Rajon Rondo: The Little Boy With The Big Mouth

If Rajon Rondo tried to, he could probably fit all $55 million dollars of his new contract into his huge mouth.

Instead, he would be wise to invest at least some of his newfound wealth in a few lesson on how to be humble and act like a pro. There's already one big baby in Boston, they don't need another.

Rondo is a good player, but one who benefits from being surrounded by Hall of Fame talent. It's a little easier to rack up assists and pad your own numbers when your options include Ray Allen on the perimeter and Kevin Garnett on the inside. If neither is available, there's always Paul Pierce.

Which team in the league is going to focus their defense on stopping Rondo before one of those three?

Shoot the ball himself? Unlikely because unless it's a lay up, or he's left wide open, Rondo barely shoots, as is shown by his 23 attempts through four games this season.

Sure, his field-goal percentage is a respectable 57-percent, and while stats don't lie, they don't always tell the full story either.

He hasn't tried a three pointer yet, nor has he been to the free throw line this season.

Perhaps Rondo is still a shuddering at the thought of entering the paint after LeBron James talked him out of doing so in the preseason and then again on opening night .

Rondo has talent, no doubt about it. He's athletic and plays hard on defense. His long-reaching arms cause many deflections and steals, and he's constantly poking his hands into his opponents' space, trying for more.

But what Rondo has in talent, he lacks in maturity and humility. He is still a little boy who needs attention. Everyone talks about Boston's Big Three, and that means they're not talking about him.

His antics against Chris Paul and the Hornets on Sunday were ridiculous.

According to a report on Yahoosports.com , Rondo said to Chris Paul during Sunday's heated clash, "I've got a ring, and you're never gonna win one."

Classy.

Yes, Rondo does have a championship ring and Paul doesn't. Factually, that is correct. Sometimes though, the best players don't always have the jewelry to show for it. Just ask Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller or Charles Barkley.

But if we're going by stats, then Rondo only needs two more rings and he'll have as many as Mark Madsen does.

Furthermore, anyone who knows anything about the NBA knows that not only is Chris Paul the best point guard in the league, but he's also one of the leagues best players. Period.

Rondo is not in the same league as Paul. Not even close.

Paul deserves respect. He has always been very respectful towards those who paved the path for him and players like him. He understands that he is in a privliged position, and he carries himself with class and dignity at all times.

Rondo's conduct towards Paul was so tacky that Ray Allen, one of the classiest players in the league, reportedly apologized to Paul for Rondo's childish behavior.

It says a lot about the way Allen felt, that whatever Rondo said to Paul, Allen needed to speak up. Usually teammates of opposing players who got into a bit of a slanging match during a game put it down to "heat of the moment" type stuff.

Not this time. Rondo had embarrassed Allen.

It's not just Allen though. In the past, Rondo has riled up coach Doc Rivers, and in the summer, General Manager Danny Ainge was continually denying reports that he was shopping Rondo. However, that is usually the standard company line until a deal is finalized.

It's also surprising that Garnett tolerates such pathetic and immature behavior from one of his troops. After battling and struggling with the Timberwolves for years, Garnett knows better than most just how hard it is to not only win a championship, but to earn the respect of your peers. Garnett was in a similar position with Minnesota for years, and he can no doubt relate to the situation Paul faces now in New Orleans.

Trash talking is one thing, but mindless drivel is another. Garnett is a perfect example. He barely stops talking from the moment he arrives at the stadium until the last light has been turned off. He gets in the face of his opponents. It's his schtick.

But does he show respect to his opponents? Always. Since winning his championship, his only focus is on winning another. And another.

That's how a man behaves. His championship speaks for itself, but you know that in the back of KG's mind he needs to win at least one more to truly cement his place in history.

Rondo is only young and hopefully his attitude soon changes, because right now all he is proving is that winners can be losers at the same time.

NBA Power Rankings: Week 1

While many teams shook off preseason rust in opening week, the Boston Celtics look to be in midseason form already. KG's knee? Check. Paul Pierce motivated? Check? A deeper rotation despite Big Baby's big boo boo? Check.

