AF1: 2014 NBA FINALS GAME 7 PREVIEW (Heat vs. Kings)

[qfrmcpt310]

Holy Crap! You got Melo!!

Liking this one man

I wish! I'll say we made a competitive offer for him from a money-standpoint, but didn't have the personnel he was looking for. That said, the destination will surprise people and makes for some very intriguing scenarios.

Thats tough. Looking foward to see who you get and see where he went.(im thinking either LA Clippers or Nets)

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
OFFSEASON (PART 1)

NOTABLE RETIREMENTS
Zydrunas Ilgauskas (MIA) 36
Juwan Howard (MIA) 38
Derek Fisher (LAL) 36
Fabricio Oberto (CLE) 36
Grant Hill (SA) 38
Allen Iverson (WAS) 36
Marcus Camby (POR) 37

Summary: A diversity of different retirements in 2011. Allen Iverson stands out as the best of the bunch, having won an MVP trophy and taking his Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001. Grant Hill may have been just as good if he would have been able to avoid injury, but salvaged what was left of his career with impressive stints as a veteran role player.

Despite having to watch LeBron celebrate win the title, Cavs fans must have been happy for Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Cleveland’s franchise leader in games played finished his career with a championship in Miami. Ilgauskas’ strong performance his last ever game (Game 7 of the NBA Finals) and finally capturing a title to go out on top is a storybook ending for a Cleveland fan-favorite.

COACH RETIREMENTS
Jerry Sloan (UTA)
George Karl (DEN)


FACE OF A FRANCHISE: Jerry Sloan's 22 years with the Utah Jazz is feat of longevity that may never be equaled again

HALL OF FAME
Allen Iverson

THE ANSWER: Brash, controversial, and extremely gifted, "AI" will make his way to the Hall of Fame

1x MVP (2001)
11x All-Star
Rookie of the Year (1997)
3 x NBA 1st team
3 x NBA 2nd team
1 x NBA 3rd team

Age 36
Teams: (PHI-DEN-DET-MEM-PHI-WAS)
Draft: 1st pick—1st round (Sixers)

RE-SIGNINGS
Anthony Parker (65)—1 yr/548k

Not signed:
Wally Szczerbiak (62)
Daniel Green (62)
Leon Powe (58)


LOTTERY
1. Detroit
2. Sacramento
3. Golden State

*6. Cleveland


FIRST DIBS: The Pistons will be picking first at the 2011 Draft

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
OFFSEASON (PART 2)
2011 NBA DRAFT


CAVS GET A MAKEOVER
Wild Draft Day Shakes Up Cavs Roster

With a series of high-profile selections and trades, the Cleveland Cavaliers ended the 2011 NBA Draft with a dramatically different roster than at the start of the day. Cameron Stribling, the highly-touted second overall pick, will don a Cavs jersey next season while starters Mo Williams and Anderson Varejao were dealt away in draft day trades.

The Cavs were initially slated to pick sixth, but accepted a trade offered by the Sacramento Kings to move up to the second spot. In return, the Kings received the Cavs’ #6 pick and starting point guard Mo Williams.

With the second pick in the draft, Cleveland selected Cameron Stribling, a 22-year old shooting guard reminiscent of current star Monta Ellis. According to reports, Cavs scouts were extremely impressed by the George Washington star and rated him as the top prospect in the draft.

The second round also saw Cleveland deal away starting center Anderson Varejao for the Clippers’ #43 pick. The move can be interpreted as a salary decision, as the Brazilian’s limited output did not justify his sizable, long-term contract. The Clippers will be able to use Varejao immediately to challenge for the playoffs, while the Cavs can continue rebuilding by freeing up more cap room.

Cleveland’s two second round picks were power forward Senso Garibaldi and small forward Barney Garrison. Garibaldi, a 21-year old Italian, will provide depth and has been likened to a European version of Sean May. Meanwhile, the Cavs hope they can turn 20-year old Garrison into a solid role player in the Luke Walton mold.


