Saturday, October 24, 2015
NBA Award Predictions
With the NBA season just a week away, I thought I would post my predictions for the awards. Obviously, these will probably be wrong. It's too hard to know who will have a breakout season. No one would've ever thought Stephen Curry would be MVP, yet, here we are. Let's get into this.
My pick for the MVP is James Harden. I just honestly think no one will be standing in this guy's way. He's established himself as the unquestioned leader on the Rockets, which should give him plenty of opportunities. Since the Cavs are stacked with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving, LeBron James won't have as many chances, even if it means he's on the better squad. We almost never see a player win 2 MVP's in a row, and I think this will apply to Chef Curry. Will he be a superstar? No doubt, but just not the absolute best. Finally, Anthony Davis just isn't quite there. He is easily the best power forward, but I just don't think he can match the level of play we've seen from "The Beard".
Moving down to the Defensive Player Of The Year, I have DeAndre Jordan. Many may remember when he was honestly a nobody. But he used his 7'0" presence to his advantage and became a lights out defender. His minutes slowly raised to the point when Los Angeles had to make him a starter. Now, he's got a pretty good offensive game thanks to the "lob city" era, but it's his defense that makes him valuable. Now days, he still lights up the blocks and even steal column, and I think this year, he'll continue to dominate that side of the basketball.
Probably the hardest award to decide on, I'm giving the Rookie Of The Year honors to Karl-Anthony Towns. Not only is his offensive presence marvelous, I feel like he was drafted into a good situation. He hit it off with last year's number 1 pick Andrew Wiggins, and he seems to really click with passing star Ricky Rubio, who in my mind is very underrated. He's an extremely talented player with a bright future on the team with the brightest future I've ever seen. Those are all things that no other rookie this year has (minus Jahlil Okafor, who in my mind will get bullied physically and struggle this season).
The sixth man of the year will be without question Andre Igoudala. I feel like he is an all-star who hasn't played to his full potential since signing with Golden State. Then again, he went off in the postseason, winning the finals MVP over the regular season MVP Stephen Curry. Does Harrison Barnes deserve the start over Iggy? I think so. But put this player in almost any other situation and he's in the starting lineup. Finally, Golden State is planning on playing him pretty close to the starter's role. I think he deserves around 25-30 minutes a game, which is more than enough for him to prove he's the best.
Most Improved player was a very tough pick. You're basically trying to expect which players are gonna do the unexpected. No one knows who'll go on a tear. I'm going off of history and fundamentals because the better fundamentally sound you are, the better chances of becoming a threat out of nowhere. My pick is Danny Green. My reason behind this is because his shooting stroke is phenomenal. We all saw him go on that record-breaking streak in the 2013 playoffs, which gives me hope of this guy going on a tear. With the Spurs being the most stacked team in the NBA, he knows he's going to have to play good if he wants to keep his starting spot, and that should be enough motivation for him to have a breakout season.
Finally (since I'm not doing the All-NBA Teams), the coach of the year will be Gregg Popovich. Gregg is unquestionably the best coach of all time, winning 5 championships and making stars out of players such as Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker. Now he's in a situation where he has the most stacked team in the league. When you put the most stacked team with the greatest coach of all time, there's no telling where this team will go. Critics are going to look at there outstanding record, realize how good Gregg coaches these guys to put them into that position, and they'll realize he's the most deserving coach for this award.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Peyton Manning
We are now well into the NFL season, and suddenly were seeing which teams are truly vying for a championship. There are still 5 teams left unbeaten, one of them being the Denver Broncos. Peyton has played below average not compared to his other season, but also compared to other quarterbacks. But there defense has been outstanding, and that's given them a perfect start. My questions today are 1: Can Peyton Manning clean up his play?
2: Can the Broncos win a Super Bowl?
First, Can Peyton Manning clean up his act? I think so. Even in this terrible season, we've seen flashes of greatness. The problem is his arm is not what it used to be. When he was younger, he seemed to put so much power on his throw, making it so hard to intercept him. Now, he seems to struggle throwing the ball with heat, and you see that when the pics are being thrown. Can he turn this season around? I don't think so. The power loss has come with age, and even one of the best QB's of all time can't stop that from happening. Thinking into the future, there are a lot of good options. They aren't going to get a great quarterback in this years draft given they'll probably have a later pick, so I think they make a move in the offseason. I know for a fact they could get there hands on RGIII or Johnny Football for pretty cheap. But for now, Peyton is the QB for the season.
