Friday, April 30, 2010

The Charmin All Stars: NBA edition

You are probably wondering what the hell The Sharmin All Stars are. The Sharmin All Stars are athlethes that are not worth the toliet paper you wipe your ass with. The criteria is for an athlete to be well known, be a relatively high draft pick, played well and feel apart, and making a decent amount of money but under achieving at such a level that you honestly sit there and think he is not worth the toilet paper in your bathroom. So here is the list.(This is just NBA, other sports soon to come)

Jermaine O'Neal: O'neal was making this list even prior to his playoff appearance, but after watching him dick around through five games of the playoffs he elevated himself to a whole new level. (I am think of coming up with a new list just titled the Jermaine O'Neal All Stars: that would be athletes who underachieve in contract years, check back in a few weeks for that.) Back to O'Neal this was a guy who averaged 20.6 ppg from 2001-2007, he use to be an all-star he use to be the go to guy, now though i wouldn't pick this guy in a game of pick up basketball with a group of my friends. Contracts years usually mean players go balls to the wall in order to get that fat new paycheck from whatever franchise is dumb enough to give them it. O'Neal though basically said fuck the next contract by averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds. Can anyone guess how much money O'neal made this season? Take a guess? If you guessed $23 million then your right. I can think of so many other ways that the Heat could have spent that money, like buying Alonzo Morning some new kidney's. O'neal took sucking to a whole new level this postseason congrats.

Gilbert Arenas: On the list for one reason, the guy has a $180 million contract and makes T.I. look like he doesn't have a gun problem. Also i think he may have a gambling problem though no one talks about it because i still cant figure out how he consistently lost in the first round. He had to be betting on those games. He can play know question but you just never know about this guy, what if his stat line looks like 6 points, 2 assists on 3-15 shooting. There is a 50% chance that he go goes all Virginia Tech on Josh Howard in the locker room.


Elton Brand: Elton Brand should be sending a thank you letter to Jermaine O'neal because if not for O'Neal, Brand would take the cake on this list. Watching Sixers games this season i often wondered if that was Elton John in a sixers jersey instead of Brand. In two seasons with the sixers Brand is averaging 13.4 ppg after signing an $80 million contract. Him making 80 mill is more of a crime than if Big Ben and Donte Stallworth were to team up for a night of raping every 18 year old in a city and then getting drunk and running them over.


Earl Clark: This guy also needs his own all-star team(athletes that make you question if they have a pulse) I think there is more oxygen collectively pumping through Sean Taylor, Chris Henry, Michael Jackson, and all of Donte Stallworth's victim compared to Earl Clark. I understand that Clark is only a rookie but come on in 51 games this guy only averaged 2.7 ppg. Christ i think Tim Legler could put those numbers up now. Just watching Suns games this year you would look down the bench and see Earl Clark sitting there like he was on time out or something. Either way he sucks, the Suns system fits Clark perfectly yet he sat on the bench and collected splinters on his ass.

Kirk Hinrich: Congrats Kirk you have been just awarded the Reason why people think Whites suck at basketball award. You my man couldn't hit water if you fell out of a boat. I personally think the Bulls should just sign J-Mac (the kid who is handicap who dropped about 20 points in a high school game, its been on ESPN about a 1 million times.) No joke he cant shoot this past season he shot 37% from 3 and he is considered the teams best shoot. Anyone surprised that they got bounced in 5 in the playoffs. If im Derrick Rose im contacting Donte Stallworth, tell him i will give him a 30 rack and the keys to the Benz and then tell him to go out and find John Paxton, Vinny Del Negro, and Hinrich and just go to work.

Mike Beasley: I had to do it. I know he is only two years into his career but this guy is a bust. He's more known for the fact that he spends equal time with Dr. Drew than with Dwayne Wade. Yes he averaged 14 points and 6 boards which is not bad for a second year player but you know if you asked D Wade after a night of Dennis Rodman like drinking he would tell you "man that kid sucks why the fuck did we draft him." It doesn't help Beasley that he was taken No. 2 in the draft and just two years later would be considered the 13th best pick. Would i really be the only person in America surprised to read this summer on the bottom line that Michael Beasley has died due to a drug overdose.

Sean May: I bet you that most people don't even know who Sean May even is. My point exactly, I know Sean May because I love UNC and remember when he dominated college basketball and was a lottery pick. He was the MOP of the tournament his junior year, now your more likely to find May at your local Wendy's than on the hardwood. This past season he averaged 3.3 ppg, May certainty qualifies to be on Earl Clark's All Star's list because I don't believe May has a pulse and if he does could luck finding it beneath all the fat.

