A Day in the Life

This isn't why I got into this field, but it was definitely an inspiration.

I had the pleasure today of covering the Showdown in Chinatown. For those of you who don't know, I'd imagine that number will be the majority, every year Steve Nash holds a charity soccer game in Chinatown (the Manhattan version) that features famous soccer players and famous basketball players. It's for the Steve Nash Foundation, which ultimately gives back to kids, which you could file me under thanks to this great opportunity.

While I was the recipient of Brandon Jennings "are you kidding me" faces about other reporters questions, and the journalist responsible for finding out that Marcin Gortat had aspirations of keeping goal, I was also the lone member of the media more in awe of a fellow person in a golf shirt with a press pass than of the NBA All-Stars around me. While I tried my hardest to get in interviews with Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Tony Parker, and Jennings, I found myself drawn almost like a magnet to one of my teenage idols, Jay Williams.

It's no secret that I'm a Duke fan, and as I always tell the story; it's because I really liked Chris Duhon coming out of High School. I was in need of a college team to root for as St. Johns had entered irrelevancy, and I wasn't going to watch a sport that I love without any rooting interest. So I thought the world of Duhon and really took notice of his backcourt mate, Williams. At the time he was Jason and there wasn't a thing he couldn't do, save for maybe hit the free throw to complete a four-point play.

Williams handled the rock, ran the offense, played tight defense and had a mean cross-over, those were the things he was good at. He was GREAT at shooting from deep, getting to the basket, and even throwing it down with force from time to time. Williams won a championship in 2001 and a Naismith Award in 2002. He was a prolific collegiate athlete, that had a terrible, you could even say dumb, injury ruin his career.

I worked at ESPN when Williams came on as a college basketball analyst, but I never had the fortune of meeting him. I had gotten in whatever interviews I could get in at the Showdown on Wednesday, and noticed him standing right near me looking almost lost, this was my opportunity.

"You're playing in this too," I asked the guy who I feel like I've known for the last decade. "Na man I'm on the other side of the fence today," responded Williams with a smile as if we had known each other. Jay clearly wasn't playing in the soccer game as he was sporting an ESPN Polo shirt with several other ESPN reporters and camera men in his vicinity. We went back and forth for a little bit about how the Knicks need a point guard and I think he'd be the perfect fit, as well as how he isn't fit to play in the NBA due to his past injury but wishes he could. He even cracked a joke that he would've given the Heat more than Mike Bibby did during the Playoffs, at least I think it was a joke.

The fact that I was able to have a personal conversation with a person whose jersey I'm sitting in as I type this, a man who is responsible for getting me to fathom the idea of rooting for the Bulls after killing my Knicks repeatedly throughout my childhood, and a personal inspiration to me, just blows my mind. I went into today drilling into my head that I have to be a consummate professional and not a fan, and here I am, talking to Jay Williams about his career and his thoughts on Grant Hill.

I love what I do because being a professional in this field is better than being a fan in it. I wasn't talking to Jay Williams as a fan to an idol, we were talking as professionals, and the aftermath feels hardly any different if not more gratifying. Beyond Williams, working on a field and trying to get Steve Nash's attention for a question and having him give me a respectable answer is way more memorable than being a kid and having Donyell Marshall give me an autograph so I would leave him alone. Having Jared Dudley tell me he's got me for an interview when he gets away from the cloud of reporters completely trumps the hope that maybe Anthony Mason will sign for me when he feels like it later. Standing next to Grant Hill with a voice recorder inches from his face has to beat floor seats.

While I'm not out on the court playing with them, getting their respect, and engaging conversations with them is as cool as it gets. Standing with Jay Williams I didn't feel like I was talking to a guy who was faking being nice to me because that's what he gets paid to do, I felt like I was conducting business in a friendly manner. I didn't want to overstep my boundaries so I thanked him for his time after about two minutes, and walked away after he gave me a familiar dap as if he were one of my friends that I regularly see.

An experience that I won't forget, but just a day in the life.

Just Can't Stick up for LeBron Anymore

I could still argue after Game 3 that LeBron was doing enough that he didn't need to dominate the game in a scoring aspect for the Heat to win, but when the offense looked desperate and LeBron had zero to offer in the third straight fourth quarter blown lead, it's enough sticking up for him. While I do believe that fans and the media will look for any reason to give LeBron James a hard time, scoring four combined points in the fourth quarter of three straight NBA Finals games is atrocious.

When LeBron was asked about shrinking from the moment after a Game 3 win that came on the base of Dwyane Wade's scoring, and LeBron helping distribute and set the tone for the defense, LeBron reacted as if he's been the beast mode LeBron that everyone's come to…hate. Even if he's playing great defense, which he didn't do in the fourth quarter of Game 4, LeBron has been hailed one of the leagues greats because he can dominate both ends, he hasn't done anything remotely close to dominate the offensive end this series. He's kicking the ball out with less than five seconds to go on the shot clock, he's bombing long range jumpers instead of taking the ball to the rack, he's only attempted 14 free throws all series…he got to the line 13 times in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals!

The Heat have had the Mavericks beat in every single game they've played in the Finals, and the only reason this series isn't over, sweet Dirk Nowitzki aside, is that LeBron hasn't put his stamp on the game and he's tinkering with his chances at winning a championship. I don't think the two blown games will effect the Heat in the long run during the Finals, but unless LeBron James can make a difference in these games offensively, the Mavs have a lot of guys who want to take and make big shots. I'm hearing excuses that LeBron's exhausted from playing big minutes, Dirk's played just about as many minutes and has made the fourth quarters Dirk time, fever or not.

LeBron can defer to Wade in the fourth all he wants, but when Wade's already scored high 20's, low 30's, and LeBron's passing the ball to Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh of all people, he's not giving his team their best chance to win. Just like with Cleveland, LeBron's team wins when he takes games over…that's the whole point of being the best player in the NBA. Wade does it, Dirk does it, and up until these NBA Finals, LeBron did it too.