CURSE OF CLIFFORD?
Detroit Trades Top Pick In Decision that Might Haunt Franchise for Years

With the number one pick in the 2011 draft, the Detroit Pistons selected point guard Clifford Oliver. The Arkansas standout has been tabbed for great success in the pros, compared to future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, and thought to run the Pistons’ offense for the next decade, at least.

That is, before the trade heard around the league.

Fellow league executives were shocked to hear the news out of the Toronto Raptors camp—the news that they had executed a trade with the Pistons for Clifford Oliver. The Raptors received Oliver, while only giving up the #5 pick in the draft and role player Jonas Jerebko.

The gutsy decision can be viewed in a variety of ways. Detroit coaches perhaps thought there was very little separating the quality of the top picks. This would mean the Pistons decision-makers did not see a clear difference between Oliver and Hakan Penbe, the Turkish point guard they took with the fifth pick. If the Pistons didn’t think they were sacrificing much to move down, then perhaps they also wanted to squeeze a little bit more value out of the pick by getting a role player in exchange.

On the other hand, many feel that the Pistons just blew a golden opportunity to kickstart their flagging franchise. Some see Oliver as a potential Hall of Famer if he can fulfill his potential that will eclipse Penbe in the long-term. Additionally, even if the Pistons did not agree with this assessment, most feel that they still could have gotten a better deal for the pick.

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011 NBA DRAFT

Here's a closer look at the top pics:

1. Clifford Oliver--------Pistons (traded to Raptors)---PG---22 yo.---Arkansas-------------------Comparison: Jason Kidd
2. Cameron Stribling--Cavs-----------------------------------SG---22 yo.---George Washington-----Comparison: Monta Ellis
3. Jamal Francis--------Clippers------------------------------SF---23 yo.---Penn St.--------------------Comparison: Kevin Durant
4. Troy Peterson-------Knicks-------------------------------SG---20 yo.---Valparaiso------------------Comparison: Jason Terry
5. Hakan Penbe---------Pistons------------------------------PG---20 yo.---Turkey----------------------Comparison: Steve Nash

And the Cavs' selections:

#2 Cameron Stribling----SG-----22 yo.-----George Washington-----Comparison: Monta Ellis
#36 Senso Garibaldi-------PF----21 yo.------Italy--------------------------Comparison: Sean May
#43 Barney Garrison------SF----20 yo.-----Oklahoma St.---------------Comparison: Luke Walton

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
OFFSEASON (PART 3)

FREE AGENCY
Carmelo Anthony to Indiana Pacers (5 yr/102 million)
Vince Carter to New Orleans Hornets (3 yr/32 million)
Michael Conley to Cleveland Cavaliers (1 yr/10 million)
Zach Randolph to Denver Nuggets
Shaquille O’Neal to San Antonio Spurs
Michael Redd to Denver Nuggets


Carmelo takes his talents to the Eastern Conference and the Indiana Pacers

CAVS FREE AGENCY
Signed PG Michael Conley (75) to 1 yr/10 million with player option for a second year
Signed C Tyson Chandler (65) to 2 yr/4 million
Signed SF Jared Dudley (72) to 2yr/8 million

[hova-]

Haha, the Pacers made it. What did Larry Bird tell Melo to move his and his wife's ass to Indiana? Carter's overpaid as hell. I like how Shaq joined the Spurs in order to get another shot at the ring. You pretty much overpaid Conley, two years is okay though. Decent signing in Chandler.

[Nutellar]

Melo to the Pacers ,

do they still have Granger, Hibbert and Collison?

this is going to be a huge team.

[Grandmama Johnson]

Haha, the Pacers made it. What did Larry Bird tell Melo to move his and his wife's ass to Indiana? Carter's overpaid as hell. I like how Shaq joined the Spurs in order to get another shot at the ring. You pretty much overpaid Conley, two years is okay though. Decent signing in Chandler.

Lol, I'm with you Hova. Melo's move to Indiana is surprising, but makes sense when you look at the size of their bid. When you combine all that money with a good supporting cast (Granger, Collison), you have a pretty attractive destination. More attractive than the Nets or Clippers? Probably not, but money talks.

