WEEKLY ROUND UP: 3/13 - 3/20
March 20, 2009 by Andy
It’s been a crazy week in the NBA with all the apocalypse and doomsday talk. The bottom line is that teams need money during this recession and we don’t know how bad it’s going to be come 2011. Until then, the fans need to enjoy all the great basketball that is being played as we get closer to the playoffs. The defending champions Boston Celtics look like they may be the No. 3 seed in the East, while the Phoenix Suns might not even make the playoffs in the elite West.
How to Succeed in the NBA
The secret to NBA success is out and it’s found in the book “The Outliers” by best selling author Malcolm Gladwell. In the book, Gladwell argues that the “Culture of Honor” matters in being successful. Hence, a team with a storied tradition and legacy like the Celtics and Lakers breed success. Teams with less history need to recruit players that have been succesful to make their teams better. For example, the Nuggets improving drastically this year after they aquired team leader and proven winner Chauncey Billups from the Detroit Pistons.
Gallinari may be out
New York Knicks rookie Danilo Gallinari’s season could be over as he mulls over the decision to get back surgery. He’s currently playing at 60-70% with a bulging disc in his back. Besides Nate Robinson, Gallinari has been a bright spot for the Knicks with his energy and shooting ability.
Disappointments in the NBA
The NBA has been full of disappointments this season. Notably, the 76ers/Elton Brand experiment has been a disaster as the team is playing better with him sidelined. The Phoenix Suns, once Championship contenders, are now fighting to just make the playoffs. The Boston Celtics started the season looking like they were going to repeat, but now look as if they will not be able to match up with the surging Cavaliers and likely MVP LeBron James.
Seven-seconds-or-Shaq offense clicking
The Phoenix Suns are fun to watch again with coach Alvin Gentry reviving the seven seconds or less offense. They have found their offensive potency again after being dormant for the first half of the season. Although they have been averaging over 120 points a game since this renaissance, the team is only 8-8 during this stretch. Even if they don’t make the playoffs, the Suns still make for great TV.
NBA Coaches Just Aren’t Into Twitter
Twitter has managed to spread into mainstream media and the public consciousness. Players like Shaq and Charlie Villuenueva have their own twitter pages and followers. However, it’s something that NBA coaches just dont get or understand. Controversy has stirred with players updating their twitter pages during half time of games. However, as this phenomenon gets bigger, coaches are going to have to learn to get it.
Is NBA’s Doomsday Real?
Doomsday is nigh. 2011. Lockout. Let’s hope that this scenario doesn’t come to fruition. With teams struggling financially and David Stern’s $200 million so called expansion money, it’s unclear what the future holds for the NBA. Teams may not be able to afford lucrative contracts anymore and this means unhappy players leading to an eventual stand still.
Can Anyone push the Lakers in a 7-Game Series?
The Los Lakers look like the team to beat this year and will be even tougher with Andrew Bynum back in time for the playoffs. The writers of Sports Illustrated discuss if any teams in the West have a shot at pushing the Lakers to seven games. The majority consensus is that the San Antonio Spurs have a chance. I agree especially with their new pick up of Drew Gooden bolstering their front line, but even in a seven game series the Lakers will come out as victors of the West.
Ricky Rubio 09 draft
Ricky Rubio, with Pete Maravich-like skills, of the Spanish team DKV Joventut Barcelona, wants to enter the NBA draft in 2009. Scouts believe he is a definite top 10 pick and his play in the Olympics show huge potential for this 19 year old phenom.
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