Which Team Has A Better Outlook Going Forward? Boston Or Los Angeles

Greatness doesn’t last forever.

If you were to convey this sentiment to diehard Laker or Celtics fans a year ago, they would give you a look of disgusted bewilderment at the fact that anyone could say such a thing about two teams that have garnered a combined 35 world championships.

Sadly though, this incomprehensible pessimism has become an inevitable reality for both of these teams who have had to deal with devastating loses in Rajon Rondo and, more recently, that of the legendary Kobe Bryant. While these are crippling blows in and of themselves it is really only just one depressing facet that has caused both of these teams to succumb to mediocrity.

Looking at these organizations now, both are on the verge of being swept by their respective   However, the question isn’t so much if these teams will bounce back into relevancy, the more important inquiry is who will get there first?

playoff opponents. As a result, it has become undeniably clear that a drastic reformation needs to occur in order to restore these teams back to their expected prominence.

Initially, it would appear that the Boston Celtics would have the edge because they suffered only one major loss in their elite point guard Rajon Rondo.  On top of that, they still have the ever-reliable Doc Rivers as their head coach who was able to motivate his team to fight for a playoff berth despite all of the mounting adversity they had to overcome.

However, the main problem the Celtics are facing is not who they don’t have court, it’s what is currently there that is cause for concern.  Future hall of famers Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, the two iconic superstars of this franchise, have become former shells of themselves.  While they are by no means irrelevant and useless on the court, the tenacity and ferocity that made this duo an intimidating force, seems to be slowly withering away.  Even before the Celtics faced the red-hot Knicks in the playoffs, their overall performance in the last ten games of the regular season was lackluster at best, winning only 4 out of their last 10.  Out of those four wins, only one was against a reputable playoff opponent (Atlanta Hawks).

The Los Angeles Lakers on the other hand, have been systematically demolished because of injuries.  At one point or another, all of the Lakers elite players were ousted during the regular season with some form of debilitating injury or another.  Dwight Howard, torn labrum.  Pau Gasol, torn planar fascia.  Kobe Bryant ruptured Achilles.  The list goes on and on.  Rarely, if ever, did you see these superstars ever play in tandem because when one seemed to be completely rejuvenated; another would succumb to another physical ailment to take his place on the bench.

However, as detrimental as these injuries were to the Lakers, it allowed the bench players to get more playing time to not only hone their own skills, but to get acclimated with each other as a team to prove that they could fight admirably in the places of their fallen comrades.  Steve Blake showed us his talents at perimeter shooting and Antawn Jamison became a reliable rebounder and a clutch shooter when called upon.  This is what will give the Lakers the edge when all is said and done.  While they may lack the consistency to put up monumental numbers game in and game out, it at least gives them a blue print and even some inspiration for how they can improve in the offseason.

In the end however, both of these franchises have a lot of rebuilding and crucial decisions to make regarding both their upcoming rosters and their off the court personnel (I’m looking at you Mike D’antoni). This doesn’t mean that Celtics and Lakers fans alike should cast their woeful heads down in utter despair as these growing pains occur.  Rather, they should take solace in the fact that their teams will return to greatness again because it’s not a question of if these teams will be champions again; it is simply a matter of when.

Top 5 Worst Draft Picks Of The First Round

5. Alec Ogeltree   Inside Linebacker     Georgia    Drafted by St. Louis Rams

            While Ogeltree proved he is a forced to be reckoned with on the field (111 tackles in 2012), his off the field antics could prove to be the deciding factor that makes him the biggest bust of the draft.  He was suspended for four games due to violating a drug policy during college.  Most recently, Ogeltree was charged with a DUI in Arizona just days before the NFL 2013 Combine.  These repetitive issues could be the downfall of this athletically gifted wunderkind if he doesn’t find himself in a locker room that is properly able to mentor and motivate him to focus on football rather than getting into legal trouble

4. Travis Frederick    Center    Wisconsin   Drafted by Dallas Cowboys

            This has less to do with Frederick’s skill set and more with Dallas’ drafting inefficiencies.  While a reliable center is essential to any offensive line, the Cowboys had more prominent lingering issues in other facets of the game.  A defensive end would have been an acceptable pick, but what would have been even more rejuvenating for this franchise would have been a prominent running back after their ground game was all but non existent last season (31^st in the league). 

