NBA Look-In - by Ben Galli

One More All Star Saturday Night

For perhaps the first time since Magic Johnson’s farewell All Star game, the actual game on Sunday was more entertaining than the festivities leading up to it.  The popular vote was throttled again in the Slam Dunk contest but the NBA’s seemingly last minute changes to the format of the actual game, a bold move, Cotton, made for an optimal situation.  This year each quarter was its own mini-game with each team competing for children’s charities. Note to NBA: It is not a good look to have hundreds of thousands of dollars for freakin’ little kids’ futures teeter in the  balance over a usually lackluster basketball game. I see a change in that format next year. But that 4th quarter? Man, oh man.  

We watched the greatest basketball players in the world actually competing hard against each other and playing defense (Defense!?) in a game that really seemed to matter.  It was riveting stuff and reminded you how incredible basketball can be. This improvement in the game can be attributed to pride and the Elam Ending where the clock is taken out at a certain point of the 4th quarter and replaced with a target score.  My only gripe is how GM Giannis let GM LeBron pick so many of the best players. Almost vice-versa of when they’re playing GM for their own teams, at least in LBJ’s case.

The Road to Zion

Zion Williamson is dominating the NBA more than college.  I don’t know if that’s because he has better talent supporting him, that it’s just that much better (and faster) a brand of basketball, or his college coach was just really bad at his job.  Dude is 19 years old, averaging 29 ppg his last 5 games, and if he scores at least 20 his next game, will surpass Carmelo Anthony for having the most 20 point games in a row for a teenager. Pelicans are 8-6 in those games with 5 of those losses coming against the top 8 teams record-wise in the NBA.  They’re 3.5 games out of the 8th playoff spot currently held by the Grizzlies and the supposed shoe-in for Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant. The road to Zion was well worth the wait.

Cleveland Crocks

Well that was short-lived.  Newly hired coach John Beilein made a beeline for the exits, resigning his position over the all star break after just 9 months on the job and tied for the 3rd worst record in the league (hello Knicks!). That’s half the average life expectancy of slugs!  He’ll be replaced by former head coach candidate J.B. Bickerstaff. Old heads might remember his dad Bernie, the Seattle SuperSonics coach back in the day (‘85-’90). Maybe that was Beilein’s play all along. Pulling strings to get that cushy “special assistant to the president” gig.  The Cavs have some young talent like the blossoming Kevin Porter Jr. but they’re going to have to find someone or something to fix a culture that ails without LeBron.  

The Lakers and Clippers and Bucks, Oh My!

These teams have emerged as the strongest contenders for the chip.  The Clippers still have the most depth but.. the least amount of opportunities to build a team with their two superstars.  The Lakers have the best duo in the league and have surrounded them with an annoyingly lovable rag tag bunch of Mad TV characters that genuinely look like they love each other and never give up.  However, the best record in the league belongs to a team on pace to win 70 games with the frontrunner for MVP having another ridiculously, incredibly, fantastical, very good season.  

Still the question for the Milwaukee Bucks remains: Can one superstar beat two? Enter Khris Middleton. Middleton might “just” be averaging 21 points per game but he’s got 50-40-90 shooting splits (50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the foul line or better).  He’d be the 9th player in NBA history (shoutout Mark Price!) to hit those marks for a season and if he can play even better in the playoffs, Milwaukee might be too much for anyone to behold. But winning in June will depend on Giannis taking the steps that have eluded him and defeating two of the other best players in the world who’ve all won it before multiple times.  We can only wait and see and I for one, can’t wait.

follow on twitter @bengalli33

This One's for Kobe - by Ben Galli

Ahhh. Kobe.  An icon of his time now enmeshed in popular culture forever.  For all the celebrity worship in society, Kobe reached heights of fame few ever do.  He’ll be remembered like Jordan, Prince, Madonna, Herve Villechaize. For decades and decades to come, people all over the world will say his name in tribute as they throw their rolled up balls of paper away.  Now, I can’t offer any profound insight into Kobe that you couldn’t read somewhere else. I didn’t know the man. But I can try to offer some sense of measurement of the impact he’s made.

I was not yet even 16 when Kobe started making his first waves.  Heard there was another high school kid that was gonna follow KG and might be better.  His dad played in the league. Brandy’s his prom date. Back then, I didn’t enjoy my current elite nba insider status so it was a surprise to me when the Lakers traded Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA Draft to select Kobe Bryant with the 13th pick.  Vlade was the lovable goof that never lived up to expectations but you happily rooted for him. He was athlete Balki. But I had already drank the Kobe Bomb. I was thrilled that we got this ceiling defying talent. Like drafting Griffey Jr.  

