HooPh Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-28

• alex crisano might do amateur boxing… he’ll do well, hes had some training eluding ethel’s punches http://bit.ly/c52P5C #
• the PBA is touchy touch, feely feel league - gabriel freeman, incoming and comebacking pba import… http://bit.ly/btyivn #
• caron butler - just chew it… http://bit.ly/azmlTJ nba says its the last straw…http://bit.ly/crek7k #
• ask alas… http://redhoops.com/2010/02/25/patriots-reader-questions/ #
• tiger will have to buy his gatorade now at walmart. #
• steve nash playing sweet highschool ball… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqDh2Ng4nAA #

Purefoods versus Alaska in the 2009-10 PBA Philippine Cup!

The zone defense makes you do things you don’t really want to do.

For example, not attacking the basket and FALL IN LOVE WITH THE THREE POINT SHOT!!!

San Miguel joins Ginebra and Talk N Text as those that fell in love shooting beyond the arc and NEVER made the finals of the 2009-10 PBA Philippine Cup.

At the start of the season, Purefoods pushed a lot of trades that sent two of their “prodigal sons” back in the fold. Paul Artadi fled to Ginebra after getting “hell” treatment from Ryan Gregorio for his inability to knock outside shots. Marc Pingris was sent away so that Enrico Villanueva can fill the need of the Giants to have a wide body in the inside after Romel Adducul was sidelined because of cancer. The team got two rookies – the best in the batch Rico Maierhofer (because Japeth Aguilar joined the Smart-Gilas roster) and Chris Timberlake. Gregorio had to also unload Richard Yee, Celino Cruz and Villanueva (the last two were instrumental for the Giants to claim Rafi Reavis). The better version of Artadi and the more seasoned version of Pingris were amongst the notables in Purefoods’ rise.

Say what you want about Ryan Gregorio, but the defense he put in to destroy San Miguel is genius! Making San Miguel lose three straight is a feat itself. The scary thing about SMB is that you don’t know who’ll erupt. Their bench can play like their starters. When Arwind Santos and Jay Washington needs to rest, Danny Seigle and Danny Ildefonso enter. Unlike Ginebra in the Alaska series though, Purefoods wanted to get the Beermen to fear them. Again, I give props to the awesome defense Purefoods gave SMB. Reavis, Pingris, Maierhofer, and Roger Yap flourished in this system while their main guns Kerby Raymundo and James Yap were gracious enough to not hog the field goals for themselves. While Don Allado, PJ Simon, KG Canaleta and Artadi hardly played and hardly became a factor in the SMB series, I expect these three to have a say on things for the Aces.

Speaking of which, Alaska has had a very lazy preseason. The major difference of this lineup was seldom used newb Mike Burtscher. While they have acquired Samigue Eman, he is barred to play for the team until the Fiesta Cup. However, their non-transformation heralded a long winning streak. While they after they suffered their first loss, things started to go downhill, they bounced back to claim the last outright semis spot. Willie Miller was superb in their opening games but his points are currently lackluster and inconsistent. However, Miller this season is happily playing his role as decoy, and letting his teammates share the limelight. Sonny Thoss was the bar none MVP of the Ginebra series because he was unstoppable in the shaded area. Mucho accolades also goes to Tony dela Cruz, Reynel Hugnatan and Joe Devance for anchoring the team’s scoring with Miller’s scoring absence. However, LA Tenorio is the team’s stabilizer. Unlike his other Ateneo teammates, Flying LA has certainly found a home in Tim Cone’s turf. He is scoring, orchestrating, and defending the ball as if he is a ten-year pro. The bench mob of the Aces might be inferior, but you need to be wary of Hugnatan, John Ferriols, Mark Borboran, Larry Fonacier, and Jeff Cariaso because all I can say is that the bench of Alaska is underrated.

