Arenas: Will he remain a Wizard?

Gilbert Arenas announced that he will choose to opt out of his final year extension with the Washington Wizards. Reports have said that this extension is worth $12.8 million. He has said that he would like to remain a Wizard. He is looking for a maximum contract of $124 million for six years. However, Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said he is planning to offer Gilbert Arenas a contract worth $100 million for six years. Gilbert Arenas has been hounded by injuries the previous season. He will be coming off two knee surgeries.

Is Gilbert Arenas going to be able to get back to perfect shape? Will he be worth what he’s asking for? Signing Gilbert Arenas would be a big risk for the Wizards. With the cap that they will be able to free if they let go of Arenas, they will be able to get a good replacement point guard for Arenas, of course not as talented as Arenas, but acquire player and deepen their bench. Chris Duhon, Carlos Arroyo, and Sebastian Telfair will be on the free agency market. These are some point guards the Washington Wizards could look at.

Other teams that may be able to support Arenas’ salary are the L.A. Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. The L.A. Clippers would have to let go of both Elton Brand and Corey Maggette though. They have also drafted Eric Gordon, a point guard. The Clippers taking Arenas would be most unlikely due to these circumstances. On the other hand, the 76ers already have Andre Miller and will most likely choose to acquire a forward with their $11.6 million dollar cap space.

Will the Wizards keep Arenas? Or will he suit up for another team?

Chicago drafts Derrick Rose 1st Overall

As you all know, Derrick rose was the first pick of the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in his college career. He only spent one year in college and yet, was able to help his team reach the NCAA Championship although losing to Kansas in the game.

Chicago had the choice to select either Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley. Both were athletic. Both had tremendous potential. Both are quick. Both are capable of scoring. Michael Beasley showed better averages though. He averaged 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks a game as a freshman. Though he had way better averages than Derrick Rose, why did Chicago pick Rose over Beasley? The answer is Rose’s attitude and maturity. Rose is mentally ready to enter the NBA and lead a team at the Point Guard position.
We see in this situation that a team’s needs or a player’s average aren’t the only basis of a team’s draft selection. Teams look for players with great attitude. They search for players who are mature on and off the court. They look for players who are ready to take a team on his shoulders and help make a difference. Despite already having Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, and Larry Hughes on guard positions, they still selected Derrick Rose. This probably shows how much they believe on Derrick Rose.

Derrick Rose is more than worthy of being selected 1st overall in the 2008 NBA draft.

Jermaine O’Neal to the Raptors?

So the off-season is here again and kicking off the trading festivities is the report that the Toronto Raptors are interested in acquiring the six-time NBA all-star from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for a disgruntled TJ Ford. Rumored to be included as well is veteran Rasho Nesterovic and this year’s first round draft pick.

Apparently the focus here is on the part of the Raptors who have been trying to dislodge Ford as a result of not being happy with the Raptors. He was likewise earlier rumored to be on his way to the Phoenix Suns for Boris Diaw and this year’s first round pick.

Should this deal consummate, Jose Calderon will be elevated to the starting point guard position and you can imagine the frontline strength the Toronto Raptors will have. Imagine a Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’ Neal at center and forward respectively? It reminds you of the legendary twin towers of the past (San Antonio – David Robinson and Tim Duncan and Houston’s Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon).

Now all they would need is a great shooter to complement this tandem just in case it materializes. Who could be in the NBA market for that?

USA Basketball 2008 Will Fall Again

And so the USA Basketball Senior team has been named and like always, the big names are there once again. Led by ballhog Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, to me it looks like practically the same team that will falter as always. Why?

1. Where are the Role Players? One thing you have to note is that there is no role player in the fold. If you bunch up a pack of millionaires who are used to playing one on one, who will do the dirty work?
2. No Shooters. Except for Michael Redd, there is no natural shooter in the team. What happens if he gets injured or even fouls out?
3. Far from the Ceiling. Dwight “Superman” Howard may be there but can he do it alone? Chris Bosh? Maybe? But unlike the successful dream teams, there is no pure center in the fold. And also, didn’t they say that Bosh is too slow?
4. Too many point guards. In a team, a point guard is extremely important. But overloading your team with point guards will ultimately penalize you. Remember, LeBron plays point as well so why so many? (Jason Kidd, Deron Williams, Chris Paul)
5. Overcrowded Paint. If you look at the roster, most of these guys play inside. I don’t think other countries are stupid enough to allow you to get inside without hard fouls or even posterized blocks. Haven’t they learned their lesson yet?

In summary, coach Kryzewski could have done better. Superstars will be superstars but bunching up egotistical franchise players is simply not the right way to go. Why not include a James Posey or even a Bruce Bowen? Better yet why not Tim Duncan or Chris Kaman?

