The FIBA World Cup: The Unveiling of the Next Shaq

There has never been a basketball player much like Shaquille O'Neal. The 7 footer who will forever been known as the most dominant player of all time, until now. Shaq was the definition of a beast, he pushed others around like a child pushing around toy cars and made his opponents look like that very kid. We have never seen someone much like him, the combination of immense size, immeasurable strength and irrefutable power. Although with the coming of the FIBA world cup has also arrived the second coming of this monstrous type of basketball player.

Only a few games in it is undeniable as to the emergence of the next Shaq like superstar. Coming in the form of one of our very own Australian ballers. They call him the "Outback Shaq,"and they call him that for a reason.

That Asian Guy is 7 foot 2 and weighs 123kgs

Nate Jawai, the Outback Shaq, built like a truck, moves like a deer and has a booty to be jealous of. He truly has all the attributes needed to become the next Shaq, I suppose only time will tell. Considering, that since he was born in august 2001 he has just ticked over to 13 years old. The 6 foot 10 Australian teenager has an extremely promising future and during a recent interview was asked about that very thing. Although due to his teenage stage in life his voice broke several times and he ended up just walking off embarrassed. His mother, who travels with him everywhere and still tucks him into bed later told reporters that since he had an early growth spurt, "puberty seems to be taking its time."
As the back up centre, its hard to say exactly what his future will show, due to the lack of heavy minutes, although we can be certain he will be as good as the famous Shaquille O'Neal.

Several NBA scouts are already reporting back to their respective teams on the 13 year old centre. Saying "yes he is young, but just think how much growing he has ahead of him."
A Spurs scout wondered "is he actually 13?" Although that scout has not been heard from since asking the question and it is recommended that no one else do so.

Be aware, and be waiting, because the Outback Shaq is going to take over the basketball world. Touchstone Pictures knows this, and have recently offered Jawai a lead role in their latest film. A story about a rough outback Australian kid from a broken home who is sad about his dad or something and then runs into a massive black genie and then a heap of incoherent bullcrap happens. They are calling it KaShiiiiiiii#$%^ttttttttttt.

- Sorry for the satire -

Offseason Boredom: NBA Playoffs Historically, where basketball actually happens.

The Boston herald, under the Celtics and NBA category just posted an article about how an NBA referee is going to marry her long time partner. I'm so sorry palmer, but I care more about the itching unwanted lump on the underside of my lower leg than I do about your impending nuptials.
The majority of offseason moves are over, just waiting on Kevin Love to hurry up and flipping happen. But besides that we are into the ongoing drone of the offseason. The world champs will come around soon I suppose, which will be great to get to see Anthony Davis and KD wreck havoc on the world. Alongside a band of guards, besides Klay, all of whom were in the conversation for worst Defender in the League. (Jimmy Harden, Steph Curry, Damian Lillard, and Kyrie Irving, D Rose who couldn't stop anyone last year, and assuming John Wall doesnt make it), (which he should because it would be so much more fun to watch, they should play him at the 2 with Steph).

Also looks like Jim had quite the lazy offseason.

Maybe Harden learnt a few too many things from Hasheem back in the day. In light of this, why hasn't there been any talk about the outrageous slapping that Houston took this offseason? In the year it has all been leading up to, their big break out, they just got considerably worse. Whoring themselves out for a star who never came.

Anyway, I also don't really understand why there is so much talk about season stats. Fans love raw stats, I get that, and thats fine, its fun to look at box scores and season averages. Although there isn't nearly enough conversation about postseason stats. Because really, that is the time when basketball, real competitive basketball actually happens. During the season, players are resting, teams have stopped trying and basketball doesn't completely happen. This is a look back on some of the best stat lines from Finals MVP's over the years going back to as late 1980. A real fan should have a historical awareness of how good some players actually were, when it really mattered.

I totally understand and agree that raw stats don't tell us even close to everything, but it's still fun. Only listing the best and most important ones, (these are playoff averages, not just Finals).

1980 MVP - Magic Johnson (rookie)
PPG    - 18.3
APG   - 9.4
TRPG - 10.5
SPG   - 3.1
PER   - 22.1

1983 MVP - Moses Malone
PPG    - 26
TRPG -18.2
SPG    -1.5
BPG   -1.9
PER   - 25.7

1984 MVP - Larry Bird
PPG    - 27.3
APG   - 5.9
TRPG -11.1
SPG   -2.3
BPG   -1.2
PER   - 26.3

1986 MVP - Larry Bird
PPG    - 25.9
APG   - 8.7
TRPG - 9.3
SPG   - 2.1
PER   - 23.9

1987 MVP - Magic Johnson
PPG    - 26.2
APG   - 8
TRPG - 13
PER   -  26.2

1990 MVP - Isiah Thomas
PPG    - 20.9
APG   - 8.0
TRPG - 5.5
SPG   -2.2
PER   - 21.0

1993 MVP - Michael Jordan - (along with every other year being just about the same)
PPG    - 35.1
APG   -  6.0
TRPG - 9.7
SPG   - 2.2
BPG   - 1.0
PER   - 32.0

1994 MVP - Hakeem Olawajuan
PPG    - 33.1
APG   - 4.5
TRPG -11.1
SPG   - 1.7
BPG   - 4.0
PER   - 27.7

1999 MVP - Shaquille O'Neal
PPG    - 30.7
APG   - 3.1
TRPG -15.4
BPG   - 2.4
PER   - 30.5

2003 MVP - Tim Duncan
PPG    - 24.7
APG   - 5.4
TRPG -15.4
BPG   - 3.3
PER   - 28.4

2006 MVP - Dwyane Wade
PPG    - 28.4
APG   - 5.0
TRPG -5.9
SPG   - 2.2
BPG   - 1.2
PER - 26.4

2007 MVP - Tony Parker
PPG    - 24.7
APG   - 5.8
TRPG -3.4
SPG   - 1.1
PER - 18.7

2009 MVP - Kobe Bryant
PPG    - 30.1
APG   - 5.5
TRPG -5.3
SPG   - 1.7
PER - 26.8

2012 MVP - LeBron James
PPG    - 30.3
APG   - 5.6
TRPG -9.7
BPG   - 0.9
STL    - 1.9
PER - 30.3

Obviously I skipped a few, Mr Big Shot, because that was more of a team performance, and same with Dumars and Kawhi. Not to bring them down in any way although their performances just weren't on par with some of the others. As fans we should have a far stronger appreciation for the the legends of the game, because of what they did when it truly counted. Not during the dull marathon of the regular season but the exciting sprints of the playoffs, when every game is played to make the season worth while.

Comment, on anything you pull out of this. From who was the most impacting MVP legend of the last 30 years to why it is forgotten that Wade's and Kobe's lines where almost identical. Go ahead.

Take a moment to remind yourself of the greats so you don't go insane due to reading the 59th article on the Love trade that hasn't happened yet or the marriage of long time lovers.

Comeback Kids

Everyone loves a comeback story. After seeing Russell Westbrook as his dominant self in the playoffs, fans generally forgot the fact that he had recently endured eight million knee surgeries. His comeback, and return to past form was literally unfathomably smooth. In retrospect it seems unbelievable that a person could undertake 3 knee surgeries, (the knee being an important part of the leg and the leg an important part of basketball) within a year and still be able to contribute and any level. Although he returned with next to no hiccups, to the outrageously athletic and explosive form of not really playing defence "most of the time" level that he usually competes at.
On top of that he averaged 26 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds a game during the post season, something that hasn't been done since the Big O.
He absolutely deserved the ESPYS award for best comeback athlete of the year.

Although I want, and the NBA world needs another one. The League needs Derrick Rose back.

An injury of any form is awful to comprehend and deal whether it's your own, a team mate's or your favourite player's.
But to see a superstar forced to the sideline for the best part of 2 years is demoralising.
I'm not a Rose or Chicago fan, yet I miss Derrick. No one wants to see someone as exciting as he having to fight injuries just to get on the court at this young point in his career.
He has always been ridden for not having a good enough shot as "his shot mechanics are not fluid," and he isn't a vocal enough leader as well as an average defender. I agree, he generally took far to many deep threes relative to his shooting percentage, but all players have flaws, and really, I don't give a flip about any of that right now. I just want him back on the court.
Explosive, blindingly quick, handles like a F1 car and one of the best finishes around. An MVP calibre player, even if he did win the "can't be stuffed voting for LeBron this year," trophy.
Derrick Rose needs to come back.

The East desperately needs him, if he can be healthy this year, there is no reason why the Bulls don't win the East. Not because they will be great, but because the East sucks. Washington could be up there, but they are young still, Miami will be strong but will have to adapt to their new changes, plus Wade is a question mark. The Pacers had no offence last year and just lost their primary offensive source. Cleveland have a lot to figure out, they will be good, because they have the best player in the L, although it always takes time to sort out how players work together on a new team. And that will be even more noticeable if they get Kevin Love. Yeah they will have a great "Big 3," but they are going to have a lot of issues as well. LeBron and kyrie both need the ball, and both work out of Isolations, Love isn't a rim stopper and Varajao can only play 30 games a season. Then they have whoever they don't trade and some old people most likely, it will take time.
Remember Miami's big three was "a bust" most of their first year together, and those three were far better than the three Cleveland could possibly put together.

(In saying that, if there was a market for it, Im betting that whoever comes out of the West will sweep the team that comes out of the East).

The Bulls biggest problem last year was scoring the ball. A healthy Rose does that. Pau also provides options for them on the court. With their offensive floor general back, the Bulls will be good again.

Basketball needs Derrick to come back. He is too much of a distinctive player not too. A successful return will be great for the League, because no one wants to have to consider T-Mac in this situation.

Dwyane Wade: the Finals, the Aftermath and the Offseason

As a long time Dwyane Wade fan, the last few weeks have been very uncomfortable. There are just so many questions that I have no answers too. Watching Wade throughout this season has been a roller coaster. 

In some ways he has added to his legacy this year, shooting an outrageous 55% from the field and being a star on a team who made it to their 4^th straight finals. In other ways he has shown more of his age than ever before, clearly unable to play at a high level every night of the NBA season. Through the playoffs, Wade looked very good in patches, again being very efficient and making huge plays on both ends. He also had a strong start to the finals. He then faded quickly over the last three games, showing the state of his body and also state of his mind. He’s simply missed too many games and hasn’t taken enough shots over the past year to maintain his very important level on confidence. 

This heat roster, Wade being the prime case, looked far worse in the Spurs series than they probably are. Coming up against a hungry, ready force like the 2014 spurs would have been very tough. On the back of three straight finals appearances, and with a team so reliant on players at the very end of their careers, the heat simply didn’t have the energy to play with the spurs, and they knew it. I cant imagine how hard it would be mentally to play with a high level on energy and commitment when your opponent is running an almostperfect offence and not missing any shots in doing it. There were many times throughout the series when the heat simply didn’t work hard enough, or weren’t able to contest the shots that they had easily contested in the previous three years. Even when they did play adequate defense, the spurs hit the shots anyway. This made the heat look so much worse than they probably deserved to look. The spurs were the worst possible team to come up against, and they took full advantage of the heats deficiencies. Also, a team like Miami thrive off missed shots and getting out in transition. Its very hard to do that when your opposition literally never misses a shot. The boys were flat, deflated, exhausted, and outmatched, Wade included. By the end of the series Wade could not play the defense required, and on the other he consistently beat his man off the dribble (often spectacularly) but then almost never attempted to finish at the rim. His confidence and energy were shot. Wade constantly and effectively made outrageous passes to wide open perimeter shooters, who missed every time. Chalmers, Cole, Battier etc were awful, and Wade couldn’t simply go into top 20 all time mode anymore. That season is over.

So as a Wade fan, what do I want to happen now? As a fan who likes seeing him win championships, the ideal situation this off season is obvious. Wade follows Lebrons lead in opting out, and the signs a new 3 or 4 year deal worth less per year allowing the heat to retool. Wade could still be paid respectfully, but allow the team to add depth of which the heat had literally none of for most of the season. The perfect comparison here is Tim Duncan ,who in my mind has become the all time great franchise player. In 2012, Duncan had 4 rings, multiple MVPs and a top 10 NBA career. If Duncan had asked the Spurs for a max deal to see him out, he would have earned it,though it would have prevented the Spurs from filling out their roster withquality role players as they have now. Instead Duncan took a 3 year deal worth around 10 million per year. Still an amount that aligned with his worth in terms of production, but not a deal that handcuffed his team financially. 

On the other hand Kobe was in a similar position last year, coming off a majorinjury after a very productive, but in no way elite season. Kobe decided totake a 2 year deal worth roughly 24 million per year. Again, Kobe had earned this pay day after all he has done during his great career for the Lakers. Even though his current production did not warrant anywhere near that money, hiscareer had justified giving Kobe whatever he asked for. The issue here is that Kobe has long said that his only motivation to keep playing is to win championships. By signing that contract, Kobe signed away any chance he had of achieving that dream, and he knew it. So now the narrative quite tragicallygoes, that Kobe has been let down by the Laker front office for not surrounding him with quality teammates, while Tim Duncan is lucky to continue to play with great team mates. The truth is that both of these players sealed their fatewhen they signed these last contracts. This brings us back to Wade. Wade could easily decide to opt in to his current deal, and earn just over 20 million for the next 2 years. This would leave him at age 35 with 3 rings, and a top 20 NBA career. 

Nothing to sneeze at and he has earned the right to do this. If this is his decision, I will be disappointed that Wades championship window has closed, but not angry. The media of course will go after Wade as they often seem to do. While Kobe was signing an extension, Wade would simply be playing out his current deal, and should not be heavily criticized for it. If he wants to win however, he will opt out and sign or more Duncanesque deal. I think that Wade probably will do the winning thing over the money thing, but I cant be sure. I would not be surprised if Wade already knows his plan, and knows exactly how things will go from here. Theres no way that he, LeBron , Riley and Co haven’t already discussed this in detail. Wade is probably waiting it out, letting the world talk about him as he has always liked the attention (so does every other player in the L, Durant and Rose included).

This whole thing is just very uncomfortable, rooting for your boy to accept that hes not as good as he used to be. Im not ready for this heat team to stop competing for rings, although Im not the one who has to give up 10 million a year. Of course the average NBA fan can just move on, find a new guy, treat their old favorite like that Great Aunt with dementia that you have stopped talking about. But I cant, even at this point he's still worth watching for the chance that he will fake right, go left while splitting the double team, gather with two strides going opposite directions and then finish at the rim. It still happens sometimes, but not as much as I would like. 

Breaking News: LeBron says he will sign with Miami for $24.80

Heading into the offseason after a disappointing loss in the NBA Finals LeBron James, who has a big decisions to make in terms of where he wants to be playing in the coming years, has mentioned he will sign with Miami, for next to nothing.
Each of the Big 3, who together, have made the last four NBA finals, have the option to opt out of their contract this year, and resign wherever they like.
LeBron being the most valuable of the three has come under a lot of scrutiny in terms of where he will be taking his talents. Many teams have been freeing up cap space and packaging a tempting enough lineup to lure the superstar forward. Some franchises have even gone to the extent of sending love letters with chocolates and sometimes even roses to LeBron's Miami residence in an attempt to woo him into "bed" with them.

Although only minutes before getting on a plane with his wife and kids to go on vacation King James made comments about his future. He first told reporters how devastated he is about the Finals loss. "Thats what its about, this game, its all about winning that one series, and we didn't, we weren't good enough." He then went on to say how since Chris (Bosh) has mentioned he will be willing to take less money to keep his home near to the warm beaches of Florida, so is he. "Its all about putting the best team together, we have had that in the past, and I'm more than willing to take a bit less money, to make that again."

Although as the games best player continued to talk, things came to light that seem to suggest that a "bit less," is a massive under exaggeration.
"It makes sense, I take less money, so does Chris and Wade, and we can afford to bring a few more assets to this winning franchise," when questioned he mentioned he doesn't need the money "Dude, have you seen my Nike deal, and hey the more chips I get the money I will accumulate anyway dawg! I'm set."

"Ive spoken to Pat and the organisation, they are all in, I've messaged Kevin (Love) and Kyle (Lowry), and they both sent emoticons back so they should be all good for it," "I'm pretty sure Melo would be keen as well."
Pat Riley confirmed shortly after that LeBron has decided to sign with the Heat as soon as possible for $24.80. "He didn't have any cash on him and there was a shirt he saw at one of the markets that he really wanted on the way in, so I just gave him the cash and he said he would sign with us again."

This one

Things were looking great for Miami, the possibility of keeping their Big 3 whilst having the funds to add a few extra high quality players. That was until yesterday when Kobe posted a tweet, trash talking Wade, saying he mustn't be a franchise player thats respected enough to be paid anything reasonable. Dwayne now says he will be signing for no less that $48.6 million, so thats all screwed.

- Sorry for the Satire -

The NBA Champs: Plus Some Things a Few Men Went and Said

The 2014 Finals are over..... damn!! Now we have to endure the offseason, pretend to care about the summer league then force ourselves to get excited about regular season match ups.

The surprise of how good the playoffs actually are for an NBA fan hits me every year as the dull of the regular season diminishes my excitement. Although the expectation for whats coming makes it all worth it. The Finals are always, even when it is a 5 game massacre, the perfect climax to the perfect crescendo.

This year we witnessed exactly that, an absolute routing of the defending champs. Not only did the spurs win, they won by a lot. After the series was tied after two games everyone thought we had another 7 game series on our hands. Then game 3 the Spurs pulled out a 71 point half, you know what happened, flipping amazing happened. Although we all knew Pop's team had that, or something close to that, we knew they could blast a team away with their fast paced High-Volume-Unselfishness per possession rate (HVU) offence. Lets not forget, the Heat were playing pretty well at this point on offencsive end as well, shooting 57% at the half, yet still getting absolutely pumped.

Game 4 came along and we all expected LeBron to have an FU game, or the Heat to just come out and fight for their pride. I expected a tied series at 2-2.
The game the spurs brought out for the 4th of the series was really something amazing. To do it once to an elite team was possible, to do it twice in a row, on the road, is ridiculous.
Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson kept throwing around remarks about how "surprised," and "disappointed" in the heat they were.
They were right. We all witnessed the two best teams in the league go head to head. One of which are the 2 time defending Champions and we saw the better team, destroy them. It was surprising, it was disappointing, but man it was beautiful.

At the start it didn't look like they were going to, but they finished game 5 the same way they played the final 3 games. And now the Spurs, are the NBA Champs. Tim Duncan one of the best of all time, top 10 for sure, wins his 5th. Tony has 4, and a hall of fame badge to go with it, I assume you get a badge, you should definitely get a badge.
Manu has 4, and should get a badge as well. The Spurs, what a dynasty.

You can read the x and o's elsewhere, although you can check out some of the lovely things we heard from the wonderful broadcasting team of Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy (JVG), and Mike Breen here.

I think they did a great job might I add, but from an aussie fan, having to watch my favourite sport through League Pass, (which works sometimes) this is what I heard.

Mark Jackson - "Who, What, When Where Kawhi?"

Pre-Game
"Hey Mark, your looking pretty tired today,"

"Jeff, yeah man, I had a long one last night,"

"oh really, raccoons get into the kitchen again?"

"Nah man, just,...(yawns)..... doing work ready for today, was up till 4,"

"Greif, you plan out the whole broadcast did you?"

"ahh, noo, nope. Just, just working on, one line,
hmm, yeah, yeah its pretty good,"

"oh, okay Mark, well I look forward to it."

"you will know when it happens,"

Post-Game
"Great broadcast guys, very smooth, what a game!"

"Thanks Mike, you and Jeff really carried me again... (group laughter)..."

"Whatever Mark, you killed it as usual coach, spewing you didn't get the line you worked on in there though."

"oh nah, I ahh, I threw it in there,"

"oh you did? I'm... I'm sorry, I must have missed it"

"nah Jeff you responded, when Leonard made that dunk?"

"oh wait, was it the, what not, when, Kawhi something one?"

"yeah, yeah it was, Who, What, When, Where, Kawhi,"

"damn, I'm sorry Mark, yeah that was a... it was a good one, well done buddy, thats why we have you here," (said through a toothy smile).

People liked it though so that's fine (Per twitter). In the big scheme of things, he was correct though. We knew the Spurs were capable of this onslaught, although it was a massive surprise to see it, especially against Miami.
Mark Jackson's comment is completely justified and validated by the Finals MVP.

Going in, each of the teams respective Big 3's were going to be good, and for the most part they were. Check out the averages for the series (points, rebounds, assists, turnovers).

LeBron James - 28 ppg 7.8 rpg 4 apg 3.8 tpg
Dwyane Wade - 15.2 ppg 3.8 rpg 2.6 Apg 3.6 tpg
Chris Bosh - 14 ppg 5.2 rpg 1 apg 0.8 tpg

The Spurs big 3 kept well up to pace, besides LeBron being the best player in the world. They were still extremely impactful and forced the Spurs into dominating most of the series, with averages of:

Tony Parker - 18 ppg 0.4 rpg 4.6 apg 2 tpg
Timothy Duncan - 15.4 ppg 10 rpg 2 apg 2.4 tpg
Manu Ginoboli  - 14.4 ppg 3 rpg 4.4 apg 2.4 tpg

The battle of the big 3's, for the most part is fairly even. You could throw in a hundred arguments to throw the table either way. Considering not just the stats, general performance as well, LeBron had big nights, but that's scaled by quiet Bosh and Wade appearances. Yet from this series, although Miami's should be a lot better, the run of the big three's ended in a pretty close race.

What won this series, was the Kawhi factor,

JVG - "Hey guys you know the mystery of the Big Foot, well I think there is a new myth circulating through the San Antonio area, the myth of the Big Hand, BIG HAND KAWHI LEONARD." (Paraphrased quote)

This comment was so unfortunately forced, the "Big Hand," isn't a great nick name, but it's one that Jeff fully expects to catch on throughout NBA fan bases. Which it won't. He is also attempting to call Kevin Durant "Long arms," and LeBron "athletic man."

Kawhi, although was magnificent, and it was the supporting cast led by the well hung man himself (coz you know what big hands mean) (its just science), was what won it for the spurs. check out the series stats for the spurs supporting big 3.

Kawhi Leonard- 17.8 ppg 6.4 rpg 2 apg 1.8 tpg
Danny Green - 9.2 ppg 2 rpg 1.2 apg 1.2 tpg
Boris Diaw - 6.2 ppg 8.6 rpg 5.8 apg 1.6 tpg

Kawhi was massive, especially in the last 3 games, Danny Green did what Danny does and hit 3's and Boris was consistently masterful passing the ball.
Miami, had next to no supporting cast outside of a few plays from Ray, none that showed up regularly at least.
Hey and even Patty Mills was just as good as him, oh you don't believe me

Patty Mills - 10.2 ppg 1.4 rpg 1.6 apg 0.2 tpg
Ray Allen - 9.8 ppg 3 rpg 1.8 apg 1.6 tpg

(AUS pride reppin)

The Spurs supporting Big 3 + the rest of the contributors, were what brought it home for them. Those stats don't mention the Defence put up by those guys. Kawhi himself was guarding LeBron most of the time, Diaw when Leonard wasn't. Danny Green was intense and came up with big steals and made people adjust when he didn't.

Mark Jackson - "Hand down, Man Down,"

I have never been more sick of a phrase in my life, surely you can think of something new, 3.23 minutes after you just said it. Seriously, Mark found the inconceivable need to say the same flipping thing every time someone made a three. 

Which if you didn't notice, the Spurs do a heck of a lot. The Finals MVP, Manu, Danny, Diaw, Marco, Patty even Tony was knocking them down. The San Antonio, fast paced, Dantoni-esk offence, which makes more passes and screens than any motion we have seen in a long time, provides open looks for all of the highly capable shooters. It was beautiful.

Yes Kawhi got MVP, but Tim could have easily got it as well. 

I recon they should have just given it to Pop. He is the real MVP of this team, he makes it all work, he convinces every player to buy in and he makes them all better. 

The Big 3's had their battle, and in the end it was pretty close, with only LeBron being the obvious outlier. Although thats all Miami had. The Spurs on the other hand, had the Power of the Pop. He brought his veterans to the finals playing the best basketball they have all season, he backed his role players as usual and they outperformed the opposition more than comfortably. And he unleashed the "Big Hand" on the world, to wreck havoc as the future of the franchise. 

They were supreme in every facet. The Spurs NBA champs.

Jeff Van Gundy - "Spend your fathers day this year with the WNBA, the Mercury facing off against the Lynx starting at 1pm this weekend."

Or.... kids, wives, grandchildren and all those who respect a Dad somewhere, you could buy him a saw. Ten years ago, let it get wet, leave it out in the sun so it gets nice and rusty.
Then give it to him this fathers day.

No Jeff, during the NBA Finals, watching almost perfect basketball, I don't want to watch the WNBA, I would rather, well, cut my hand off with a rusty saw.

Well done.

J -

Are the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat Actually Any Good at Basketball?????

LeBron wasn't really ever liked by everybody. People generally respected his game, they acknowledged he was the best. But a lot still didn't like him, getting annoyed by his arrogant attitude and amplified antics. Then he made the decision, Cleveland turned on him like Mr Iscariot turned on his bro, and so did most fan bases when he made another super team happen. Today most of the dislike of LeBron has worn off. ("dislike," not hate, there is still more than enough hate, see how twitter when off its twits when he had some cramping game 1).
Although there was once a time when fans wouldn't want to watch the Heat because they couldn't stand the Super Star forward, or just hated the thought of the team leading the league for the coming seasons.
Today some are becoming fed up with Miami, which is natural unless your a long time supporter. No one who isn't part of the Heat fan base wants to see the same team win titles for very long. A lot of people want this to be over.

How much damn makeup is he wearing!

There seems to be somewhat similar feelings toward the Spurs. Mainly from the west. None of their stars are particularly disliked like the Heats. although they are so very good. They have had their shot, and although never charging for three straight like the Heat, they still have that "just go away already," feel about them. Seriously, its been 15 years. Maybe just share it around for a bit. The prolonged dominance is truly outrageous and many fan bases just want this to be over.

To answer the many emails that I'm getting from anonymous accounts questioning whether the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat are actually any good at basketball, I say yes. Yes they are.

In fact, we are seeing two of the best basketball playing, basketball teams ever. I am neither a Heat nor a Spurs fan and have been burnt by both in the past, one just last round. But I can't allow my hate to blind me from the brilliant basketball that is being played.

The Miami Heat have the best player in the World, a two guard, who when on the court and at his best can be the best shooting guard in the league and an underrated good defensive big man who still looks like a raptor. The Heat would be great just running on these three engines with a few extra cogs to surround them. Although they aren't just great, they are brilliant, 2 chips proves that. They don't just play a three man game, they play one of the best team games around. Role players such as Ray Allen, Noris, Rashaad, Oden, Rio, Birdman, play actual roles, and play them well. Although what is more admirable, is the unselfishness, increasingly so, of the three stars. All of the big three are very unselfish players, not just in the way that they are willing to make the extra pass and give up their own 2 points. Its to the extent where they are willing to give up their usage, their ball time. LeBron has had to do this the least, because LeBron is still the best. He has to be, otherwise what is the point of having him. Although his basketball IQ for the player he is, is outstanding, he makes the right plays, almost all of the time. Is more than happy to kick it out to a shooter and doesn't get phased by the pressure of the game or his haters.
More interestingly although is the reduction in status taken by Wade and Bosh. Before the Big three took it to south beach, Wade was the man in Miami, and so was Bosh in Toronto. It took them a while to figure it out, don't get me wrong, but they have got it.
Wade has slotted into being the second guy so well, the change he has had to make isn't nearly as obvious now since its been a while and he isn't playing as much. Although throughout the 2012 season the step back he took in usage whilst still keeping an elite level of performance was humbling. He allowed LeBron to take control yet stayed an explosive second option.
Bosh has done much the same, he has adapted, lessened himself to do what is best for the team. He has become a better shooter, stretching the floor on offence and keeping the lane open for Wade and LeBron. These days getting out as a reliable 3 point option and being the guy "that makes it all work," as coach Eric Spoelstra likes to say just about every day of his human life.
Speaking of Spo, he has also contributed to making this team and Elite performing machine. Particularly on defence, having constructed the Miami, gunning trap that thwarts most teams, and is really impressive to watch. Miami isn't just a loaded team, they are a star led group with a heap of contributors. Everyone is unselfish, the ball moves, and there are shooters all over the court. Yes, the Heat can play Basketball.

The Spurs on the other hand are a whole different vehicle. They have stars yes, but in 2014, they aren't the dominators like a LeBron James or Kevin Durant. Although in saying that, Tim Duncan is still a consistent worry for teams like the Heat that don't Defend inside as well as others, and clearly a consistent double double. Tony Parker can absolutely subjugate a lot of point guards when he wants to and is healthy, look what he did to D Lillard. Oh wait, Damien is one of the worst defenders around, whoops. He still did it though, and yes Miami is containing him better than last year, he still had 21 points of 8-15 from the field, 7 assists, and only 1 turnover. Manu can turn it on and is the anchor of the second unit, a reliable scoring source of the bench for years and years.
Although the stars hold it all together, both in terms of talent and character, the Spurs play possibly the best team game ever. Only Kawhi plays 30 minutes a game throughout the regular season, and the real contributors come from right down the end of the bench. Hey, Mr Bonner may even start a game here and there.

The schemes are brilliant, the coaching unquestionable, like really, don't question him. They move the ball like every coach wants to teach his under 12 team to, and the ball "doesn't stick." Their dribble penetration from Parker or Ginoboli leads to lots of open shots for the Spurs perimeter guys, whilst Tim is always a good inside option. The Spurs machine is really something for any basketball fan to behold.

As I said Im a fan of neither organisation. But we really have the two best Basketball teams playing in the Finals at the moment. Going from watching these two titans clash to the weirdly product non-offence of the Thunder, or the ridiculous, dribble the heck out of it Jim Rocket ball. Or even the Non-existent scoring end of the Pacers and the lack of working joints for the Nets, will just be disappointing.

The Heat and the Spurs play impeccable basketball, on both ends, and I would hate for you to miss it. Even though you may still be watching the games, no matter how much we hate them or are sick of their "winning," don't let it hinder your enjoyment of this beautiful sport played at its best. Seriously these first three games have been outstanding.
Game 3, in the first half the Heat were shooting a great 58% from the field, and still getting pumped, because the spurs were absolutely playing out of their minds.
The Pop-Duncan Spurs may be gone after this year, we may not have many more games to watch their combo live.
And LeBron will be around for a while, although he only has so many prime years, this could be the best player we see in our generation, wouldn't want to miss it because of some bad decision.