The question though is, can the Broncos be in contention for a super bowl? I think there definitely in contention this season. In fact, if Peyton was dominating the way he used to, I'd call them the favorites. I think at this point, they need Peyton to back off a little and give the ball more to Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson. They both tear up the football field, and I think there offense could be more effective. The problem is their coach truly believes that he doesn't need to make any adjustments and there offense will eventually come alive. Maybe that'll happen, but I like the running game much better for this team. No matter what, though, they'll have to rely on there defense to win games. I'd call them one of the best in the game, and there the reason there undefeated. Peyton Manning has lead there team year after year, and now it's time for the defense to win ball games despite Peyton struggling. Either way, there's only 5 teams left unbeaten, and only 3 are 6-0. So any team with that record is, in my book, gonna have a chance for a Super Bowl (yes, even the Bengals). It's time for people to stop judging and embrace that the Broncos are still one of the top teams this year.
2: Can the Broncos win a Super Bowl?
First, Can Peyton Manning clean up his act? I think so. Even in this terrible season, we've seen flashes of greatness. The problem is his arm is not what it used to be. When he was younger, he seemed to put so much power on his throw, making it so hard to intercept him. Now, he seems to struggle throwing the ball with heat, and you see that when the pics are being thrown. Can he turn this season around? I don't think so. The power loss has come with age, and even one of the best QB's of all time can't stop that from happening. Thinking into the future, there are a lot of good options. They aren't going to get a great quarterback in this years draft given they'll probably have a later pick, so I think they make a move in the offseason. I know for a fact they could get there hands on RGIII or Johnny Football for pretty cheap. But for now, Peyton is the QB for the season.
The question though is, can the Broncos be in contention for a super bowl? I think there definitely in contention this season. In fact, if Peyton was dominating the way he used to, I'd call them the favorites. I think at this point, they need Peyton to back off a little and give the ball more to Ronnie Hillman and CJ Anderson. They both tear up the football field, and I think there offense could be more effective. The problem is their coach truly believes that he doesn't need to make any adjustments and there offense will eventually come alive. Maybe that'll happen, but I like the running game much better for this team. No matter what, though, they'll have to rely on there defense to win games. I'd call them one of the best in the game, and there the reason there undefeated. Peyton Manning has lead there team year after year, and now it's time for the defense to win ball games despite Peyton struggling. Either way, there's only 5 teams left unbeaten, and only 3 are 6-0. So any team with that record is, in my book, gonna have a chance for a Super Bowl (yes, even the Bengals). It's time for people to stop judging and embrace that the Broncos are still one of the top teams this year.
Sunday, October 18, 2015
NBA Predictions
The NBA preseason is well underway. Most likely the rosters now will be the same throughout the preseason and into the regular season. I thought now would be a good time to post my NBA Playoff predictions. Remember that now the division doesn't change where you are in the postseason.
Starting with the Eastern Conference number one seed we have the Cleveland Cavaliers. Honestly,
they would've been the number 1 team last season if it didn't take them so long to get in the groove later in the season. The absolute tear they went on last year leads me to believe they can go very far this year, and be the best team in the league.
The #2 seed this year will be the Chicago Bulls. I know this is
kind of a risky pick considering Derrick Rose will probably get injured, but he still will get in his share of games. Plus, I feel like the Bulls have built a franchise that has learned to effectively play without Rose in the game. And since they play in the weakest conference I have ever seen, they have a good chance to be high up in the rankings.
My pick for the #3 seed this year goes to the Indiana Pacers. I know it's kind of crazy to have the top 3 teams all from the same division, but just hear me out. Obviously we can blame them missing the playoffs last year on Paul George being out. Before that they were the only team in the east that had a shot of beating the Heat, and I think it shouldn't take them too much time to get back to that stage.
My pick for the #4 seed in the east this coming season is the Atlanta Hawks. Sure there not the most talented team, but they have a magnificent post game. They also work together really well. Let's admit it. Anyone who wins 60 games one season will be good the next season, especially if they are playing in the east and didn't lose anyone huge.
At the number 5 seed I have the Washington Wizards. They look pretty good, and I don't think they'll be any worse than a five seed. That being said, I just can't see them outplaying any of the four teams
above them. The Hawk's post game will be too much for them. They won't be able to contain Paul George. And the Bulls and Cavaliers are just flat out too good for them to be able to take the season series.
Going up against the Pacers at the #6 seed, I have the Toronto Raptors. I honestly don't really see a team that is a true threat when I look at the Raptors, But that doesn't mean they won't do alright. I just think that with the Conference there in, there isn't really a team to give them a true challenge for that position.