This isn't even about LeBron making the big shot anymore. LeBron has almost achieved a Jordan-like state in the NBA where he can win MVP every season and whatever team he's on will contend just because he's that good. This is hands down the biggest series of his controversial career and he's been that bad. LeBron has three games left to shut everyone up, if he doesn't, he won't get any more support from this apologist.

OyVey Posada and the Great NBA Playoffs

Jorge Posada Slump Gets Real Ugly

You usually don't see guys that hit .165 taking themselves out of the lineup when they're told they'll be batting last. I mean there are 43 pitchers, albeit some with just one at-bat on the season, hitting for a better average than Jorge Posada is! The division's getting away from his team, they, like he, are in the midst of a real hitting rut, and their arch rival is beating their butts at home...so Posada, the savvy vet takes himself out of the lineup after being told he'll be hitting last?

I don't want to rant like everyone else has over the last 12 hours or so, but what's going to happen from here? The only solution is Jorge's going to have to deal with some mean ice grills from his teammates and a few harsh words, while hitting his way back into the DH spot, where either Andruw Jones or Eric Chavez could provide more than he has this season. We saw Posada hit six homeruns in April, so we know he isn't finished quite yet. And if he's the consummate professional and team-first guy that Michael Kay and John Sterling have been selling us on through the last few pouting years of his career, he should be able to wear his pinstripes proudly and get in a groove with the rest of his slumping teammates.

I'm clearly writing this through the eyes of a Yankees fan, because if you look at this on paper, it just looks bad. Not just Posada, but the whole Yankees situation. A-Rod, Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Russell Martin, and Posada are all slumping, Jeter's hitting is arbitrational. Obviously the Yankees pitching probably won't be as good as it's been to this point for the whole season, but the Yankees have led baseball in runs scored in three of the last four seasons. They have seven guys in their every-day lineup that have been All-Stars. As old as they may be, they've been to two straight ALCS, and baseball is a game of averages. I'd be willing to bet my life that Teixeira, A-Rod, and even this worthless bum Posada will finish well above the miserable clips they're currently sitting at.

I think being close to Jeter and having quality guys like CC Sabathia and former mentor Joe Girardi around will help Posada turn it around, if he's willing to finally accept his role with this team. I think more surprising than any Yankees move this past offseason was Posada "accepting" Girardi and GM Brian Cashman telling him he was going to be the team's every day designated hitter this season. Despite how everyone else in the world, especially opposing team's that ran all over him on a daily basis, knew Jorge was that hockey puck-esque hamburger beyond well done as a catcher, he never wanted to accept it. And after all of his clutch hits and big games behind the plate for the Yankees, at a certain point a team just has to do what's best for them.

Spectators like Buster Olney think this was the fuel to the fire that will be Posada's ugly break-up with the Yankees, I think he'll get it together and try to pick it up at the plate. He's never been a good DH, but he's always been a good hitter. I think his skills, and the embrace of a top-notch organization, will help the team turn this nasty, unprofessional instance around. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe CC won't be able to let go of the fact that Posada quit on not just the team, but on him Saturday night. Maybe Jeter's struggling enough himself and can't rationalize Posada's behavior. Needing a night to clear your head is unacceptable when you get paid almost $81,000 a night to get up to the plate four times and most likely be pinch-ran for if you get on base late in a game. Get it together Jorge.

NBA PLAYOFFS

The Miami Heat have been almost perfect during the playoffs, with their one blemish coming after they defeated the Celtics this week to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Mavs are the only team that's dominated their opponents the way Miami has, but this team really has a problem with their premature celebrations. First Chris Bosh went bonkers during the Big Three introduction (at about 1:08), and now they're acting like they've won the championship because they got past an aging, injured Celtics team. We know LeBron, you've never gotten past this team before...well that's because you went to battle them with Mo Williams and Anderson Varejao! Derrick Rose is winning with composure and taking over games while LeBron's acting like he just won the Royal Rumble. It's embarrassing.

I think the ECF showdown between the Bulls and Heat is going to be remarkable. I've sort of been hating on the Bulls, but I think their defensive intensity really makes them contenders on any given night. It isn't fair to say they've struggled in the first couple of rounds because they have made it this far, but Carlos Boozer's averaging just 12 points and 10 boards in the playoffs, Kyle Korver shootingt 32% from the field against the Hawks, and Derrick Rose, as phenomenal as he's been, is shooting below 42% from the field in the playoffs. Teams don't win championships in the NBA unless they're playing great basketball, and the Heat are playing great basketball on both ends of the court. As much as the Heat don't have an answer for D.Rose, the Bulls don't have answers for LeBron or Dwyane Wade.

It's an injustice to these NBA Playoffs mentioning the East before getting to the West. First, the Mavs clobbered the Lakers, sweeping them EASILY. I know, I too am shocked that Matt Barnes' blueprint to beating Dallas didn't work. The Mavs have been doing some serious work over the last few weeks and I think they'll run right through whoever they draw in the Western Conference Finals. Which leads to the best story of the playoffs so far...obviously other than the demise of the Lakers...the Memphis Grizzlies!

I've watched close to all of the Grizzlies' playoffs games and not once have I really thought to myself "this is an eighth seed." The Grizz are acting like this is the NFL Playoffs and are just bringing it to whoever has the task of playing them on that given night. Guys like O.J. Mayo, Greivis Vasquez, and Mike Conley have hit some big shots, and Zach Randolph has really declared this his team in absence of Rudy Gay. Not to mention they've really played into the "let Russell Westbrook keep the ball out of Kevin Durant's hands" strategy.