The Celtics start the season ranked No. 1 and might be tough to remove from top spot.

1. BOSTON CELTICS: Through four convincing victories, the Celtics points differential is almost at 20 already. It’s very early, but everything is clicking for Boston, though three of their next four games are on the road.
2. ORLANDO MAGIC: The Magic have already knocked down 39 three-pointers this season, putting them on pace for more than a thousand makes if they keep it up. Seeing Jameer Nelson back to full strength shows just how much they missed him in the Finals last season.
3. DENVER NUGGETS: Carmelo Anthony has stormed out of the blocks with two 40-plus point games and 41 trips to the free throw line already. Things figure to get tougher for the 3-0 Nuggets as they head East for six straight on the road.
4. MIAMI HEAT: Jermaine O’Neal broke his nose in Sunday’s victory over the Bulls but isn’t expected to miss any time. He has been very impressive so far and is a large reason why the Heat are 3-0.
5. PHOENIX SUNS: The Suns are unbeaten though they are yet to face a playoff opponent. That ends this week as they take a trek East, where they face Orlando, Miami, Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia all on the road.
6. L.A. LAKERS: Sandwiched between two comfortable victories was a surprising home loss to the Mavericks. It was probably the early wake up that Kobe needed just to remind him that repeating is never easy. Andrew Bynum’s maturity has been more impressive than his career numbers so far.
7. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The Spurs have looked re-energized at home, though the Bulls easily handled them in Chicago. Back-to-back trips this week to Utah and Portland should give us a closer indication of what the Spurs will be all about this season.
8. DALLAS MAVERICKS: The Wizards strolled into Dallas on opening night and grabbed a win, but Dallas quickly responded by doing the double over L.A. on Friday and Saturday night. Shawn Marion’s energy is just what the Mavericks have lacked in recent years.
9. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: Will Washington’s Big Three ever see court time together again? After missing Saturday nights game, Caron Butler is expected to return on Tuesday but Antawn Jamison is still two weeks away. The good news is that Gilbert Arenas looks to be completely over his knee injuries, though he’s still not talking all that much.
10. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: There was expected to be an adjustment period with the big Shaq-usition, but after recovering from an 0-2 start, there is talk of bringing O’Neal off the bench. I still have no idea why the Cavs gave Jamario Moon $8 million over three years.
11. HOUSTON ROCKETS: Trevor Ariza wanted to be the man and he’s shown so far that maybe, just maybe, he can be a go-to guy. He’s averaging 29 PPG and the Rockets are 2-1. A matchup with the Lakers on Wednesday should be compulsive viewing.
12. OKLAHOMA CITY: Kevin Durant was just 3-for-21 from the field in the Thunder’s first loss, but last season, OKC didn’t register two wins until November 29, this year they reached that mark before the end of October.
13. ATLANTA HAWKS: There is still something missing from this team. On Sunday night against the Lakers, the Hawks conceded 18 unanswered points en route to their first loss. Mental strength continues to be the issue in Atlanta.
14. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: The Sixers laid an egg on opening night but responded with two solid victories. They host the Celtics on Tuesday where they get a chance to show if they are for real or not.
15. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS: Greg Oden got his first big chance to show that he was cool in the clutch but fluffed his lines when he missed two free throws late against the Nuggets. Brandon Roy needs consistent help on offense if the Blazers are going to cement their place in the western conference elite.
16. CHICAGO BULLS: The Bulls opened with an impressive win over the Spurs but were crushed by the Celtics one night later. Derrick Rose avoided the rookie wall, but with averages of 10 PPG and 5 APG so far through three games, signs are that he might be facing one in his sophomore season.
17. UTAH JAZZ: The Jazz can’t move forward until they part with Carlos Boozer. He’s moody and just isn’t a good enough defender for a player of his size.
18. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: The Hornets pushed the Celtics on Sunday, further than any team had so far, but the gap in depth became evident as Boston pulled away at the end. Chris Paul must be fuming after George Shinn gave away Rasual Butler.
19. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: It’s only been two games but Brandon Jennings has settled the starting point guard debate already. It’s his. It’s not good to hear that Michael Redd is already experiencing soreness in his right knee.
20. DETROIT PISTONS: Through three games, Ben Wallace is averaging 10 rebounds and playing more than 30 minutes. I say again, he could just be the steal signing of the summer.
21. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Through three games, the Grizz have had three different guys top them in scoring and not one has been Rudy Gay. If Memphis can get everything together, they are capable of doing some serious damage, but it’s not good to hear that O.J. Mayo and Gay had to be separated in Sunday’s loss.
22. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: 59 points on opening night was a disgusting effort. Getting Raja Bell back should at least help their offense, but it’s hard to believe in Charlotte performing better than they did last year.
23. TORONTO RAPTORS: After a stirring home win over the Cavs to open the season, the Raptors bubble quickly burst with losses against Memphis and Orlando. With seven of their next nine out West and on the road, the Raptors struggle to maintain .500 ball has already begun.
24. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Johnny Flynn is another rookie making impressive strides early on. Wonder if Ricky Rubio is paying attention?
25. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: The Stephen Jackson trade watch continues in earnest but just who would want to hear the words from their agent that they are heading to Oakland to play under Don Nelson?
26. INDIANA PACERS: Danny Granger is doing all he can, but Indiana hasn’t really been close to a victory in either game so far. With four of their next five at home, the Pacers should at least get on the board.
27. SACRAMENTO KINGS: Tyreke Evans is the third rookie point guard to feature in today’s rankings. I like Kevin Martin, but seriously, in 33 minutes against the Spurs, he didn’t get one assist or rebound. That is just not good enough.
28. NEW JERSEY NETS: Seeing Devin Harris already missing time due to a groin strain adds weight to the theory that he’s far too injury prone. Brook Lopez exploded for 27 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks on opening night, but has grabbed just 8 rebounds since.
29. L.A. CLIPPERS: Oh the Clippers. Baron Davis looks in great shape, but his shot selection, which has always been questionable, seems to be getting worse. Blake Griffin must be wishing that he hadn’t been such a lock for the No. 1 pick last June.
30. NEW YORK KNICKS: Did the Knicks work on anything over the summer? It’s OK to lose with dignity, but the way the Knicks are playing, it’s like they don’t even respect themselves.