3. Justin Pugh   Guard    Syracuse     Drafted by New York Giants

            The Giants selection of Pugh was underwhelming in and of itself.  The loss of Osi Umenyiora to the Falcons seemed to indicate that the Giants either needed to refurbish their secondary with a defensive end or stack up their defensive line with a proficient tackler who specialized in stopping the run.  On top of that, Pugh missed four games with an upper body injury that could make him an offensive liability rather than a dignified protector. 

2.  Kyle Long    Guard   Oregon        Drafted by Chicago Bears

            While this pick may seem advantageous   The most obvious of which was clearly a replacement for Brian Urlacher at the linebacker position.  Last season, the Bears lived and died by their defensive abilities by finishing in the top 10 in both stopping the pass and rush respectively.  However, the final nail in the coffin for this self destructive pick was the fact that Long had only just switched to guard in 2011 after previously being a defensive end.  This recent transition could result in Long being too inexperienced to be able to combat the defensive veterans which he will have to stop on a regular basis.

considering the lingering issues the Bears have dealt with at the offensive line position for the last couple of years, Chicago has more immediate needs that should have been taken into consideration.

1. Dion Jordan   Outside Linebacker     Oregon    Drafted by Miami Dolphins

This is a nonsensical pick for numerous reasons.  First off, the Dolphins didn’t struggle at stopping the rush (13^th in the league).  Secondly, the back end of the Miami defense was unimposing and could have used some strengthening to balance out their defense to make them more resilient and effective at getting the ball back to their offense.  Finally, Jordan only played 418 snaps (42.5 Percent of the time) in college, making him one of if not the most overrated player to be drafted in the first round.  It’s a shame that after acquiring a the third overall pick from the Raiders, that Dolphins couldn’t find a player that was not only more suitable for their specific needs, but also someone that had more prominent accolades in his collegiate career.

Top 5 Draft Picks Of The First Round 2013

5. Jarvis Jones    Outside Linebacker     Georgia     Drafted by Pittsburgh Steelers

            After the loss of the intimidating force that was James Harrison, the Pittsburgh Steelers desperately needed to revitalize a defense that lacked consistency.  In his last season at Georgia, Jarvis Jones accumulated an impressive 14.5 sacks combined with 24.5 tackles that resulted in negative yardage for opposing offenses.  If the Steelers can find a dynamic running back comparable to the elite Rashard Mendenhall, they will once again be in contention for the AFC North alongside the Baltimore Ravens.

4. Matt Elam    Safety     Florida      Drafted by Baltimore Ravens

            Ever since the Ravens defense was systematically depleted due to free agency, it  What Matt Elam lacks in size he more than compensates for by his proficient ability to quickly engage and cut off offensive players, along with his ability to make crucial open field tackles (4 Interceptions in 2012).  While he may not be able to fill Ed Reed’s hefty shoes right out of the gate, he will more than make up for it with his exuberant ability to break up big time plays.

seemed unlikely that Baltimore would foster an empowering defense for the first time since their inception into the NFL in 1996.

3. Tavon Austin    Wide Receiver   West Virginia    Drafted by St. Louis Rams

            This is easily one of the best offensive draft picks simply because the Rams strategically placed themselves in a position to obtain a reliable wide out.  Despite the loss of their dominate yet injury prone wide receiver Danny Amendola, the Rams found the perfect candidate to be his eventual successor.  Not only is Austin a prolific receiver (1,289 receiving yards in 2012), he also proved he could be reliable running back by garnering 643 yards on the ground in 2012 alone.  If Austin’s versatility and innate athleticism can carry over to the NFL, then St. Louis may have a chance at competing in what appears to be a highly dominant NFC West.

2.  Lane Johnson    Offensive Tackle    Oklahoma    Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

            While there were a plethora of supremely dominant offensive tackles that were taken in the draft, none exhibited the versatility or instinctual swiftness that Johnson brings to the table.  He has been positioned at quarterback, tight end and even defensive end.  This eclectic experience gives him an advantage not only as a naturally gifted athlete, but also as an individual player that can diagnose defensive plays on the fly, which is a major intangible. Combine that with the fact that the Eagles desperately needed to replenish their seemingly non-existent offensive line that allowed Michael Vick to be pummeled on nearly every play, and you have a team that is trying to reload rather than rebuild their roster.