You would think they would dunk over the competition! Sorry guys, you are bound to lose. This is not the All-star games ya know!

NBA Draft: Who Should the Bulls Take at No. 1?

Who will it be? Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose?

This question will bother the Chicago Bulls Organization for a few more days. They will have to make a decision pretty soon. Obviously, it will be a debate between Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley.

They are probably considering two major questions in their decision making.
1. Who is better and more NBA ready?
2. Who do we really need in order to build a team that will be a contender?

Many people believe that Derrick Rose, pound for pound, is a better player and is more likely to be Chicago’s first overall pick. I choose to believe otherwise. What the Chicago Bulls needs now is a scoring forward. They need someone who has size and is versatile. They will be able to find that in Michael Beasley.

Michael Beasley has unlimited range in shooting that basketball. He has tremendous athleticism and is also great in crashing the boards. Doubts of his maturity and attitude have come about. But I believe that these things he will grow out of. Playing in the NBA will totally change his attitude. Well, he has to because if he doesn’t, he will be seeing a lot of time on the bench until he gets his head straight.

Adding Derrick Rose to the team would be a bit uncalled for. They already have Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Larry Hughes, and Chris Duhon playing the guard and off guard positions. Unless they are able to make a big trade to acquire a top-scoring forward, then they should take Beasley. Beasley will complement the rotation of Chicago’s forwards. He will be able to extend the defense of the opponent’s big men and open up the lane for Luol Deng and Drew Gooden.

Right now, a Michael Beasley is what the Bulls need. He should be their number 1 pick.

Magnolia defeats Coca-Cola Tigers; forces tie for 3rd place

The Magnolia Beverage Masters defeated the Coca-Cola Tigers, 81-77, to maintain its spot in the top 4 of the standings. Magnolia and Coca-Cola are now tied for third place with 9-7 scorecards.

Magnolia choked the Tigers with their stifling defense. The Beverage Masters held the Tigers scoreless in the last 1:15 of the game. Magnolia decided to send their import, Amal McCaskill, to stick to his counterpart Jason Dixon. Amal McCaskill focused on his defense rather than offense. He only scored 12 points in the game but also held Jason Dixon to only 15 points. None of the talented imports led their teams in scoring. The locals of the Beverage Masters stepped up, four of them having double-digit points. They took over the offensive load of the team.

Lordy Tugade led the way for the Beverage Masters scoring 14 points, 9 coming in the fourth quarter. He also helped Magnolia seal the win by scoring 6 of their team’s last 7 points.

The defensive pressure in the game was very instrumental in its outcome. The Beverage Masters were able to suffocate the Tigers in the 2nd quarter allowing them to score only 8 points.

Cesar Catli displayed accurate shooting converting 4 of 5 of his three point attempts. He led his team in scoring with 17 points despite the loss.

Juan Carlos Navarrro Leaves the NBA

Juan Carlos Navarro, the rookie point guard of the Memphis Grizzlies, has announced that he will return to the Euroleague. He has just signed a five-year contract with F. C. Barcelona.

Juan Carlos Navarro had impressive accomplishments as a rookie in the NBA. He made it to the All-Rookie 2nd team. He was ranked third in rookie scoring averaging10.9 points per game and second in free throw shooting percentage with a dazzling 84.9 percent. He also made 156 three point baskets which was 2 away from the rookie record. His impressive stint in the NBA will not come unnoticed when he heads back to the Euroleague.

He has made a steady name for himself in the league. Despite being away for a season, he has managed to score a total of 1,824 points which is sixth all-time in Euroleague history. He has been named Euroleague January MVP during the 2005 season and twice to the All-Euroleague team selection during the 2006 and 2007 season. He has been a steady force in his last seven seasons in the Euroleague averaging double digits every season. His best so far was his most recent season when he averaged 16.8 points and 3 assists per game.

Juan Carlos Navarro was also part of the 2006 Spanish World Championship Team. He has also been part of silver medal teams in the Euroleague during 2003 and 2007; bronze during 2001 and 2005.

Green Victory in Boston

I cannot help but notice how easy it was. It was not like a championship game at all. Either it was a joke or the Boston Celtics simply displayed superb TEAM basketball unlike anyone has seen today.

Make no mistake about it. The Los Angeles Lakers had a superb team (except for Kobe “Ballhog” Bryant) and a certified winning coach in Phil Jackson who has had 9 championships prior. Going up against one of the best coaches of the NBA was already something that could strike fear in the hearts of a first timer coach like Coach Doc Rivers.

