The NBA fueled conspiracy theories last night, when the New Orleans Hornets won the 1st pick on the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery. Many NBA fans & experts quickly pointed to the fact that the league still owns the team, as the main factor for the Hornets earning the right to draft Anthony Davis on the evening of June 28th. I have been one of those people who has long believed that the NBA influences, which franchise will receive the top pick in the NBA draft.

If you don’t agree or believe my suspicion. Here are the top 10 suspicious #1 picks since the NBA Draft Lottery began in 1985:

1. 1985 – New York Knicks – C – Patrick Ewing: The 1st ever NBA Draft Lottery began under suspicion as the Knicks won the 1st pick. New York was a struggling franchise prior to ’85.

2. 2003 – Cleveland Cavaliers – SF – Lebron James: LBJ was the hometown high school star coming into the draft. The Cavs we’re one of the worst teams at the time, newly purchased by Dan Gilbert.

3. 2008 – Chicago Bulls – PG – Derrick Rose: 1.7% chance to win the 1st pick, the Bulls get their hometown star D-Rose.

4. 2011 – Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyrie Irving – PG: LBJ leaves for Miami, Cavs get the #1 pick for the 2nd time in 9 seasons.

5. 2012 – New Orleans Hornets – C – Anthony Davis: The NBA owned the team, stopped the Chris Paul trade, sold to the team to billionaire Tom Benson prior to the Draft Lottery.

6. 2002 – Houston Rockets – C – Yao Ming: The first Asian superstar happens to land in one of the NBA’s biggest Asian markets.

7. 1997 – San Antonio Spurs – C – Tim Duncan: The Spurs have long been suspected of tanking to get Duncan.

8. 2001 – Washington Wizards – C – Kwame Brown: Jordan joins the Wizards front office and earn the 1st pick in the following draft.

9. 2010 – Washington Wizards – PG – John Wall: After the Gilbert Arenas gun disaster, the Wiz get the right to draft Wall.

10. 1992 – Orlando Magic – C – Shaquille O’Neal: The newly-formed Magic receives it’s first franchise player in Shaq.

Honestly, in my opinion I believe that last night was truly another example of how the NBA helps the most desperate teams succeed through the Draft Lottery system. Last night, was a blatant illustration of the conflict of interest between the league and the Hornets.

This is the second time this season that Commissioner Stern has leveraged his power to help this fledging franchise get off to a good start under future owner Tom Benson.

Tonight is the night. The ping-pong balls will bounce and the NBA Draft Lottery will help determine the fate of the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets have a 7.5% chance of getting the top pick. Even though, that may seem like a slim chance, history has shown that the worst team doesn’t always receive the top pick.

Brooklyn is in dire need of earning the 1st spot in the upcoming draft. Yet, teams like Charlotte & Washington have a greater shot of drafting Anthony Davis this June.

Here are the 3 likely NBA Draft Lottery Scernarios for the Brooklyn Nets:

1. The Nets receive the 1st pick in the 2012 NBA Draft:

This would be the BEST possible scenario for the Nets. The Nets will have the option of drafting Davis and having a young center to build around with or without Deron Williams. Also, the Nets can package Davis with Brook Lopez and other players to Orlando for Dwight Howard. This move would place D-Will & DH together in Brooklyn, while the Magic can get two young big men in return along with getting rid of the headache of dealing with Howard.

2. The Nets don’t receive a top 3 draft pick in the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery:

This would be the WORST possible situation for the Nets. Not having a top 3 pick would mean that the Nets would have to forfeit the pick to Houston. Therefore losing out on the opportunity to place a lottery pick type player on the roster. This scenario would truly become a disaster if Gerald Wallace decides to opt-out of his contract this summer. Meaning the Nets traded away a top 10 pick for nothing in return.

3. The Nets receive a top 3 pick in the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery:

In this scenario, the Nets wouldn’t have the top selection but they would have some flexibility to get things done. For instance, if the Nets receive the 3rd pick, they can still package that selection with Lopez & other players or picks to Orlando in return for DH. Again, giving the Nets another way to form the D-Will/DH combo. If that deal is not possible, the Nets can still draft a quality young player like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Harrison Barnes to help the Brooklynite win ballgames.

Any of these potential situations could give the Nets a chance to develop through two proven NBA stars like Williams & Howard, or if the team will try and build around young, exciting players like Davis, Barnes & Kidd-Gilchrist. The future of this team will be shaped by what takes place tonight. This is truly a high-stakes gamble for the Brooklyn Nets.

