Ron Artest + Games with Consequences + 24 hour media cycle = Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Ron Artest shuts down superstars.  He bullies way into steals and rebounds.  His Game Five tip may well have won the West for LA.  He provides the toughness that was glaringly absent when Boston obliterated the Lakers in 2008.  Ron also invents his own offensive schemes on the fly, takes ill-advised threes and occasionally forgets to wear pants.  The production (or destruction) wrought by Ron Artest ‘s unique brand of crazy-ball may very well be the key to the 2010 NBA Finals, a fact which should bring a smile to the face of all non-partisan NBA fans.

To honor Artest’s x-factor role in the Finals, here is a highlighted history of crazy in action.  For the uninitiated:  get Edumacated.   For those of you who are familiar with Ron, enjoy this palate cleanser of insanity before the super-intensive media focus of the NBA finals brings us the delectable main course.

(Note to Lakers fans with heart conditions:  you might want to skip this)

–Anyone who has watched Ron Artest play knows that, on occasion, he will just go completely off the reservation. My favorite part is when he starts shouting “NO LAYUPS” and decking people in the last 5 minutes of a meaningless regular season game.  Too much Code Red, perhaps?

–After a hard foul in last year’s playoffs, Ron claimed Kobe’s elbow was nothing compared to the time a friend of his got stabbed through the heart with a table leg in the middle of a pickup game.  A TABLE LEG.   Everyone called bullshit.  Ron wasn’t kidding, though.

–We all know about the brawl in Detroit—no need to mention that again.  But what about Ron’s second trip into the stands? (fast forward about 55 seconds…)

– This is the halfway point of an article about Ron Artest, which can only mean one thing. Thirsty?

–Before the pivotal game seven against the Lakers last year with Houston, Ron missed the players’ bus and rode with management.  In his boxers. He chose the same outfit for an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel.

–Ron Artest’s list of the best players he’s played against:  1.  Some guy from his hood in Queensbridge  2.  Brandon Roy.

–Artest once threw Trevor Ariza’s shoe into the stands…during a game.

–Don’t expect Ron to take any charges.  Where Ron comes from, calling an offensive foul is basically asking to get your ass beat.

– Last but not least, with the most relevance to the series at hand—Years ago, Ron Artest used the time-honored Intramural-B-league defensive tactic of pantsing against Paul Pierce.   He later felt regret, and sang Paul an apology song.  You can’t make this stuff up. Between the pantsing defense and Ron’s proclivity to forgo pants, there is a near existential guarantee that someone ends up without pants in the NBA finals, something which hasn’t happened since the Dennis Rodman Era.

Lakers fans:  keep the throw-able objects out of arms reach—your TV will thank you.

Everyone else: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.  In your boxers, of course.

The Eastern Conference NBA Playoffs

Thus far, after two conference finals games have been played between the Magic and Celtics, I can now take a look back at why each team has gotten to this point, and what must be done going forward if either team wishes to advance. Without further a do, let’s break down this series.

On one end, we had expected the Magic to get this far without much contest in the first two rounds; but the Celtics to me have been an eye-popper. The Magic came into the series having not lost in over a month, and appeared to be nearly unstoppable with that dangerous offense firing on all cylinders. Compared to last year, the Magic looked just as strong until these past two games (when opposing defense was actually successful), and Dwight Howard has made drastic improvements compared to a year ago, especially in his offensive game. Let’s begin with his inside game on offense. He has put together a nice little set of post moves that were basically nonexistent at this time last year. If you watch him in the paint, he has become comfortable with a turn-around hook and a jab-step fake for some easy dunks and point-blank shots. Howard also took pressure off of his perimeter men, and made the signature screen-and-roll offense even more deadly since he was able to finish at the rim. He had shot 88% from the field in the first two rounds, which is nearly a record setting mark. And as for the most basic part of basketball, Dwight made his free throws for a change. Howard’s extra points at the stripe somewhat padded the offense. But when it comes down to the Magic’s niche, look no further than their shooting percentage from the outside. Orlando shot over 40% from “three land” this season as a team! Jameer Nelson has proved to an NBA follower that he can score at will, which is something you won’t find in a PG’s arsenal these days. Other key contributors like JJ Redick have been able to facilitate, and the sharp shooter has worn his defender out when moving off the ball. Orlando has experienced great success this season, but round three of these playoffs has been a reality check for them to say the least. As for the cons, the Magic are always a dangerous shooting team, but Vince Carter tremendously lacks the consistency and ability to play the high pick-and-roll on offense. He has been nothing more than streaky as a jump shooter, and has not even come close to filling the shoes of Hedo Turkoglu as a playmaker, which has hurt Orlando more than anything. In my opinion, the Magic play their best basketball when opposing teams are forced to double team Howard, leaving an automatic open shot for one of the usually three sharp shooters on the floor, and last year Turkoglu was a guaranteed threat. Orlando has failed to find a solution to the stifling defense played by the Celtics, which is something the boys in green pride themselves from.