Shaq to the Spurs might be my favorite move of the offseason. Him and Duncan are complete opposite personalities, which should make for some great entertainment, and it's great to see two legends teaming up for a final run at the title.

My justification for the Conley decision is our favorable cap situation and need for a point guard. After trading Mo, there was a big hole at PG. We also had enough cap room ($15 million) to acquire a player that could make the difference between making or missing the playoffs. Conley is probably worth $8 million on the open market, but giving him $10 million sealed the deal. It's a deal that works for both sides. Conley gets the most money possible. Cavs get a quality guard on a deal that gives them flexibility for long-term building while remaining competitive in the short-term.

Melo to the Pacers ,



do they still have Granger, Hibbert and Collison?

this is going to be a huge team.

They do. They still have to gel like Miami last year, but they have the core of a very competitive team. Who knows? Maybe they can get back to the standard of the Reggie Miller days

[kibaxx7]

In a sim I made the Pacers had Hibbert-Zach Randolph-Granger-Melo-Collison.

[Grandmama Johnson]

In a sim I made the Pacers had Hibbert-Zach Randolph-Granger-Melo-Collison.

Sick lineup, how did you keep them all under the cap?

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012 NBA SEASON PREVIEW
Heat Begin Title Defense



Only months after an epic NBA Finals, the Miami Heat begin their title defense against a host of familiar foes and new challengers. Last season, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh fulfilled their promise of delivering a title to South Beach, defeating the Lakers in seven games. If the Heat are to repeat as champions, their talented trio will have to remain just as hungry to win multiple championships.

The Lakers still remain one of the Heat’s most viable competitors for the throne. Kobe Bryant continues to age like fine wine, while Phil Jackson has agreed to stay on for a chance at a twelfth title.

Kevin Durant and the Thunder also have aims of unseating Miami. Posting last year’s best regular season record, Oklahoma City fell flat to the Mavericks in the quarterfinals. MVP Durant will attempt to build his legacy by ending the reign of King James.

The Houston Rockets are one team entering the year with lowered expectations. Having recorded the second-best record in the West last year, the Red-and-White will miss Kevin Martin for the entire season as the injury bug has dented the team’s title aspirations.

Back East, the Celtics remain contenders, despite an aging roster and demoralizing loss to the Heat in the conference finals. A healthy Paul Pierce should go some ways to making the squad more competitive come the 2012 postseason.

Outside of Miami and Boston, Chicago and Indiana remain intriguing “x-factors”. Derrick Rose will look to come of age this year for Chicago, while Indiana’s duo of Danny Granger and new signing Carmelo Anthony could spell trouble for the league’s defenses.

Game on.

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012 CAVS SEASON PREVIEW
New-Look Cavs Seeking Playoff Berth



With four new starters, the Cleveland Cavaliers take the floor for the 2011/2012 NBA campaign with hopes of a return to the playoffs. The franchise will look to improve on its 30-52 record from last season and continue its rebuilding project to return to the league’s elite.

Highly-touted rookie Cameron Stribling represents one of the keys to this year’s season. The second-overall pick has made an instant impact as the team’s starting shooting guard in preseason and how quickly he develops will play a large role in the team’s overall success.

Stribling is only one of a quartet of newcomers in the Cavs’ starting five. Guard Michael Conley, forward Jared Dudley, and center Tyson Chandler all joined the team via free agency. Returning star Antawn Jamison rounds out the unit, hoping to build on last year’s All-Star selection despite turning 35.

“We’re really excited about this year,” head coach Byron Scott said. “This is a new Cavs lineup that we believe can compete while also helping us rebuild.”

Projected Starters
PG Michael Conley—age 23 (77 OVR)
SG Cameron Stribling—age 22 (77 OVR)
SF Jared Dudley—age 26 (72 OVR)
PF Antawn Jamison—age 35 (75 OVR)
C Tyson Chandler—age 29 (66 OVR)

phpBB [video]

[Nutellar]

Nice season preview article . Good luck for the next period- lets see what Stribling can do

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
FIRST TRIMESTER REPORT

HEADLINES

*THUNDERSTRUCK: Durant and Westbrook lead Thunder to 24-5 mark

OKC is now six games ahead of their nearest conference rival, Los Angeles (18-11)
Durant (30.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG) eyeing second consecutive MVP

*ATL: A NEW CONTENDER?: The Hawks have an East-leading 20-7 record, but can they keep it up?

Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are ready to show there’s a new power in the East

*CARMELO INJURED: The new Pacers star has been sidelined for 18 of his first 28 games in Indiana.

A broken jaw will keep Melo out for another 1-2 weeks, as Indy sits at 13-15

*STRIBLING LIFTS CLEVELAND: The Cavs rookie is putting up impressive numbers (21.6 PPG)

STANDINGS

West
Thunder 24-5
Lakers 18-11
Mavericks 16-11
Spurs 15-12
Jazz 16-13
Timberwolves 14-14
Nuggets 14-15
Kings 12-13
----------------------------
Grizzlies 13-15
Suns 13-15
Blazers 12-14
Clippers 12-15
Rockets 12-16
Warriors 11-16
Hornets 10-18

East
Hawks 20-7
Heat 21-9
Celtics 17-11
Bulls 15-10
Magic 17-13
Pistons 15-13
Nets 13-14
CAVS 13-14
--------------------------
Pacers 13-15
Knicks 13-16
Raptors 12-16
Bucks 11-15
Wizards 9-19
Sixers 7-19
Bobcats 6-20

LEAGUE LEADERS
Points
Kobe Bryant, LAL (33.3 PPG)
Derrick Rose, CHI (31.5 PPG)
Kevin Durant, OKC (30.9 PPG)
LeBron James, MIA (29.2 PPG)
Aaron Brooks, HOU (27.4 PPG)

Rebounds
Dwight Howard, ORL (12.2 RPG)
Andrew Bogut, MIL (11.9 RPG)
Marc Gasol, MEM (11.3 RPG)
Pau Gasol, LAL (11.2 RPG)
Joakim Noah, DET (11.1 RPG)

Assists
Rajon Rondo, BOS (9.4 APG)
Russell Westbrook, OKC (8.6 APG)
Deron Williams, UTA (8.6 APG)
Chris Paul, NO (8.5 APG)
Jonny Flynn, MIN (7.8 APG)

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
CAVS FIRST TRIMESTER REPORT

Record: 13-14

Top Performers
Cameron Stribling (21.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG)
Antawn Jamison (17.7 PPG, 8.6 RPG)
Michael Conley (13.3 PPG, 5.6 APG)
Ramon Sessions (11.3 PPG, 3.8 APG as “sixth man”)

Headlines

*SO FAR, SO GOOD: Cavs find themselves in playoff position at the trimester mark

13-14 record good enough for eighth seed in East

*STRIBLING SOARS: Cavs rookie guard has delivered on the hype, averaging team-leading 21.6 PPG

*CONLEY HURT: (12/6) Broken arm derails starting point guard’s promising start, out 6-8 weeks

*STRIB DROPS 43: (12/8) Rookie sensation lights up Milwaukee for 43 in 116-108 road victory.


Rookie Cameron Stribling has been key to Cleveland's offense this season

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
CAVS SPOTLIGHT

Profile: Cameron Stribling



Selected as the second overall pick in the 2011 Draft, Cameron Stribling has lived up to billing in his young NBA career. The 22-year old, former George Washington shooting guard is the early favorite for Rookie of the Year. He’s also a key piece in the Cavs rebuilding process, helping guide the Cavs to a 13-14 record this year with his 21.6 PPG. But who is Cameron Stribling?

Stribling is a highly athletic, undersized shooting guard with an accurate shot and great range. At 6’, 212 lbs, Stribling gives up several inches to some NBA shooting guards. However, he may be one of the strongest pound-for-pound players in the league with a strength rating (70) that is significantly higher than the positional average (57). His strength is also complemented with plenty of speed (89), making him a dynamic player to contain.

Stribling’s main strength is scoring, reminiscent of a Monta Ellis or Allen Iverson. He’s got good mid-range game and can drain shots beyond the arc . His scoring prowess comes from an ability to use screens effectively and create separation from his defender. Even the slightest opening may be enough for Stribling to get off a shot, while defenses must also respect him off the dribble.

