Westbrook Comes Home

On Thursday it was first reported by ESPN’s Andrian Wojnarowski that the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards. The Lakers sent Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell- Pope and the number 22 pick in Thursday’s NBA draft. In addition to Westbrook the Lakers also received a  2024 and 2028 second-round draft pick.

The move had been rumored to be considered for sometime but now that it is done will it work?

Westbrook made history on Thursday by being the first former MVP traded in the three straight seasons. Westbrook’s play style of reckless abandonment is a double edged sword for the teams he plays for. On the one hand you love how hard he plays and you will never be able to say he cheated you when it comes to the amount of effort he gives. The flip side is many times Westbrook makes many questionable decisions in clutch moments many which can lead to unforced turnovers or terrible shot selection.

Westbrook has averaged a triple double 4 of the last 5 seasons. When it comes to his fit for the Lakers he will provide a playmaker and someone who can get their own shot, especially when Lebron is not on the floor. The key fit will be between Lebron and Westbrook when it comes to one of them being an effective with spot up shooter. Both Westbrook and Lebron are subpar catch and shoot players but if they can improve these parts of their games just 40% off catch and shoot shots then the Lakers experiment will work. 

With that being said the Lakers will experience bumps in the road this year but it will ultimately be figured out and I can see a Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Finals next season.

Can BUCKS Repeat!!!

 The Milwaukee Bucks are the NBA Champions after defeating the Phoenix Suns in 6 games. Giannis Antetokounmpo won the NBA Finals MVP and delivered the Bucks their first championship in 50 years. Giannis put on one of the best  NBA Finals clinching performances I have ever seen. He carried the Bucks and game 6 and put on a masterful performance in which he put up 50 points.

With that being said, questions that have to be answered going forward are can the Bucks repeat as Champions? I will make a prediction as to how I potentially see both teams faring the next 4 years and the likelihood of them getting back to the big stage. 

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks will have the core of their team together for a while with their three star players under contract for a minimum 4 more years. With having a top 5 player in Giannis you have to love their chances with always being in the picture as Championship contenders. The biggest obstacle for getting back to the Finals will be the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference. It also will be interesting to see what some of the other top teams in the east, specifically the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics do to improve their rosters over the next couple of years.

The Nets who have Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. This star studded trio will serve a major challenge to the NBA Champions. Injury was a major reason as to why the Nets make the finals this year. With Irving’s injury history it can be assumed he will mode sometime at some point next year. Winning the championship gives a team confidence they can compete against anyone, The Bucks will get more consistent play from both Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday offensively next year in the playoffs. I predict the Bucks will make it back to the NBA Finals within the next 4 years.

GAME 5 NBA FINALS Preview

 Pivotal Game 5 of  the NBA Finals is tonight. The Milwaukee Bucks were able to tie up the series 2-2 after dropping the first 2 games in Phoenix. This series has seen many great moments . This includes back to back 40 point and 10 plus rebound games from Giannis Antetokounmpo in games 2 and 3. Also both Devin Booker and Khris Middleton dropped 40 points in game 4. With the series tied 2-2 game 5 is going to be key to who wins the series.

The winner of game 5 of a best of 7 series tied at 2 games a piece wins the series 83% of the time. Also if the Bucks were to go on and win the series they would become just the 3rd team in NBA history to come back from a 2-0 deficit in the NBA Finals. With that in mind, here are some things to lookout for in game 5 tonight.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have to continue to dominate the rebounding battle. They have out rebounded the Phoenix Suns in every game this series. In addition, they have to take advantage of their size by going inside and do not settle for too many 3 point shots. Khris Middleton will be key in this game. He has shown this playoffs that he has the ability to have big games. Unfortunately those breakout games are followed by subpar games, many of which include less than 20 points. The X factor for the Bucks is Jrue Holiday, he has struggled this series offensively, if he is able to find his rhythm the Bucks can be in the driver’s seat once the game is over.    

