Bryant out nursing a bruised shin, that the purple-and-gold bunch was actually a better TEAM. That theory was gunned down Tuesday night by the San Antonio Spurs, much like the Clanton’s and McLaury’s were by the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday at the O.K. Corral in 1881.
The Spurs (44-16) beat the Lakers (39-23) in every way that’s legal in the state of California, ending up with a 112-91 win at STAPLES Center, L.A.’s worst loss this season.
Tony Parker was brilliant, the Spurs’ point guard embarrassing both Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake on the way to his game-high 29 points and 13 assists, while Tim Duncan reminded everyone why he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, collecting 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals. And Manu Ginobili was his usual stellar self, scoring fifteen points with six rebounds and 4 assists in 26 minutes off the bench. As a team, San Antonio shot a blazing 59.5 percent.
The Lakers led at the end of the first quarter, 28-27, but the game was never really close after the Spurs ran off 18 consecutive points late in the second quarter. Duncan and Parker ran the pick-and-roll successfully nearly every time they tried it, as L.A. had absolutely no clue how to stop the play.
“We talked about it this morning (at the shoot-around) and we talked about it again before the game,” Brown said with exasperation dripping from every syllable. “But for some reason we forgot to push the pick-and-roll to the baseline or the sideline. That’s the way you defend it, and we just didn’t do it.
“You have to give the Spurs credit; the tempo was in their favor. They dictated the speed the game was played at, and we made mistakes.”
And when the Spurs weren’t beating up on his team, Brown’s players were laying the hurt upon themselves.
“We had a lot of unforced turnovers,” Brown said, “and the unforced turnovers just hurt us badly. At halftime we had (13) turnovers for 20 points, and most of those were unforced.” The Lakers finished with 20 total turnovers, allowing the Spurs to score 26 points.
Brown also wanted to make it clear that a healthy Bryant might have changed the outcome of the gameor at least given them a chance to be competitive with the Spurs.
“Kobe understands the game so well, that he can change the tempo in a lot of different ways,” Brown stated. “It’s not just by shooting the ball and scoring points. He might get down on the block, (call) for the ball, and have guys get into different positions on the court and get us better shots as a team. He’s our leader out there and he’s crucial to every aspect of our game.”
Lakers center Andrew Bynum, who had 30 rebounds in a win over the Spurs last week in San Antonio, blasted himself and his teammates, but also gave a lot of credit to their opponents.
“We did a lot of dumb stuff on the court tonight and it cost us (the game),’” said Bynum. “Lots of turnovers and defensive breakdowns.
“But they didn’t miss many shots, and that made it hard to do anything, especially rebounding. When the other team doesn’t miss, there aren’t many rebounds to grab. Bynum led L.A. with 21 points and seven rebounds. Pau Gasol had 16 points and seven rebounds, with Matt Barnes leading the reserves with 16 pointsdouble the total of the rest of the bench combined.
Parker said the Spurs came to Los Angeles with payback on their minds.
“They beat us pretty bad at our place,” Parker said, “so we wanted to get it back. Obviously we weren’t very happy with our performance (six) days ago, so we were very motivated to get the win.”
Super-sub Ginobili said that it was important for the Spurs to show the Lakersand the rest of the NBAthat they were still a team to be feared come playoff time.
“We were all very disappointed with that loss,” said Ginobili, “so we needed to come here and play better, feel good about ourselves and (prove) that we are better than we showed.
“We had to play better, we did, and that’s a good feeling.”
Which is something the Lakers would like to experience as they head to Oakland Wednesday for a game against the hapless Golden State Warriors; a seemingly easy warmup for another meeting with the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday night.
With Bryant possibly missing both road games, though, nothing will be easy for the Lakers.
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Spurs vs. Lakers: Is Andrew Bynum or Tim Duncan the Better Big Man?
There’s no denying that over the last 14 years, Tim Duncan has been one of the best “big men” in the NBA. His career average points per game is 20.3, with 3.1 assists and 11.3 rebounds. And it’s not only his play in the paint that makes him deadly, but it’s also the fact that he can hit jumpers.
Andrew Bynum is playing his first year as a starting center where he’s managed to stay healthy. It’s hard to compare a season of consistent statistics to the entire career of Duncan, but that’s OK, because what’s important is how they are playing right now.
The Los Angeles Lakers were routed Tuesday by the San Antonio Spurs, 112-91. The Spurs looked lightening fast on their end of the court, but when it came to the battle of the big men, Bynum still prevailed. He went for 21 points, two assists and seven rebounds. Duncan’s numbers were similar at 19 points, three assists and eight rebounds. While that puts them at about even for the night, go back to the last matchup between the teams.