As for the Celtics, I was definitely wrong about this one. I ruled them “old and rotted” when the playoffs had begun, but I should have known better. Veteran leadership cannot be taught when it comes to the playoffs, and the majority of these men have been here before. Let’s begin with Kevin Garnett. This guy’s mental psyche is off the charts; his will to win is ferocious. Garnett had been plagued by injuries the last two years, but he seems to oblivious to any pain when “Welcome to the Jungle” comes on in “The Garden.” Garnett ripped Antawn Jamison apart from both the post and playing face-up or one-on-one last series. Time after time, he’s showed that his inside-out game is one of the best, and his defense has never lacked. He’s proven the theory true that Dwight Howard has an equalizer, as long as he is played rough down low, and aggressive enough to draw fouls. That is Howard’s Achilles heal, foul trouble. Garnett has also pushed the Celtics defense to give up 88 points or fewer in every win against the Cavs, and also in Game 1 against Orlando. But enough about the Big Ticket, lets move on to the next piece of success for the Celtics, their ability to play to Rajon Rondo’s strengths. Rajon Rondo is a point guard, so he gets the ball in his hands anyways, but lets face it, he’s lethal when he creates for others off the dribble. Rondo struggles when given an opportunity to shoot the basketball, hence the reason for his opposing defenders giving him so much room to shoot. As we saw against the Cavs, Rondo eventually made a living off of pull-up jumpers at the free throw line, and when played tight, he turned on the jets to get to the bucket. Rajon’s passing ability and court vision is undeniable, and although his teammates are slow, Rondo’s respect at the rim allows him to place passes perfectly to a streaking Paul Pierce on the wing, or a cutting “Big Baby” Davis to the paint. The Celts make a living off of their defensive toughness, veteran leadership, and young point guard, who has stuffed the stat sheet and denied Lebron James from his trademark come from behind swat on several occasions in these playoffs. I have them slated as NBA Champs this year after witnessing their impressive series win over my Cavs, but every team has flaws. The Celtics have two dilemmas: the unavoidable effects of age, and the inability to find consistence among their role players on the bench. We see that Doc Rivers’ squad is old and injured at times, and they most definitely will not beat LA or Phoenix if the pace of the game is not in their power. The Celtics thrive off of forcing teams to set up an offense, so that the muscles of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins can set up down low to lock down the paint, Rondo has an opportunity to steal the orange like he always has, and Paul Pierce along with Ray Allen have some legitimate time to even consider making a stop. Everyone except Rondo and Tony Allen seems to be slow, but they are not ever topped in terms of effort or hustle on the defensive end. And lastly, in terms of roll players, it starts and ends with Rasheed Wallace. The man is old, but he must shy away from the perimeter, and stick to posting up on the block. As for Tony Allen, he’s played great defense and has been attacking the basket from the baselines. He’s done a fine job and I ultimately think the Celtics will beat the Magic in five games at the most, and move on to play the Lakers in the finals. I don’t want to sound like I’m riding the wagon, but I have a feeling that the Celtics will beat the Lakers in the finals too, because Rondo will destroy Derek Fisher, and both Garnett and Perkins can easily body Gasol and Bynum. Boston’s defense really is that damn good, and we will probably see them ride that home crowd to victory tonight against Orlando in game three. I do not like the Celtics because I’m from Cleveland, but with age comes execution, and after going up 2-0 in a series, the Celts are 32-0. Enough said. But let me know what you guys think, and I appreciate any feedback that you may have!