1. EJ Manuel   Quarterback    Florida State     Drafted by Buffalo Bills

            Even though quarterbacks were not necessarily among the most highly touted prospects in the draft, for a team like the Bills, this pick up could be the key to their inconsistent offense becoming a competitive force to be reckoned with for the first time in several years.  Manuel was without a doubt one of the most underrated quarterbacks to be a part of the draft because he was overshadowed by better-known passers such as Matt Barkley and Geno Smith (both of whom have lacked substance over style).  Not only can Manuel demoralize a defense with his pinpoint accuracy (68% completion percentage in 2012), but he also has immense size at 6’5 and weighing in at over 240 pounds, which would make it difficult for defenses to sack him without completely wrapping him up.  If Manuel can get his minor ball security discrepancies in check, than he will be the best thing that has happened for the Bills offensively in a long time.

The NBA Playoffs: First Round Predictions

Eastern Conference:

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

When all is said and done the New York Knicks will win this series based on the performance of the scoring title champion Carmelo Anthony.  His three point shot is second to none, combined with his versatility within the perimeter; he will make it difficult for anyone to body him up with enough speed and oppressive consistency.  While Paul Pierce will provide some much needed sparks at the perimeter himself, and Kevin Garnett will battle valiantly for every rebound, without the dominance of Rajon Rondo at the point guard position, the Boston Celtics won’t be able to keep up with the Knicks high octane offense.

New York Knicks Win Series 4-2

Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks

 

This one is a no brainer.  Between the dominance of the Big Three (James, Wade, Bosh)

combined with an impressive bench line up which can play both defense and offense proficiently (Andersen, Miller, Jones), Milwaukee simply doesn’t have the depth or athletic ability to keep up with the swiftness and physicality of a Heat team that is valiantly seeking a second consecutive national championship.

Miami Heat Win Series 4-0

Indiana Pacers vs. Atlanta Hawks

While the Pacers have lacked successful consistency down the stretch during the regular  Likewise, Atlanta has also had issues in the last dozen games of the regular season, particularly against teams that have solid defenses (San Antonio, Indiana, New York).  In the end, this game will come down to who can rebound the ball with continuity while also having the physical presence to drive the ball into the paint for either an easy lay-up or garnering a charge for two free throws.  In this type of defensive mash up, Atlanta simply doesn’t have the roster or depth to hold off this type of brutal onslaught.

season, Paul George, George Hill and especially Roy Hibbert have proven that overall they can not only be physical but also when the time comes they can play stellar offense on a fairly consistent basis.

Indiana Pacers Win Series 4-2

Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls

It would be easy to say that without Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls will once again be doomed to an existence of post-season irrelevancy.  However, when you look at their innate ability to not  While the Brooklyn Nets have proven to be dangerous offensively at times with Brook Lopez as an underrated center, they are even more proficient at the defensive side of the ball.  However, the Bulls are not only more athletically sound in terms of defense (3^rd in the league) they can also aggressively rebound more efficiently which gives them more opportunities to convert these relinquished possessions into point.  This series will come down to the wire, and may even be the most competitive series initially in the eastern conference.  However, the Bulls slightly better defensive effort combined with a stouter roster will prove too much for the Nets to handle

only demolish win streaks (Heat and Knicks) combined with their ability to prevent offensive heavy teams from getting on a hot streak, you have a recipe for success.

Chicago Bulls Win Series 4-3

Western Conference:

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets

Houston Rocket’s fans should be pleased that their team made the playoffs as a result of the acquisitions of Jeremy Lin and of course the always looming athletic super star James Harden.  However, this brief rejoice will come to an end when the Rockets realize that their biggest regret of the regular season was that they failed to defeat the Los Angeles in their final game, which would have them facing a banged up San Antonio team instead.  As it stands now though, the Houston Rockets will be subjected to an offensive powerhouse that contains two highly prestigious NBA superstars in Kevin Durant (3-time consecutive scoring champion) and the always ferocious and vigilant Russell Westbrook.  While the Rockets score better as team on a regular basis (2^nd in the league), their defense is simply atrocious (28^th in the league).  This lack of balance will end in Durant and company having their way offensively with the Houston Rockets.