I think the best players in the league usually take their teams the deepest into the playoffs. We're seeing it with Dirk, LeBron, and Derrick Rose this season. Two of the Thunder's losses this series have come on games where Westbrook outshoots Durant, and the team is 4-0 in games this postseason where Westbrook takes less than 20 shots. Kevin Durant has led the league in scoring the past two seasons and is the unquestioned star of his team. The Grizzlies play as hard, especially defensively, as any team in the league and if the Thunder can't get their offense running through the right player, they're in some real trouble. I don't think they will and I think the Thunder are still at least a season away.

I'm going both Mavs over Grizzlies and Heat over Bulls in six.

Easter Sunday Thoughts...

Disappointing Knicks
After playing two down to the wire games in Boston, the results of Friday night's game three was an absolute nightmare for the Knicks. The first meaningful playoff game at Madison Square Garden in almost a decade, a game where the stars could own their court, and they got owned instead. There are enough excuses for why the Knicks didn't show up for game three, but after the effort that C-team gave on the road to open the series, it didn't seem impossible for the Knicks to still be in the series come Sunday...instead they couldn't be any further away.

Maybe the Knicks get lucky and squeeze out a win today, but with Amar'e talking about possibly not playing, and the real Knicks showing up Friday night, it just seems like the Knicks never really stood a shot in this series. For all of the hustle and effort and defense they gave in game two, they gave two times less effort and defense in game three. Ray Allen is unquestionably one of if not the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA, but for him to knock down eight of 11 from three, after going seven for nine in the first two games, shows a complete lack of attention to detail on the defensive end...and it really got them burned. Allen posted 32 points in the win, while Rajon Rondo notched a triple-double and Paul Pierce went for a game-high 38. The Knicks have shown that they can play defense and not just try to outscore another team to win games, and on a night when they were undermanned but playing with the home court behind them they really just didn't play the right game.

As disappointed as I am in guys like Landry Fields and Toney Douglas, this is why Mike D'Antoni makes the money he makes, to coach big games. With these being the first big games of his three year tenure I'm just so infuriated that he's not getting his team to come up bigger. Maybe my expectations are too high and I should be content with only losing by five combined points in the first two games, but the Knicks have shown that they can hang with the best teams in the league, with the talent they have they should really be finding ways to win some of these games. Celtics coach Doc Rivers is coaching the pants off of D'Antoni, who isn't a stranger to playoff basketball mind you. I'm not calling for D'Antoni's head yet, but he either needs a defensive minded assistant coach added to his staff for next season or the Knicks better go out and get Steve Nash or Stephen Curry so they can continue to try and outscore their opponents and play minimal defense.

Bottom line is the Knicks can't pick and choose when they're going to play defense against a team like the Celtics, especially if the Knicks are undermanned, which they very blatantly are. The Celtics still have four players who can have their way with the Knicks defense whenever they want to, and the Knicks seem to have one guy who can do the same if he doesn't shoot his team out of the game, which he at times does. It's hard to say this but this series looks over. Better luck next year Knicks.

Same ole Mavs
I don't mean to dig at the Mavericks as much as I want to celebrate Brandon Roy, but bylines digging at the Mavs sell more papers than Blazermania. Back to my agenda, B Roy has been one of my favorite players in the NBA the last few seasons, and to see him struggle with injuries and really seem to not be able to stay healthy has really been one of the sadder stories in the league. Well I'm not going to say he's back, but to see Roy go for 18 points in the fourth, bringing the Blazers back from down 23 points to win game four and tie the series at two was one of more amazing feats of the season. Roy dropped 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field, his highest output since December 10th, 2010. Roy has been very emotional about his role in the playoffs, but if he can continue to play the one he did in game four the Blazers could have an extended trip in the playoffs. I'm rooting for the Blazers but get it together Mavs.

More Playoff Thoughts
Heat look good, Bulls look good, Thunder look good. What's the deal with the Magic? It's gotta be Stan Van...honestly. To have as much talent as they've had over the past couple of years and just never be able to pull it together? Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson...none of those guys can throw Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson a bone? I think there's a chance they don't rally and overcome the Hawks. The talents there Orlando. The Lakers don't look overly impressive but they'll probably pull this one out in five or six. Grizzlies are looking like the popular upset pick, but don't be fooled, the Spurs are one of these teams that can just flip a switch...right? Nuggets where you at? See, they're not any better than the Knicks! Pacers are playing the Bulls hard, Frank Vogel's doing a heck of a job in Indy, Tom Thibodeaux, slightly better one in Chicago. And lastly, it would be awesome if the MVP race was decided at the end of the playoffs....you have to figure your five finalists are Kobe, LeBron, D. Rose, Dwight Howard, and Chris Paul/Kevin Durant....oddly enough those are the guys that are absolutely dominating the first week of the playoffs. Semi-finals are going to be insane.

A Little Baseball, with even less Law of Average
Remember when the Red Sox started the season 2-10 (hell yea!)? Well they're now 9-11 and playing as well as just about any team in baseball not named the Yankees (and Rangers, Rockies, and Phillies to be fair). After giving up ten earned runs and striking out four in his first two starts, Daisuke Matsuzaka has come back to give up zero earned runs and strike out 12 in his last two. The Rays started the season 1-8 and are now 10-11...in the same respect the Orioles started the season 6-1 and are now plummeting down back to the bottom of the AL East at 8-11. My point is that baseball (not just the AL East) is a game of averages. That's why a young, provenly talented player needs a chance to slump before they're benched with the fear that they've lost it. Dice-K looked like the worst pitcher in baseball to start the season, he's clearly bounced back. As rocky as Phil Hughes and Madison Bumgarner have looked, you can't give up on them just yet, especially when you have a terrific bullpen and a pretty sturdy looking staff behind him. People get off to slow starts in baseball...but as the Red Sox and Rays have already proven this season, it's not how slow you start, it's how well you turn it on. The baseball season is the biggest example of a marathon not a sprint...be patient. Unless you're a Mets fan, then be pessimistic.