Whether Stribling can become a bonafide star in the league remains to be seen. He’s got tremendous physical gifts, but will have to channel his unpredictable personality into a desire to be the best. He’ll probably be a pure scorer as opposed to a genuine creator and how well he can develop his game once defenses begin adjusting to him will determine his long-term success. If he can evolve and adapt, Cleveland may have a perennial All-Star on their hands and their first post-LeBron franchise player.

[Nutellar]

Impressive record so far- i hope you can keep it up. Maybe the Pacers catch you when Anthony is healthy.

Looks like you had a strong pick in Strib.

[kibaxx7]

for Strib. Also nice PG duo in Conley and Sessions, they are both playing really good.

[Grandmama Johnson]

Impressive record so far- i hope you can keep it up. Maybe the Pacers catch you when Anthony is healthy.

Looks like you had a strong pick in Strib.

for Strib. Also nice PG duo in Conley and Sessions, they are both playing really good.

Thanks, guys. Definitely a promising start, but a lot of work to do. I'm really happy about Strib so far too. A lot of the coaching budget was put into scouting, so it's certainly vindication that we didn't mess up the #2 pick.

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
SECOND TRIMESTER REPORT

In this Issue:
Top Headlines
Standings
All-Star selections
MVP Race
Rookie of the Year Race

TOP HEADLINES

*THUNDER STAY TOP
OKC (42-14) maintains its six game lead at the top of the Western Conference
Lakers (36-20) and Mavericks (35-21) in pursuit

*HAWKS LOADING FOR TITLE RUN
Atlanta, second in the East, makes deal for Corey Maggette



*CP3 LEAVING NEW ORLEANS?
Sources say All-NBA guard will test the free agent market in the offseason
Mediocre Hornets (26-31) giving star fewer reasons to stay
Fellow All-Star Dwight Howard looking to secure future in Orlando



*PACERS UNDERACHIEVING?
After adding Melo in offseason, Pacers have fallen flat this year
Indy currently 26-31, outside of playoff position

*LOVE TO DENVER
Wolves deal former UCLA star and Nikola Pekovic to Nuggets
Receive Zach Randolph and 2013 first-round pick in return

*WALL-STAR
Wizards guard earns his first All-Star appearance in sophomore season
Andrew Bynum and Stephen Jackson also make All-Star debuts



STANDINGS

West
Thunder 42-14
Lakers 36-20
Mavericks 35-21
Rockets 31-27
Spurs 29-27
Kings 27-26
Jazz 27-29
Clippers 26-28
---------------------
Nuggets 26-31
Suns 26-31
Hornets 26-31
Timberwolves 24-30
Grizzlies 24-33
Blazers 23-34
Warriors 21-34


East
Heat 42-14
Hawks 39-17
Celtics 34-22
Bulls 31-23
Pistons 30-26
Magic 29-27
Knicks 27-28
CAVS 25-29
--------------------
Pacers 26-31
Sixers 24-30
Bucks 23-33
Nets 23-33
Bobcats 20-34
Wizards 21-37
Raptors 20-37

ALL-STARS

East

Starters
Dwyane Wade (Heat) 8th appearance
Rajon Rondo (Celtics) 3rd appearance
LeBron James (Heat) 8th appearance
Amar’e Stoudemire (Knicks) 6th appearance
Dwight Howard (Magic) 6th appearance

Reserves
Derrick Rose (Bulls) 3rd appearance
Stephen Jackson (Bobcats) 1st appearance
Danny Granger (Pacers) 3rd appearance
Josh Smith (Hawks) 2nd appearance
Brook Lopez (Nets) 2nd appearance
John Wall (Wizards) 1st appearance
Gilbert Arenas (Wizards) 4th appearance

West

Starters
Kobe Bryant (Lakers) 14th appearance
Deron Williams (Jazz) 3rd appearance
Kevin Durant (Thunder) 3rd appearance
Pau Gasol (Lakers) 4th appearance
Chris Kaman (Clippers) 2nd appearance