So matchup-wise, I’ll say Alaska is more organized than Purefoods. Tim Cone has a unit very familiar to each other and you know they are organized because not anyone can adapt to his system. Alaska also has a great defense despite the fact that they aren’t that big. In terms of starting fives, the Aces have five players that normally play around 30 minutes per game. However, the Giants have intensity. While Alaska solved Ginebra’s run and gun game, Artadi, Pingris, Simon, Canaleta, and Maierhofer are all thrillseekers at Ryan Gregorio’s disposal. The fact that Purefoods’ bench is deeper than the Aces is another plus point for the “blue” boys. Their zone defense is suffocating and after Thoss, there is no other big to properly contain Kerby and Reavis. How Gregorio would use Maierhofer is also something to ponder upon.

I want to say more but I just got constraints…

I just got lazy.

Boohoo.

I won’t say which outduels what but I sense that Alaska will prevail in this matchup at 6 games.

Until then, GAME OVER!

HooPh Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-21

• mvp hates pba officiating so much that his meralco will buy another pba team, the barako bulls! #
• your starting five for the pba meralco team… Robert Jaworski, Big Boy Reynoso, Fort Acuna, Francis Arnaiz and Orly Bauzon #
• Tonyboy Cojuangco is optimistic with the ABL, we was optimistic too with ABC5. http://bit.ly/aLnVOv #
• see the nuffnang ad above? i must admit im tempted to do sports betting, the pba games are included. http://www.megasportsworld.com #
• the word “insincere” has been redefined. insincere= TIGER! can u believe this guy? Elin doesnt. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbnaRaOtys0 #

Weep the Sweep!

I sense a lot of sad basketball fanatics.

It’s probably because Ginebra got swept in their semis series against Alaska.

Sad but true… after a physical and emotional series with TNT, it seems as if the Kings found themselves huffing and puffing against the Aces. This is the fourth time (and a second time for non-finals matches) a team handed an opposing team the broom to sweep their asses. A few years back, Ginebra swept Red Bull. Junthy Valenzuela, Cyrus Baguio, Rich Alvarez, and Celino Cruz were amongst the players in that Barako squad then.

Willie Miller struggled in this series no thanks to Ronald Tubid. Guys like Tubid, Baguio, JC Intal, and Valenzuela are great players to have because they have offense and defense. However, Jong Uichico couldn’t solve Alaska’s size.

What? Alaska’s size???

TNT was bigger than Alaska in terms of heft and everything and yet Ginebra clawed consecutive three wins to clinch the series. Sonny Thoss, who barely averaged 9 points in the regular season, erupted for almost 16 points and 9 rebounds in the series. Sure, Eric Menk got hurt but they still have Enrico Villanueva, Billy Mamaril and the overachieving Willy Wilson! Jong Uichico should have used Rich Alvarez more in that series with Wilson and Intal failing to dish out their intensity from the TNT series but Alvarez barely played. Alvarez is a decent enough defender to thwart Joe Devance who is more of a big SF more than anything. If they need size then why can’t they just activate Doug Kramer, Paolo Bugia, Homer Se, and Junjun Cabatu???

And for these players, why the fuck would they still want to play for a team that won’t use them wisely? I know Bugia and Kramer have binding contracts but Cabatu and Se could just leave the team to go for a team that would use them!

Why do you think Norman Gonzales, Gilbert Lao, Ricky Calimag and Jason Misolas are getting the minutes even they aren’t “star potential” players?

I’m sold that Jong Uichico can’t use Villanueva properly. Fans loved his entry to the team at the start of the season because with a healthy Menk or Mamaril, they can have a twin tower setup. Villanueva shouldn’t be used as a center. Villanueva should also get enough touches to make his self effective. E-Vil averaged a mere 6.9 shots per game, which is almost half of what Ronald Tubid makes. Ginebra has a lot of scorers from the point and slasher positions that’s why I know think that sending Reavis to Purefoods was a bad idea. Same goes for Cyrus Baguio. I am beginning to think that Baguio will become Ginebra’s version of Renren Ritualo. I like Renren and I like Baguio so managements shouldn’t be greedy about their services and send them to teams that would use their talents wisely! People are saying all Baguio thinks is to score but what can Cyrus do??? He is a scorer for the longest time and people should spunk themselves if they think that Baguio would play 14 minutes and just pass and defend?

That is why I applaud Sam Eman. If you are a second pick overall playing less than 15 minutes to a squad that won’t likely use you, then you have to decide if you want job security or superstardom.