Dwight Howard Ready To Take the Magic To the Top

NBA POWER RANKINGS

1. ORLANDO MAGIC: Vince Carter was thrilled to get traded to Orlando. He lives there in the off season, but more importantly, playing behind D12 and Jameer Nelson means that VC finally gets his wish that he won’t be relied on to do all of the heavy lifting on offense. If this doesn’t make him happy, nothing ever will. Even though Gortat wanted out, retaining him was a huge coup for the Magic.

2. L.A. LAKERS: I’d still prefer to have Ariza over Artest simply because Ariza is won’t blow up at any point and also he thrived in his role as a sleeper on the Lakers offense. As long as Kobe stays healthy, the Lakers will likely finish atop the West, but should the Black Mamba go down for any reason and L.A. becomes vulnerable.

3. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Make no mistake, while Shaq will still be effective, this team goes as far as LeBron takes them. The Cavs might as well try to grab S-Jax from the Warriors because for all his troubles, he’d be a solid addition to this team for this season, and after all, this season is all everything is about in Cleveland.

4. BOSTON CELTICS: The debate on whether or not Rajon Rondo is as good as advertised was answered in game seven against the Magic last season. Rafer Alston ignored Rondo on offense, instead gambling on double-teaming Pierce, daring Rondo to knock down jumpers. He struggled and the Magic destroyed the C’s. Rondo has a lot to prove this season.

5. DENVER NUGGETS: The surprise of last season, Denver faces the dreaded “expectations” this season. Anything less than a top four berth in the West will be disappointment. ‘Melo needs to show that he truly belongs in the conversation with LeBron and Dwyane.