The still Kobe Bryant-less Lakers were able to shock many people and beat the Spurs. A huge part of this win was Bynum, who reached the 30 rebound mark. He went up against Duncan and pulled down 30 rebounds, got two assists and scored 16 points. Duncan’s numbers were far less at two rebounds, no assists and 14 points. While Bynum did play more minutes than Duncan, it wasn’t enough to warrant this big of a disparity in the stats. It was also Duncan’s typical amount of minutes.
Even when the teams aren’t matched up, Bynum’s numbers still look better than Duncan’s. He’s averaging 18.6 points, 12.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists. Duncan is getting 15.2 points, nine rebounds and 2.3 assists. These are the numbers to support the fact that Bynum is now in fact the better big man.
There are other intangibles that come along with this, too, though. Bynum is just a much larger physical presence than Duncan. Duncan is listed as a forward-center, although he typically plays a role at center because he’s the tallest player on the Spurs (along with Tiago Splitter) at 6’11” and weighing 255 lbs. That is why he able to make some outside shots that Bynum can’t. However, his smaller stature in comparison makes him inferior in the paint compared to Bynum. At 7’0” and 285 lbs., Bynum is able to muscle Duncan around in a way that allows him to get his shot and rebound.
Not only is Bynum bigger, but he’s also much younger. Duncan has been in the NBA for twice as long as Bynum and went to college. Bynum was drafted right out of high school. While this gives Duncan more veteran experience, it also means he has a lot more miles on his legs. Coach Gregg Popovich doesn’t like to play his guys more than 25 minutes. Bynum is young and hungry so he wants the minutes that coach Mike Brown will give him, which allows him to gain experience.
While there’s no denying that Duncan is a highly talented, multichampionship-winning big man, there’s no denying that at this point in their careers, Andrew Bynum is the better big man.
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New Jersey Nets: Was Paul Pierce a Better Option Than Gerald Wallace?
The New Jersey Nets failed to acquire Dwight Howard at the trade deadline. In response to not getting Howard, the Nets panicked and acquired Gerald Wallace at the trade deadline.
They gave up center Mehmet Okur, small forward Shawne Williams and their protected 2012 first-round pick. The pick is top-three protected, which means the Nets will keep the pick if they finish in the top three of the draft lottery. What they got back in Wallace is a solid all-around player. He also has a player-option at the end of the season.
The Nets made the move in an effort to further convince Deron Williams to re-sign with them after the season. They felt they had to make a move that would improve the team.
According to Bill Simmons from Grantland.com, the Nets could have acquired Paul Pierce at the deadline for the same deal they got Wallace for.
Now that we know that, who was the better option?
One of the biggest reasons the Nets chose Wallace over Pierce was age. Pierce is 34 years old and has 13 years of experience. Wallace is only 29 years old and has been in the league for 10 years. Five years is a big difference between veteran players, especially as a long-term option.
The Nets have struggled with consistency this season. They needed another option to turn to for steady scoring. Wallace is a versatile player but not someone you can depend on to takeover the scoring game. Throughout his career, Pierce has been that reliable scoring option for the Celtics.
In his career, Pierce has averaged 22 PPG. He has never averaged less than 16.5 PPG, in any season. Wallace has averaged 13.5 PPG throughout his career. Wallace has never averaged over 20 PPG. The scoring edge clearly goes to Pierce.
The main goal of the Nets this season, was to convince Williams to re-sign. The best way to do that is by winning.
At the trade deadline, the Nets were only 4.5 games out of the playoffs. If the Nets made the playoffs, that would have showed Williams that they are improving.
While Wallace is a better long-term option, Pierce may have been enough to get the Nets in the playoffs. In March, Wallace averaged 14.1 PPG and Pierce averaged 22.3 PPG. The difference in their points could have been the difference in some of the Nets games.
If Pierce was able to push the Nets into the playoffs this season, then he would have been a better option. However, if he was unable to get them in, Wallace is the better option long-term for the Nets.
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NBA Playoff Picture: Lakers Better Hope to Stay in 3rd Place
The Los Angeles Lakers will greatly suffer if they fall to the fourth seed in the Western Conference.
The NBA‘s regular season is coming to a close, and some teams are fighting to make the playoffs while other teams are fighting for seed positioning. The Lakers are one team that desperately needs to keep playing as hard as possible and either stay put at the third spot or take over the second.
If the regular season ended today, the Lakers would play the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. Last year this was a problem, but this year, it will be a cake walk. The Lakers have played the Mavericks three times this season and won every single time.
