It Must Have Been the Booze Talking

Much to the surprise of Carlos Boozer, he is still a member of the Utah Jazz heading into training camp.

"Management brought me back so I'm here in town, I'm ready and looking forward to playing."

I would be too, the Jazz have a solid team in place and have the potential to make a postseason run. Also, if Boozer plays well this year and stays healthy his stock will go up like a launching space shuttle. There are many teams in the NBA who would love to have a guy like Boozer, they include Chicago, Miami, Detroit, New York, New Jersey, Denver, Indiana, Charlotte, Sacramento, and the Lakers. With so many possibilities Boozer is bound to get big money from one of them.

Boozer really should have chosen his words more carefully over the summer, now he is probably going to be hearing some unhappy fans in Utah on opening night. By calling Miami his, "Paradise," he is pretty much saying, "Send me to the Heat". That's not going to go over well with the fans in Salt Lake City.

Even with all the distractions Boozer will still have a good season if he can stay healthy. He has great scoring and rebounding abilities and he will re-establish himself as a force in the low post this season.

It's About Time: Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame Induction is Here

Michael Jordan is a global icon, a marketing genius, and a hero to basketball fans everywhere. In his fifteen year NBA career, Jordan won the rookie of the year award, 6 championships (all with Chicago Bulls), 6 Finals MVP awards , 5 MVP awards, 2 Olympic Gold Medals, 10 scoring titles, and the defensive player of the year award. In addition he was selected to 14 all star teams, and has won the all star game MVP 3 times. Jordan was named one of the best 50 players ever at the 1996 all-star game.

Jordan started as a kid chasing a dream in Wilmington, North Carolina. Being cut from the basketball program at Laney High School as a sophomore pushed Jordan to work endlessly. He played good enough in his Junior and Senior seasons to earn a full ride to play at the University of North Carolina (UNC). At UNC Jordan scored 17.7 PPG in his 3 seasons playing under Coach Dean Smith. MJ's college career is highlighted by his baseline game-winner in the 1982 national championship game against the Georgetown Hoyas. This is the first of many big moments in which Jordan will deliver throughout his basketball journey. MJ decided to forgo his senior season at UNC and declare his eligibility in the 1984 NBA draft.

If you're a Portland Trailblazers fan I suggest that you skip over this next section. Jordan was picked third overall by the Chicago Bulls. The Houston Rockets were justified in drafting Hakeem Olajuwon because he led them to two titles (Jordan was retired) and he was a very safe pick. The argument can even be made that Olajuwon is the best center ever. But the Blazers, for some reason, decided that Sam Bowie was going to be a better NBA player than Jordan...Blazers fans are still recovering from this catastrophe.

Jordan wasted no time getting his career on the right track, in his rookie season Jordan scored 28.2 PPG, early in his career Jordan was more known as a scorer than anything else. Many writers attributed the Bulls playoff woes to Jordan's inability to trust his teammates. Longtime teammate and friend Scottie Pippen didn't arrive in the windy city until the 1987-88 season where the Bulls would still face difficulties with the, "Bad Boys," Pistons teams. A team that included future Bulls star Dennis Rodman.

In 1991 Jordan and his Bulls would begin a championship run to rival all others. In the 1991 finals the Bulls beat the Lakers in 5 games, in 1992 the Bulls defeated the Portland Trailblazers in 6 games (that had to hurt), and in 1993 John Paxson sealed the Bulls third consecu

tive championship. At the time, the Bulls were just the third team in NBA history to accomplish winning 3 championships in a row.

In the summer that would follow their third title in three years Jordan had his world turned upside down when his father, James Jordan, was fatally shot in the chest. Before his death, Jordan and his father had talked about MJ trying to start a career in professional baseball. In February 1994 Jordan announced that he was going to play for the Birmingham Barons.

Fortunately for basketball fans Jordan came to his senses very late in the 1994-95 season where MJ tried to lead the Bulls to yet another championship, in such little time. In 13 games Jordan averaged 26.9 PPG, that's outstanding considering that he had missed 69 games and was not at all in game shape. The Bulls would advance all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals only to fall to the Orlando Magic.

The next year dawned a new beginning for the Bulls, they added a great defensive and rebounding PF in Dennis Rodman. The Bulls were set to make their presence felt around the league . Chicago went an NBA record 72-10 in the 1995-96 season, they would re-establish their dominance and all the while ripping back their NBA crown when they eliminated the Seattle Supersonics in the NBA finals. The Bulls then beat the Utah Jazz in the Finals for the next two seasons. Jordan put the perfect exclamation point on his career when he crossed up Byron Russell for his championship winning 15 footer. Jordan would retire after the 1998 championship season and there could be no better way for him to have gone out, he hit his last shot, he won a championship, it was perfect. If you're a Bulls fan, this is how you view Jordan's career ending.