Oklahoma City Thunder Win Series 4-1

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers

While the Lakers proved to that they could play somewhat effectively without the legendary   This isn’t to say that the Lakers will be simply steam rolled by the Spurs.  San Antonio is still recovering from several key injuries along with their lack of swiftness and speed that has proven to be effective in wearing down the Lakers half-court defense.  Gasol and Howard will also provide an oppressive front that should allow them to obtain several rebounds to keep things interesting throughout the series.  However, once Tony Parker and Tim Duncan comeback into prime form, the uphill battle the Lakers will have to contend with down the stretch will be simply too much to handle for this team.

Kobe Bryant, they simply don’t have the know-how or the versatile skill set to defeat the Spurs without Bryant as the guiding force.

San Antonio Spurs Win Series 4-3

Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets

Two Words. Stephen Curry. This young wunderkind has not only proven he deserves a place in   He can shoot the three.  He can hit his mid range jump shot with fluidity and poise. He can even drive to the basket with the elusiveness and skill of a long time veteran at the same position.  While the team lacks a strong defensive identity, the Nuggets also suffer from this standpoint as well.  In the end, as long as Kenneth “the manimal” Faried is not 100%, Curry will be simply unstoppable and will ultimately give the Warriors a chance at the conference semifinals to prove that they are more than just a one hit wonder.

the NBA, but that he is also one of the most dominant offensive forces that has graced the court this season.

Golden State Warriors Win Series 4-3

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Despite the Clippers internal strife, and their sub par performance in the latter half of the regular season, they still have one of the most imposing and ruthless big men in Blake Griffin   However, if anyone can give this team a run for their money it’s the Memphis Grizzlies.  They have the most dominant defense in the nation and have the ability to work the glass with a solid degree of aggressiveness and awareness.  Even with these attributes working in their favor, Memphis still has to contain Chris Paul while preventing him from dishing out the ball to his teammates, especially to the ever-ubiquitous Blake Griffin.  This type of persistence will overwhelm the Grizzlies just enough to prevent them from advancing to the next round in the playoffs.

along with a highly respected point guard in Chris Paul.

Los Angeles Clippers Win Series 4-3

The Lakers Without Kobe Bryant: A Necessary Transition

Without question, Kobe Bryant is one of the best to ever play the game.

His ecstatic display of pure athleticism was nothing short of mesmerizing. Especially over the last couple of weeks when it became abundantly clear that every game was essential to the Lakers dwindling chances of making the post season.  Day in and day out, Kobe battled adamantly against the critics and against the unbeatable force of nature that is time.  However, it appeared that Kobe had the potential to overcome this impossible obstacle by going out on the court and not only playing at an unprecedented level, but also in his ability to simply dominate the competition which has garnered him several prestigious accolades along with the notoriety of being one of the most prolific and gifted players of all time.

However, as quickly as these attributes became essential to the Lakers playoff survival, it all came crashing down when Kobe realized that not even he could overcome this newfound disabling injury which effectively ended his aspirations to play in the post season which he single handedly made possible for a team that was seemingly on the verge on being the biggest bust in sports history.

While these sentiments may seem pessimistic at first glance, it shouldn’t necessarily be viewed this way.  Rather, the realization should be that while Kobe’s absence may seem detrimental at this point in the season, the fact of the matter is that #24 can’t be around to bail out the Lakers forever.  Even for someone as determined and physically resilient as Kobe, the end of the road was becoming undeniably visible for a man who has valiantly competed in the NBA for over seventeen years. 

In light of this situation, Laker fans need to understand and accept the fact that a new era is dawning upon them.  While there are currently more questions than answers as to how this inconsistent roster will be shaped and used come next season, ultimately the Los Angeles Lakers organization needs to prepare for an existence where Kobe is no longer the dominant leader.  As blasphemous and disgraceful as this may sound to anyone who was watched the Lakers dominate with this man in the line up, we must find others who are willing to step up and become the new voice of unwavering encouragement.