Greg Oden: This poor guy just can't catch a break. I mean it's not a good thing that he's more successful sexting than he is as a professional basketball player. On a side note can anyone actually picture Greg Oden sexting? First off what female in their right mind says to themselves man i wanna see Greg Oden naked? And second off do you think he has to send the pic in two messages because he is so large? Like does the recipient get just an upper body shot and then have to wait a few minuets for the rest? Athletes who should never sext, Greg Oden certainty is right up there.

Rasheed Wallace: Sheed should be on the list that rates most intelligent athletes in sports because he would rank right up there. He convinced Danny Ainge(who by the way is highly overrated as a GM) to sign him to a 3 year contract despite showing he no longer gave a fuck about basketball and that all he was going to do was run from one three point line to the other. Any Celtic fan will agree with me that Sheed was the worst Celtic in a long time, you know its bad when fans are asking for Sheldon Williams. Sheed you to be great, he use to have a swag about him that came off like hey if you fuck with me, ill kill you. Sheed is such an after thought that he doesnt even make headlines when he gets fined now. Did anyone even know he got fine during the first round for calling out the officiating and D-Wade? Nope that's what i thought.


Posted by Marcus-Tracy McGrady- Probably the most talented player on this list. His seasons with Orlando were phenomenal 2 time scoring champion All-NBA first team and all that cool shit. Well in his five full seasons with Houston McGrady played 78,47,71,66 and 35 games in that order. I don't know if I've seen any superstars as fragile as McGrady. It's like the man is made of fuckin' porcelain. He had a couple productive years, but definitely not the kind of player you can build a franchise on like Houston tried to do with him and Yao. After 2009 when he played 35 games, the team advanced out of the first round and took L.A. to 7 games without him needless to say he was about as welcomed as AIDS in Houston and found a home in New York. Now that he's averaging a pedestrian 8.2ppg for for the Knicks, guess how much this 30 year-old, injury-prone, wash-up, who has never advanced out of the first round get's paid? $23 million. Are you fucking kidding me?? Not that it matters NY is just using him for his contract so they can drop his ass and sign LeBron.

NBA Second Round Previews:


"MA! SIT DOWN"
1.Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21)
Last Championship: n/a
Previous Playoff run: 2009 Lost in Conference Finals (4-2) to Orlando
Previous round: 4-1 Over Chicago
Best Playoff Performer: LeBron James 31.8ppg 9.8rpg 8.2apg
Biggest Concern: LBJ's "elbow injury"

4. Boston Celtics (50-32)
Last Championship: 2008
Previous Playoff Run: 2009 Lost second round (4-3) to Orland Magic
Previous Round: 4-1 over Miami
Best Playoff Performer: Paul Pierce 19.6ppg 5.6rpg
Biggest Concern: Age. LeBron James

Last Playoff Meeting: 2008 Second Round 4-3 Boston
Season Series: Tied 2-2
Most intriguing match-up: Paul Pierce vs. LeBron James

This series is pretty intriguing because it pits a young superstar and his prospective championship squad against an aging championship team lead by a group of seasoned veterans who have looked like a shell of their former selves most of the season. Still, I think Boston can win this. It's not bias I think they have the talent, defense and veteran leadership to take Cleveland. They probably won't though. Cleveland is just better than them in almost every aspect of the game.

Prediction 4-2 Cleveland


3. Phoenix Suns (54-28)
Last Championship: n/a
Previous Playoff Run: 2008 Lost 1st round 4-1 to San Antonio
Previous Round: 4-2 over Portland
Best Play-off Performer: Jason Richardson 23.5ppg 6.8rpg
Biggest Concern: Spurs dominance over the Suns in the play-offs

7. San Antonio Spurs (50-32)
Last Championship: 2007
Previous Playoff Run: 2009 Lost 1st round 4-1 to Dallas
Previous Round: 4-2 Over Dallas
Best Play-off Performers: Manu Ginobili 19ppg 5apg, Tim Duncan 18.2ppg 9.5rpg
Biggest Concern: Health

Last Playoff meeting: 2008 1st round 4-1 San Antonio
Season Series: 2-1 Phoenix
Most Intriguing match-up: Tim Duncan vs. Amare Stoudemire

After finishing off in-state rival Dallas in 6, Duncan and company travel to Phoenix play another rival. While some of the play-off games played between these two are historical, this rivalry is one-sided. Nash's Suns have never been able to eliminate Duncan's Spurs in a seven game series . In 2007 it got ugly (see above). I don't expect there to be as much bloodshed, but I do expect history to repeat iselft

Predication: 4-3 San Antonio

Orginiality at its finest

We have all in been in fantasy leagues where there is that one guy who names his baseball team Sox34 or go Yanks. Well i hate those people. So here is my list of fantasy names, use them.