Squaring off against the Bulls at the #7 seed, I have the Miami Heat. This team has been struggling ever since the departure of LeBron James, missing out of the playoffs when they only needed 38 wins to qualify. That being said, there just like the Bulls in that
they are learning to play without LeBron, and I think they'll have another decent year followed by many better years after.
And finally at the #8 seed, I have the Charlotte Hornets. 4 from the Southeast? A little crazy, but yes, I think so. I just think they have young talent in Noah Vonleh, Kemba Walker, Frank "The Tank" Kaminsky, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. they also have veteran Al Jefferson. I think it's finally time to take that next step, get some playoff experience, so next season they can go for more.
Starting off my western conference bracket with the Golden State Warriors. After a 67 win, NBA championship winning season, they've got to be the favorite. In fact, I may put them as the favorite to win the whole thing given there roster, experience, and play making ability.
At the #2 seed in the west, I have the San Antonio Spurs. They've got the best coach in the history of the NBA and maybe all of sports. They also have one of the most talented teams after adding LaMarcus Aldridge to there rotation. Finally, they have a team that has been together of decades, so you can't really see them slipping down to anything lower than this seed.
At the #3 team in the west, I have the Oklahoma City Thunder. We of course all marveled at Kevin Durant's play a couple of years ago in his MVP run. Then last year we saw Russell Westbrook put up a good fight for the MVP honors. Unfortunately, we saw Kevin Durant get injured, and the western conference proved to be too much (even though they would've been a 6 seed in the east). But now, we get to see two MVP candidates on the same team. Add that in with there big man duo of Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter, there in for a great season.
The 4th and final seed to have home court advantage, I have the Houston Rockets. If they were in the east, they'd be my 2 seed. I just feel like they won't be able to keep up with the 3 powerhouses ahead of them. But still a title contender despite the seed.
Taking on the Rockets at seed number 5, I have the Los Angeles Clippers (I know they changed there logo, but I like this one a lot more). This whole lob city idea was genius, and I feel like giving Chris Paul multiple options down low in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan will make him a deadly passer. Plus, add in Lance Stephenson, who'll add in the athleticism they need to get a pretty high seed in the playoffs.
At the 6 seed and taking on the Thunder, I have the Dallas Mavericks. Sure, they lost Rajon Rondo, but they did get Deron Williams in the offseason, which, although he's not outstanding, will add a little athleticism. With Dirk Nowitski leading the way with Tyson Chandler, Dallas should have a stellar home record and an away record good enough for them to make the playoffs.
Coming in the 7 seed position and taking on the Spurs, I have the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis is an absolute beast all around. add that in with the athletic Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans guard combo, New Orleans should ant least have a playoff berth.
And finally, in the #8 seed and taking on the Warriors, I have the Memphis Grizzlies. This team has one of the best Power forward/ center game in the NBA, and with Mike Conley and Tony Allen helping out on the perimeter, the Grizzlies could be in for a playoff berth.
Starting with the Eastern Conference number one seed we have the Cleveland Cavaliers. Honestly, they would've been the number 1 team last season if it didn't take them so long to get in the groove later in the season. The absolute tear they went on last year leads me to believe they can go very far this year, and be the best team in the league.
The #2 seed this year will be the Chicago Bulls. I know this is
kind of a risky pick considering Derrick Rose will probably get injured, but he still will get in his share of games. Plus, I feel like the Bulls have built a franchise that has learned to effectively play without Rose in the game. And since they play in the weakest conference I have ever seen, they have a good chance to be high up in the rankings.
My pick for the #3 seed this year goes to the Indiana Pacers. I know it's kind of crazy to have the top 3 teams all from the same division, but just hear me out. Obviously we can blame them missing the playoffs last year on Paul George being out. Before that they were the only team in the east that had a shot of beating the Heat, and I think it shouldn't take them too much time to get back to that stage.
My pick for the #4 seed in the east this coming season is the Atlanta Hawks. Sure there not the most talented team, but they have a magnificent post game. They also work together really well. Let's admit it. Anyone who wins 60 games one season will be good the next season, especially if they are playing in the east and didn't lose anyone huge.
At the number 5 seed I have the Washington Wizards. They look pretty good, and I don't think they'll be any worse than a five seed. That being said, I just can't see them outplaying any of the four teams
above them. The Hawk's post game will be too much for them. They won't be able to contain Paul George. And the Bulls and Cavaliers are just flat out too good for them to be able to take the season series.
Going up against the Pacers at the #6 seed, I have the Toronto Raptors. I honestly don't really see a team that is a true threat when I look at the Raptors, But that doesn't mean they won't do alright. I just think that with the Conference there in, there isn't really a team to give them a true challenge for that position.