By: Constantine Madias

Scouting The Sports Analyst

2009-10 Pre-Season NBA Power Rankings

1. Los Angeles Lakers- 2008-09 NBA Champions with all but one main contributor returning. Lakers lose small forward Trevor Ariza but replace him with Ron Artest. Artest lacks the athleticism but makes up with for it with his strength, size, and physical play. Until it is proven that they can be beaten, they deserve to be the number 1.

2. Boston Celtics- This Boston team is the same team from two years ago when they won the championship with the same hunger. They proved they still have the hunger last year in the playoffs without Kevin Garnett. KG returns to the line-up with the addition of Rasheed Wallace to help make another Finals run.

3. San Antonio Spurs- Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, a healthy Manu Ginobili, and the newest addition of Richard Jefferson. The Big Three turns into the Big Four, and Jefferson gives the Spurs that quick transition player they lack. Jefferson gives them that little extra spark to help the Spurs battle for the top spot.

4. Orlando Magic- 2008-09 Eastern Conference Champions with a lot of upside. They lose Hedo Turkoglu, Courtney Lee, and Rafer Alston, but replace them with Matt Barns and Vince Carter. The only concern with this team is they are short handed at the point guard spot with just Jameer Nelson. But Vince and Dwight Howard should be a nice one-two combo that could redeem the Magic.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers- 2008-09 best regular season team; however, LeBron James does not have a great supporting cast. The Cavs did add Center Shaquille O’Neal, but will Shaq be able to endure another injury free year? Also, will Shaq and LeBron alone be enough to lead this team to the promise land?

6. Denver Nuggets- Chauncey Billups was the greatest pickup for the Nuggets last season. He made Carmello Anthony and the team better. The Nuggets resigned Chris “The Birdman” Anderson to a long deal and are returning their main players. This team plays tough and physical whose defense can help spark their offense.

7. Portland Trailblazers- Young explosive team carried by All-Star Brandon Roy. Gained playoff experience last year looking to do more damage this year. They add veteran Point Guard Andre Miller, and if Greg Oden can have an injury-free year, this team is dangerous.

8. Dallas Mavericks- The Mavericks have the same team as last year that was a controversial call away from making their 2nd round playoff series versus the Denver Nuggets a series. The Mavs have two mentionable additions, first, Shawn Marion. Fast, physical, and loves to get out on the wing and run the break which is a perfect fit for this team. Second, Drew Gooden, a 6′10 250lb power forward to bang bodies underneath the basket and can spot up from 15ft.

9. New Orleans Hornets- Coming off a sub-par year last season, the New Orleans Hornets have the personnel to make up for it this year. They drafted Darren Collison, point guard from UCLA who could step in as a solid back up for All-star point guard Chris Paul. Their best move during the off-season was acquiring Emeka Okafor in a straight up trade, sending center Tyson Chandler to the Charlotte Bobcats. Okafor is a little less athletic but is a stronger defender, rebounder, and better team player. Playing in the Western Conference, Okafor will be a more suitable center for the Hornets than Chandler.

10. Utah Jazz- The Jazz managed to re-sign their top stars this off-season but did not pick up any new faces. The Jazz faced multiple injuries last year, which resulted in finishing as the 8th best team in the Western Conference, and a first round playoff elimination to the Lakers. With out injuries, this team is extremely tough especially with home court advantage in the playoffs.

11. Miami Heat- The Miami Heat were unable to sign Lamar Odom this off-season but are still a playoff team. Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers are both coming off very successful rookie seasons and still show more potential. With the Heat led by Dwayne Wade, the team is never counted out.