Phoenix Suns

 In order for the Suns to win game 5 Devin Booker must stay out of foul trouble. There were many times in game 4 when he committed fouls by being over zealous; playing hard is great but he also has to play smart as well. More importantly Chris Paul has to limit his turnovers. He has over 15 turnovers over the last 3 games. This is a legacy defining game for Chris Paul because if the Suns lose they will have a tough battle ahead. The X factor for the Suns will be Cameron Johnson he has shown he is not afraid of the moment.

NBA Finals Prediction

 The NBA Finals gets underway tonight. The Phoenix Suns will host the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks will likely be without star Forward Giannis Antetokoummpo who is dealing with a hyper extended knee injury. Do not be surprised if Giannis does not play until game 3 due to game 2 being on Thursday. 

This will be a interesting series with the key being the perimeter defense for both teams. Both teams have great perimeter defenders which can limit drive and kick opportunities which lead to open 3 point shots. This will be the biggest stage for both teams ever with only Jae Crowder of the Suns having played in the NBA Finals before. 

I predict the Suns will win the NBA Championship in  5 games. Devin Booker will make his presence felt this series and shoot better than he did in the Western Conference Finals. Booker will win Finals MVP and help Chris Paul his first NBA title.

Game 6 Eastern Conference Finals Preview

 Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals is tonight. The Bucks took a 3-2 lead after game 5. They received contributions from everyone including 4 players who scored at least 20 points. Brook Lopez led the way with 33 points. Lopez and the Bucks for the first time this series took advantage of their size. Lopez limited his 3 point attempts by taking just 2 shots from outside. 

The question is can the Bucks win the series and possibly without Giannis. Giannis suffered  hyper extended knee injury in game 4 and  will miss tonight’s game and potentially game 7 if necessary on Monday.

I believe the Atlanta Hawks will force a game 7 tonight. Many of the players on both teams play completely different on the road. Khris Middleton is the biggest X factor in the game. He has 2 games this series with less than 20 points and 3 games with at least 20 points. 

I predict John Collins will be the unsung hero in game 6 for the Atlanta Hawks.  He is due a big game. He has not had a good series he is averaging just 14 points and 9 rebounds. He has potential to come up big this game he will go for 25 points and 12 rebounds.  For the Bucks Bobby Portis will thrive once again with his ability to shoot and put the ball on the floor. He will finish with 22 and 8 while going 3-5 from 3 point line. 

Portland Trailblazers New Head Coach

 

It was announced this weekend that the Portland Trailblazers hired Los Angeles Clippers Assistant Coach, Chauncey Billups as their new Head Coach. The question that remains is this enough to get star Guard Damien Lillard to not consider asking for a trade request at some point during the season.

 

The Trailblazers have for the past five years a middle of the road team. A team that will make the playoffs in the Western Conference but would not make much noise in the playoffs.  There roster constructions the past few seasons has been riddled with injuries particularly to the Forward and Center positions. Also one of the things that has kept the Trailblazers from advancing is the teams lack of defense.  Portland was in the bottom of the league defensively this past season. They will need to address their roster likely through trades will not much cap space this summer. This means likely breaking up CJ McCollum and Lillard by trading McCollum who is your best trade asset.

 

I believe Lillard will give Coach Billups a chance to show him that the team will be going forward instead of staying stagnant as they have the past few years. Billups is a NBA Champion and played Point Guard at high level during his playing days. He will bring a great perspective of the game that Lillard will respect.

Eastern Conference Finals Preview

 The Eastern Conference Finals begins on Wednesday night.  It features the Milwaukee Bucks a team that many people expected to be contenders for the NBA title this season. The other team is the Atlanta Hawks a young up start team with tons of young talent. Both teams had a similar path to the conference finals with each team having a easy time in the first round. Each team is coming off of a great  7 game series in the second round.

The Hawks will be for a uphill battle as they face the Bucks who will have  players who can defend multiple positions especially on the perimeter.  In addition the Bucks have no one on their team who is afraid to shoot the ball. Lastly the Hawks just simply do not have an answer for Giannis  which will lead to unfortunately the Hawks being swept  in what I see as 4 very close games.