Squaring off against the Bulls at the #7 seed, I have the Miami Heat. This team has been struggling ever since the departure of LeBron James, missing out of the playoffs when they only needed 38 wins to qualify. That being said, there just like the Bulls in that
they are learning to play without LeBron, and I think they'll have another decent year followed by many better years after.
And finally at the #8 seed, I have the Charlotte Hornets. 4 from the Southeast? A little crazy, but yes, I think so. I just think they have young talent in Noah Vonleh, Kemba Walker, Frank "The Tank" Kaminsky, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. they also have veteran Al Jefferson. I think it's finally time to take that next step, get some playoff experience, so next season they can go for more.
Starting off my western conference bracket with the Golden State Warriors. After a 67 win, NBA championship winning season, they've got to be the favorite. In fact, I may put them as the favorite to win the whole thing given there roster, experience, and play making ability.
At the #2 seed in the west, I have the San Antonio Spurs. They've got the best coach in the history of the NBA and maybe all of sports. They also have one of the most talented teams after adding LaMarcus Aldridge to there rotation. Finally, they have a team that has been together of decades, so you can't really see them slipping down to anything lower than this seed.
At the #3 team in the west, I have the Oklahoma City Thunder. We of course all marveled at Kevin Durant's play a couple of years ago in his MVP run. Then last year we saw Russell Westbrook put up a good fight for the MVP honors. Unfortunately, we saw Kevin Durant get injured, and the western conference proved to be too much (even though they would've been a 6 seed in the east). But now, we get to see two MVP candidates on the same team. Add that in with there big man duo of Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter, there in for a great season.
The 4th and final seed to have home court advantage, I have the Houston Rockets. If they were in the east, they'd be my 2 seed. I just feel like they won't be able to keep up with the 3 powerhouses ahead of them. But still a title contender despite the seed.
Taking on the Rockets at seed number 5, I have the Los Angeles Clippers (I know they changed there logo, but I like this one a lot more). This whole lob city idea was genius, and I feel like giving Chris Paul multiple options down low in Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan will make him a deadly passer. Plus, add in Lance Stephenson, who'll add in the athleticism they need to get a pretty high seed in the playoffs.
At the 6 seed and taking on the Thunder, I have the Dallas Mavericks. Sure, they lost Rajon Rondo, but they did get Deron Williams in the offseason, which, although he's not outstanding, will add a little athleticism. With Dirk Nowitski leading the way with Tyson Chandler, Dallas should have a stellar home record and an away record good enough for them to make the playoffs.
Coming in the 7 seed position and taking on the Spurs, I have the New Orleans Pelicans. Anthony Davis is an absolute beast all around. add that in with the athletic Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans guard combo, New Orleans should ant least have a playoff berth.
And finally, in the #8 seed and taking on the Warriors, I have the Memphis Grizzlies. This team has one of the best Power forward/ center game in the NBA, and with Mike Conley and Tony Allen helping out on the perimeter, the Grizzlies could be in for a playoff berth.
Monday, October 5, 2015
MLB Playoffs
It's been a long, hard fought season that came down to the wire in the MLB. Now, we finally have the playoffs ready to go. I'm going to break down my picks for the 2015 playoffs.
The first game I want to break down is the American League wild card between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros. My pick is the Yankees. First, they have way more playoff experience. When there's only one game to play, you need guys who know how to play in clutch situations. In addition, the Yankees are more talented AND on one of the hottest streaks in baseball.
The next game is the National League Wild Card game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates. I see the Cubs coming away in this game. They have in my mind, the Cy Young of the league, and have some major assets on the offensive side of the ball.
In the ALDS we have the Toronto Blue Jays Going up against the Texas Rangers. This is going to be a five game set, and expect there to be some major offensive games in this series. I'm picking the Blue Jays. The Rangers have no pitchers who can slow down this high powered offense of possible MVP Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitski, and many more. Plus, they've got 2012 AL Cy Young David Price, who should take total charge in this game.
Over to the National League with the game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. I'm thinking the Dodgers. Unfortunately they've been in the Giant's shadow for a long time, and the Mets have been in the shadow of the Nationals and Braves. Now they both are getting a shot, so I'm expecting a great competitive series. I just think it'll be too hard for the Met's to score off of Zack Greinke AND Clayton Kershaw when they're both so dominant.
We saw the Cubs beat the Pirates earlier in the blog, but can they outlast the 100 win Saint Louis Cardinals? Sorry, but I have Chicago taking the loss. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see a sweep. The Cubs just don't have the talent or competitive fire to beat a team proven to be unbeatable. I will give them the game that Jake Arrieta pitches though. Sorry, but the curse will not be lifted this year.