12. Atlanta Hawks- The Hawks were busy this off-season retaining their main free-agent firepower, (Marvin Williams, Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia). They supplemented its shaky backcourt depth by trading for Jamal Crawford and drafting Jeff Teague.

13. Chicago Bulls- Despite loosing Ben Gordon to the Detroit Pistons, the Bulls trio of Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, and John Salmons, Gordon might not be missed. The Bulls pushed the Celtics to a game 7 during last seasons first round of the playoffs thanks to Gordon, but the returning trio were not 100%. Then, there is rookie Derrick Rose who lived up to expectations and other youngster teammate, Tyrus Thomas. If both players continue to improve, the Bulls can cause trouble.

14. Phoenix Suns- The beginning of the off-season was centered around the Phoenix Suns Organization. Their first move, trading Shaq to the Cleveland Cavilers for Ben Wallace (released and returned to Detroit) and Sasha Pavlovic (soon to be released). Next, trying to trade Amare Stoudemire. Amare will be returning to action this season after suffering an eye injury last year that demanded surgery, and caused him to miss the rest of the season. The Suns extended veterans Steve Nash and Grant Hill contracts, but the team is simply getting older, not younger. Will the Suns age be a factor, or will the loss of Shaq allow this team to return to the run-n-gun team to make the playoffs?

15. Los Angeles Clippers- On paper, this team should be a playoff team, but they’re the Clippers. Last season they battled injuries and finished as one of the worst teams. Their recorded was later rewarded with the first pick of the 2009 NBA Draft, acquiring Blake Griffin. Griffin is impressing scouts in the off-season and could help the Clippers. If the players can stay healthy, we could finally see a good Clipper team.

16. Toronto Raptors- The Raptors spent a lot of money this off-season acquiring Hedo Turkoglu, Jarrett jack, and resigning Andrea Bargnani. The Raptors are looking to space the floor with great shooters opening up the middle for Chris Bosh. They did draft DeMar DeRozan, a strong scorer at USC, but will this team have enough offensive weapons and, take pride in playing defense?

17. Oklahoma City Thunder- This young team has finally got some playing experience. It’s time for them to start making a run for the playoffs. They added James Harden from Arizona State University, a high-powered offensive weapon, who could be a great counter weight for Kevin Durant. If the Thunder want to make the playoffs, Durant needs to average in the mid to high 20 points per game.

18. Washington Wizards- The Wizards are the sleeper team of the NBA, after only wining 19 games last year due to injuries. Meanwhile, that’s in the past and this off-season they were extremely busy. They were able obtained Randy Foye and Mike Miller from the Timberwolves, and are crossing their finders All-star Gilbert Arenas can finally be healthy after being sidelined two seasons with a knee injury. However their best move, hiring head coach Flip Saunders. A healthy Wizards team should mean playoff bound.

19. Detroit Pistons- Fans cannot be to sure they know exactly what the Detroit Pistons Organization is doing, but I can say that it is not good. They trade one of the most underrated point guards away, Chauncey Billups, to Denver for Allen Iverson, and fall from a top four team to an under .500 team. The Pistons also had trouble with their lineup. The addition of Iverson moved starter and backbone player, Rip Hamilton to the bench. A.I is now gone but the trouble is still there, as they brought in shooting guard Ben Gordon. On paper this team is stacked, but on the court, this team is rattled. Oh yea, did I mention they resigned Ben Wallace?

20. Philadelphia 76ers- A team whittled by the finances was not able to make many improvements to this year’s team. They were forced to release veteran point guard Andre Miller and are left without a true point guard. They were however able to draft rookie Jrue holiday from UCLA who can turn into a score, but he is not a point guard. Their only upside, if Elton Brand can return with an MVP-like year.

21. Houston Rockets- Medical problems pretty much ended Houston’s season before it started, as Yao Ming (whose career may be over) and Tracy McGrady both went under the knife and will contribute little, if anything this season. If the rest of Rockets can stay healthy and Aaron Brooks Carl Landry have break out seasons, the Rockets just might make the playoffs.