NFL/College football:

Cleo's Sour Lemons, Gene UpChuck, Marc's dirty Sanchez, Josh Scobee doobie doo, Ronnie what can Brown do for you, DJ i cant Hackett, Vince i want to die Young(Marcus), Dwayne's Bowe and arrow, Marshawn i need to be Lynched, Patrick corn on the Cobb, Selvin only the good die Young, LenDale i wish i was White, Santonio im burning down ya Holmes, Ahmans Greener pastures, Heath's Miller Lite, Jason Campbell's Soup, Deion im hanging by a Branch, Dominic im following the yellow brick Rhodes, Matt i build sand Cassell's, Josh i wish i could Reed, Shaun im over the Hill, Know-Sho Moreno, Casey im a fan of Dick, Brian the Price is right, Arrelious i live around the Benn, Sergio's Kindle research, Jacoby's built Ford tough, Dennis Pitta Pit.



NBA/College:

Patient Zero, Jason i beat my Kidd, DeJauns Blair Witch Project, Lavance's Field of dreams, Rudy i was better off Gay, Kevin ill pay for Love, Raja ring my Bell, Derrick im pushing up Roses, Eddie im bringing down the House, Josh my game is a sinking Shipp, Brian i stabbed Rudoplh, Matt i was raised in Barnes, Adoonal's aluminum Foyle, Aaron all i see is shades of Gray, Jrue i dont celebrate the Holiday's, Sean May i introduce myself, O.J. hold the Mayo, C.J. i got Miles to go till im good, Jamario you couldn't find my game on the Moon, Tayshaun's Prince of Persia.

MLB:

David if loving you is wrong i dont want to be Wright, Kerry's morning Wood, Mark's Prior Commitment, Ted's Lilly Pond, Randy Winn me a gumball, Ben i wet my Sheets, Garrett's Atkins diet, Eric's 3rd degree Byrnes, Nick's Swisher Sweets, Rickie i havent got laid in Weeks, Brad Hawpe on my nuts, Ryan i touched your kid in Church, Bill Hall's cough drops, Coco's Rice Crispys, Jon im a MaLester, Chan Ho's walk in the Park, Scott i got Downs Syndrome, Jayson im not Werth shit, JJ dont call me a Putz, Phil give me a diet Coke,Aaron i dont know how to Cook, J.R. throw me a Towles, Matt lets take the Stairs, Brad a Penny for you thoughts,

Thursday, April 29, 2010

NHL Eastern Conference Semi-final Preview


The East Conference went completely nuts in the first round with all but one lower seed advancing. As of now with Pittsburgh claiming home ice almost by default, it seems that it is the Pens Conference to win. While it will now be seen as a disappointment if the defending champs do not make it three years in a row in the finals these under dogs will not lay down with out a fight. This conference could easily employ the saying "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

(4) Pittsburgh PenguinsRegular Season Record: 47-28-7, 101 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 3-1
Last Stanley Cup Win: 2009
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 2009
Total Championships: 3
Last Postseason Appearance: 2009
Players with Stanley Cup Rings:
Chris Kunitz (2), Bill Guerin (2), Ruslan Fedotenko (2), Craig Adams (2), Marc Andre Fleury, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Sergei Gonchar, Pascal Dupuis, Alex Goligoski, Matt Cooke, Kris Letang, Brooks Orpik, Tyler Kennedy, Michael Rupp, Mark Eaton, Max Talbot, Eric Godard

(8) Montreal Canadiens
Regular Season Record: 39-33-10, 88 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 1-3
Last Stanley Cup Win: 1993
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 1993
Total Championships: 24
Last Postseason Appearance: 2009
Players with Stanley Cup Rings:
Scott Gomez (2), Brian Gionta, Travis Moen, Hal Gill



