The much-anticipated debut pairing of LeBron & Shaq had fans in Cleveland thinking NBA Championship. But the veteran-laden Celtics team had other plans, winning the first contest between two of the Eastern powers 95-89.
The story in this game was one of balance, or lack thereof. The Cavaliers have 2 superstars — LeBron & Shaq — and then a bunch of decent players. I know, Mo Williams was an All-Star last year, but I would take Rajon Rondo over him any day of the week. Troubled wing player, Delonte West, is sorely missed for his on-ball defense and outside shooting. The new energy guy, Jamario Moon, has yet to takeoff, and Anthony Parker was more or less held in check. The Celtics, however, have quality at every position. The Big 3 might be the Big 4 with the addition of Rasheed Wallace…and I think Rondo deserves a ton of credit for driving this offense. If it weren’t for a dumb decision by Big Baby Davis, this team would be stacked.
LeBron James did little to quiet any talk of a second straight MVP, as his stat line looked like an all-you-can-eat buffet at Morrison’s cafeteria: 38 pts, 4 3s, 4 rebs, 8 asts, 2 stls, 4 blks. Shaq did his part but was not as effective in the low post as you would like. But it was Paul Pierce down the stretch that kept hitting big shot after big shot. He paced the Celtics with 23 pts & 11 rebs.
It may have only been the first game of the NBA season, but the Celtics getting a victory in Cleveland sent a clear message to the rest of the league: we are back!
Leon Powe was released by the Boston Celtics…and fell in the lap of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Yahoo! Sports reports:
Powe signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, even though he isn’t expected back on the court until sometime around the All-Star break. The Cavaliers are paying Powe the league minimum for a three-year veteran.
Reuniting with old AAU teammate, LeBron James, is certainly attractive to Leon. Staying in the Eastern Conference means he gets to show the Celtics what they passed on. Powe is still recovering from ACL surgery and not expected back until February of next year.
There is some risk on the part of the Cavs as they must wait for Powe’s full recovery. But the upside is certainly there. Powe torched the Cavs in two games last year, and was a very effective player for the Celtics during their Championship run. And to get him for the league minimum is akin to stealing.
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LeBron & Wade are the current and future stars of the NBA. They showed the rest of the league why when they clashed in Miami on Thursday.
A much anticipated, star-studded clash took place in the NBA on Thursday as LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers visited Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat. When you look to star power in the NBA, few shine as bright as LeBron and Wade. They are the #1 & #2 centerpieces of a dynamite 2010 free agency class. Friends off the court, and respectful adversaries on the court, LeBron & Wade have even mused about playing together one day — though desired salaries and existing cap space will make that likely impossible.
“I like playing against LeBron more than anybody else in the league,” Wade said. “He brings out the best in me, and I bring out the best in him.”
The All-Star duel took place amid speculation James and Wade might become teammates next season.
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How is it possible that a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer and potentially the most athletic sub 6-footer in the history of the NBA can’t get a job? Has the NBA changed that much that a one-time scoring champ and a guy that averaged 20+ points just 1 season ago is unwelcome on any team?
If you ask Allen Iverson about his off-season, the “Answer” is YES!
So what happened from to The Answer in 1 season that makes him kryptonite to NBA GMs. Most will tell you it is chemistry. His foray in the Motor City did little to impress, as Iverson was unable to adjust to a smaller role. GMs want no part of a high-profile role-player if he doesn’t want to put the team first. Look at what “stars” have done for the LA Lakers with Lamar Odom coming off the bench; or the Boston Celtics’ Big Three sacrificing their individual numbers for team wins. If Iverson wants to succeed, he will have to adjust.
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The NBA loves drama. In fact, that is the tag line for TNT who shows a lot of games, “we love drama.”
In their infinite wisdom, David Stern and the rest of the NBA brass has scheduled for Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to meet on Christmas Day! Wow, nothing exemplifies the yuletide spirit more than two guys that, despite their best efforts to fake it on TV, really don’t like each other.
Shaq has just switched over to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade from Phoenix. Cleveland got a Hall-of-Famer, albeit an old one; Phoenix got a stick of gum and salary cap flexibility. The Cavs, now with Shaq, are a legitimate threat in the East. Though they will be not be a clear favorite, they will certainly match up better against the Celtics and Magic. Just having Shaq’s presence on offense will open up the floor for shooters. On defense, the Big Diesel can still bang with the best of them.
Kobe is fresh of this 4th NBA Championship, the first he earned solo. Sure, he had help from Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, etc…but this championship was his. Now that they resigned Odom, all the pieces are in place for another big run…and they will remain the favorites in the West.
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Carmelo Anthony is feeling good where he is, in the crisp, clean Rocky Mountain Air. After reaching the NBA West Finals, do the Nuggets have a chance at the ultimate prize?
Melo is happy to have signed a longer contract. He is the only one of the his high-profile draft brethren to do so as LeBron, Wade, and Bosh are all waiting for 2010 free agency. As Yahoo! Sports reports, it made a lot of sense for Carmelo at the time:
Given Anthony’s poor upbringing in Baltimore, his mother, Mary, told her son she didn’t like the idea of leaving nearly $36 million on the table by opting for a shorter contract. Anthony listened and agreed to a four-year deal with an option for a fifth season that totaled $80 million, allowing him to possibly put off free agency until 2012.
Now you’ve got Melo and a stable situation: a top-tier leader at point guard in Chauncey Billups, a somewhat vindicated George Karl at coach, and successful rehabs/rejuvenations/reincarnations Kenyon Martin, Nene Hilario, and Chris Anderson. Factor in a more mature J.R. Smith (he says jail changed him) and you have a pretty solid staring rotation. Anthony must also know that success begets success. Getting to the Western Conference Finals should add confidence to this crew.
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