6. SAN ANTONIO SPURS: The additions of Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair give the Spurs the injection of freshness they needed. With a rested Duncan and Ginobili, the Spurs will always be tough to beat and Popovich never allows for excuses. Expect another 50 wins, but a championship? Never discount San Antonio completely.

7. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS: Brandon Roy’s first taste of post season action wasn’t a pleasant one. Somehow he still seems underrated. If Greg Oden comes good and if Andre Miller provides the steady hand needed at the point, the Blazers threaten to become the Lakers biggest challenge. Too many ifs? We’ll see.

8. MIAMI HEAT: Yes, Dwyane Wade is this good. As long as he stays healthy, Wade can carry this team to as high as fourth in the East, even though he won’t be able to rely on the wonky knees of Jermaine O’Neal to provide much help. Michael Beasley is an unknown quantity, but Mario Chalmers is good, very good.

9. DALLAS MAVERICKS: Had the Mavs been able to snag Gortat – and they very nearly did - it would have given them a boost. Instead they had to settle for Shawn Marion who will be hoping the Mavs play a run-and-gun style of play that he is perfectly suited to. Expect the Mavs to try to deal Josh Howard at some point.

10. ATLANTA HAWKS: A very impressive victory over the Heat in the playoffs was followed up by a thumping loss to the Cavs in the semis. Jamal Crawford was a solid addition but you have to figure that either Mike Woodson or Josh Smith won’t still be there at season’s end.

11. CHICAGO BULLS: It’s only his second season, but already the Bulls are Derrick Rose’s team. Tyrus Thomas finally showed signs of maturity last season and John Salmons provided a needed offensive spark. The Bulls need help defensively, but in Rose they have a stud.

12. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS: Okafor is an upgrade over Chandler from a health perspective, but the Hornets will miss Rasual Butler. Peja Stojakovic will always be a deadly shooter, but his continual health problems negate his effectiveness. Chris Paul is disgustingly good, but the Hornets need another scorer to compliment Paul and David West.

13. PHOENIX SUNS: Amare and Nash will run defenses ragged again, but it’s hard to see Phoenix doing much more than making up the numbers in the Western conference playoffs, something that was beyond reach last season. Will Amare still even being in Phoenix at the All-Star break?

14. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: The loss of Andre Miller was a surprise, but they get Elton Brand back. Eddie Jordan was the right choice to coach this team and expect big things from Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young who should continue their development. They’re not ready to win it all just yet, but there should be big strides made in Philly this season.

15. UTAH JAZZ: Whatever happens with Carlos Boozer – and it seems likely that he’ll be moved – Jerry Sloan will prevent complete chaos descending onto Salt Lake. They’ll make the playoffs again, like they always do, but can you really see them winning the title? Me neither.

16. DETROIT PISTONS: Last season couldn’t end quickly enough for Detroit. Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva are typical Joe Dumars signings – unloved, talented players who just need a home - and they may have found one in Motown. If Ben Wallace gets rejuvenated by his return, he could be the steal of the summer.

17. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER: GM Sam Presti knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day and what he is constructing in OKC looks very promising. Durant we know is a stud and Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook have shown enough to suggest that the Thunder are on the right track and Presti is on the right track.

18. TORONTO RAPTORS: After last season’s disaster, GM Bryan Colangelo stressed the need for the Raptors to get better at rebounding to be tougher this season. Then he went out and signed the defensively challenged Hedo Turkoglu to a monster contract. Reggie Evans might add some toughness, but how much can he contribute if he only plays 15 minutes a night. Rookie DeMar DeRozan and Marco Bellinelli give Raptors fans hope, but any more than 42 wins will be a surprise.

19. HOUSTON ROCKETS: The loss of Yao hurts, but Rockets fans should be used to it by now. T-Mac’s best contribution to the team might be whoever Houston can dump his contract on. However, Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola and Trevor Ariza should prevent the Rockets from a complete meltdown and big man David Anderson might surprise a few with his versatility.

20. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Up until they signed Allen Iverson, things were looking up in Memphis. Now it seems as though it will be another season of emptiness, despite the promise shown by O.J. Mayo and star-in-waiting Rudy Gay. I hope Zach Randolph can do a good Elvis impersonation.

21. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS: Larry Brown almost got the Bobby’s to the playoffs last season but the loss of Okafor hurts. D.J. Augustin will push Raymond Felton for the starting PG spot and on last season’s performance, he could be given the duties at some point. Expect a similar, un-sexy season from the Bobcats as last season, hovering around the eighth playoff spot.

22. INDIANA PACERS: Danny Granger doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. Last season Indy took down the Lakers, Cavs and Celtics at home but still missed the playoffs, although only just. T.J. Ford is not the right guy at the point for Indiana, but he’s the best they’ve got since Jarrett Jack bolted for Toronto.

23. NEW JERSEY NETS: Rod Thorn has a knack for getting young legs for old. He did it with Devin Harris for Jason Kidd and he might have done it again with Courtney Lee for Vince Carter. Yi Jianlian hasn’t lived up to expectations yet and the Nets need him to come good this season, but even if he does, the Nets will be in a scrap for the playoffs.

24. MILWAUKEE BUCKS: Michael Redd has missed 88 games over the last three seasons and therefore his standing among the game’s elite has suffered. If the Bucks are to have any hope of making the playoffs, he MUST play in more than 75 games. Rookie Brandon Jennings has been lavished with praise so far in the preseason and should be among the top rookie vote getters at season’s end.

25. NEW YORK KNICKS: Just one question with the Knicks quest for LeBron James next summer. What happens if he stays in Cleveland? It’s a disgrace how shambolic the Knicks franchise has become. D’Antoni’s no defense style of play might be fun to watch, but it doesn’t work in the playoffs, not that New York will need to worry about that this season.

26. WASHINGTON WIZARDS: I’m still laughing that the NBA fined Gilbert Arenas for not talking to the media during the preseason. Note to the NBA: Enjoy the silence. If Agent Zero can return to his All-Star form, then Washington could be in the mix for a playoff berth, but if anything goes wrong, the Wizards are out of it. Caron Butler is a stud.

27. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES: Kevin McHale’s time in ‘sota finally came to an end last season. Kurt Rambis gets his chance in the big chair and we could see just how effective he was as Phil Jackson’s assistant for so many years. Just how much did he learn much from the Zen Master, or was Rambis just a guy with great seats to Lakers home games? How the T’Wolves perform should give us our answer.

28. SACRAMENTO KINGS: The Kings do have a nice mix of players with Kevin Martin, Spencer Hawes, and rookie Tyreke Evans. If Sacramento can break into the teens in the power rankings by season’s end, it will have been a good season.

29. L.A. CLIPPERS: You want the Clippers to shake off 25 years of nothing, but somehow, it always goes wrong. On paper, with Baron Davis, Marcus Camby and the exciting Blake Griffin, the Clippers should be able to win 35-40 games, but history tells us that for one reason or another, it just won’t happen.

30. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS: Complete chaos has engulfed the NBA’s second most dysfunctional franchise and the real stuff is still over a week away. Why can’t the Warriors be like the team from 2007 all of the time, rather than once every 15 years?

Farewell Freddie, We Hardly Knew Ya

With the Ashes urn firmly in keep, Andrew Flintoff bowed out of test cricket this week a happy man.

It was a much happier end for Flintoff than the last time he faced Australia, a 5-0 drubbing Down Under in 2007 that took the gloss off England’s glorious 2005 triumph.

From a statistical point of view, Flintoff's final test won't be remembered as one of his best. He scored a total of 29 runs from two innings, and his only wicket for the match was that of Australian No. 11 Ben Hilfenhaus.

Still, he made a monumental contribution during Australia’s second innings. With Australia on course for an unlikely victory, Flintoff stepped up and gunned down Australian skipper Ricky Ponting with a magical piece of fielding.

It swung the match and series firmly back into England’s favour and it was Flintoff's last moment of significance in test cricket.