Now for you SMC haters, this is how San Miguel gets their top players. Remember when Ron Jacobs “molested” the 30-second injury timeout back in the 90’s? Well this is the salary cap version.

San Miguel would sign their players to inexpensive and short-term contracts. Even if they are left unsigned, they will still practice and be associated with them so that when a player comes back from injury; their salary cap would be able to accommodate these players. The only reason why players to continue to stick with SMC is that they overload the players with great benefits and bonuses!

Don’t you know that SMC janitors earn over 20,000 pesos? Who doesn’t want to work for SMC? Ten years of working for them and you’ll live awesomely, be the envy of the people in your high school reunion and make your bullies cry about their pathetic existence.

Okay, I’ll shut up on the money part. Returning to Eman, SMC reportedly offered Eman a transfer to the Ginebra camp to bolster their size. But Eman had other things in mind. Unlike reserved list-mate Chris Calaguio, he still has a future (Calaguio has too but he’d rather go with a “secure” job than getting a storied career). Going to Alaska solves the Aces’ need for size. If he blossoms in Tim Cone’s system, imagine a troika of Thoss, Eman, and Devance, who will now have an easy time unloading his three point shots with Eman striving in the middle.

More Ginebra loss to Alaska’s gain…

JC Intal, the MVP of the TNT series, was grounded in this match up. Chot Reyes didn’t cared much on Intal but Cone gave The Rocket Tony Dela Cruz and TDC made the up and coming star revert back to his rookie days.

And finally, the aged-old question…

Did Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand disrupted Ginebra’s gameplay?

Remember when the early 2000’s version of the Sacramento Kings were eliminated after a strong showing and the fault was ruled that Chris Webber disrupted the team’s system? While I think Tubid, Baguio, Cruz, and Intal propelled the team to where they are today, Ginebra is not Ginebra with Helterbrand and Caguioa. Come playoff time, the big guns blossomed. Check out Eric Menk – until his injury, he was regaining form to battle the bigs of TNT. Except for Baguio, these guys have playing time. Ronald Tubid bungled the chance to tie the game towards the end of Game 3 while the constant shackling of Dela Cruz on Intal made the Rocket force his shots. Without The Bandanna Brothers, I don’t even think the Kings stand a chance against the Aces. Even Sunday Salvacion played well in this series. I strongly believe that the old guns give the team the added oomph.

It’s just a shame that the Kings got bamboozled by the Aces.

Hopefully the Kings can fill their need on height with a great post up import. Mind you though, the only constant in the small positions are Jayjay Helterbrand headlining and Celino Cruz backing him up. Caguioa will claim the SG spot as he’ll also fight with Tubid, Baguio, Intal, Junthy Valenzuela, Salvacion and INJURIES to secure that spot.

Is Chris Alexander available?

Game over.

Xxx0xxX

Meanwhile… Alex Crisano and Adonis Sta. Maria just became free agents! After a stellar season in a ragtag squad, the erstwhile Barako Bull team captain is team-less. Unlike Adonis though, Crisano will get offers. Burger King, Sta. Lucia, Rain or Shine, and Coke are amongst the teams that could use his services. I won’t be surprised if a top team considers hiring him. This colorful character that debuted in the pro circuit with the MBA’s Nueva Ejica Patriots logged 8.9ppg, 6.2rpg and 0.8apg in 22.6 minutes.

HooPh Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-14

• for anthony suntays millions and millions of fans, heres his life… http://bit.ly/cL7PgI #
• nba players FTW… http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/02/05/game.winners/index.html 4 hits by the black mamba! #
• retro semis for the pba, i remember those days 97 - 98, the end of jaworski era. http://pba.ph/jwc/best-four-teams-semis #
• why espn bosses are signing up david thorpe to do espn chats all he got… “i dnt know” “i have no idea” “i have no clue” #
• http://bit.ly/98MFXw lakers are 3 and O wout kobe, this could just end the already thin kobe-is-mvp case. #
• last week it steven seagal who visited pacman, then van damme, who’s next? chuck norris? http://bit.ly/cQQdPf #