The Yankees are historically the best team in all of sports, but can they beat the Royals, who had 4 all stars? I have the Yankees winning this one. Sure, the Royals had a great season, but there team has slowed down lately, and with the Yankees currently at the top of there game, I think the Yankees will take the win.
Now we've got what I think are the two best teams in the National League, the Cardinals and the Dodgers, squaring off in the NLCS. I have the Dodgers winning this game. Not only will their pitching be outstanding, but with Yasiel Puig back in the lineup there offense should be alright as well. This series WILL go far. I'm guessing 6 or 7 games. You never really know with baseball though.
Will the Yankees win the ALCS and go for yet another title? Or will the Blue Jays finally go for what they have long waited for? I think the Blue Jays will move on. Sure, their not the best playoff team, especially considering Tulo hasn't played in a playoff game since 2009. But David Price should give them a push forward, and there offense still contains Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion. Overall, they are so talented, and look like they've played together for a long time.
And finally, the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. My pick for the 2015 World Series Champion is the Toronto Blue Jays. There team hasn't been this way for very long, but Troy Tulowitski looks right at home. He's used to being injured and knows how to return with full strength. Josh Donaldson is my pick for the AL MVP (sorry Mike Trout). Finally, David Price should once again pitch a jam. Even if he doesn't, the Blue Jays will score. The Dodgers have been living off of low scoring games, and won't be able to handle them when they score 8, 9, 10 runs like I plan on them scoring. Even with Price and Kershaw, Toronto should be in for there third world series, and the first one since that dynamic team in the early 90's.
The first game I want to break down is the American League wild card between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros. My pick is the Yankees. First, they have way more playoff experience. When there's only one game to play, you need guys who know how to play in clutch situations. In addition, the Yankees are more talented AND on one of the hottest streaks in baseball.
The next game is the National League Wild Card game between the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates. I see the Cubs coming away in this game. They have in my mind, the Cy Young of the league, and have some major assets on the offensive side of the ball.In the ALDS we have the Toronto Blue Jays Going up against the Texas Rangers. This is going to be a five game set, and expect there to be some major offensive games in this series. I'm picking the Blue Jays. The Rangers have no pitchers who can slow down this high powered offense of possible MVP Josh Donaldson, Troy Tulowitski, and many more. Plus, they've got 2012 AL Cy Young David Price, who should take total charge in this game.
Over to the National League with the game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. I'm thinking the Dodgers. Unfortunately they've been in the Giant's shadow for a long time, and the Mets have been in the shadow of the Nationals and Braves. Now they both are getting a shot, so I'm expecting a great competitive series. I just think it'll be too hard for the Met's to score off of Zack Greinke AND Clayton Kershaw when they're both so dominant.
We saw the Cubs beat the Pirates earlier in the blog, but can they outlast the 100 win Saint Louis Cardinals? Sorry, but I have Chicago taking the loss. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see a sweep. The Cubs just don't have the talent or competitive fire to beat a team proven to be unbeatable. I will give them the game that Jake Arrieta pitches though. Sorry, but the curse will not be lifted this year.
The Yankees are historically the best team in all of sports, but can they beat the Royals, who had 4 all stars? I have the Yankees winning this one. Sure, the Royals had a great season, but there team has slowed down lately, and with the Yankees currently at the top of there game, I think the Yankees will take the win.
Now we've got what I think are the two best teams in the National League, the Cardinals and the Dodgers, squaring off in the NLCS. I have the Dodgers winning this game. Not only will their pitching be outstanding, but with Yasiel Puig back in the lineup there offense should be alright as well. This series WILL go far. I'm guessing 6 or 7 games. You never really know with baseball though.
Will the Yankees win the ALCS and go for yet another title? Or will the Blue Jays finally go for what they have long waited for? I think the Blue Jays will move on. Sure, their not the best playoff team, especially considering Tulo hasn't played in a playoff game since 2009. But David Price should give them a push forward, and there offense still contains Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion. Overall, they are so talented, and look like they've played together for a long time.
And finally, the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. My pick for the 2015 World Series Champion is the Toronto Blue Jays. There team hasn't been this way for very long, but Troy Tulowitski looks right at home. He's used to being injured and knows how to return with full strength. Josh Donaldson is my pick for the AL MVP (sorry Mike Trout). Finally, David Price should once again pitch a jam. Even if he doesn't, the Blue Jays will score. The Dodgers have been living off of low scoring games, and won't be able to handle them when they score 8, 9, 10 runs like I plan on them scoring. Even with Price and Kershaw, Toronto should be in for there third world series, and the first one since that dynamic team in the early 90's.
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