Thanks for reading and Happy Holidays...

What We've Seen Through Game One...

It's currently day three of the NBA Playoffs and here's what we know...

- Dwight Howard is unquestionably the most dominant big man in the NBA

- Chris Paul may still be the best point guard in the league

- The Heat are really good

- And so is Derrick Rose

Eight incredible games in two days, this is the NBA Playoffs people! Lakers and Spurs both lose home openers? The Bulls down ten with under four minutes to go in the game, and they come back to win? Dwight Howard drops 46 points and 19 boards and the Magic don't win? And how about a ticky-tack offensive foul called in the final minute of a neck-and-neck game to turn the tides in the Celtics favor? If this is just a glimpse into the first round of the playoffs then I'm sold, but I suspect the best is still in front of us.

With that said I just wanted to recap each series and share my thoughts on what kind of series we have in front of us.

Eastern Conference

1. Bulls vs 8. Pacers

How could the Pacers not have won Game 1? Derrick Rose's 39 points and 6 assists probably had a lot to do with it, but I think Chicago's sense of urgency really clicked in the final 4 minutes of the game. After Indiana pulled ahead 98-88 with 3:38 left in the game, the Bulls rallied to score 16 of the games final 17 points en route to a 104-99 victory. Rose got to the free throw line 21 times in game 1 proving his dominance on the offensive end. The Pacers played almost 45 minutes of fantastic basketball, and after their showing in game 1, you have to figure they have it in them to rattle off a couple of wins and possibly make this a series. The Bulls, and Rose's urgency really were impressive and this comeback victory was definitely a statement by the league's best team.

4. Magic vs 5. Hawks

I'm sorry to not break the trend of Hawks hate, but the Hawks really aren't overly impressive, which means the Magic are in some serious trouble if they can't even win a home game behind 46 and 19 from Dwight Howard. Atlanta committed less turnovers and shot at a higher field goal percentage than the Magic, who struggled to score getting only twenty points from the entire team outside of Howard and Jameer Nelson. It appears to be the case of the same old Magic (or lack thereof) in Orlando, Howard needs help from the likes of Jason Richardson and Hedo Turkoglu if the Magic plan on actually getting the Bulls in the second round. This series has full potential to go seven games.

3. Celtics vs 6. Knicks

It's called swallowing your whistle and letting the players play the damn game! Okay, now that I got that out of my system, it's also called learning how to close out a game. The Knicks went into halftime up twelve on the defending Eastern Conference champs, only for the Celtics to climb back into the game and take the lead back for good with 11.6 seconds to go in regulation. I'm not going to talk about officiating, I'm not going to talk about should've, would've, could've...I'm going to gloat in how well the Knicks played defensively as well as without Carmelo Anthony ever really getting involved, but I'm also going to express my disappointment in the fact that the Knicks couldn't hold on to win this game. This was the third game this season that the Knicks were very much in against the Celtics, and the third game that the Celtics ended up winning because ultimately...they are the better team. This game was incredibly close which makes me believe the series will either go 6 or 7 games, but as the Celtics have proven over and over again, they aren't losing any close ones to the Knicks.

2. Heat vs 7. Sixers

The Sixers jumped all over the Heat early on Saturday, going up 14 points in the first quarter even. Well, the Heat eventually caught up to them, and then began to pounce on them, and they may not look back again. LeBron James did his usual damage pouring in 21 points with 14 boards and 5 assists, while Chris Bosh added 25 and 12 of his own. Sixers star Andre Iguodala scored only four points in Game 1 (his lowest since scoring just 1 on January 11th this year), which as the leader of this Philadelphia team is just completely unacceptable. Miami stifled the Sixers with their zone defense and if Game 1 is any indicator of how the rest of this series will be, it'll be a quick one.

Western Conference

1. Spurs vs 8. Grizzlies

I think all hoops fans knew this Grizzlies team was for real, but I don't know that anyone expected them to give the Spurs a legit challenge. Keep in mind Manu Ginobili sat this one out, but Tim Duncan looked like he was in his prime still...unfortunately Timmy D couldn't handle Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol as the Grizzlies looked like a real force to be reckoned with. Controlling the post and connecting on 60% from beyond the arc gave the Grizz the advantage in Game 1, and unless the Spurs can get another body on either Gasol or Randolph, this series could very well result in an upset. Memphis didn't look rattled by the pressure of playing in the big game, and winning the first playoff game (first win in franchise history) is aways the hardest. This series is intriguing but I honestly can't pick against the Spurs (in 6).

4. Thunder vs 5. Nuggets

Another game with officiating controversy, this game was very back and forth (as I'm sure the series will be) but ultimately the team with more talent and the better players won. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 72 points for the Thunder, but unless the bench (I'm talking about YOU James Harden) can start to make up for the points the teams not getting from Jeff Green this one could go either way. The Nuggets had five guys in double figures and keep in mind, a lot of these guys (Knicks) have zero playoff experience. This series is a lot of athleticism, a lot of talent, and a lot of hungry players fighting tooth and nail every possession. I don't imagine Nene will have his way with the Thunder again like he did in Game 1, and I can't see Denver stretching this one past six games.

3. Mavericks vs 6. Blazers

Brandon oh Brandon, oh where art thou Brandon Roy? It kills me to see one of my favorite players of the last decade be reduced (diminished) to a bench player but I guess B. Roy just doesn't have the body to be an NBA superstar anymore, especially not at this point. I'm hoping he can regain his physical composure at some point again in his career, but it's so clear that the Blazers are a healthy Brandon Roy away from legitimately competing, not scrapping, but competing. Andre Miller's got a ton of heart and is one of the league's more underrated players, but having him and LaMarcus Aldridge as your two main scoring options just isn't going to cut it. With that said, Jason Kidd had a tremendous game and Dirk did what Dirk does as the Mavs took game one. I can see this series being a whoever's at home wins that night series, which ultimately will result in the Mavs moving on. I'm still pulling for you Portland.

