MVN - Most Valuable Network

DC delivers playoff prognostications

The 2008 playoffs have been very entertaining. We’ve seen young teams grow (i.e. Philadelphia, Atlanta). There have also been some major disappointments (i.e. Dallas should have believed in last year’s 69 win team, Phoenix? & Toronto didn’t play up to their ability). It’s good to see new blood in the NBA (i.e. Orlando, New Orleans) and also some great coaching (i.e. Byron Scott). All of the awards have been well deserved. Congrats to Hedo Turkoglu (MIP), KG (Defensive Player of the year - that Celtic green looks good on him), Kobe (MVP -well deserved and long overdue; his body of work speaks for itself - even if you don’t agree!!!) and Byron Scott (Coach of the Year - hands down, great job to you, your staff and your team). This year, we should don a new champion. Let’s take a peak…..

Detroit over Orlando
The Pistons are a team that can beat anyone on any night. The only problem is that they fall asleep with their consistency, which is a big no-no in the playoffs. It worked out in round one vs. the 76ers, but the hocus -pocus style won’t be very effective in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Magic series was more about the changing of the guard than anything and the Pistons showed they aren’t ready to be pushed aside.

LA v. Utah
The Lakers are playing on all cylinders. Kobe Bryant is the MVP and has figured out what Phil imparted to me. Your teammates are instrumental to real success. It’s beautiful to watch…unless you are a Jazz fan. For the Jazz to have any chance at all, their big three (Williams, Boozer and Okur) are going to have to play that next level type of ball. Are they capable? Yes. Will they? Not this year…

Boston v. Cleveland
The Celtics got playoff tested in round 1 (good job Atlanta), but a 1 seed vs. an 8 game 7 victory at home is not impressive for a team that produced a body of work like they did this year. They should hold themselves to a higher standard and if they don’t, the playoffs sure will. This series has proven to be a barn burner. The Celtics will look to take King James out of the game, so his supporting cast will have to pickup the slack. If not, the fans will have to wait and see next year. I predict the Celtics win game 6.

New Orleans v. San Antonio

Image details: San Antonio Spurs v New Orleans Hornets - Game 5 served by picapp.com

Chris Paul for MVP??? You couldn’t go wrong with co-MVPs (although it was Kobe’s time no doubt). With CP3 leading the Hornets, West the All-Star, Peja’s 200 plus 3’s & Tyson Chandler catching everything - all of this proves to be a monster of a hill for the Spurs to climb. The aging Spurs will responded with home wins, but need back-to-back road wins to move on. This young Hornets team plays well at home. Watch out, Spurs! This talented & tough Byron Scott team wont back down!!! I predict Hornets win game 6.

Got love the NBA!!!!

–DC

Shaq trade was great for Phoenix

I feel that the Shaq trade was great for Phoenix. Having played against him so many times before, I know what he brings. The Suns are going to get a huge boost from Shaq.

I know people have been saying things like he can’t run any longer, etc…but I feel that he will surprise a lot of people. He is one of the best big men this league has ever seen. When he says he will win, he backs it up.

I’m very happy that they made the trade for him. Go Suns!!!!!!!

–DC

C-Webb and All-Star Weekend

C-Webb, my ex-teammate and very good friend, is one of the most talented power forwards that has ever played in the NBA. I believe that going to the Golden State Warriors was a great choice. His skills will truly help the Warriors. His passing ability, combined with their uptempo style and many offensive threats, should make it a perfect fit. Webb is the best teammate a player could have. I love the guy! It’s awesome to see him back!! Good luck C-Webb!

With the NBA all-star game around the corner, it’s always the talk around NBA locker rooms and on fan sites of who got snubbed for the big game! This conversation is always a huge debate, but the real fact is that with so much talent and superstars, what I think should happen is that the NBA should extend the all-star rosters to 15 players so we don’t have as much of that controversy going on in the future. But let’s face it, there will always be someone that should have made it!

This is an exciting time of year, as the players look forward to the all-star weekend. There is the slam dunk contest, the three point shoot out, and the skills challenge - all of which are truly the icing on the cake! Not to mention that this year, the all star game is being held in one of our greatest cities - New Orleans. With all of the NBA excitement in such a great city, the NBA’s biggest showcase should be a blast!

I know I’ll be tuning in!

–DC

Ask Doug: Knicks die hard

It’s been awhile, so I figured that I’d start by answering a question in the mailbag.  If you want to ask a question, feel free to leave one in the comments.  Today’s question comes from Take the 7 Train’s Kevin Collazo - MVN’s New York Mets blog.  Kevin asks about the psyche of playing in New York:

Hello Doug,

First let me say thank you for working with MVN. It’s definitely an honor to have you here.

I just have a few questions for you in regards to the impact of the fans. Granted, the players, and coaches essentially have to get the job  done. However, I’m from New York, and have been a lifelong Knicks fan.  I’ve seen some amazing games in the 90’s, and some abysmal games in  recent years, but I have never booed any player on a team that I call my own. My take is that it’s counter productive. I actually believe  that this Knicks team is far more gifted, and able than they are  showing (aside from the games against the Pistons/Wizards), or than anyone believes.

I know you’ve stated that Isiah is your guy, and that you like the  Knicks as well, so I ask for your professional opinion. If the fans  constantly boo the team, like they do here in NY, even if the team is clearly trying to win, how much of an effect can that have on a coach, player, or team? And is it possible/likely that the chemistry could be disrupted by the team’s own fans?

Sincerely,
           Kevin Collazo
           MVN.com- Take the 7 Train  (Mets blog)

Hello Kevin. Yes, I believe it can definitely effect the players if the home fans are booing. At the same time, it can sometimes make the team stronger. In the NY Knicks case, they have a great coach and organization and a great mix of talent. So I can see an eventual turn around sooner than later. Knick fans are die hard fans and they expect a certain level success, so I truly understand how they are feeling. These are very hard times for the Knick fans as well as the team. 

In the case of Isiah Thomas, knowing him and his system, I know what he is trying to get across to the players. At certain times, we can see glimpses of what is truly there. You are right - they have the talent and now they must find a way to bring it all together and win.

The fans in NY will never let up until things turn around and that passion, if used in the right way, will ultimately help them to win a championship.

Thank you!  –DC  GO KNICKS!!!!!!