*Quick note on why Kobe fell to 13th.  It was pure agent-player power plays. John Calipari had just become the Nets new head coach and wanted to draft Bryant with the 8th pick.  Apparently Arn Tellem, Kobe’s agent and current vice chairman for the Pistons and Sonny Vaccaro, famed Adidas honcho (and Youngstown State grad) spread the rumor that Kobe would go play in Italy instead of “your team” to many franchises.  He also refused to work out for many teams. From the beginning, Kobe didn’t care what you thought.  

Over the years, Kobe had his moments and they were in the thick of the limelight.  The 4 airballs in an elimination playoff game against the Jazz his rookie year. It showed even as a rookie he wanted to take the big shot, but could he make it?  His next year he was voted in as an All Star, the youngest in history on the strength of a 15-3-2? Veterans were riled at this young diva who hadn’t earned anything. This was probably true then but I don’t think anyone today would dare suggest Kobe didn’t earn what he has now.  There were the triumphs with Shaq and the troubles with Shaq which ended with Kobe outlasting him at the top of the Lakers player hierarchy.  

And there was Colorado in 2003.  That year indelibly affected Kobe and his legacy.  He made a mistake (the extremeness of which is where the rub lies) and for the first time his villainy on the basketball court became his reputation off of it.  It was one of those trespasses that muddled with rumor, many can never recover from. Kobe had his 81 point game and 2 more titles after that, yet for many, he could no longer be great.

But when Kobe’s life was tragically taken on January 26th, 2020, the nation and the world got to see how far he had come.  He had become a champion for women’s basketball and teaching young athletes with the Mamba Sports Academy launched in 2018. He coached his daughter’s basketball team and his multimedia production company produced videos and series aimed at educating children even starting the creation of his own vision of “if the Olympics and Harry Potter had a baby.” - a sports fantasy universe.

It was Kobe as he ever was. Always pushing the limits, proving that a person could do whatever they set their mind to. Kobe’s was a life well lived but cut short. A reminder, whether we wanted it or not, that you have a short time to live on this earth so make every moment count and be that person you always dreamed of being. .

LeBron James Is Not Perfect and Other Sad Stories (and Playoffs Preview) - by Ben Galli

It never would have mattered.  Nothing short of a championship would have been enough to stop the LeBron detractors.  Maybe even his fans could be convinced that the season would somehow be a failure if the Lakers didn’t win a championship or get to the Finals.  But it reached a fever pitch a couple weeks after the All Star Game. Here, let Jim Mora Jr.’s dad tell you:

By just about all accounts, the Lakers season was a disaster.  Expectations can only be sky high if a team hits the ultimate jackpot in free agency:  Lance Stephenson AND Michael Beasley. But spare me the drama, mama. To paraphrase legendary blogger Mark Twain, the reports of the Lakers demise have been greatly exaggerated.  

The Lakers failed at even the least of their ambitions and now must walk home with their tail between their legs.  And as much as that warms the heart of jilted Cavs fans, the future as always has not yet been written. The Lakers are one of a handful of franchises that dominate the media because of a combustible mix of market size, unparalleled success, and the resentment of fans whose teams simply weren’t as good.  And the media definitely had their fun the last few months.

But taking a look objectively and wading through the unfounded speculation of the talking heads, the Lakers were simply unlucky this year.  You can say all you want about the quite valid concerns of dysfunction in the front office (this team leaked more than Chelsea Manning) and the questionable leadership of some guy named LeBron, but winning is the best medicine in sports.

Why did they do so bad this year?  It’s hard not to point to the injuries.  The Lakers starting 5 last played together on Christmas way back in 2018. They’d just blown out Golden State even after losing LBJ to injury and sat 4th in the West. And just when the hype starting building up, the Lakers played the next 18 games without the best player in the world with no second superstar to carry a load.  And who knew that Lonzo Ball had such a positive impact on team success even without scoring? (this guy) The Lakers were 7th in the league in defensive rating when Ball played his last game and ended the year 20th. They were 25-22 in games Lonzo played and 12-23 when he didn’t.

Magic and Rob Pelinka’s off season strategy of signing the guys that’ll play the aliens in Space Jam 2 backfired.  The Lakers depth set the team back as they could not piece together any momentum even after the King returned. Coach Luke Walton definitely didn’t silence doubters.  And the looming presence of the next Red Auerbach, one Ty Lue, currently working for the Clippers, is ever more.