The NBA’s final four has finally been set. The Thunder, Spurs, Heat & Celtics have battled their way to being one step closer to their goal of becoming this year’s NBA champions. Both of these upcoming series will display star power, tough play & a lot of basketball drama.

Each series will be broken down into FIVE main categories: Starters, Coaching, Bench, Injuries & Clutch Ability.

So, here is how I view the TWO upcoming Conference finals:

Western Conference Finals:

San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder:

Starters: Thunder

Coaching: Spurs

Bench: Spurs

Injuries : Even (No Major Injuries)

Clutch Ability: Even

Overview: This series is gonna be referendum on the state of the NBA. The Spurs have the championship experience & home-court advantage. San Antonio is riding a 18-game winning streak and are undefeated in this year’s playoffs. The Thunder are the young guns of the league, with a core of players who are all under the age of 27. Along with their playoff success in the past couple of seasons makes Oklahoma City a very, very dangerous team to face right now.

Prediction: To be honest, this is a real toss-up. But, I believe that the Thunder will step up to the challenge of facing the Spurs and will win a very hard fought 7 game series to make it to their first NBA finals this year.

Winner: Thunder in 7.

Eastern Conference Finals:

Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat:

Starters: Celtics

Coaching: Celtics

Bench: Even

Injuries: Heat – PF: Chris Bosh, Celtics – SG: Avery Bradley

Clutch Ability: Celtics

Overview: Lebron James & Dwayne Wade have been picking up the slack since Bosh’s injury. The dynamic duo single-handedly beat the Pacers in the 2nd round. Miami still faces some questions as they head into this series. Can LBJ & Wade keep up the high production? Can the Heat bench step up against Boston? These questions will be answered against Boston. The Celtics have fought their way to this position this season. Boston’s core is possibly in the midst of their final run together, the Celts have been proving most NBA fans wrong this season. Can they pull it off against the star-studded Miami Heat?

Prediction: This intense new rivalry will be have many up & downs. The Heat & Celtics really don’t like each other and it will show on the court. Bosh’s injury will really be felt against Boston. The Celts defense & experience will be enough to stump the Heat. Miami is not a good road team this season & the Celts have already proven that they can win in South Florida. The Celts will continue to be Miami’s kryponite.

Winner: Celtics in 6

Thunder vs. Celtics will be in the NBA finals in my opinion, but to be honest it wouldn’t surprise me if any combination of these four teams makes it to the final round. So, I know that I will be watching, I hope you will be too!

In life there are good & bad. We can’t fight it, we just have to deal with it. So, the same can be said for the Nets. With so many questions that need to be answered this summer, the Nets will have to weigh a lot of pros & cons regarding their team before the start of next season.

Here are the 4 biggest Pro & Con issues facing the Nets:

1. “Deron Williams re-signs with the Nets”

Pro: The Nets keep their franchise player to lead them through the transition to Brooklyn. One of the best players in the NBA.

Con: Even if they re-sign D-Will, the Nets will still need to build a strong team around him to improve in the Eastern Conference standings.

Prediction: D-Will resigns with the Nets. More money, biggest NBA market & a chance to stay a franchise player.

2. “Dwight Howard gets traded to Nets”:

Pro: Getting the best center in the NBA will quickly improve the Nets. This move will surely keep D-Will in Brooklyn. DH will finally get out of the drama that he started in Orlando.

Con: Leaving Orlando means that DH will bring his antics to Brooklyn. Will DH & D-Will co-exist? Will DH really be happy playing for the Nets? With Howard you’re never really sure of what’s going on.

Prediction: Howard stays in Orlando. The Magic have all of the power right now. So I think that the Magic will let this play out to the last moment.

3. “Gerald Wallace will opt-out of his contract”:

Pro: If Crash opts-out, the Nets will save 11 million on their cap. That’s money that the Nets can use in other ways. This will also give the Nets a chance to get younger at the 3 position or move Gerald Green to that spot to replace Wallace.

Con: If Crash opts-out, the Nets will lose an All-Star caliber & a 2012 1st round pick for half a season of work. This is a move that could haunt Nets management, especially considering that this year’s draft class will be very strong.

Prediction: Crash will opt-out, become a free agent and play somewhere else next season.

4. “Brook Lopez, Kris Humphries & Gerald Green will play for the Nets next season”:

Pros: Lopez is a legit NBA center who can be used for trades to improve the team. Humphries is a double-double monster, who plays hard on every possession. Green is highlight machine, who displayed an improved all around game late this season.