22. Golden State Warriors- On paper, the Warriors seem like an unbeatable team. They are a high-powered offensive unit with Monta Ellis, Corey Maggette, Andris Biedrins, and Stephen Jackson returning, and the addition of their first round pick, Stephen Curry. So why are they so far down here? Well, for one, they don’t play well on the road. Their home crowd is hostile and loud and play a factor in games in Golden State. And second, they never play defense.

23. Charlotte Bobcats- The Bobcats willfully downgraded from Emeka Okafor to Tyson Chandler and haven’t re-signed Raymond Felton because they don’t want to be a tax team next year. They also have yet to sign any new players.

24. Indiana Pacers- The Pacers still have Danny Granger, and more good news, Mike Dunleavy appears to be recovering nicely from a possible career ending injury. Although drafting Tyler Hansbrough, the pacers let Jarrett Jack and Marquis Daniels walk, and signed seven players who all average less than 5 points per game.

25. Memphis Grizzles- The Grizzles added Zach Randolph and lost Darko Milicic. Although Marc Gasol, O.J Mayo and Rudy Gay are still there, and they are trying to sign Allen Iverson, who if added could add a spark to the team. The Grizzles still have yet to figure out how to play as a team and are a young and inexperienced.

26. Milwaukee Bucks- The thing everyone forgets is, that Milwaukee was playing well last season until Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut were injured. The Bucks made a couple helpful additions amidst all the subtractions, Hakim Warrick, Kurt Thomas, Ersan Ilysova, Amir Johnson, but lose Richard Jefferson. And if they can find a way to hang on to Ramon Sessions, they might be OK.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves- The Timberwolves dumped Mike Miller and Randy Foye to Washington, and drafted three guards in the first round of the draft, one being Ricky Rubio who still needs to be bought out of his Euro League contract, has not helped make them better. Al Jefferson is the teams only All-star and more good news, they just Signed Kurt Rambis as their new Head Coach.

28. New Jersey Nets- The Nets traded Vince Carter for spare parts and cut salaries of staff members they had not already fired. Their only activity this season will be removing players, not adding them.

29. Sacramento Kings- The Kings did pick up a potential star in the draft in Tyreke Evans and a potential second star in Sergio Rodriguez, and Kevin Martin should be healthy by the start of the season. That should keep the team battling in every game rather than being blown out.

30. New York Knicks- The Knicks went after a few veteran All-stars such as Grant Hill and Jason Kidd, but was unable to sign any. They also still have yet to resign David Lee or Nate Robinson, as they’re caught filling up their cap space and risk a possible run at Lebron James. Trading Quentin Richardson for Darko Milicic will however help a bit as they now have a legit center.

By: Brian Bernstein

Executive Administrator of Basketball Operations for Scouting The Sports

LAKERS INSIDER: Offseason Questions

It’s going to take some time, but it will stop. It always does.

In Orlando, maybe a month.
In Memphis it might take a year.

This is LA… I’ll give it a week.

Once Kobe hops and jumps his way out of Florida, once Phil packs his ten rings, and once Adam Morrison realizes that he has surpassed Lou Gehrig as the luckiest man on earth, it will come to an end. The celebration will soon be over, 2009 will be come just another banner and it will be time to re-focus. Hopefully for Kobe, find a new stare. If the Lakers want to win again and please the ever insatiable Laker fans, here is what has to happen. (In order of priority)

1. Sign Trevor and Lamar

It might be expensive, but Jerry Buss isn’t really hurting. If you want to own the Lakers you must be willing to pay the price, and if it takes a steep luxury tax to win another ring so be it. Buss has always been an owner willing to spend whatever it takes, and Ariza and Odom should be no exception. Lamar will command a high salary, Trevor will ask for a lot, probably more than he is worth, but both are invaluable to this Laker team. The trend of players picking up their games come playoff time, signing outrageous contracts before returning to their mediocre selves is scary, but Ariza and Odom accounted for a lot of regular season wins. Ariza provides energy, athleticism and defense that they sorely lack without him.