2. Lakers vs 7. Hornets

I hate to admit that this is the one series out West that I thought had the potential to be a sweep...and no I wasn't thinking that the Hornets would be the ones with the brooms in their hands. Chris Paul made it seem as if the Lakers size wouldn't be an issue this series, or maybe that was Pau Gasol's 8 and 6 on 2-of-9 shooting that would make one arrive at that conclusion. The Hornets ran all over the Lakers as Paul went for 33 points, 14 assists and 7 boards...despite that ridiculous line, his performance can best be summed up in one number...three, the amount of turnovers his Hornets had on the day. When you don't turn the ball over it's hard to lose, even if it's against the two-time defending champs. While I very much do believe in Chris Paul, I personally believe this game was an aberration and that the Lakers will take this series in five, six games max.

I hope you all are enjoying the games (objectively at least) as I am and hopefully it only gets more exciting. Stay tuned...

NBA Season's Over! Awards Time! And Jared has a Rooting Interest in the Playoffs!

It seems like just yesterday that I came up with my NBA Preview...and while the Thunder took another step towards the elite, Carmelo Anthony got traded to the Knicks, and the Grizzlies found their way back to the playoffs...Gilbert Arenas didn't get a chance to revive the Wizards, Yao Ming went down (again), and the Bucks never got the ball rolling. Either way, it's now mid-April and the regular season is over.

If you're like me and six months of professional basketball is nowhere near enough, it looks like we have a very exciting post season ahead of us. While the Lakers, Celtics, and LeBron are still very much relevant in terms of top contenders for the chip, the Spurs won the West, the Bulls won the East, and the Knicks have STAT and Melo (STAT and Melo, STAT and Melo). What I'm trying to say is that the playoffs are absolutely wide open this Spring, but let me tell you who I think the regular season award-winners should be...

MVP: Chris Bosh, Miami Heat

When the Heat acquired Chris Bosh and LeBron James in July of 2010, NBA fans worldwide thought to themselves "how can anybody stop this trifecta of omnipotence?" But what they really thought was "uh-oh, Chris Bosh finally got the help he needs to be the greatest player in the world! His dominance in the post mixed with his deadly touch from outside will remind people of Wilt!"

Ok, so now that you know I'm totally kidding...I think the real MVP of the 2010-2011 NBA Season has to be...

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Regardless of how far this team goes beyond this point, one thing will always be remembered about the 2010-2011 season: the Bulls finished the season with the best record in the league and nobody was even close to as responsible for their teams success as Derrick Rose was. LeBron may be the best player in the league, and the Lakers may very well three-peat come June, but the Bulls won 62 games with Carlos Boozer missing 23 games, and Joakim Noah missing 34 games.

Rose finished the season in the top-10 in points (25 ppg) and assists (7.7 apg), and was the fuel behind the league's hottest fire (no Dylan). With offseason controversy surrounding Derrick Rose possibly not wanting a LeBron or Dwyane Wade to play next to him, Rose showed that he has what it takes to be the man and lead a team that really lacks another go-to guy. The Bulls went 8-3 against Boston, Miami, and Orlando this season and Rose really took a huge step towards greatness as he deserves to take the LeBron James award home this season.

Next in line (In order): Dwight Howard, Magic, LeBron James, Heat, Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau

A ton of credit for the Bulls success has been given to Derrick Rose, but realistically, we already knew how good D. Rose was. We did not however know what kind of a head coach rookie Tom Thibodeau would be, and although we (and John Paxson) suspected that he had what it took to make it in the league, I don't think anyone expected his Bulls to post the best record in the league in his first season at the helm. The Bulls improved by 21 wins since last season, easily the best improvement in the league this season. And aside from the addition of Boozer, who we mentioned missed 23 games this season, this Bulls team wasn't all that different from last seasons team...just with a new coach. You add all of those factors up and I don't see how anyone other than Thibodeau is named Coach of the Year.

Next in Line: Nate McMillan, Blazers, Lionel Hollins, Grizzlies, George Karl, Nuggets

Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin, Clippers

I can't remember the last time this award was as big of a runaway as it is with Blake Griffin. Keep in mind that most years a season like either John Wall or DeMarcus Cousins had would be good enough to win the award, but Blake Griffin may even be named to an All-NBA team this season. After missing the entire season after being drafted, The Blake Show played in all 82 games his rookie season and averaged 22.5 ppg (12th in NBA) and 12.1 rpg (4th). Griffin recorded 63 double-doubles, good for third in the NBA (just three shy of the league high), and is the first rookie since Elton Brand back in the 99-00 season to average 20 points and 10 rebounds in a season. Griffin was named to the All-Star team and won the Dunk Contest, and had the best rookie season since Tim Duncan back in 97-98. Griffin was one of the most entertaining aspects of the NBA this season and is one of professional sports most up-and-coming athletes.

Next in Line: John Wall, Wizards, DeMarcus Cousins, Kings, Landry Fields, Knicks (told you!)

Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Magic

Come on, if the Magic and Bulls finished with the same record this might've been the year that Dwight Howard was named league's most valuable...however it was another year of less than greatness in Orlando despite Superman's attempts. Howard's nickname is fitting for the man is just an unbelievable specimen. Howard averaged 14.1 rebounds per game (2nd in the NBA) and 2.38 blocks per game (4th) this season and is probably the most dominant player in the league on the defensive end. He's one of maybe a handful of guys that deters opposing offenses from even thinking about entering the paint, and in today's offense heavy NBA, hardwood is deserved for that kind of ability on the effort end of the floor.