In the end, it was the team that showed their worth. Everyone until the benchwarmers did their share. By the end of the second quarter you could sense that victory would be on Boston’s side.

At the start of the second half, you would expect the Lakers to make a run. But instead, we saw a fired up Boston crew, defending and shooting the hoops like wild fire. In this mix, where was Kobe? No touches nowhere to be seen. Not even on defense. Why? Wilting already under the pressure. At this point this cocky pig-headed superstar was hiding behind the back of his coach, Phil Jackson.

And so the final score, an embarrassing 131-92 lopsided victory for the Boston Celtic was seen on the scoreboard. A 39 point winning margin, which went as high as 43 pts, is the most embarrassing loss a team could have. It makes you wonder, where is the loudmouth Bryant who said he will carry the team?

In the end, when Kobe was interviewed, he was wishing that injured center Andrew Bynum was there for toughness. So meaning Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom were not worthy to be in the team. Excuse me Mr. Bryant but Pau Gasol has long been an MVP before you did. And he did it besting the best of the best. And you? You just got the MVP for being a ballhog and in the NBA only. Geez what a whiner!

In closing, allow me to highlight something that one Boston fan held up and hopefully for Kobe to see:

Even Kobe Bryant, the season's MVP, was left wounded, his tag as the game's greatest player now questioned. The comparisons withto Michael Jordan suddenly unfavorable.

Kobe was left looking very mortal. He hit four of his first five shots, but just three of his last 17. He added four turnovers, three rebounds and one assist. He was seldom the series' dominant player.

One Boston fan held a sign that read, "Kobe You Can't Do Jack Without Shaq," a painful reminder that Shaquille O'Neal earned a fourth NBA title without him, while Kobe was left still searching for his next without Shaq.

(Source) Daily News Los Angeles

There was even one publication that stated that should Kobe bring back the team from a 3-1 deficit, he would be in the legendary ranks of superstars like Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal:

The chance is also there for Bryant to show he can win a title without O'Neal, his partner on three consecutive titles starting in 2000 before their rift led to Shaq's departure after a 2004 finals loss to Detroit.

More than that, the talented guard could follow in retired icon Jordan's footsteps by evolving from a high-scoring hero to one who lifts his teammates into the NBA's best unit with patience, work ethic and direction.

(Source) Philippine Daily Inquirer

Get real folks, Kobe will never reach that distinction. Not now not ever!

Celtics: 2008 NBA Champions

What brought the Boston Celtics to the Championship? What did it take for them to reach this point?

The Celtics came from a terrible season during their 2006-2007 campaign. They were the worst team in the NBA at that time. This year, they were able to get hold of veterans and stars; players who are just dying to win a championship.

The Boston Celtics were able to go beyond that 1-2 punch. They had a 1-2-3 punch in fact. The lethal combination of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen brought great expectations and shivers down the knees of opposing teams. Though doubts of them playing as one unit came about, they were able to prove early on during the season that they would be able to pull it off. They would be able to play as a team and put aside stardom status. Success for this team was sure. The playoffs were already a sure thing for this team with three stars playing as one.

But what helped this team get to the championship series and eventually win it all? Was it all thanks to the three newly acquired star players?

No, the answer is no. It wasn’t solely the work of these three players. There was the offense orchestration and accurate passing of Rajon Rondo. There was experience brought in by veterans like Sam Cassell and P.J. Brown. There was the stifling defense and accurate shooting of James Posey. There was toughness and rebounding from Kendrick Perkins. There were also the other players who just waited for their chance to show what they are capable of. This was a true team. Each player played his role.

This is how the Boston Celtics won the NBA Championship. They had 12 players, ready to play their role and give 110% every time they stepped on the court.

Lakers Win But Almost Lost

I take my hats off to the Los Angeles Lakers. I tip my hat off to Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher for a good game. So you are asking why Kobe isn’t in the mix, again let me emphasize, he almost blew it. Whenever he gets the ball, tragedy is almost bound to strike. And it almost did.

If you watched the game, you will notice that the Lakers went ahead because of their scrappy defense which I admired a lot. Then comes Kobe. Again ballhogging and trying to steal the limelight, caused some turnovers and took some forced shots. Why? Because he wanted the credit and steal the limelight once again. Is this surprising? Nah, you have to be used to it with Kobe around. He is just plain selfish.

So the games shift back to Boston. For sure it is an uphill battle but if the Lakers play as a unit sans the ballhog named Kobe Bryant, they can pull it off. But with all the attention that he has, consider it doomsday. For sure he will hog again and he will continue to do so. He is still far from being the Michael Jordan we all know.