This Ashes series summed up much of Flintoff's career. A booze-related incident at the start of the series, followed by flashes of brilliance during it.

His innings in the third test at Edgbaston, when he scored 74 runs from 79 balls, 46 of which came in boundaries, was his best individual effort with the bat, but his run out of Ponting during the final test at The Oval was the decisive moment.

It was a powerful way for Flintoff to sign off and it showed just how important he is not only to England, but to the test cricketing world.

He’s a crowd pleaser and one who fans everywhere are happy to pay to watch.

Flintoff’s final test won't be remembered like his effort at Edgbaston in 2005 will be, when he bulldozed his way past Australia. That match had many magical moments, but it was his devastating spell during Australia's second innings when he removed both Justin Langer and Ricky Ponting within four ferocious deliveries of each other that singlehandedly restored England’s chances of winning the Ashes.

It was one of the most hostile spells of fast bowling and anyone who watched it will remember it forever. It was Freddie at his best and when he bowled like that, he was as good as anyone.

Unfortunately, there just weren't enough spells like it.

That 2005 series was Flintoff’s Mount Everest, but he'd been trudging his way down ever since.

As good as Freddie was for England over his 11-year test career, there is still a feeling he left the test cricket world too early and also left it short-changed.

It's said that a good entertainer should always leave the crowd salivating for more and to that end he delivered, but with Only five test centuries and an average of just over 31 runs from 130 innings doesn’t elevate him into the category of master batsmen, especially when his bowling average was a tick under 33 runs per wicket. It could be said that what he gave with the bat, he lost with the ball. That might be a harsh assessment, but statistically, he underperformed with both the bat and ball.

After his heroics of ’05, Flintoff struggled to deal with expectations. Too often, in times of need, he turned to alcohol to help him deal with the pressure and burden of being England’s leader. Every man has a weakness and Flintoff was no different. His additional fault was that he didn’t possess the discipline to seek help or to walk away.

It affected his judgment and his career.

When England needed him focused more than ever as they sought to retain the Ashes in Australia in 2006-07, in the lead up, Flintoff found himself talking more about his boozing than his bowling. Even then-manager Duncan Fletcher turned on Flintoff, and England’s Ashes defense was in tatters.

Perhaps part of the reason for Flintoff’s popularity was that he wasn’t a textbook cricketer. He played on feel, instinct and heart. He could electrify his team and the fans, but also he could electrocute himself.

Maybe Flintoff was a cricketer from the wrong time. In the modern era of athlete that is programmed to watch what they eat and drink, Freddie was never one to shy away from tucking into a good meal rounded off by a not-so-quiet drink.

It meant he was always fighting himself, waging a war he couldn't win. His frame and size always made him susceptible to injury. The fact the 79 tests he played in was barely half the amount England played in since Flintoff made his debut in 1998 against South Africa proves he didn't take great care of himself.

So while it all ended too soon, all we are left to say to Freddie is good luck and thanks for the memories

All Good For the Toronto Raptors as they Swipe Marco Belinelli

I love the Raptors acquisition of Marco Belinelli.

Belinelli is coming off two seasons with the Golden State Warriors where he played in less than one full season - only 75 games in total.

But because he played for the Warriors under the mad scientist coach Don Nelson, we can say that his career hasn't properly been given a chance just yet.

He should get that in Toronto with the Raptors. Belinelli won't start but he will give the Raptors another offensive option off the bench, similar to what Rudy Fernandez gives the Portland Trail blazers.

Belinelli is energetic, can play the one or the two and is a good shooter from range and while his career 43-percent from the field and 40-percent from beyond the arc aren't super, again remember that those numbers are from his Golden State days where you could be flavour of the day with Nelson and be in his doghouse in the same game.

When you consider that Raptors General Manager Bryan Colangelo has long been a fan of the Italian and tried valiantly last season to acquire him, BC must be giddy this morning. All he had to was pass off a throw in from the Shawn Marion trade in Devean George.