UNLEASH YOUR INNER TIGER: BE FASTER, LIGHTER AND STRONGER WITH ADIDAS

Short message from our Adidas friends…

UNLEASH YOUR INNER TIGER: BE FASTER, LIGHTER AND STRONGER WITH ADIDAS

Read more

The 2010 PBA Philippine Cup Quarterfinal Breakdown

I like the PBA Philippine Cup tournament format, especially if it features the teams with the biggest fanbase. Unlike telenovelas, the final episode would likely not disappoint (endings matter if the show sucked or the actor does drugs, jumps network, or gets impregnated). Perhaps the best series this season came from the best-of-five tilt between the crowd darlings Baranggay Ginebra Kings and the defending champs Talk N Text Tropang Texters.

And yeah, this is only a quarterfinal matchup.

Usually a team checks in to their locker rooms at around 3pm. Even if the game is the second of two double-headers, players and coaching staffs need to come early to check the surroundings, get a bit of shoot-a-round action, and help the team map out a plan to seal the opposing team.

As of 4:30pm, TNT has yet to crowd their designated locker room.

Talk N Text, if they play, will miss the services of Ranidel de Ocampo. Before that controversial Game 4 walkout which prompted the Ginebra-Talk N Text series to get a do-or-die match, Ranidel is averaging under ten points and seven caroms for the Tropang Texters. Sure, he hasn’t been his normal scoring self since getting traded from Air21 midway last year’s Philippine Cup, but if TNT wants to get a crack at the semis berth against Alaska, Chot Reyes will need his services.

Unfortunately, he can’t. His suspension was the subject of controversy for the walkout. TNT thinks the refs are favoring Ginebra while the Kings think their accusations are baseless. Actually as Quinito Henson pointed out in his Philippine Star column, free throws will get a huge chunk of airtime when you pit the league’s most fouled team against the league’s most foul-ridden team.

You can contest all you want if Ranidel de Ocampo deserves the flagrant foul 2 infraction, whether Ronald Tubid needs to get a counter flagrant foul, or whether TNT overacted but it sucks that a series has to end like this. Do you think Sonny Barrios, the guy that denied San Miguel an outright win because TNT had to wait for their right uniforms during an out-of-town game, could persuade the Texters to return to the court? There are a lot of ways to mock a series. Can a quintet of Jonathan de Guzman, Pong Escobal, Mark Isip, Orlando Daroya, and the Yakult mascot be a better way to ridicule the refs? Funny… but no! TNT had to do that but its either they walk out altogether… or win to claim their redemption.

While the Purefoods-Rain Or Shine series proved entertaining as well, its fanfare fails compared to TNT vs GIN. Purefoods sealed a matchup against Fiesta Cup defending champions San Miguel after extinguishing Rain or Shine’s Cinderella playoff run. James Yap churned out monster numbers for the Giants after Kerby Raymundo scored 34 points in a losing effort.

I went to mass at around 5:30pm.

I came back at around 7:30 and Ginebra leads as the first half is about to end.

Aside from the fanfare, and the “Be Fair” shirts worn by the Tropang Texter faithful, there is nothing much to cheer in this match.

As of this writing, you’d probably know that Ginebra won a semis berth against the Aces. The odds were up for grabs until the dying seconds of the first half. The lead ballooned to 17 at some point and except for a five-point interval, the situation was never close.

Here’s why:

Small Ball: You cannot small ball Ginebra. Ginebra is the king of small ball. They have eight players that can act as shooters or slashers for crying out loud! You take out Ronald Tubid and Cyrus Baguio and Jong Uichico unleashes Celino Cruz, Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand. If needed, the Kings can summon Sunday Salvacion, Kevin White, and Johnny Abarrientos. Plus, JC Intal and Willy Wilson can play that spot with ease. The only reason why I’m not bundling Intal in this point is that he’ll have a different point!

Rebounds: Even without Ranidel de Ocampo, the Texters still have Harvey Carey, Ali Peek, Yancy de Ocampo and Nic Belasco. Did Ginebra expose the fact that these guys do not have the legs to go head-to-head with Enrico Villanueva, Willy Wilson, JC Intal, and Eric Menk? Okay, my bad. You can scrape off the point I brought about Ginebra’s small ball. The lack of height caused Chot Reyes to send in a speedy lineup. At this point, Uichico grabbed the chance to “circulate” Villanueva, Menk, and Wilson in that PF/C spot. He still has Billy Mamaril and Rich Alvarez in his disposal.