The Mavericks could earn the fifth seed in the West, but they need to pass to the Memphis Grizzlies. This is very possible. However, the rest of the Grizzlies’ schedule is much more simple than the Mavericks’.
Memphis faces New Orleans twice, Cleveland, Charlotte, Utah, Minnesota, Portland and Orlando. The Grizzlies should come out of that stretch with at least six wins.
Dallas has already played two more games, and they have a tougher schedule to close.
The rest of their schedule is tough because they face the Lakers, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Golden State and Utah. It is possible that the Mavericks pass the Grizzlies, but it is not likely.
The Lakers will have a much easier time facing the Mavericks or the Rockets, who also have a chance at the sixth seed. Houston is one-and-a-half games behind the Mavericks, and could catch up to them.
What the Lakers don’t want to do is face the Grizzlies or the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently the fourth seed but are one-and-a-half games behind third and only one game ahead of Memphis. The Lakers have a winning record against both teams this season, but both teams give the Lake Show a very hard time.
The Clippers seem to be putting it together lately, and they will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. The Grizzlies seem to finally be healthy and ready to make some noise in the playoffs.
Last season, Memphis shocked the world when they defeated the first-place San Antonio Spurs in the first-round of the playoffs. Don’t be surprised if Memphis shocks another team this year.
The Lakers could easily be that team because of how inconsistent they have looked.
One game the Lakers look like the best team in the NBA, and in another they look like the Bobcats. That type of inconsistency will kill them in the playoffs, especially against the Grizzlies or Clippers.
Regardless of who they face, the Lakers will likely get past the first round. It would be much more beneficial for them to play the Mavericks or the Rockets, because they would likely win the series in four to five games. If the Lakers face the Grizzlies or Clippers, there may be one exciting Game 7 in the first round for the Lake Show.
The other reason why the Lakers should stay put that third is because of who they would play in the second round.
If Kobe Bryant and company were the fourth seed and have to battle with the Clippers or Grizzlies in the first round, they would then move on to an even tougher opponent—the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder have defeated the Lakers in the two matches they played this season. The Lakers had a tough time with the team in the regular season, and there is no reason to believe it would get easier in the playoffs.
The Lakers will eventually have to face the Thunder in the playoffs, because Oklahoma is likely going to breeze by the rest of the Western Conference. However, the Lakers should postpone that meeting to the latest possible time.
In the second round, L.A. would likely play the Spurs. This would be ideal for the older Lakers, who want to save as much energy as possible for the young and quick Thunder. The Lakers have only played the Spurs once this season, and they defeated San Antonio in decisive fashion without their best player, Bryant.
This does not mean the Spurs will be a walk in the park for the Lakers, but they will be much easier to handle than the Thunder in the second round.
Even if the Lakers take the second seed in the West, it would not make much of a difference. They would likely play an easier opponent at the seventh seed, then face the Spurs again in the second round.
The Lakers need to conserve as much energy as possible in the playoffs, and to do that they need to play their best basketball for the next two weeks. If the Lakers end up in the fourth seed, they will once again be knocked out in the second round of the playoffs.
Sammy Sucu is a Featured Columnist for the WWE. Sammy also writes for the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Lakers. You can also follow him on Twitter.
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Syracuse Basketball: 8 Reasons the Orange Might Be Even Better Next Year
Although the Syracuse Orange fell short of the Final Four and lost four key players to graduation and the NBA, there is plenty of reason for optimism heading into next season.
Scoop Jardine, Kris Joseph, Dion Waiters and Fab Melo will be missed, but there’s a whole new group of rising stars ready to make their mark.
Some of Jim Boeheim’s new pieces will help the team run a more effective offense, and he still has all the ingredients for a stifling 2-3 zone.
The 2012-2013 Orange could end up outperforming this year’s results. Here are eight reasons why Syracuse might be even better next year.
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NBA Draft 2012: Austin Rivers and 5 Prospects Better Suited for the NBA
Statistics don’t always tell the whole story.
Despite being drafted fifth overall in the 2009 NBA draft, Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio was considered a future bust by a bunch of fans.
Why? Because of his far from stellar Euroleague numbers.
However, when Rubio finally arrived in the U.S. this season, it didn’t take him long to prove doubters wrong, showing he has the talent to play in the world’s most famous basketball league. All he needed was the fast-pace style to showcase his skills.
Sometimes players’ games are just more suited for the NBA.
Here’s a look at Duke’s Austin Rivers and four other prospects for this year’s draft whose games are tailor-made for the next level.
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