George was a serviceable player with the Lakers during the Shaq-Kobe years but his career quickly curtailed once he signed with the Mavericks. Also it's worth remembering that the Mavs actually traded George to the Nets for Jason Kidd before realizing that George somehow was allowed to negate the trade because of a clause in his contract about protecting his own "Bird" rights.

Honestly, the fact that the "Bird" rule is allowed is ok, but you should have to be a player of a certain status to be able to associate yourself with such a legend. Devean George certainly isn't.

It's hard to see how George will even fit in with Warriors. Ever since the Run-TMC days of Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway, hardly any player has been able to slot in. The glory days of 2007 are sadly over already and fans in Oakland are hardly going to think anything will change with George's arrival.

Cleveland Cavs To Crush the Detroit Pistons

LeBron James is a fast learner.

Last year, the Cavs superstar couldn't handle the truth.

Ever the student though, James saw first hand just how important home court advantage is in the playoffs.

Sometimes we don't like the way we learn lessons. But the point is that as long as something is learned, then losing isn't all bad.

Quite clearly, James was adamant that if there was going to be any series deciding games to be played this year, then they were going to be played in front of his adoring fans.

So he went out and made the Cavs virtually impenetrable at home, going 39-1 at the Q this season. If Cleveland beats Philadelphia tonight, they will have posted the same record the 1986 NBA champions Boston Celtics did.

The lone blemish was a stinker though and one that James won't forget anytime soon. The Lakers were playing the last of a six-game Eastern road swing with the Cavs the final stop. Kobe Bryant was feeling awful. He'd vomited prior to the game and shouldn't have been playing. Instead he came out and delivered a big win ensuring a sweep against the Cavs.

LeBron struggled, he shot just 5-for-20 from the field and finished with 16 points. Kobe only scored 19 but he "out-matured" Kobe.

Despite that one slip up, the Cavs have turned the Q into a graveyard for everyone else. The Pistons have not enjoyed facing LeBron in the playoffs and they are less equipped to face them this year than they were in the past, when they were a solid, cohesive unit.

That all changed when Pistons GM Joe Dumars traded away Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson.

To say the move backfired on Dumars is an understatement.

Iverson at the Pistons has been a complete failure. To be fair though, after taking Darko Millic second in the 2003 draft, it was only Dumars second blip and expect him to pull off a shrewd move in the Summer to compensate for it.

Summer is the time for golf clubs and the Pistons will get plenty of use out of them this year.

Cleveland in four.

Miami Heat To Burn the Atlanta Hawks In Round One

The NBA playoff picture won't be fully decided for a few more hours, but there are some first round matchups that are already locked in.

The first one we're going to look at is the No. 4 seed Atlanta Hawks against the No. 5 seed Miami Heat.

The Hawks will be hosting the first round of a playoff series on home court for the first time since 1997, but like last year, they are only going to last one round.

Apart from LeBron James, Dwyane Wade is the single most destructive player in the East and while Joe Johnson is a solid player himself, he cannot carry the Hawks in the way that Wade can carry the Heat.

Atlanta simply don't have anybody capable of stopping Flash. Wade has been outstanding this year and has shown how dangerous he is when he stays healthy. He'll win the NBA scoring title and we'll probably finish in the top 3 voting for the MVP.

The only concern with Wade is his health. He'll play heavy minutes and his style of play means that he spends a lot of time at the free throw line. Most importantly though, Wade realizes that there are times when he simply has to take over and carry his team. It's not an ideal way to try to win a championship, but it will certainly be enough to get past the Hawks.

Atlanta will look to veteran Mike Bibby to take on a heavier scoring load, but Bibby is only serviceable these days, not deadly. Young center Al Horford has shown signs of improvement but he is limited offensively, enough so that the old legs of Jermaine O'Neal will be able to match up with him easily enough.

Joe Johnson showed against the Celtics in last seasons first round that he is an intelligent playoff basketballer by scoring a lot of high-percentage baskets, but he needs to explode like Wade can if the Hawks are going to progress beyond the first round.

They won't, Heat in five.