In the 2001-2002 season Jordan returned to the NBA with the Washington Wizards. The reason why Jordan was on the Wizards and not the Bulls is because Jordan was the GM of the Wizards before activating himself on the 12 man roster. As one might expect there were no complaints from the coaching staff, it's probably very hard to tell the best player ever that he has no spot on a mediocre team. To the surprise of many Jordan put up very high numbers for a 40+ year old player. In his two seasons with the Wizards Jordan averaged 21.5 PPG. Even in his old age Jordan wasn't done setting records. In the 2003 all-star game MJ passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the top scorer in all-star game history, he was the first 40 year old player to score 43 points in a game, also Jordan passed the 30,000 point mark.

When the Wizards visited the United Center (Bulls home court) for the last time in the 2002-03 season, Jordan received a four- minute standing ovation.

Michael Jordan is the best basketball player to ever live, Celtics' great Larry Bird was certainly convinced when he talked about Jordan after a playoff game, "I didn’t think anyone was capable of doing what Michael has done to us. He is the most exciting, awesome player in the game today. I think it’s just God disguised as Michael Jordan." That was following Jordan's 63 point performance in the Boston Garden. Magic Johnson also has chimed in saying, " There's Michael Jordan and then there is the rest of us."

Jordan's induction ceremony is big enough that the NBA was forced to change the venue of his enshrinement. It has been moved from the Hall's center court room which seats 1,200, to the Springfield Symphony Hall which more than doubles the HOF at 2,611.

The bottom line is that MJ is the best basketball player ever and his induction into the NBA hall of fame has been long awaited. The Hall is now complete with his airness joining those other pictures on the ceiling in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Top 5 Fantasy Shooting Guards

The fantasy basketball season is right around the corner and there are a few hazards to be weary of. For instance, make sure you're aware of any roster changes a team has made in the offseason. Sometimes a big trade or signing can drastically affect a player's statistical production. I will give you my top 5 shooting guards to take in this year's fantasy games. When reading this post keep in mind that the fantasy game that I'm guiding you through is the Sportingnews Ultimate Salary Cap Challenge. In this particular fantasy game you are given a 35 million dollar salary cap. You need 2 guards, 2 forwards, a center, and a sixth man.

1. Dwyane Wade (MIA)

Estimated cost: 12.2 million $

D-Wade is a living legend, the plays he makes and the shots he hits are reminiscent of a young Michael Jordan. Last season Wade lead the NBA in scoring with 30.2 PPG. Add in his 7.5 APG and Wade will be easily worth the large portion of your payroll his services will require. Wade's one potential problem is his durability, Wade has had major injuries to both his left knee and his right shoulder. The all out hustle style in which Wade plays makes him more prone to injury, and thus is more likely to miss games. Still, if you have cheap PFs in mind, take the chance on Wade.

2. Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Estimated cost: 11.7 million $

Yes, Kobe is a better player than Wade. However, not only does Wade have better numbers, but the addition of Ron Artest to the Lakers will hinder Kobe's PPG. Kobe's 26.8 PPG average will drop one or two points, this is strictly because Kobe will have to be less selfish this year. If he isn't, don't be surprised to see turmoil in the Lakers locker room. Artest is just as egotistical as Bryant, we saw how well it worked out the last time Kobe had a big ego alongside him. Kobe is very consistent, if you find yourself in the lead of your league make the necessary moves to obtain him. He'll put up 25-27 every night, unlike Wade who will have 17 one night, 43 the next night, and 23 the night after that. Wade might put you in the lead but Kobe will definitely keep you there.

3. Brandon Roy (POR)

Estimated cost: 9.9 million $

There is a significant drop off in SGs after Kobe and Wade. Roy is one of those guys who plays better than his numbers show, unfortunately the world of fantasy basketball doesn't care. With numbers like 22.6 PPG and 5.1 APG Roy would be a good choice on a balanced team. What I mean is, if you're not going to pick a high priced superstar; and balance your team will all players in the 6-9 million dollar range, Roy is not a bad choice. With the addition of veteran PG Andre Miller, Roy's numbers will slightly rise. However, not enough to raise any eyebrows. Don't get me wrong, Roy is a sensational young SG, it's just that fantasy basketball does not suite him well.

4. Andre Iguodala (PHI)

Estimated cost: 7.8 million $

There are better SGs in the league than Iguodala, but you will most likely get a good deal on him. A good enough deal that you can get him, along with a marquis PG, SF, or PF. Iggy's numbers (18.8 PPG, 5.3 APG) did not stand out last season but I have a strong hunch that he's due for an offensive explosion. Iguodala is somewhat frustrating because he shows flashes of being a great scorer but has an enormous demon with consistency. This is the year that he'll finally get it right. Also, having lost PG Andre Miller to free agency, Iggy will be taking more shots. This is great news for a fantasy basketball player. You want guys that are going to have the potential to put up 40+ on any given night and Iggy is definitely one of them.