Reserves
Chris Paul (Hornets) 5th appearance
Monta Ellis (Warriors) 2nd appearance
Rudy Gay (Grizzlies) 2nd appearance
Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks) 10th appearance
Andrew Bynum (Lakers) 1st appearance
Manu Ginobili (Spurs) 3rd appearance
Brandon Roy (Blazers) 4th appearance

MVP Race
LeBron James (SF—Miami Heat—age 27) 32.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 6.0 APG
Dwyane Wade (SG—Miami Heat—age 30) 28.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.1 APG
Kevin Durant (SF—Oklahoma City Thunder—age 23) 30.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG
Josh Smith (PF—Atlanta Hawks—age 26) 14.9 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 4.1 APG
Kobe Bryant (SG—Los Angeles Lakers—age 33) 32.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.2 APG


Rookie of the Year
Clifford Oliver (PG—Toronto Raptors—age 22) 18.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.7 APG
Cameron Stribling (SG—Cleveland Cavaliers—age 22) 21.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.6 APG
Jamal Francis (SF—Los Angeles Clippers—age 24) 7.0 PPG, 5.9 RPG
Hakan Penbe (PG—Detroit Pistons—age 21) 3.6 PPG, 1.3 APG
Senso Garibaldi (PF—Cleveland Cavaliers—age 22) 3.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
CAVS SECOND TRIMESTER REPORT

Record: 25-29

Top Performers
SG Cameron Stribling 21.9 PPG
PF Antawn Jamison 19.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG
PG Michael Conley 14.5 PPG, 5.7 APG
6th Ramon Sessions 12.0 PPG, 4.2 APG
C Tyson Chandler 4.9 PPG, 6.6 PPG
SF Jared Dudley 6.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG
7th J.J. Hickson 7.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG


Team Storylines

*PLAYOFF CHASE
Cavs currently occupy the eighth and final playoff spot.
At 25-29, Cleveland still has to fend off the Pacers (26-31) and Sixers (24-30)
If season ended today, Cavs would face the Heat in the first round of the playoffs


STANDING TALL: Strib and the Cavs getting ready for decisive stretch run

*SESSIONS COMES ON STRONG (2/11)
The sixth man posts team-high 30 points, as well as 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in victory over Jazz

*STRIBLING FOR ROOKIE OF THE YEAR?
Cavs rookie (21.9 PPG) is top contender with Raptors point guard Clifford Oliver

[Nutellar]

The Pacers are really far behind from what i expected.
CP3 to Orlando- in NO he doesnt have a chance on a ring soon.
James is playing a monster season 32ppg almost 10 rpg , together with Wade they combine 60ppg

Good luck for Strib and your Cavs to stay in the top 8 East.

[hova-]

This Stribling guy is rocking.

[Grandmama Johnson]

2011/2012
PLAYOFF PREVIEW

TOP STORYLINES

*HEAT READY TO DEFEND TITLE

The “Big Three” head into the playoffs with an NBA-best 59-23 record.

*MOTOR CITY TURNAROUND

Detroit goes from NBA-worst 23-59 in 2011 to the playoffs in 2012

*FALL OF ORLANDO

The 2009 Eastern Conference champions go 37-45 and miss playoffs. Will even the loyal Dwight Howard want to stay?

*LEBRON RECLAIMS MVP

King James wins his third MVP in four years, dethroning Kevin Durant

*KOBE-SHAQ SHOWDOWN

Old teammates/rivals meet in Lakers-Spurs first round series. Is this the “Big Ending” for Shaq?

First Round Matchups

West
(1) Thunder vs. (8) Kings
Oklahoma City will be aiming to advance deep into the playoffs, having locked up the West’s top spot for the second straight year. Their upset loss in last year’s quarterfinals will motivate them, but the Kings and All-NBA second teamer Tyreke Evans will have plenty of fight in them.

(4) Jazz vs. (5) Hornets
It will be a matchup of two of the league’s premier point guards, as Deron Williams goes against Chris Paul. With CP3 looking to test free agency in the offseason, this may be New Orleans’ chance to launch a playoff run.