Ineffectivity (the inability to play effectively): I heard TNT didn’t even practice the day before Game 5. Then I noticed that the big guys are getting muscled and the small guys are merely hurling their shots. Jason Castro is missing easy layups, Mac Cardona is forcing his shots, and Jimmy Alapag is nailing his threes without even bothering to call for ball movement! Where are the plays?

JC Intal: During Game 1, Chot Reyes insisted to let Intal do the damage but go all out in punishing Ronald Tubid and Cyrus Baguio. The Fast and the Furious duo have played sparingly and Skyrus has been grounded in terms of minutes. No thanks to Intal and Wilson, Jong Uichico found it easy for him to revert Baguio’s minutes as sporadic. Intal destroyed his career high twice in this series. Making the Rocket go berserk is one of the biggest mistakes of Chot Reyes.

The Mind Games: I think this perhaps the biggest thing they failed to prey in. The last time a successful walkout happened was during Robert Jaworski’s time. Everyone should be scared on how TNT will react. Will they blurt it out on the refs? Will another incident occur? Will the ratings soar because of this…

Fact is, Chot showed his emotions when TNT was getting rocked by the Gins in the closing minutes. All of a sudden, the lack of urgency played an unsettling noise in the TNT huddle. Even Chot’s sarcastic clap for a ref botch call could spark a TNT crowd to try to upstage the Gin crowd.

Looking to the future, maybe this was a better call. Imagine the Gins fans going full force against Tim Cone and the Alaska Aces? I tell you, we can be looking at another less controversial but action-packed series! Purefoods versus San Miguel is also an interesting matchup.

It’s disappointing though that the perfect avenue to make the refs your bitches was wasted on uninspired action.

Did I mention TNT is 500,000 pesos poorer?

Game over.

Behind the Box Score: Where Ginebra and Purefoods are advancing

Yes this is a shameful PBA version rip-off of Ball Dont Lie’s Behind the Box Score.

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings 113 Walk err Talk and Text Tropang Texters 100

This is one of those games that you just cannot miss. A knock-out game coming off a very controversial fouth game? What more can you ask for? This is a game that even when you’re not a fan of either team, you’d tune in just to see who ends up on top.

Ginebra finished the series with their best offensive performance yet. 113 points 24 assists on 39 field goals? Not bad. They had some problems with their turnovers, but their rebounding (63-51) and hustle made up for it.

JC Intal, much like through out the series, was phenomal. 28 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks with no turnovers. What more can you ask for from this young man? He was Ginebra’s lifeline when things aren’t going right. He nailed a crucial three when TNT cut the lead to 6, made a very impressive put back slam to end the third quarter (And TNT’s mini-run). JC was a borderline bust when he was rotting in the bench of Air 21 (And for early parts, in Ginebra) but this is JC’s team now. Ginebra fans, welcome to the JC Intal era.

Willie Wilson doesn’t get enough credit from the fans, but he’s always been one of my favorite players. This guy scored all of his 14 points in the second half and made crucial offensive rebounds in the latter stage of the game. He epitomizes the word energy. Eric Menk as usual went solid in the latter stage of the game. He may not be the MVP type of player that he once was, but he’s Ginebra’s anchor when their offense are going nowhere.

Ronald Tubid also made his presence felt offensively, but he will be more credited here for something that isn’t seen in the box score. Celino Cruz? Effecient. 13 points on 6 shots, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. He played waay better than Jayjay and Mark, two guys who I think should get their minutes limited.

For Talk and Text, Mark Cardona and Jason Castro should be getting more shots. Cardona took 23 shots (For 21 points) but in a do or die game, he should be good for atleast 5 more shots. No one in Ginebra is capable of guarding Jason Castro, but can you explain to me how Jimmy Alapag took 6 more shots than him?