2. Andrew Bynum?

Andrew Bynum is unlike any player I can think of. Shortly after Kobe blasted him in his infamous youtube tirade he became a top-15 center with seemingly limitless potential. He got hurt, took a slower time to rehab than Shawn Livingston, and returned better than ever. He developed into a productive center before the age of twenty, however a knee injury hobbled him for a second consecutive season. Bynum has looked more like Kwame Brown than his old self since coming back, clumsily patrolling the paint, dropping passes, and tripping over his own feet. He plays solid defense in flashes, but fouls at an alarming rate. Maybe Bynum hasn’t fully recovered, or didn’t have enough time to re-acclimate himself with the flow of the Laker’s offense. The Lakers are unstoppable when Drew is at his best, but if they don’t re-sign Odom, Bynum is no longer a luxury. They will need him to be better then ever to have a chance at another title.

3. Point Guard

Derek Fisher made two incredible shots and left his heart on the court during the playoffs. Desire and guts can carry you through big games, but it might not be enough to get the aging Fisher through another grueling 82 games. The Lakers need to address this problem, and I don’t think Shannon Brown or Jordan Farmar is the answer. Either through trade or free agency, the Lakers would be well served to add another point guard to their roster; one who can play significant minutes, and cut Fisher’s playing time in half.
4. The Intangibles

It takes three things to win a championship: talent, the right mentality, and luck. The Lakers should have the talent. Can they maintain the desire and fuel that they played with this year, even though their season is ending with champagne filled celebrations instead of bitter defeat? Will Kobe need ring 2(post-Shaq), as bad as he needed ring 1? Of course you also need to get lucky. Will a team rise from the ashes the way Boston did two years ago. Will Lebron get enough help to make his Cavs unstoppable? Will 2010’s Courtney Lee finish his layup? Will Stan Van Gundy coach the team facing the Lakers? We have a long wait to find out.

By: Jonah Rosenbaum

Lead NBA Mock Draft Analyst For ScoutingTheSports.com

NBA Finals: Lakers Win Game Two

Many outcomes could have been predicted before the start of Game 2 of the NBA finals. Possibly Kobe going off for another 40-point game, then capping it with his new found “determined” face. Or maybe even the Magic’s three point threats recovering from their dismal offensive performances of Game 1, and shooting the lights out to victory. But nobody would have predicted Courtney Lee, a rookie out of Western Kentucky who only played 12 minutes (including overtime), would have the ball in his hands in the games biggest moment.

Following a great defensive stop by Hedo Turkoglu who stripped the ball away from Kobe Bryant, the Magic obtained the ball with .6 seconds left. With such little time remaining, it was thought only a desperation heave would be taken. However, the Magic perfectly executed a play that left Courtney Lee with a wide open uncontested layup; an uncontested layup that clanked off the backboard and rimmed out, sending Magic fans into a panic and giving Laker fans new found hope. The game would then proceed into overtime, with the Lakers coming out victorious and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best of seven series.

With the number of turnovers, momentum shifts and big plays that occur in a playoff game it seems unreasonable to justify a playoff loss off of one play. However, I do find it hard to believe the Magic will now be able to pull off the championship, needing to win 4 of the next 5 games. Orlando’s front- court of Turkoglu, Lewis and Howard posted 73 points along with 33 rebounds and 15 assists, and they still couldn’t pull off the victory. It is becoming more apparent that Rafer Alston has lost his confidence entirely after the return of Jameer Nelson and the so-called defensive stopper that is Mikael Peitrus, can’t slow down Kobe, like he did with Lebron.

However if there is one thing we do know, it is that Orlando can deal with heartbreaking defeats. After buzzer beaters by Thaddeus Young, Glen Davis, and Lebron James, the Magic have been able to bounce back and build the courage to pull off all three series. Unfortunately the Magic seemed over matched in this series by the determined and experienced Lakers. But if there is one thing we have learned in these 2009 playoffs, anything can happen and with Orlando going home to play in front of their home fans, who knows what will be in store to come.

By Max Moray

NBA Analyst For Scouting The Sports

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