Even with the sudden disappearing act pulled by Magic Johnson before the season’s last game (telling the media before his boss), the Lakers are still well positioned for the future.  Maybe the hybrid roles involving him and Rob Pelinka was doomed from the start. If Magic’s heart wasn’t in it, he did the best thing for the franchise (but maybe in the worst way) and now the Lakers can find the right, experienced replacement or Kobe’s behind the scenes backstabbing finally finds him on the Iron Throne.

https://twitter.com/ringer/status/1116190636930158592

Moving on to a sunnier disposition.  Even with a 19-63 record and just parting ways with their coach, the Cleveland Cavaliers seem a more competent organization and that’s saying something after having fired Coach Ty Lue for starting the season 0-6 even when their best strategy was to tank all year.  And tank they did. The Cavs continue their rebuild with the 2nd best lottery odds (Ja Morant > R.J. Barrett) to help attract a new coach. I still see an off-season trade centered around Kevin Love to Portland for C.J. McCollum, a native of Northeast Ohio. The Blazers last ditch effort to court Damian Lillard and bring their own native star home.

And now without further adieu, some Playoffs and Awards Predictions:

Most Improved Player:  Pascal Siakam - Mainly because his name reminds me of the great Vai Sikahema.  This guy’s a big reason Kawhi’s Raptors can be fierce in the playoffs this year.

6th Man of the Year:  Lou Williams - Close to joining Jamal Crawford as one of the preeminent 6th men in NBA history.  Weird thing is that teammate Montrezl Harrell is also a contender for this award? Not sure how that happens but please do enjoy this story about Lou Williams.

Rookie of the Year:  Luka Doncic - Trae Young made a spirited run and the rivalry between these two whom were traded on draft day for each other will be a great story for the next decade plus.  Doncic is special special. That guy is going to take teams places.

Coach of the Year:  Mike Budenholzer - Look, the Bucks are very talented but the effect Budenholzer has had this year, taking Milwaukee to the best record in an NBA where the Golden State Warriors exist needs to be recognized.  But more importantly, Ty Lue only coached 6 games.

Defensive Player of the Year:  Lonzo Ball, I mean Giannis Antetokounmpo - This is the Year of the Greek.  The man I’m sure can coast the length of the court in 3 steps. Rudy Gobert and Paul George are contenders as well but they don’t have the singular anytime anywhere threat that the Bucks big man poses.

MVP - Giannis Antetokounmpo - Giannis, much more ‘of the people’ personality wise and with a similarly versatile and athletically ascendant game to him is the antidote to LeBron.  And this is his year of anointment. He averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on 58% shooting, numbers not seen in decades. (you have to go back to the Kareems, Wilts, Elgins, and Oscars) Especially after Kawhi Leonard goes to LA in the summer, he is your King in the East.

Playoffs?!

Eastern Conference

#1 Milwaukee Bucks v. #8 Detroit Pistons - It’s tempting to give Detroit one game in this series but they didn’t really impress near the very end of the season and maybe Budenholzer is really gonna have the Bucks focused. Milwaukee in 4.

#2 Toronto Raptors v. #7 Orlando Magic - Who said Magic missed the playoffs?  This Orlando team has spunk and can surprise. This is the best chance Toronto has had since well, really, ever with LeBron gone.  If this is their only year with Kawhi, they’ll need to make the most of it. Raptors in 5.

#3 Philadelphia 76ers v. #6 Brooklyn Nets - The Nets were one of the surprises of the year but they shouldn’t match up well with a Philly team with a lot of pressure on them.  Even with Embiid injury concerns, Philly should prevail. 6ers in 6.

#4 Boston Celtics v. #5 Indiana Pacers - A testament to a strong top to bottom organization was the Pacers ability to lose Victor Oladipo for the season in late January and still secure the 5th seed.  And the Celtics are weird. And may miss Marcus Smart this series. Still, they’re not gonna lose this series, right? Right? Celtics in 6.

Western Conference

#1 Golden State Warriors v. #8 L.A. Clippers - The Clippers and Warriors have had some fun playoff games over the last few years.  They usually included the likes of Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. This new look Clippers team may be better off than the Lakers in every facet but they’ve still never gotten local respect.  That may change next year. Warriors in 5.

#2 Denver Nuggets v. #7 San Antonio Spurs - It would be the most San Antonio Spurs thing to make the playoffs this year as a 7th seed and take down the less experienced young Nuggets.  The Nuggets are really nice and at least one Pencilstorm writer (Big $) predicted this success. Nuggets in 6.

#3 Portland Trail Blazers v. #6 Oklahoma City Thunder - Remember when the Blazers were a 3 seed in last year’s playoffs and got swept?  They have an even worse matchup this year facing a Thunder team with 2 superstars that swept them 4-0 in the regular season. And on top of that they’ve lost center Jusuf Nurkic to a broken leg.  This series should have plenty of volatile scoring duels between Dame Lillard and Russ Westbrook. If the Blazers lose in the first round yet again, I believe that’ll be the last straw for Lillard. This might be the toughest series to call.  Thunder in 7.