If the Lakers are able to clinch a playoff berth then we will see some glimpses of potential candidates that will at least alleviate some of the concern as to how the Lakers will move on from this unthinkable loss.  It won’t be easy, and will definitely be awkward from the standpoint of long time players who have become utterly reliant on Kobe’s ability to control the game both on and off the court.  Nevertheless, if the Lakers want to continue being a reputable force to be reckoned with, then like it or not, someone must step up to the throne and have the courage to not only lead this team to continuous success but also to be an athletic freak nature that can single handedly win game after game without batting an eye.

There is no doubt, that this is a tall order to fill, even for the most experienced and agile of professional basketball players.  However, if the Lakers want to win then they must come together as a team and look in the mirror to realize that their long time security blanket is all but drained of all of us gifted luster. Whether it takes one year or ten, the Lakers, one of the most inspiring basketball organizations to compete in the NBA, will find a way to revitalize this crippled franchise come hell or high water.

5 Bold Predictions For Opening Day

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1.     Orioles Finish First In AL East

Despite the Blue Jays making ideal acquisitions from the Miami Marlins, the Baltimore Orioles were able to retain the majority of the 2012 team that contributed to their first playoff berth since 1996.  While some may consider the Orioles flakey or even right out lucky due largely in part to their clutch win ability in one run games (29-9) and their uncanny ability to maintain a level of heightened endurance during extra inning games (16-2).  However, it can’t be denied that the Orioles have the potential within their young bullpen in Manny Machado, Matt Wieters and Adam Jones.  While the Yankees have championship veterans in Derek Jeter and the legendary closer Mariano Rivera, both of these players are on the verge retirement (this is Rivera’s last season) and no longer have the youthful presence necessary to excel in the latter half of the MLB season.  If the Orioles can develop a proficient and persistent defense, especially at the closer position, then they have chance to the win the division for the first time since 1997.

2.     Cardinals Win NL, Reach 2013 World Series

You can never sleep on the St. Louis Cardinals.  You would think that winning a World Series in 2011 as a wild card team that just snuck into the playoffs and proceeded to beat the best team in the NL, wouldn’t be underestimated time and time again.  Yet, when you look at the upcoming predictions none of them even mention the Cardinals as a potential threat.  Not only was this team able to compete last season without their former scoring superstar Albert Pujols, they were able to once again make the playoffs while beating the Washington Nationals despite their superior regular season record (Sound familiar?) They were one game away from beating the San Francisco Giants that would have landed them in their second consecutive World Series.  However, even with this heart breaking loss the Cardinals proved two things: 1. They have incredible depth and post-season poise and 2. They should never be underestimated.

3.     San Francisco Giants Miss Playoffs

While the Giants impressive sweep of the Detroit Lions in the 2012 World Series was the epitome of a dominant performance, you have to wonder if such a display of timely athleticism is possible to duplicate in consecutive seasons, especially when the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing second half of regular season play.  On top of that, the Giants didn’t make many moves during the off season and retained much of their squad from last season, which either could be a devastating detriment or a dominant force to be reckoned with. 

4.     Texas Rangers Finish 3^rd in AL West

Without Josh Hamilton it’s hard to see the Rangers making another run at a playoff berth and attempt to capture a seemingly elusive world series victory.  While the Houston Astros don’t appear to be an intimidating division opponent, teams such as the Angles and Athletics aren’t going to be pushovers.  If anything, both teams look to be much improved which is bad news for a Rangers team that seemingly lacks the consistent skills to go all the way.

5.     Orioles Win 2013 World Series

That’s right, I said it.  A team that was considered to be a walking disappointment since the departure of Hall of Famer and Orioles legend Cal Ripken Junior, has once again entered back into world of baseball relevance.  Sure their methods are unconventional and admittedly it’s possible that some of the Orioles regular season wins were due to luck and stamina rather than innate baseball talent.  But, given how other teams have been underdogs in the past and have been able to pull off upsets of epic proportions (2011 Cardinals, 2004 Red Sox,  etc.), is it really so hard to believe that this young and revitalized Orioles franchise could pull off something this monumental? Maybe so. Yet, after watching the Orioles nearly give the New York Yankees a run for their money in last year’s playoff series, and observing how this team defied the odds to be a competitive icon in one of the most difficult divisions in the league, anything is possible.