(3) Mavericks vs. (6) Rockets
It’s a Texas-sized showdown, as Dirk looks to return the Mavs back to the conference finals. Meanwhile, the Rockets rallied despite losing Kevin Marin for the entire season, making the postseason and demonstrating the team’s perseverance.

(2) Lakers vs. (7) Spurs
It may be Shaq’s last ever games. It may be Kobe’s last, best shot to win another title. Something will have to give in a rematch of last year’s first round series, which the Lakers won in 6. The Duncan-Gasol matchup will also be special to watch.

East
(1) Heat vs. (8) Sixers
Miami begins its title defense against Philadelphia in a series that looks like a mismatch on paper. However, combine a dynamic Andrew Iguodala, youthful Evan Turner, and a Dwyane Wade still getting back to 100% from injury, and you might have the makings of a competitive series.

(4) Bulls vs. (5) Knicks
It’s a big-market showdown between Derrick Rose and Amar’e Stoudemire. Both teams are looking to prove themselves as members of the East’s elite and legitimate title contenders. A win here would help establish that case for either New York or Chicago.

(3) Celtics vs. Indiana (6)
Boston enters the postseason optimistically, having the services of Paul Pierce after their star missed last year’s playoffs. In order to advance, they’ll have to take care of Indiana, led by Danny Granger, Darren Collison, and Carmelo Anthony.

(2) Atlanta vs. (7) Detroit
Atlanta (56-26) has been this year’s breakthrough team, grabbing the second seed over more high-profile opponents like Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando, and Indiana. Meanwhile, Detroit is this year’s underdog story. The Motor City has resurrected itself from an NBA-worst 23 wins last year to a playoff spot this year. The ATL is heavily favored, but don’t count these Pistons out just yet.


Best Records
Heat 59-23 (T-1)
Thunder 59-23 (T-1)
Hawks 56-26
Celtics 53-29 (T-4)
Lakers 53-29 (T-4)

Worst Records
Raptors 25-57
Wizards 26-56
Blazers 29-53
Bobcats 31-51
Nets 33-49 (T-5)
Warriors 33-49 (T-5)

Awards
MVP: LeBron James (SF—Miami Heat—age 27) 31.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 6.1 APG
ROY: Clifford Oliver (PG—Toronto Raptors—age 22) 18.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 5.5 APG
Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Smith (PF—Atlanta Hawks—age 26) 9.4 RPG, 2.5 SPG, 2.0 BPG
Coach of the Year: Larry Drew (Atlanta Hawks) 56-26

All-NBA 1st Team
G: Kobe Bryant (SG—Los Angeles Lakers—age 33) 33.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.1 APG
G: Dwyane Wade (SG—Miami Heat—age 30) 27.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.9 APG
F:LeBron James (SF—Miami Heat—age 27) 31.0 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 6.1 APG
F: Kevin Durant (SF—Oklahoma City Thunder—age 23) 30.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG
C: Dwight Howard (C—Orlando Magic—age 26) 20.0 PPG, 11.7 RPG

All-NBA 2nd Team
G: Tyreke Evans (SG—Sacramento Kings—age 22)
G: Deron Williams (PG—Utah Jazz—age 27)
F: Dirk Nowitzki (PF—Dallas Mavericks—age 33)
F: Rudy Gay (SF—Memphis Grizzlies—age 25)
C: Chris Kaman (C—Los Angeles Clippers—age 29)

All-NBA 3rd Team
G: Derrick Rose (PG—Chicago Bulls—age 23)
G: Rajon Rondo (PG—Boston Celtics—age 26)
F: Amar’e Stoudemire (PF—New York Knicks—age 29)
F: Danny Granger (SF—Indiana Pacers—age 29)
C: Andrew Bogut (C—Milwaukee Bucks—age 27)

All-Rookie Team
G: Clifford Oliver (PG—Toronto Raptors—age 23) 18.2 PPG, 5.5 APG
G: Cameron Stribling (SG—Cleveland Cavaliers—age 23) 22.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG
G: Hakan Penbe (PG—Detroit Pistons—age 21) 4.2 PPG
F: Jamal Francis (SF—Los Angeles Clippers—age 24) 7.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG
F: Senso Garibaldi (PF—Cleveland Cavaliers—age 22) 3.6 PPG