Cons: Lopez gets injured a lot and is very inconsistent on the floor. Humphries is a good player but is he worth big time money? Will Green keep improving as a player once he’s found NBA job security?

Prediction: Lopez & Green will stay in Brooklyn. Humphries will move onto another team next season.

The Nets will have their opportunity to exam these situations and decide what is the best course of action for this newly minted franchise.

The 2011-2012 NBA season was the year of the underdog. Many basketball fans we’re pleasantly surprised by many unknown players who have become quality contributors for their respective teams and one who has the cause of an international craze. These FIVE players have stepped up and showed that they can play with the superstars of the NBA.

The 2011-2012 NBA All-Unexpected Team:

PG: Jeremy Lin – NY Knicks: J-Lin is the star of this team. Linsanity took over the NBA for a couple of months during this past season. Jeremy went from the end of the bench to starting for the Knicks and helping them earn the 7th seed in this year’s playoffs. A knee injury cut his season short but Lin has become the poster child for all future basketball underdogs.

SG: Gerald Green – Brooklyn Nets: This explosive high flyer saved his career this year with great play at the end of this season. Green quickly put together a string of good games & highlight plays for the Nets. Green’s amazing journey has taken him from overseas to the D-League to becoming a highly sought after free agent this summer, all in a single season.

SG: Avery Bradley – Boston Celtics: Despite being a 1st round pick. Bradley didn’t get off the bench much last year. It was pretty much the same situation this season until a Ray Allen injury forced the Celts to play Avery & he hasn’t disappointed yet. Bradley has become a nice complement to Rondo with his speed, good defense & his improving shooting range. Avery has become a key part of the Celtics rotation.

PF: Ryan Anderson – Orlando Magic: The 2011-12 Most Improved Player became an All-Star caliber player this year. Ryan averaged 16 points & 7 rebounds a game for Orlando. Anderson’s three point shooting(39.3%) & improved rebounding has made him one of the most wanted free agents this off-season.

C: Ivan Johnson – Atlanta Hawks: This bruiser has played everywhere Korea, China, Puerto Rico and the D-League before making it to the Hawks and becoming a key role player for them after a injury to Al Horford gave him a chance to earn his minutes. Johnson reminds me of Charles Oakley, no nonsense. Ivan plays good defense,he is also a strong offensive rebounder and a improving scorer for the Hawks.

Bench:

PG: Norris Cole – Miami Heat

SF: Chandler Parsons – Houston Rockets

SF: Steve Novak – New York Knicks

PF: Jordan Hill – LA Lakers

C: Lavoy Allen – Philadelphia 76ers

As a basketball fan, I love to see these type of players get their opportunity to play. It’s even better to watch them succeed among the pressure, superstars, craze fans and prying media. Now, it will be interesting to see if any of these guys will be available to sustain the unexpected production that they have put up this past season.

When it comes down to the last few possessions of a basketball game. Their are only a few players that have the“Killer Instinct”. This special kind of player is willing to put the game literary into his hands determining winning and losing by the things they do on the court. In my opinion, here are the BEST “Killer Instinct” players in the NBA playoffs this season.

2012 All-Killer Instinct Team:

PG: Chris Paul – LA Clippers: CP3 has proven his clutch ability by single handedly taking over the 4th quarter in the 1st round against Memphis. Whether leading his team from 27 points down in Game 1 or  guiding his squad to a huge win Game 7 on the road. Paul has shown that he is the BEST point guard, when it comes down to the final moments of a game.

SG: Kobe Bryant – LA Lakers: Kobe is the MOST clutch player in the NBA since MJ. Bryant has hurt many teams in the final moments with his un-believeable gift of snatching a win from the grips of defeat. Even though, he hasn’t done it so far in this year’s playoffs. Every fan knows when the game is on the line, he’s gonna take the last shot to win it.

SF: Kevin Durant – OKC Thunder: This sharpshooter has already broken the Mavs heart in Game 1 of their series. KD is beginning to develop a knack for handling the pressure situations in the playoffs. Despite having multiple weapons on the floor. The ball is always in KD’s hands when the Thunder need a BIG shot and Durant almost always comes through for his team.

PF: Kevin Garnett – Boston Celtics: This old guy has turned back the hands of time with his Game 6 performance against the Hawks. KG has stepped up his game when the Celts needed it most. Whatever his motivation, KG has displayed his energy & skills on both ends of the court to help his ballgame earn a victory.