Oh and did you notice how he looks these days? Clean shaven and bald? Hmm. Trying to be like Mike? I don’t think so. You are and will never be in his class Mr. Ballhog!

What it takes to be an NBA Champion.

Game 5 is coming up. Will the Celtics prevail or will the Lakers live another day?
(photo taken from(http://www.nba.com)


As we all know, the game 5 of the NBA Finals are coming up. A sea of green and purple and gold battle the skies as one tries to defy the odds and the other prove their worth. Pressure is on the Boston Celtics. They are up three to one in the standings. They need one more win to officially be the NBA Champions. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers are merely clinging on to dear life. They are faced with a deficit that is almost improbable and impossible to overcome. The only good news for the Lakers is that they have a chance to redeem themselves. It is not yet the end of the world for them. They still have a chance to show the world why they are deserving to be the NBA Champions. They will just have to do something that has never been done before.

What is this one may ask? Well, proving yourself worthy of being called an NBA Champion is not as easy as it may sound. You have to show the world something unique; something they haven’t seen before.

The Boston Celtics have already shown their worth to the world. In game 4, the Boston Celtics were able to come from behind to grab the win. At one point, they were down by more than twenty points, a record-breaking “come from behind victory” at that. They never gave up. And now, they are one game away from being crowned NBA Champions.

Will the Lakers try to be the first team in NBA Finals history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals? Or will the Celtics prove to us they are truly worthy of being called the best team in this league?

2008 NBA Finals: Don’t Get Complacent with the Lakers

This early, a lot of skeptics have written of the Lakers which is normal considering that no team in NBA history has come back from a 3-1 deficit to capture the title. With all due respect to coach Phil Jackson, it can be done but not with egotistical players like Kobe Bryant around.

For the Celtics, they should go for the kills. Do not pressure themselves or be in a hurry. The pressure should not be on the Celtics but on the Lakers who have to win to survive. This is one thing I have noticed with basketball teams, they want to finish things off as early as the first quarter. That is impossible.

A good way is to perhaps just treat the game as any other normal NBA game. Play to win and complement your teammates as they have been doing all season long. Do not try to win the game all by yourself. They have three certified superstars in Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. But don’t forget about your bench players like Rondo, House, Posey, Perkins and other players who have contributed. Basketball is a team game!

Learn from Kobe Bryant. Do not do what he does. All he wants is fame. Players like this are better off playing for wimpy teams. They complement each other because they are just darn selfish.

Kobe Will Never Be A Champion

Sorry to spoil your celebration Kobe Bryant fans but Kobe may have gotten the MVP (because he is a ballhog!) but he will never be a champion nor a leader. He is too occupied trying to be a great player and for sure we all know where that would lead to.

He has dug a deep hole as far as his impact with the fans are concerned. He is someone that aspiring players all over the world should not idolize. Basketball is a team game and apparently he knows “I” only and “I” alone. With that said, you will never get my respect Kobe not now nor ever.

Kobe Bryant could have been someone great…if only he had waited. Setting a price on your head while you haven’t proven anything other than being able to hang in the air or score 80+ points does not make you a legend. It makes you a ballhog and that is what you will ever be.

So the Los Angeles Lakers are down 3-1. The Boston Celtics are a game away from being champions. Expect the Celtics to win the championship. Maybe not in the Boston Garden but one thing that is for sure, expect a lot of rubbish and excuses from Kobe Bryant who is more concerned about scoring and looking good rather than sacrificing to make his team look good.

Kobe Bryant will never reach the caliber of a Michael Jordan. Not now or ever! Mark my words!

Rookie Playing Like a Veteran

picture taken from: http://www.pba.ph

Magnolia’s rookie, Jonas Villanueva played like a veteran in their game against the Santa Lucia Realtors. Jonas Villanueva had his chance to shine when Mike Cortez, Magnolia’s starting point guard, was unable to play because of back spasms. Jonas Villanueva made the most of this opportunity scoring a career-high 12 points, 9 coming from the decisive fourth quarter.

Jonas Villanueva has just been averaging 4.4 points this Fiesta Conference. He has only played in 9 of Magnolia’s 14 games. This game, he has made the most of the opportunity that he was given. He showed his team and other PBA teams that he has what it takes to be a steady point guard in the league.

He scored 5 straight points in a crucial mark of the fourth quarter. He made a three-pointer and a lay-up against Sta. Lucia’s import, Lee Benson. This spread their lead to 15 and keep the lead for good.

This Far Eastern University standout showed us why he is deserving to be the 9th pick in the most recent PBA draft. Besides scoring 12 points in the game and facilitating the offense, he also managed to collect 4 rebounds and 4 assists.