Jimmy shot the game away for Talk and Text. He forced the issue too much during clutch where in they should’ve been setting up plays for their best offensive player in Mac Cardona or taking advantage of Jason Castro’s quickness against his defenders. Bad decision making and failure to make any significant run ended Talk and Text’s title defense.

Overall thoughts on the series? The Texters shot themselves on the foot by walking out on Game 4. They were viewed as unprofessional, they lost out a good chance at closing the series and gave the Ginebra fans more reasons to get rowdy in the deciding Game 5. Their pride became their very own downfall and Ginebra capitalized on it. In a series as close as this, you wouldn’t want to give Ginebra some breathing room. Lesson learned for TNT, Ginebra fans rejoices.

Purefoods TJ Hotdogs 95 Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 85

Awesome game for Purefoods. They were executing well offensively and choked the life out of Rain or Shine’s offense defensively. They showed poise and made great decisions all through out the game, something Rain or Shine wasn’t able to do in the second half.

For all the shit James Yap has been getting all season long, he finally showed why he’s considered as one of the best shooting guards in the league today. 28 points on 22 shots while making Jeff Chan and Ryan Arana look like amateurs on defense. None of his shots were forced too. Overall, it was a big time game in a big time game for Big Game James.

Marc Pingris ate the Painters alive in the Paint (Pardon the pun) 14 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks. He had the same number of rebounds as Jervy, JR Reyes and Mark Telan combined.

I think it’s time for the Painters to part ways with Coach Caloy Garcia. He did his share in lifting the team up from the cellar but I think they won’t get to that “next” step with him around. I might be a little too quick on pulling the trigger on him, but I feel like he failed to pull his team together when things are falling apart. Their offense was stagnant for most part of the second half and when you have Gabe Norwood and Solomon Mercado on your team, that is unacceptable.

Speaking of the duo, they played solid. Sol scored 23 points (20 shots) and Gabe added 20 (18 shots) however, they should be more concerned on attacking the hoop more. They took 15 three point attempts combined (Made 4) where in they should have been getting to the foul line more had they attacked the rim.

Their support however, choked. Big time choked. JR Reyes should be taking more shots. When you’re projected as the next best big man in the league, you should be taking more than 7 shots in a do or die game. Their next best scorer Jeff Chan got torched by James Yap on defense and he wasn’t much better on offense too (8 points, 2-9 shooting)

Purefoods deserved this game. The lead should have been bigger with the way they ran their offense and played stifling defense. Rain or Shine is blessed with two of the most dynamic players in the league right now with Gabe and Sol. Now’s the time to look for able support and a coach who will make his players take the next step.

Got questions? Ask it here just don’t ask for my number or something.

HooPh Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-02-07

• jayjay helterbrand t-shirt here oh… http://s-cred.com/catalog/2010/02/01/jayjay-helterbrand-t-shirt-fst-grd/ #
• kyla feels lucky to have rich alvarez, i just dunno if ginebra can feel the same way. http://bit.ly/bRzokh #
• talk to tim cone himself on feb 5. how? go to their practice facility or go here. http://bit.ly/adStHu w/c ever is easier for you. #
• the other side of alex crisano… http://gtcsports.blogspot.com/2010/02/alex-great-defender-of-hard-court-and.html #
• holy sh*t, you wanna learn sports writing? this is d event u dnt wana miss. send d link to firequinito! http://bit.ly/bwV4dt #
• Fil-Am Nover to ‘have some fun… http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/02/04/10/fil-am-nover-%E2%80%98have-some-fun%E2%80%99-ufc-109 #
• Leaked: Nike Air Max LeBron VII P.S. for the 2010 NBA Playoffs… http://bit.ly/duQX7s #
• eh kung kami naman kaya ang magwalkout sa panonood ng pba ha chot? ha?! ha?! ha? #
• talk n text walked out during the 1st q. happy nic belasco got to be home early. guess whos waiting… http://bit.ly/cDsa3U #
• save the cheerleader from this heavyweight… http://bit.ly/biBxPQ #

Belittling the 2010 NBA All-Stars: The Western Division

The East has been eyed but we also need to check out the West.

This is the time where I get lazy.

Oh wait… it seems like I have a backbone now.

See. I lost it again.

Hey… I AM NOT BASHING KOBE!!!