Next in Line: Rajon Rondo, Celtics, Chris Paul, Hornets, Tony Allen, Grizzlies

Most Improved Player of the Year: Kevin Love, Timberwolves

This one was tough, but some kind of recognition has to be given to Kevin Love for the incredible season he had. Love finished second in the league with 64 double-doubles, but first in the league in rebounds (a Rodman-esque 15.2!!!), while averaging over 20 points per game and shooting almost 42% from downtown. It's incredible how overlooked a remarkable season can be in Minnesota. While guys like Kris Humphries, Love's teammate Michael Beasley, and even D. Rose really stepped their games up this season, Love would probably be a First Team All-NBA'er if he would have put those stats up on a winning team. After starting only 22 games last season, Love's increase in playing time really worked out for the lowly Timberwolves (worst record in the league aside).

Next in Line: Kris Humphries, Nets, Eric Gordon, Clippers, Marcin Gortat, Suns

Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Bogut, Bucks

Most of you probably saw (and cringed at) Andrew Bogut's season ending injury back in April of 2010, but in case you missed it, Bogut broke his his right hand, sprained his right wrist, and dislocated his right elbow...also if you didn't know, Bogut's a righty. The timetable for Bogut's return wasn't anywhere near the amount of time it actually took Bogut to heal up and get back into playing shape. Bogut played in 65 games this season, leading the league in blocked shots per game and finishing fifth in rebounds per game. There must be something in that Australian water, because not many guys would be able to return and be so efficient (not to mention physical) after an injury like that.

Next in Line: I got nothing. No one holds a candle to Bogut's feat.

Executive of the Year: Donnie Walsh

Ok, little bit of a homer pick, but the Knicks aren't the Thunder. They're not a team that has had some awesome pieces who have developed nicely with some other pretty good additions to that core. The Knicks have undergone a complete overhaul and have gone from the ugly chick with glasses and paint on her overalls to a legit contender for Prom Queen (Not Another Teen Movie reference). If you would have looked me in the eyes a year ago and told me "one year from now the Knicks will be in the playoffs being led by Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony, and Amar'e Stoudemire" I probably would have been pissed off because I didn't hear you mention LeBron James name. Then I quickly would have gotten over that and been in disbelief. To go from Chris Duhon, Al Harrington and David Lee to the trio of stars currently rocking the orange and blue is like Extreme Makeover Home Edition meets NBA Trade Machine. Over the course of a few years Walsh has turned water into wine, and although the wine isn't fine yet, it's a lot better than the contaminated water Knicks fans were forced to drink for the last decade. Get the guy a new contract, a key to the city, and an NBA Executive of the Year award.

Next in Line: Sam Presti, Thunder, Pat Riley (he deserves the credit), Heat, Danny Ferry, Spurs

Sixth Man Award: Lamar Odom, Lakers

The NBA's Sixth Man Award usually goes to a player who gives his team a spark coming off of the bench and is probably good enough to start if given a chance with a different team. Enter Lamar Odom. Odom's good enough to start for the two-time defending champs, has almost as many double-doubles as he does games started (28-35), but plays his role off the bench probably better than any player in the league. Odom's versatile enough to run the point-forward or be a post presence on both sides of the court, and considering he's most comfortable scoring outside of the paint, Odom's career best 53% field goal shooting helped make up for the 28 games the Lakers were without Andrew Bynum. Bynum is such a unique player in today's NBA in the sense that he's a dinosaur amongst men, but the Lakers don't skip a beat without him as Odom (and obviously Pau Gasol) still give the Lake Show the size and efficiency it takes to be the powerhouse that they've been for almost four seasons now. No bench player has as big of an impact on his teams success as Odom, so he's my clear choice for this award.

Next in Line: Toney Douglas, Knicks, Jason Terry, Mavericks, Shawn Marion, Mavericks

First Team All-NBA

G - Derrick Rose

G - Kobe Bryant

F - LeBron James

F - Kevin Durant

C - Dwight Howard

Second Team All-NBA

G - Dwyane Wade

G - Chris Paul

F - Dirk Nowitzki

F - Blake Griffin

C - Pau Gasol

Third Team All-NBA

G - Rajon Rondo

G - Steve Nash

F - Carmelo Anthony

F - Kevin Love

C - Andrew Bogut

First Team All-Defense

G - Rajon Rondo

G - Chris Paul

F - Tony Allen

F - LeBron James

C - Dwight Howard

All-Rookie Team

G - John Wall

G - Landry Fields

F - Blake Griffin

F - Greg Monroe

C - DeMarcus Cousins

Those are my picks for the 2010-2011 season...let me know what you guys think and enjoy the playoffs!

Go New York Go New York Go!

The Big Men on Campus...According to Jared

It's that time of year again. The conference tournaments are already next week and selection Sunday's only 11 days away! You know, it's getting warmer outside and the sun's up later. If it looks like March and feels like March...it must be...March!

So with Spring and March Madness around the corner, I felt it was time to list my Sweet 16 of the nations best college basketball players. You've been hearing about Jimmer, Kemba and Jared Sullinger all year, here's how I've got em ranked.

16. John Henson, North Carolina, 11.1 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.2 bpg

I originally had this spot saved off for either Terrence Jones or Brandon Knight, but leaving John Henson off this list isn't fair to how well he and his team have played over the past two months. Henson and Harrison Barnes really have been the difference for this up-and-coming team, with Henson patrolling the defense (3rd in the ACC in rebounds per game, 1st in blocked shots per game), and Barnes and Tyler Zeller doing work on the offensive end. Someone deserves props for the resurrection of the Tar Heels and I'm giving them to Henson.