C: Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs: If you look at the remaining centers in the playoffs no one matches up against Duncan. Tim has broken many opponents with his basic game. Fundamentals have always been Tim’s calling card and this year is no different. With his dominating performances over Utah in the 1st round. Duncan is still schooling the younger players on the court for San Antonio.

Bench:

PG: Tony Parker – San Antonio Spurs

SG: Dwayne Wade – Miami Heat

SF: Paul Pierce – Boston Celtics

PF: Pau Gasol – LA Lakers

C: Andrew Bynum – LA Lakers

Now, I know you may wonder…why a certain player isn’t on my list(Lebron James). Well, it’s because to me in these playoffs these ten players have displayed an ability, a gift to take over a game. No disrespect, too that great player but in my eyes, he hasn’t done it when it’s mattered most this playoffs so far. Yet, he still has time to make this list. I just hope that he makes the best this year’s opportunity.

The New Jersey Nets are officially a thing of the past. The Brooklyn Nets have wasted no time in beginning the process of branding the new era of this franchise. Today, the newly minted Brooklyn Nets have began selling their team’s apparel online via NBA.com & in selected stores around New York City.

Here is the BROOKLYN NETS new Logo:

The new logo features a black & silver color scheme combined with a shield and a basketball with a capital “B” on top of it.

Take a look at the New BROOKLYN NETS apparel:

The Nets are currently selling T-Shirts, Caps, Long Sleeves & Hooded Sweatshirts.

The Nets have also began to run their marketing campaign to draw up interest for next season by placing these ads in all of the major news outlets & with billboards around New York City.

I am very excited to see the Nets move forward towards next October by laying the ground work today giving basketball fans in this borough something to look forward to beyond this summer. The Brooklyn Nets  jerseys will be made by Adidas and will be released for public viewing soon. Yet, I came across a rendering of what the official uniforms may look like.

Check it out!

I knew the Nets didn’t want to waste time in putting New Jersey in their rear view mirror. Yet, the transformation won’t truly be complete until the Nets christen their new billion dollar home, the Barclays Center when the 2012-13 NBA regular season begins this October.

Brooklyn Stand Up!!!!!!!!!

The 2011-12 NBA regular season finished for the Nets after their 44th loss of the year to the Raptors this past Thursday night. The Nets have underachieved this season due to injuries & inconsistent play. So, as the NBA playoffs kicked off around the league, the Nets will focus on the NBA draft, free agency & the move to Brooklyn.

Here is a RECAP of the Nets 2011-12 NBA season:

Record: 22-44 (last – Atlantic Division)

Leading Scorer: Deron Williams – 21.0

Assist Leader: Deron Williams 8.7

Rebounding Leader: Kris Humphries 11.0

Blocks Leader: Kris Humphries 1.2

Steals Leader: Gerald Wallace 1.5

First Win of the Season: vs. Washington, 12/26/11

Biggest Margin of Victory: vs. Indiana (100-84), 3/28/12

Biggest Margin of Loss: vs. Atlanta(106-70), 12/27/11

Best Win of Season: vs. Chicago, 2/18/12

Worst Loss of Season: vs. New York, 2/4/12 (Jeremy Lin Game)

Revenge Win of the Season: vs. New York 2/25/12

Best Road Win: vs. Dallas, 2/28/12

Best Last-Second Win: vs. LA Clippers(101-100), 3/7/12 (Jordan Farmar Game-Winner)

Best Single Game Performance: Deron Williams vs. Bobcats, 3/4/12 – 57pts, 7assts, 7rebs

Most Impressive Rookie: Marshon Brooks – 12.6pts, 3.6rebs, 2.3assts

Biggest Surprise: Gerald Green – 12.9pts, 3.5rebs, 1.1assts

Biggest Disappointing Player: Deshawn Stevenson

Biggest Injury: Brook Lopez

Player Nets need the Most: Deron Williams

Player Nets needed to get Rid of: Memhet Okur

2012 Nets Eastern Conference All-Star Representative: Deron Williams

2012 Nets All-Star Weekend Participants: Marshon Brooks (Rising Stars Challenge), Anthony Morrow (3-Point shooting contest)

Best Transaction: Signing Gerald Green for remainder of the season, 3/18/12

Biggest Disappointment: Not getting Dwight Howard to come the Nets.

Saddest Moment: Last New Jersey Nets Home Game vs. Sixers, 4/23/12

Most Looking Forward to: Nets playing their first home game in Brooklyn, 10/12

This season will mostly be remembered for how the Nets dealt with several disappointments from not getting Dwight Howard to maybe losing out on Deron Williams to the way the Nets have been criticized for their exit from the Garden State. This 35th and final season in New Jersey will be one that can viewed as a changing point in the history of this nomadic and undervalued franchise.