The Starters!

KOBE BRYANT: The guy just earned a championship and he recently became the Lakers’ all-time leading scorer. I cringe at his existence when he wore #8 but since becoming Mr. #24, he has been more than tolerable (*cough* CELTICS FAN *cough*)
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

CARMELO ANTHONY: You can’t have LeBron and D-Wade in an all-star game without Melo. This is as simple as that. Although he missed a bunch of games, he is one of those characters who shouldn’t miss the festivities.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE: Well… here’s the thing: without Yao Ming, he and Duncan are the only bigs capable to headline the West. I also helped the fact that Phoenix had that superb winning rage at the start of the season.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

TIM DUNCAN: I like the guy. Really, I do. He might not be flashy but his accomplishments speak volumes of how powerful his game is. He is an all-star, that’s a gimme – but I’m not sure if he’s the right starter for the West.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

STEVE NASH: How come he’s in this year but he was out last year? Anyway, the powerful Phoenix start was enough to catapult his name in the list. For a guy who’s past his prime, he seems to be NOT past his prime. Anyway, without Jason Kidd, he’ll likely be the one dishing the jaw-dropping dimes. I hope he could “soccer” the ball with gusto.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

The reserves!

DIRK NOWITZKI: This guy should be the one getting the nod with the emphasis of the games to be held in his turf. Again, the surge of his stats if you compare this to Duncan is one of the reasons why he should be the guy up top. Fans will salivate over the Nash/Dirk reunion.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

CHRIS PAUL: CP3 continues to evolve into a superb type of player. New Orleans has yet to repeat the winning season they had a few seasons back but there is no question on who is the team’s undisputed leader. I take back what I said. He sucks. Rondo is better. TRADE PAUL FOR RONDO!!!
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

BRANDON ROY: I wanted a LaMarcus Aldridge sighting but that’s not meant to be. What’s meant to be is that Roy could follow Clyde Drexler’s footsteps. There are a lot of old teams in the Wild, Wild West and Roy and his Blazers are a couple of seasons away from headlining their conference.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

KEVIN DURANT: Being pick number 2 is not bad, especially for this debuting All-Star. OKC is surging up with his heroics and imagine if he was picked first instead of Greg Oden? This is the same feeling Tyreke Evans and Brandon Jennings will have when they let Blake Griffin and Hasheem Thabeet watch their all-star performances.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL

DERON WILLIAMS: I am iffy about this. A couple of years ago I will say that Deron deserves an all-star berth. However, how come his first appearance came about from a weak season? Utah isn’t as impressive now and you have to wonder about that because he and Carlos Boozer are healthy now.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL BUT THERE’S A CATCH

PAU GASOL: Here’s another guy that I have a beef in. He isn’t getting the 20-point 10-rebound range and he started out injured. I would have wished Chris Kaman earned a slot after having an awesome season. However, Gasol isn’t a slouch either. If there should be two slots for the defending champs, one needs to be him.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL BUT THERE’S A CATCH

ZACH RANDOLPH: Here’s the thing. While I think Randolph is a fine player, enduring the talent-laden Portland roster to his stops in New York and the Clippers, Z-Bo is the first person I’d ship out if I wanted another star to be sent to the all-star games. Even if he is playing great as a Griz, it’s hard to approve when you are not that popular and your team has a losing record.
Rate: ALL-STAR MATERIAL BUT THERE’S A CATCH

The Next in Line!

CHRIS KAMAN: I can say Aaron Brooks, Aldridge, Boozer, Kidd, Chauncey Billups and even Al Jefferson but I have to go with Kaman. First of all, had Blake Griffin played, Kaman would have been part of the Clips’ bench. LA’s abundance of size led them to strike out Randolph so that they’ll have him, Griffin, and Marcus Camby. Then Griffin got injured for the whole season. That sucked. But then Kaman went berserk and took up the void left by Blake. He responded to the call and which is one of the reasons why he should be in the all-star.

Although, had he been the one shipped to Memphis…

Anyway, the best thing about the all-star games is that it’s a week before the TRADE DEADLINE!

This means more names to pop and switch!

Until then…

GAME OVER!

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