15. Marshon Brooks, Providence, 25.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 49% fg pct.

How can a guy average 25 points per game in the Big East and get zero recognition for it? The Friars may have the second worst record in the conference but Brooks has done his part going for 52 points against Notre Dame, 43 against Georgetown, 28 against Pitt, and 27 against Syracuse! Brooks is second in the nation in scoring and has also gone for seven double-doubles. Since he won't get any light any where else this postseason, he belongs on my list.

14. Klay Thompson, Washington State 21.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.0 apg/Norris Cole, Cleveland State, 21.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.4 apg

Putting two players is clearly cheating, but neither of these guys are considered elite players in the nation while both are having seriously impressive seasons, in two conferences that nobody knows exists. OK, now that I got my Pac-10 dig in, Klay Thompson has been one of the conferences best players the last couple of years and this year he's their leading scorer. Unfortunately his Cougars don't have much of a chance at the Tournament this year, but if they make the N.I.T. this is a guy to watch out for. Most of you probably heard Norris Cole's name mentioned for the first time a few weeks ago after he went off for 41 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists against Youngstown State (not ringing any bellls?), but the soon-to-be Horizon Conference Player of the Year has posted five points-rebounds double-doubles this season, and he's 6'1! Cole has the Vikings tied for first place in their conference, and is working his butt off for the opportunity to show off his crazy abilities in the tournament.

13. Kenneth Faried, Morehead State, 17.6 ppg, 14.3 rpg, 2.1 bpg

This is Faried's third straight season averaging over 13 rebounds a game, so where's the love? He broke Tim Duncan's modern-era Division 1 career rebounding record in mid February and has led the nation in boards all season. Faried has five 20-rebound games this season and as a 6'8 hustle player has brought almost as many NBA scouts to Morehead, Kentucky as that team of blue chips over in Lexington (maybe I'm exaggerating).

12. Jacob Pullen, Kansas State, 19.7 ppg, 3.6 apg, 1.7 spg

He may have been suspended and his team may be the biggest bust in the NCAA this season, but Jacob Pullen's playing big when it matters and it may be enough to get his team to the Big Dance. After starting the season 9-1, KSU fell to 14-8 in the middle of the season, before coming out and winning seven of their last eight including upsets of #1 Kansas (Pullen dropped 38), #21 Missouri (24) and #8 Texas (20). He was a preseason player of the year candidate and although his team has had their ups-and-downs, he's a prime example of it's not how you start, it's how you finish.

11. Kawhi Leonard, San Diego State, 15.2 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 1.5 spg

Leonard is that guy that you played with in the school-yard growing up. The guy who seemed like he was probably older than you, who wasn't that big but really knew how to throw his weight around. He dominated the boards because he was the most physical kid out there, and you always downplayed his game because even though he got buckets he got them sort of ugly, lots of second chance points off of his weak first attempt. Now we're older and the kid that hustles and plays his heart out is the one leading a top-10 team in the nation. He's listed at 6'7 but really can't be any taller than 6'5, however his demeanor in the paint is that of a seven footer. Leonard has a nose for the ball that has him fourth in his conference in scoring and leading the Mountain West in rebounding. Leonard has 20 double-doubles this season and if you haven't seen him play, make sure you're watching (and taking his team to win a couple of games) later on in the month.

10. Dwight Hardy, St. Johns, 17.9 ppg, 2 apg, 86% ft pct

As I mentioned in the case of Jacob Pullen, it's not how you start it's how you finish. You remember the home loss to St. Bonaventure and the loss at Fordham, but after starting the season 11-8 and lost, St. Johns has come out and beat #3 Duke (26 points), #9 UConn (33), #4 Pitt (19), and #14 Villanova (34) and has climbed up to fourth in the Big East with games left against Seton Hall and South Florida. Tied with Texas with 6 wins against ranked opponents this season, St. Johns may be the hottest team in the country right now and Hardy, the teams point guard, is their unquestioned go-to guy. Hardy's averaging 25.1 ppg in the teams last 9 games and is leading the team in minutes, points, three point field goals made, and free-throws made. Maybe this is my home-town bias but Hardy's been as important to any competing team as anyone in the country.

9. Jordan Hamilton, Texas, 18.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 40% 3-pt fg pct

Tristan Thompson is a monster, but I think Hamilton is having the better season of the two. Hamilton has been a beast getting to the basket, but has also shown the ability to step outside and knock down the long ball. His game has been very similar to that of recent alum Damion James, not to mention he's been the best player on his team, possibly even in the Big 12. He's the only player in the conference in the top-5 in both scoring and rebounding, and keep in mind that the kid is only a second year player. Texas is definitely one of the countries scariest teams this season, and Hamilton is the biggest reason.

8. JaJuan Johnson, Purdue, 20.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.4 bpg

It's hard to look at that stat-line and not even put the guy in the top five, but I don't even think he'll win Big Ten player of the Year so I can't put him in front of the guys who I think may. With that said, Johnson has had to overcome the loss of team leader Robbie Hummel (as well as the large expectations of the team when Hummel was healthy), but still has Purdue in the top 10 heading into the most important stretch of the season. Just as the previously mentioned Hamilton has Thompson, Johnson has teammate E'Twaun Moore who's also having a fantastic season, but Johnson ranks first in the Big Ten in points and blocked shots, and is also in the top-5 in rebounds. Johnson has LaMarcus Aldridge ability where he's better a little further from the basket, but also knows how to impose his will down-low. Johnson's gone for at least 20 points, 19 times this season and may go down as Purdue's best player since Glenn Robinson (sorry Brad Miller and Carl Landry).