Thanks for the Memories, New Jersey!!!!!!

Hello, Brooklyn!!!!!

Eventhough, ESPN basketball analysts jokingly couldn’t recall any memorable wins for the Nets over the past 35 years. I sat at home thinking that the Nets have had great moments throughout this span of time. So, I decided to list the BIGGEST 3 Nets wins over their thirty-plus years in New Jersey.

TOP 3 WINS in New Jersey Nets History:

1. Nets vs. Spurs, NBA Finals – Game 4 – June 11th, 2003 -  The Nets came into the game down in the series 2-1. Both teams we’re trading the lead back & forth through the first 3 quarters. Until, Jason Kidd & Kenyon Martin lead the Nets to a 1 point victory in the final seconds of the game. The Nets tied up the series at 2-2 before losing to San Antonio in six games. This was truly the BEST win in New Jersey Nets History!    

Nets 77 – Spurs 76 (Series tied at 2-2)

2. Nets vs. Celtics, NBA Eastern Conference Finals, Game 6 – May 31st, 2002 – The Nets and Celtics we’re gripped in an epic battle through the previous five games. The Nets came into Boston with a 3-2 series lead. Game 6 turned out to be the BEST match-up of the them all. The Nets went into halftime down 10 points but they rallied behind Jason Kidd’s triple-double (15pts, 13assts,13rebs). As Keith Van Horn’s three-pointer secured the Nets spot in the NBA Finals for the first time ever! 

Nets 96 – Celtics 88 (Nets win series 4-2)

3. Nets vs. Pistons, NBA Eastern Conference Finals, Game 4 – May 24th, 2003 – The Nets had been running rough shot through the playoffs by beating the Bucks(4-2) and sweeping the Celtics(4-0). After the first 3 games of this series, the Nets we’re in full control leading three games to zero on the guys from Detroit. The defending Eastern Conference Champs showed their killer instinct in Game 4 by crushing the helpless Pistons by 20 points. The Nets victory placed them back into the NBA finals for the second consecutive season.   

Nets 102 – Pistons 82 (Nets win series 4-0)

Despite how most NBA fans feel about the Nets stay in New Jersey. I frankly think that basketball fans should remember the successes of this franchise during their 35-year stay in the Garden State. I hope that Nets fans will take stock in knowing that we did get to witness greatness on our court, even if it was only for a brief amount of time.

Thanks for the Memories!!!!!!!

As the 2011-12 NBA regular season comes to an end. A lot of questions will have to be answered for the Brooklyn Nets this off-season. So, what that in mind. I decided to break down the current Nets team to figure out who I believe should stay & who do I think should go.

Here is my break down of the current Nets roster.

The Keepers:

1. Deron Williams – This is a no-brainer. The Nets NEED to keep D-Will in the fold. He is clearly their BEST player & Superstar that Brooklyn needs to lead them in the future.

2. Gerald Green – Green has surprised many NBA experts by finally displaying the skills that made him a 1st round pick. His highlight play ability & new found determination is something that the Nets can use next season.

3. Kris Humphries – I believe the Nets should keep Hump. He fits perfectly in the offense and his rebounding ability & steady improvement are reasons enough to keep Hump in a Nets uniform.

On The Fence:

1. Brook Lopez – The Nets need a center. Wait, the Nets still have a young center! Lopez has shown flashes of good play but his inconsistency has hurt our team. I think still having Brook on the team could be helpful on the court or on the trading block.

2. Gerald Wallace – Crash is a All-Star type of player. Yet, with him earning over 11 million next season. I think that the Nets should consider getting rid of Wallace. Gerald is solid but at that price, I believe the Nets can get more value with that money.

3. Jordan Farmar – This career backup point guard is been okay at best & disappointing at worst. Despite of his player option, I feel that the Nets have to dump Farmar. The Nets can upgrade this off-season with another veteran PG.

Time to Go:

1. Deshawn Stevenson – Limited contributor. No offense.

2. Sundiata Gaines – No defense. Bad shot selection.

3. Shelden Williams – Six fouls. Name on the roster.

4. Keith Bogans – Hurt all season. No help.

Billy King & the rest of Nets management will have to figure out how to reform this team into an Eastern Conference threat over the off-season. I have to admit, it will be tough to make this roster over in just 1 summer but it will be interesting to see if can it be done.

Brooklyn Nets