5. Ben Gordon (DET)

Estimated cost: 6.5 million $

It is with great reluctancy that I put Gordon on this list, I am all to familiar with his inconsistency. Gordon is a player who you're going to have to monitor on a nightly basis. Don't keep him on your team for more than 2 games at a time. While Gordon is more than capable of going off for 50, he could just as easily shoot 3 for 24 and have 8 points. People got a false glimpse of Gordon during the nationally televised Bulls vs. Celtics' first round mêlée. I can confidently say with great emphasis that Ben Gordon has never had a stretch of seven games where he played anywhere close to how he did against the Celtics. His numbers of 20.7 PPG, 3.4 APG will for the most part stay where they are. In a time of desperation take Gordon and pray that he has a big night. Other than that, leave him in the free agent pool.

Iverson to the Bobcats?

AI's career has turned 180 degrees since 2006. While playing in Philadelphia, Iverson was arguably the best scorer in the league and was always in the MVP conversation. Today Iverson is as close to being overseas as anyone could have ever predicted. 

The Charlotte Bobcats have expressed interest in adding the aging veteran, and reports from the AP suggest that a deal is imminent. Adding Iverson to the lowly Bobcats is a very interesting idea by Michael Jordan (Bobcats GM) . With Iverson comes: ticket sales, national TV time, merchandise sales, and a possible representation in the All-Star Game. Unfortunately Iverson also carries with him the bad boy hype which he has lived up to for his entire 15 year career. This is the same guy that once infamously said, " We're sitting here, and I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we're talking about practice. I mean listen, we're sitting here talking about practice, not a game, not a game, not a game, but we're talking about practice...How in the hell can I make my teammates better by practicing?" I've heard that press conference over and over again and to this day I still wonder what was going through Iverson's head as he said that. Maybe it was just his poor choice of words, but Iverson buried himself with that statement. In going to Charlotte, AI would be reunited with his 76ers coach, Larry Brown. Brown is the same coach that Iverson clashed with when making his mind numbing, "Practice," speech.

After all is said and done, Iverson will end up in Charlotte and will probably have a decent season. However the Bobcats still won't be making an appearance in the 2010 playoffs because they still aren't good enough to match up with the Hawks, Bulls, Pistons, Heat, or Raptors. 

Biggest Rivalries Heading into the 2009-2010 Season

Here are the biggest rivalries with bad blood between them heading into next season.

 

1. Bulls vs. Celtics

After the classic seven game series in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs the Bulls and Celtics are undoubtedly the two teams with the most bad blood between them. Rajon Rondo will be booed for the rest of his career in the United Center and likewise for Kirk Hinrich in the TD Banknorth Garden. By game 5 during their epic series a flagrant foul had become a normality, that's when you know that these two teams are hot for each other. There are emotional players on each side, KG for the Celtics and Joakim Noah for the Bulls. And don't think that Brad Miller has forgotten about Rondo's bitch slap in game 5. Don't be surprised to see Rajon hitting the floor hard at the hands of Brad Miller.

 

2. Celtics vs. Lakers

The Celtics and Lakers have been bitter rivals going all the way back to the Russell\Chamberlain era. The players have changed but the rivalry has remained the same. It is my personal opinion along with many others that if the Celtics didn't lose KG to injury they would have repeated as NBA champions. Going into the season the Celtics are going to be eager to show that they are still the powerhouse of the Eastern Conference. And God knows they have re-loaded themselves with talent, adding Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels to go along with their already star studded lineup. Assuming that there are no injuries to major players on either teams it is my prediction that they will meet in the championship again and once again the Celtics will come out victorious. A major reason for this is because right now KG is like a land mine ready to explode, he had to watch his team get knocked out in the second round of the playoffs while he could do nothing. Expect Kevin to enter this season hungrier than ever and hitting his head even harder off the Basket support before games. 

 

3. Nuggets vs. Hornets

After the New Orleans Hornets got trounced by 58 points on their home floor I expect them to come into this season eager to show that they are a contender. Once Denver makes their first trip to New Orleans I expect a very physical and emotional game on the Hornets part. If they don't have any different attitude towards Denver then they have no soul and don't deserve to even take the floor. 

 

4. Detroit vs. Cleveland

This rivalry won't attract as much attention as the others but I still believe that there is a strong motivation in the Pistons' mind to disassemble the Cavs this season. Detroit has added the very dangerous and streaky scorer Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. For the whole decade the Pistons have been at the top of the Eastern Conference and for 8 seasons in a row they were in the Conference Finals. Detroit is going to be looking to enter into the Eastern Conference hierarchy, which consists of the Celtics, Magic, and Cavs. 

 

I love bad blood between teams, it makes for a more interesting and emotional game. And at the same time, the level of competition is unquestionably raised. I look forward to seeing these rivalries develop this season.