7. Kemba Walker, Connecticut, 22.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.5 apg, 1.9 spg

What? Why so low for Kemba? I must be a UConn hater right? Eh, sort of, and while I think Kemba Walker will probably crack the NCAA All-America First Team, these are my rankings and I don't love him as much as I love a couple of other guards in the country this year. Again, I'm sorry to start with negatives, but a big part of the Kemba Walker hoopla was due to UConn's success...which was mainly early on this season. Dropping 30 on Michigan State followed by 29 against Kentucky was very impressive, but as the Huskies have trailed off into ninth in the Big East, so has Kemba in the Player of the Year race. He takes too many bad shots for a point guard and his team has lost six of their last ten games. Well I guess a paragraph of hate paired with a number seven ranking doesn't make much sense, the kids had a terrific season. He's my money bet to win Big East Player of the Year.

6. Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin, 17.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 5.0 apg

There were times last season where the Wisconsin offense looked like they had no idea how they could score without Trevon Hughes, a year later they're sitting in third in the Big Ten with Jordan Taylor and Jon Leuer leading the way. Taylor is the general of a team that I feel has a deep tournament run in them, and after watching them battle back against Ohio State from being down 15 points with about 13 minutes to go, I saw how great he can be and how great he can make his teammates. The Badgers have won 18 of their last 22 games and Taylor is one of the most effective point guards in the country.

5. Ben Hansbrough, Notre Dame, 18.4 ppg, 4.2 apg, .44% 3-point fg pct

Before this season I would associate the name Hansbrough with hate. I'd associate the name with fade-away leaning to the side jump shots, bad hair-cuts, and getting over excited very easily. This year I think calm, composed, smooth, leader, smart, incredible player. Aside from my number one (yet to be revealed if you haven't cheated and read on to the bottom) player of the year, Hansbrough has been my favorite player to watch this season as he's willed his Fighting Irish to a great ranking at the right time of year. Notre Dame leads the Big East in Assist/Turnover ratio, as well as 3-point field goal percentage, and they play at the pace that Hansbrough sets for them. He controls the game better than any point guard in the Big East, can get to the basket, and when he gets hot he can't be stopped from long distance.

4. Derrick Williams, Arizona, 19.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 61% fg pct

Williams is the only player averaging double-figures on the nations #18 team (was more impressive last week when they were #10). Arizona sits tied with UCLA at the top of the Pac-10, but Williams has emerged as the Pac-10's best player (by a mile, sorry Klay but how's Wazoo doing?) and possibly the leading candidate for the number one pick in the NBA's draft this June. In my opinion, Williams doesn't necessarily have the size to be a dominant big on the next level, but much like a Michael Beasley, he uses what he has (great feel for the game and a ton of talent) to get the best of his current opponents. Williams is second in the Pac-10 in scoring, fifth in rebounding, and second in field goal percentage. The Sophomore also gets a lot of love for taking an undermanned team (name anyone else on that Wildcats team off the top of your head!) and getting to the top of a Big Six conference. Chances of winning Player of the Year? Not terrible, but not great.

3. Jared Sullinger, Ohio State, 17.1 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 56% fg pct

Freshman of the Year? Check. Big Ten Player of the Year? Most likely. National Player of the Year? I think Sullinger has been the most impactful big man in the country this season, and if he can lead his Buckeyes to a win against Wisconsin to close out the season the award stands a better chance of going to him. For Ohio State to be this good without Evan Turner has been a complete surprise, and without Sullinger, the likes of William Buford, David Lighty and Jon Deibler wouldn't be a top-5 (yes they're number one right now) team in the country. Sullinger has size and knows how to use it, but also has a great touch and surprising range. He isn't Kevin Durant, but he's comfortable with the ball wherever he gets it, and scores at a very effective rate. Chances of winning Player of the Year? Probably better than anyone I've previously mentioned.

2. Nolan Smith, Duke, 21.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 5.2 apg, 48% fg pct

Here's a guy who has just gotten better every year. How do you top a National Championship followed by a Summer playing against the top talent at your age internationally? If you're Nolan Smith it's by having the best season of your collegiate career and trying to win another championship. While the Blue Devils have shown their weaknesses since losing freshman point guard Kyrie Irving, their Senior guard and team leader (sorry Kyle Singler) hasn't. Smith has ran the offense at times and been the offense at times for one of the nations elite teams. Smith has scored in double-digits in all but one game this season, and helped Duke overcome a 14-point halftime deficit to North Carolina with 34 points of his own en route to a six point win. Smith leads the ACC in scoring, is second in assists, and in my opinion is the conference's runaway Player of the Year. Chances of winning Player of the Year? As good as anyone not named Jimmer.

1. Jimmer Fredette, BYU, 27.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.3 apg

My rationalization here is how could Adam Morrison win co-Player of the Year in 2006 and Jimmer Fredette not take home the hardwood this year? I'm not going to compare the two players statistically, but their teams had very similar seasons as each player took the country by storm, only Jimmer doesn't have a J.J. Redick to share the award with. Jimmer is what I love about college basketball. He's the guy you created in video games when you were a little kid. An undersized white guard with unlimited range, crazy handles, incredible offensive awareness, and a player who gets to the rack and finishes. He doesn't dunk the way your create-a-player does, but let's get back to real life and appreciate Jimmer for what he is. Nine games over 30 points, three games over 40 points, 2-0 against highly ranked San Diego State, and wins in two of the three games they played against big six opponents. He may not be able to play well at the next level, but with up-and-under scoop shots in traffic, 30-foot three point bombs and a name that has become a noun, verb and adjective, he's my 2011 NCAA Player of the Year. Actual Chances of winning Player of the Year? Probably slightly better than 50-50.

Obviously not everyone was able to make the cut, here are the guys I didn't want to but had to leave out: Marcus Morris, Kansas, Terrence Jones, Kentucky, Jordan Williams, Maryland, Rich Jackson, Syracuse, John Jenkins, Vanderbilt, and last but not least Tu Holloway, Xavier.