#4 Houston Rockets v. #5 Utah Jazz - Can the Jazz defense contain Juggernaut James Harden?  Doubtful. There’s a distinct gap between the top 4 and the bottom 4 in this year’s West. The Rockets should prevail easily and may want to make quick work of Utah with a 2nd round date looming with one Golden State. Rockets in 5.

Eastern Conference Cont.:

Bucks v. Celtics - Many considered these two teams the biggest contenders in the East and a likely Conference Finals matchup but again, Boston is weird. Who knows which team shows up? They have Kyrie and experience but the Bucks may have destiny. They’ll need it. Bucks in 7.

76ers v. Raptors - The final four in the East should be two exciting series.  I think Philly gets it together and edges the Raps. They have the higher ceiling and more top level talent. 76ers in 7.

Bucks v. 76ers - This could easily be the Celtics and the Raptors. This is the farthest either of these franchises have gotten in some time. It’s Embiid versus Antetokounmpo Round 1, 2 guys that should dominate the next decade. It’s hard to ignore Philly’s Big Four but they may not have enough time to gel while the Bucks have been consistently excellent. They’re the safer pick with the MVP the NBA wants in the FInals. Bucks in 7.

Western Conference Cont.:

Warriors v. Rockets - The Rockets were so close last year.  The Warriors have seemed a little out of it at times this year.  But they’re still the best until someone beats ‘em. Warriors in 6.

Nuggets v. Thunder - I originally picked the Blazers to be here mainly so I could make a “Will these Nuggets get Blazed?” joke. (i't’s bad I know)  Even though watching Russell Westbrook and Paul George trying to score at will to outduel the Warriors sounds tantalizing, these Nuggets have proven to be the real deal.  Nuggets in 6.

Warriors v. Nuggets - I wish I could say it matters.  But barring injury, only the funniest of Draymond Green and Kevin Durant dust-ups could result in derailing the Warriors.  Warriors in 5.

NBA Finals

Warriors v. Bucks - I just hope people watch and Giannis becomes even bigger. And I hope someone can beat the Warriors only to give hope to future generations that the championship isn’t necessarily decided before the season started like it’s felt the last couple years after the Warriors got KD. This will be the last year together for the Warriors and unfortunately, they’re going to go down as one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Adding one of the best scorers of all time to a 73-9 team might do that. Warriors in 6.

An Appreciation of An Era by - Ben Galli

Minutes before I got a text about going to watch the Cavs game Sunday night, I was watching what I now consider one of the greatest episodes in television history:  Season 4, Episode 5 of “Friday Night Lights” - “The Son”. (Spoiler Alert) It’s about a son who recently led his team to a state championship and just lost his father in war.  I promise you you can watch it having never seen one episode of that tv show before and come away with deep down inside feelings.

Three hours later I watched a region triumph in what it seems many are conceding the cementation of LeBron’s GOAT status.  In the coming weeks, there will be deep down inside feelings had by many irrational sports fans and most will center around something having to do with LeBron James.  The Finals (Again!) and where he goes from now. If the Cavs win a title this year, there will be no more questions as to who the consensus greatest basketball player of all time is.  But the Cavs aren’t going to win this year. Sorry.

And so the saga continues.  Communities in Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, and Cleveland (and i guess New York) are anxiously waiting with bated breath for the days following July 1st when it seems evident LeBron James will announce where he decides to play next year.  The Finals are being played right now in Houston. Golden State will win. The Warriors would beat the Cavs in 4 or 5. If this Cleveland team can get to 6 games, mark that as the second greatest accomplishment in the 21st century* after Bobby Bonilla’s New York Mets contract.

*Technically the year 2000 (when Bonilla signed his agreement) is in the 20th century but those same people say the earth is round. Don’t @ me.

I’m not gonna waste your time by trying to convince you Cleveland has a chance. (they do! They always do!)  But the story of the year is what LeBron James has done in this, his 15th season. Nothing short of utterly remarkable.  As recently as March, disillusioned Cavs fans feared the Cavs may not even make the playoffs. The sudden rush of optimism from the deadline trades had morphed into a palpable sense of dread.  The team was not playing up to expectations.

But with the King, you always have hope.  Hope is cherished in Northeast Ohio. An area that has seen much better days but will always continue to fight upward.  A place that breeds almost equal parts disappointment and pride. LeBron James will always be one of us and we are better for it.  Only the haters can hate. Whether he wins or loses, stays or leaves, he will always be the chosen one that delivered a championship and lived up to incredibly unreal expectations.  

At the end of the next episode of that aforementioned television show, (Spoiler Alert) Matt Saracen (the qb of that state title run) leaves for what he considers better pastures.  Here’s to hoping LeBron James doesn’t do the same.