Season Leaders

PPG
Kobe Bryant (LAL) 33.2 PPG
LeBron James (MIA) 31.0 PPG
Kevin Durant (OKC) 30.0 PPG
Derrick Rose (CHI) 27.6 PPG
Dwyane Wade (MIA) 27.1 PPG

RPG
Dwight Howard (ORL) 11.7 RPG
Joakim Noah (DET) 11.6 RPG
Andrew Bogut (MIL) 11.5 RPG
Al Horford (ATL) 11.2 RPG
Pau Gasol (LAL) 10.7 RPG

APG
Rajon Rondo (BOS) 9.7 APG
Jason Kidd (DAL) 9.7 APG
Chris Paul (NO) 9.1 APG
Darren Collison (IND) 9.0 APG
Deron Williams (UTA) 8.7 APG

[Grandmama Johnson]

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
2011/2012 SEASON REVIEW



Improvement, But Not A Playoff Spot For Cavs
A post-All Star break hangover scuttled the Cleveland Cavaliers’ promising season, finishing with a record of 35-47 and missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Cavs battled on the cusp of playoff position for much of the season, finding themselves in eighth spot at 25-29 before the All-Star Game. However, a disastrous, 2-11 skid after the break and locker room problems effectively ended any hopes of the postseason.

“We had a horrible run that erased a lot of the good work we had done this season… one we frankly couldn’t recover from,” said head coach Byron Scott. “The team gelled really well for the first sixty or so games, but couldn’t finish it off and pull ourselves out of a tailspin.”

In truth, this season can still be considered a success for the Cavaliers. The club improved their record by five games (35-47) over their 2011 mark of 30-52. Additionally, the team was able to achieve this record with four new starters and was also able to identify a potential franchise player in rookie Cameron Stribling. However, the team’s early success had many fans dreaming of the playoffs and falling short of this goal may spell the end of Coach Scott’s tenure.

The Cavs began the year promisingly, as the new-look roster quickly developed into a formidable unit. Stribling and new acquisitions Tyson Chandler, Jared Dudley, and Michael Conley combined well with Antawn Jamison as the Cavs jumped out to a 13-14 record.

The club continued their strong play through the middle of the season, despite setbacks like Michael Conley’s broken arm in December. Supporting cast like Ramon Sessions raised their game, while Conley and Stribling emerged as an exciting guard combination.

However, all was not well in Cleveland. The Cavs imploded after the All-Star Break, going 10-18 to end the year. A 2-11 run was eventually stopped, but a 4-2 spurt to end the season was not enough to salvage the team’s playoff hopes.

Some of the blame for the late-season collapse will be put on the Cavaliers’ acrimonious locker room situation. Tyson Chandler’s dissatisfaction with the organization did not help a team fighting for the playoffs. Having a relatively young and newly-integrated ball club didn’t help matters either, as much of the team’s leadership was thrust upon Jamison.

“Our locker room is an internal matter that we will deal with inside the organization,” said Scott, upon being asked whether Chandler will have a place on next season’s roster. “We’ll deal with personnel matters in the offseason and make the decisions that make the most sense for our team.”

With Chandler (and potentially Scott) gone from Cleveland, the Cavs may be primed to make a big splash in free agency. Star guard Chris Paul will reportedly test the free agent market this summer and sources indicate that the Cavs are considering a competitive bid for his services.

The Cavs will look to improve their record once again in 2012/13, but if the Cavs can bring CP3 to CLE, the expectations will be sky-high.

Record: 35-47

Top Performers
Cameron Stribling (SG, age 23) 22.2 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.5 APG
Antawn Jamison (PF, age 35) 19.2 PPG, 8.0 RPG
Michael Conley (PG, age 24) 15.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.6 APG
Ramon Sessions (6th man, age 26) 12.6 PPG, 4.1 APG
Tyson Chandler (C, age 29) 5.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG
Jared Dudley (SF, age 26) 7.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG