New Royce- Slaughter

In case y'all didn't hear, Royce da 5' 9' just put out a little something off Bar Exam 3. Anxiously awaiting that, but for now here's a taste over the Brooklyn We Go Hard beat.

(video courtesy of TunaFied)

How Could They Be Forgotten?

(photo courtesy of Dolphin Music)

So I was on Niketalk today going through the motions at work when I happened upon a post in the music section. Someone was asking 'Why no love for Public Enemy?' That took me back: these kids out here posting on Rick Ross and fiending for the next Eminem single, but yet no one is checking for the greatest hip-hop group of all time. Let's reminisce.

That is THE greatest rap song ever made. Bar none. This is THE greatest hip hop group ever. Bar none. Chuck D was THE epitome of what it meant to be an MC; an MC with the power and knowledge to make a difference.

There is just nothing that comes close to the power, force (both sonically and with their message) of this group. Flav was the necessary comedian because Prof. Griff, Terminator X, Chuck and the rest were constantly on the attack.

For you young kids out there, do yourself a favor: listen to It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. It redefined what this music was about. Matter fact, I'm going to post it up for y'all lazy heads- check the right run-down. Respect.

(playlist courtesy of StarChile)

Kobe's Big Statement

And that's why you should never question the Black Mamba. There are certain things in life that you just don't do and this is one of them.

He lost a step...he is tired...LeBron is better... It was almost predictable what was going to happen; the man has probably the biggest ego and greatest killer instinct of any player in the world. 38 points is nothing for 24, but it was the way he delivered the message that just set the tone for possibly the rest of these playoffs for the Lakers. Carlos, get those Hawaii reservations plans out.


Props to lalousse24 for the video.

John Wall: A Pro Next Year?

The number one player in the nation still hasn't choosen a school. In case you didn't hear, there is a possibility he might find his way into the NBA draft. He could also go to Europe. As long as he isn't eligible for school, those are really the only options he has.

Here is an article from DraftExpress that goes into further detail:

Draft Express: John Wall

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

Utah Jazz

48-34

won just 3 of last 10

33-8 at home

KEYS: Williams- 19.4 ppg, 10.7 apg

Okur- out w/ injured ankle

Boozer- is he fully healthy?

Perhaps the best number eight seed in a long time, the Jazz own a sizeable advantage with their home court. Considered by some to be the second-best team in the West when they are fully healthy, they present a lot of problems for the Lakers. First, Deron Williams can do whatever he wants against the likes of Fisher, Farmar, and Brown. Also, this team knows it can score inside on the Lakers soft frontcourt. Plus, there is games 3,4 (and possibly 6) in Utah. That's huge for them because they have beaten just one playoff team on the road all season.

Normally, I would call this team an extremely dangerous one that has a legit chance to win a round or two. The problem? They are playing LA...and really have no chance to win A game at Staples. We saw it last year in the playoffs and this year, LA is better with Bynum and Ariza healthy and Utah is worse with Okur likely out for the series.

At this point, Utah just needs to try to be competitive. They won a tough game 3 in Utah, but the Lakers played about as bad as they could and still had a shot. I doubt the Jazz win another game.

Detroit Pistons

39-43

looking to make it 7 straight ECF trips

KEYS: Stuckey- has been up and down all year

Wallace- does he still want to play?

-how are they going to play LeBron?

This is a shell of the Pistons we are used to seeing: Rasheed Wallace has fallen off and seems more than happy to start vacation early. Billups is gone. Rip Hamilton is struggling to find a niche and Prince seems to have reached his peak. They don't play hard for Michael Curry, Iverson has been a huge distraction, and Rodney Stuckey's play has leveled off in the second half of the season.

I doubt they even give the Cavs a little resistance; this team doesn't seem interested right now and they are walking into a buzzsaw in Cleveland. MAYBE they win 1, but I doubt it. Joe Dumars knows what he is doing-- he will let AI walk in the off-season and position himself to try to get Chris Bosh in 2010. Then, they will be back in business. For now, expect them to get swepted home by the Cavs.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

New Orleans Hornets
49-33
have struggled w/ Chandler out (31-15 with him)
KEYS: Paul- led league again in assists & steals
Chandler- is ankle healthy?

I've never been a big fan of this team. Last year, people loved this squad. But, really how is this team a title contender? They have 1 great player and 2 good ones. That's it. Byron Scott isn't anything special as a coach. This team lacks depth. They are what they should be- a number 7 seed who is going to get exposed in the playoffs.

CP is obviously great, no denying that. 21 points, 11+ dimes, 3 steals a night? Those are incredible numbers. But David West is incredibly overrated. And Chandler is pretty limited, despite his athleticism.

This team needs to find a backup point guard, a wing player who can create their own shot, and another big man to bring off the bench. Then, they might have something. For now, expect a quick exit against a Denver team that is just too physical inside for them.

Chicago Bulls
40-42
thrived since trade for Miller, Salmons
KEYS: Gordon- 20.7 ppg, 41% 3pfg
Rose- ROTY

The Bulls are playing possibly the best ball of any of the Eastern Conference going into the playoffs. Through the first two games against the C's, they have shown that. The backcourt of Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose is explosive and the inside athleticism of Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah is starting to develop.

I like this team. They have a centerpiece in Rose, and a lot of athletic players to place around him. And Ben Gordon is one of the best closers in the League. Vinny Del Negro seems like a good young coach as he has helped Rose's transition this year playing the hardest position. They are giving the C's serious problems with their speed and outside shooting. At 1-1, they could easily go home and take two games in what is going to be bedlam in the Windy City. But, I don't see it all happening. The C's got too much pride and they got Pierce and Jesus. Eventually, after 6 or 7 games, the late-game experience of Boston will take over.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

Miami Heat

43-39

28 game improvement over last year

KEYS: Wade- league's leading scorer

O'Neal- aquired for inside presence

While they sport possibly the game's best player, this Miami Heat squad is severly limited. They are missing a low post scorer, Jermaine O'Neal used to be that but his knees don't allow it anymore. They lack consistent point guard play and outside shooters. Most of all, they lack a second option. The Heat rely solely on Wade to play defense, set up the offense, and hit every big shot.

Still, he has had such an unbelievable season that it makes up for the fact that Beasley has been a disappointment, O'Neal looks like he will never regain his former form, and the rest of the team is undersized. Look at these numbers: 30.2, 5, 7.5, 2.2, 1.3. That is just ridiculous, across the board work by Wade.

Even though I don't have a lot of faith in Atlanta either, I think Miami's season will end in the first round because of 2 reasons: a) home-court for the Hawks will hurt Miami's supporting cast, and b) Atlanta has done a better job than anyone of checking Wade this year.

Dallas Mavericks

49-33

finished the season strong

lost the last 2 years in 1st rd.

KEYS- Josh Howard- how healthy is the ankle?

Terry- 19.6 ppg, 6th man of the year

Normally, I would have absolutely no faith in this squad to advance, given their recent struggles ever since Wade stole their rings. This team is just straight up soft, no other way to put it. The only player I've ever feared is the JET. The rest of this team will more than likely self-destruct before they do anything to kill someone else.

Still, they avoided what would've been an easy sweep for LA and instead got the matchup they wanted all along- the Spurs. As I said before, they were built for this team. In order to win this matchup, Josh Howard will have to help negate what numbers Tony Parker is going to put on Kidd. And Germany's finest will ABSOLUTELY have to outplay Duncan. Even all that might not even do it because the rest of the Dallas squad will fold once the series goes deep.

I think they can push the Spurs unlike any other team they would've faced, but ultimately, a game 7 will bring about another SA series win.

Philly 6ers

41-41

five players average at least 12.8 ppg

KEYS- Iguodala- averaged 19, 5, 5

is there any depth?

A team that has been up-and-down as much as anyone this year, the Sixers find themselves in a familiar position: a 7 seed, with no one giving them a chance to do much of anything. Remember last year? This team went up 2-1 on Detroit, blowing them out in game 3 and putting a real scare into the Motor City until finally succombing.

The same scenerio could happen this year with a very young Orlando team. They can't match up with Dwight, but everywhere else is pretty even. Making jump shots will determine the series. Similar to Atlanta, the 6ers rely on their athleticism and fast break to score points. Fortunately for them, Orlando likes to play that way too. So once again, I see them pressing their first round opponents before falling.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

Portland Trail Blazers
54-28
unbeaten in last 32 home games
when leading at the half
KEYS: Roy- 22.8 ppg, 5.2 apg
Aldridge- 18.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg
first playoff encounter for most of this team

Everyone's favorite darkhorse. They have been unbelievable down the stretch and been especially dominant at home. The city is back, embracing them again and the L is taking notice. Even without much of a contribution from Oden, this team is definitely on the rise. ESPN's John Hollinger actually believes this team has a legit shot at taking out the Lakers in the second round. I don't see that--although I do think they have a real psychological advantage at home having beat LA there 8 straight times.

It all starts with Brandon Roy, one of the L's real 4th quarter killers. The kid just doesn't see pressurel he's so cool that it rubs off on everyone else. The next step for this team is to get the big fella to start developing. Once that happens, they'll contend for a title. Right now, they will be happy to win a series.

This team doesn't matchup well with Houston. We saw in Game 1, Houston has a speed advantage in the backcourt and a size advantage up front with Yao Ming. They only way Portland wins this series is to get it back home for a game 7.


Atlanta Hawks
47-35
+10 wins from last year
KEYS: Johnson- 21.4 ppg, 5.8 apg
which Josh Smith will show up?

One of the more exciting teams in the L, Atlanta is looking to make a splash for the second year in a row. They have the athletes to get the playoff crowd excited in ATL, but on the road, I'm guessing they struggle. Offensively, they are feast or famine; there is a lot of one on one, even though they lack the offensive skills to effectively score this way. Depth is a problem, but in the playoffs that isn't as much of a need.

Josh Smith will make or break this team (as we saw in the first 2 against Miami). When he shows up focused and does what he does well (run, dunk, block shots), they are really dangerous. Without him, there are too many missed jump shots and not enough deterring around the rim.

I think this team is good enough to get to the second round, but I don't think they will provide much of a problem against Cleveland. You can't play one on one offensively against that defense and expect to score.


Houston Rockets
53-29
looking to finally get out of the first round
have lost TMac and Deke for the year
KEYS: Yao- 19.7 ppg, 55% FG
Battier, Artest- can they stop Roy?

Offensively, when they get the ball to Yao, they are tough. Defensively, Battier and Artest cause major problems for teams that rely on major wing players (Portland, LA, Denver). Aaron Brooks has shown he can run the point, but his decision-making isn't always up to par; he is more of an explosive scorer than anything else. Even with the injuries, this team is deep and can bring in shooters, like Brent Barry, or athletic big men, like Carl Landry, off the bench.

While this team has some defensive capabilities against elite wing players, I don't see them offensively being able to score consistently. Aaron Brooks will struggles at times, as will Ron Artest. They all play hard, but that only takes you so far. They miss the versatility and skill of McGrady. It should be a good series with Portland, but either team will get taken out in the next round by LA.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

San Antonio Spurs

54-28

Duncan: never lost a 1st round series

Ginobili out for the playoffs (knee)

KEYS: Parker- 22 ppg, 6.9 apg

Duncan- 15.5 ppg, only 44 games played

Mason- 11.8 ppg, 42% from deep

They are who we thought they were! Everyone knows what you getting with San Antonio: a healthy dose of The Big Fundamental in the post, a little of Parker's jets mixed in, and defense for 48 minutes. But realistically, this team can't be thinking championship right now. No Manu basically confirms that. Popovich is probably the best overall coach in the game right now, but even he can't register enough offense when you have so few options. Mason and Finley are decent players, but you can't count on them for 15 a night. Bonner is very limited, as is the rest of the team.

Even defensively, this team is sorely lacking. Duncan doesn't have the type of agility that he used to and instead of being backed by David Robinson and Bruce Bowen (who isn't playing as much anymore), its Bonner and Michael Finley. Huge difference.

This team is probably hating the fact the brackets set them up with Dallas in the first round. Dirk and Josh Howard are both as tough a matchup for them as Parker is for Dallas. Remember, this Dallas team came of age when S.A. was running the west: they are built to beat this team. Will they do it? I say no, the Spurs will win because of the home court. But this Spurs team is done in the next round against Denver for a relatively quick vacation for Popovich and Duncan.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

Orlando Magic
59-23
+6.7 scoring margin
only 5-5 over final 10 games
KEYS: Howard- 13.9 rpg, 2.8 bpg
Turkoglu/Lewis- can they be healthy?
6 guys shoot around 40% from deep

One of the real Jekyll and Hyde teams in the post season. On one hand, they are maybe the best defensive team in the game, anchored by the man who should win the DPOY award, Dwight Howard. They have shooters, tall guys who can stretch the defense, and Rafer Alston been better than expected. But, they still strike me as regular-season overachievers. In close games in the playoffs, where does the ball go--Turkoglu? He just isn't that great of a player. Howard is still not 100% reliable in the post, plus he can't shoot FTs.

This team is missing another physical post player, and they will desperately miss Jameer Nelson.

They caught a break with KGs injury. Still, they don't match up well with Boston. The Celtics bigs, Perkins mainly, cause Howard a lot of problems. They will barely sneak by Boston, and then Cleveland will take them out in 5 or 6 in the ECF.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

Denver Nuggets

54-27

Melo yet to win a playoff series

clinched Northwest Division

KEYS: Anthony- 23 ppg, 6.8 rpg

Billups- 17.9 ppg, 91% FT

opponents shoot just 43%

Perhaps the surprise story of the year is the Nuggets being in a position to win the second seed in the Western Conference. On a team that isn't nearly as talented as past editions have been, the poise of Chauncey Billups, the energy of the Birdman, and the failures of year's past have seemed to fuel this group. Melo isn't having a great year statistically, but has been a good soldier, sacrificing a lot of opportunities. The most important surprise has been the consistent play and health of their three big men: Martin, Nene, and the aforementioned Chris Andersen.

In year's past, this team was unorthodox and crazy, launching ugly threes and gambling all over the place on D. With Billups replacing Iverson and Dahntay Jones added a bit of a defensive presence on the wing, they have become a neutral team. The bench is still a wild card with the lunatic J.R. Smith and the up-and-down Linas Kleiza (not to mention Birdman). If they can't advance this year, then George Karl really needs to move on because I am slowly losing respect for a coach who should be considered one of the best in the game.

This team has the talent to play with anyone and the Rocky Mountains provide an unlikely extra advantage, but it normally takes baby steps to advance in the postseason. They should get by in the first round, against one of the trio of underachievers: Utah, New Orleans, or Dallas. But, in the second round, they will run into problems. Houston would especially be a difficult matchup, with both Battier and Artest to put on Melo. Portland is coming on very strong and San Antonio is never to be counted out, especially against the Nuggets. If that happens, this team should head for vacation after 6 second round games.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

Boston Celtics

60-20

defending champions

KEYS: Pierce- 20.3 ppg

Rondo- 8.4 apg, 1.9 spg

Garnett- a 100% go or not?

The defending champs, despite starting the year at a ridiculous pace, are limping into the playoffs. Before a Christmas day loss to the Lakers halted a 27-2 start, the Celtics looked even better than last year. Injuries, Doc easing off the gas pedal, and new acquisitions have slowed the Green Machine considerably (they ONLY have 60 wins this year).

Most believe the key to getting back to the big stage will be whether or not KG can come back fresh and fully charged. I differ: two role players will make or break their postseason. Rajon Rondo is a future All-Star and routinely plays like one of the best points in the game at the Garden. On the road, not so much. That killed them in the first two rounds last year and they have less room for error this year. Also, Leon Powe is the energy and toughness of that bench. Without him, they are entirely less powerful, aggressive, and intimidating. His force has been tempered because of a knee injury. If he can return to 100% at some point in the next month, this will be a completely different team.

After their recent 31 point humiliation in Cleveland, Doc and Pierce were adamant they still have the swagger to win anywhere. Rondo said he didn't think anyone could beat them four times. Once again, Boston will have to prove themselves in the postseason. I don't see a team as hungry as last year's edition. The newcomers (Moore, Starbury) shouldn't make too big of a difference. I want to see Boston-LA again, but I doubt this team gets past Cleveland.

Playoff Teams Preview, cont.

L.A. Lakers
64-17
lead West by 10.5 games
best road record in NBA
Keys: Bryant: 27 ppg
Gasol: 18.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg
Phil: 9 rings

Probably the most talented team in the L. They have size, interior finishers, set-up men, shooters, athletes. They have Phil Jackson and a bevy of talented assistant coaches. And they still have the best closer in the game. So why don't they have the best record?

Watching LA play this year, you got the feeling they were coasting at times. Lost to Charlotte, Indiana, Sacramento, among others, but were never beat by either the Cavs or Boston. In big games, this team showed it was the best team. That should carry over into the playoffs.

Questions still arise over the guard play outside of Kobe. Fisher has really been struggling lately--he is 35-- and the Farmar and Vujacic couple off the bench haven't gotten any better since last year. Shannon Brown has been impressive lately, but does Phil really expect him to play a key role in the playoffs. Whether or not these guys can knock down shots could be the difference.

If the chalk holds and its Cle vs. LA in the Finals, I'm pretty confident the purple and gold will hoist their 15th Larry O'Brien trophy. Unlike Boston's aggressive/physical bigs, Gasol and Bynum have their way with the relatively soft Cleveland interior. And while LA isn't a great defensive team, they are long and athletic. They do as good a job as anyone of cutting off Bron's driving lanes and stacking length on his side, forcing up jumpers.

With no one else capable, James will have to guard Bryant. That will take away his off-ball prowess. The Lakers should be walking away with the trophy in June after 6 exciting games.

Playoff Teams Preview

Leading up to the playoffs, I will post team overviews heading into the postseason. I'll start with the probably number one overall seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers...

Cleveland Cavs

65-15
number one seed in Eastern Conference

39-1 at home

KEYS: James: 28.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 7.4 apg

Williams: 17.8 ppg, 43%3PT

Illgauskas: 12.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg

Probably the best defensive team in the NBA, this year's Cavs have successfully cloned the blueprint that the Big Green rode to a championship last June. A defensive minded unit with willing and able role players...ridiculous home court advantage...and the hunger of its star(s) to fuel the engine.

Everyone knows what kind of an advantage it is having Bron for the postseason. He has carried this team deep into the playoffs for years. Now, he finally has some horses to play along with him. Mike Brown surrounds the King with shooters and on defense, Bron makes up for the somewhat weak one-on-one defenders around him.

Still, this team lacks a defensive stopper (LeBron is getting there, but he is much better off the ball), and doesn't get enough post scoring out of its bigs. Cleveland will coast through most of the Eastern Conference-- I am anticipating a 5 or 6 game series against Boston in the ECF-- but problems will arise in the Finals. They don't match up well with the length of L.A.

The Prelude

Being that I am a prospective journalist/writer, I decided it could be time to dive into a blog. Much of the advice I have received over the past year or so centered around repetition. The best way to become an expert journalist or reporter is to write at every opportunity, they all say.

Not to say I haven't been on the grind, but this will be another outlet for my endless junk. Coincidently, this blog is beginning just as the NBA Playoffs are set to begin. So expect most of what is written here to contain my thoughts about that. For now...keep it 100.