Montreal's reward for shocking the Presidents Trophy winning Capitals is a match up with the back to back Eastern Conference representative in the finals and defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins. While the Pens took 6 games to knock out a injury plagued Ottawa team they are loaded with talent across the board. Pittsburgh has the edge in basically every category in this up coming series against the Yankees of hockey, Montreal. The superstars are a clear advantage for the Penguins with arguably the two best players in the league on the roster. Crosby and Malkin have become the second coming of Lemieux and Jagr for this franchise as they have not only compiled individual awards but also already have two finals appearances and a ring to their young careers. Montreal's top scoring threats are the elder statesmen Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez, these guys were once studs helping New Jersey hoist the cup but have now become secondary scorers at best at this point in their careers. These two guys would be third line players at best on Pittsburgh. Clearly if players who should be secondary scorers are forced to shoulder the load the Pens would then have the role playing advantage. Pittsburgh made deep playoff runs the past two years due to role players stepping up when needed. Max Talbot's two goal night in the game 7 victory against Detroit in last years Cup Finals says it all. Kris Kunitz brings experience not only from last year but also from being apart of the 2007 championship Ducks team so he also has the ability to come up in the clutch. Bill Guerin and Ruslan Fedotenko are the grizzled vets on the team but these two guys are not taking up a charity roster spot by any means. Both players are still an extreme presence on the ice and can score if set up properly. Luckily for them they are put in the best situation with young studs on both ends to pass them the puck.

On defense Montreal could make an argument that Hall Gill could be a factor. Gill has made a career out of shutting down future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr and brought that level of excellence on d to the finals a year ago frustrating Marian Hossa all through the series. Gill is now on the enemy side with the Canadiens. Despite his ability to eliminate super stars I do not think it will affect this series. If he stops Crosby Malkin could carry the load or vice versa. The Pens are also so deep that they could even dominate with both both of the big two being taken out of the game offensively. On Pittsburgh's blue line they bring out Sergei Gonchar and Kris Letang as the main line of defense. Gonchar is a border line Hall of Fame guy with tons of playoff experience but is starting to show his old age and no longer has any ability to catch up to the speedsters of the league. Fortunately for him that wont be an issue in this series since Montreal brings a Chinese water torcher type of attack. They rarely get a break away or odd ran mush and use the old Devils trap frequently. Letang is hot and cold and at times shows signs of being the future top d man but also can appear to be lost. Both of these two guns on Pittsburgh have a sharp shot and can score if necessary. Defensive scoring is almost non existent on the Candiens.

I opened by saying the Pens have the edge in just about every category and while that is true if Montreal has a chance it will be because of one guy, Jaroslav Halak. He single handedly beat Washington by doing what is labeled "standing on his head" in the hockey world. Halak made save after save against the likes of Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Semin could he do the same to Crosby and Malkin? The answer is yes, but it will be much more difficult due to the depth of the Pittsburgh squad. If Halak recaptures the magic from round 1 he could have a chance to steal the series. Despite his baby face resume when it comes to post season play he actually could provide the Habs with their only edge in the series. The hot goal tender often can get the better of the more seasoned net minder. Marc Andre Fleury was the first of the many top draft picks that helped to rebuild the Penguin franchise. He does have the experience factor on his side by being the starter during every recent playoff series including the last two Stanley Cup Finals. However, he still has the tendency to allow the soft goal and rebound. His rookie like instincts still rear their ugly head when he often comes out of the net so far that if it wasn't for his pads he could be mistaken for a defenseman. This matchup between the pipes will be the main thing to keep an eye on through this series.

My pick: Halak can't do it all by himself and the Pens are just to strong and experienced, Pittsburgh in 5.

(6) Boston Bruins
Regular Season Record: 39-30-13, 91 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 2-2
Last Stanley Cup Win: 1972
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 1990
Total Championships: 5
Last Postseason Appearance: 2009
Players with Stanley Cup Rings:
Mark Recchi (2), Shawn Thornton, Miroslav Satan

(7) Philadelphia Flyers
Regular Season Record: 41-35-6, 88 pts
Head-to-Head Record: 2-2
Last Stanley Cup Win: 1975
Last Stanley Cup Final Appearance: 1997
Total Championships: 2
Last Postseason Appearance: 2009
Players with Stanley Cup Rings: Chris Pronger

This series pits two cursed franchises against each other. The Flyers and Bruins despite always putting a very talented roster together always seem to under achieve in the playoffs. So far this post season both of these clubs are actually over achieving. The experience factor can also be thrown out the window as these teams only combined to have 4 total players with Stanley Cup rings. Pure talent and will to win could decide this one.

Scoring wise I think the Flyers have a very slight advantage. Philly brings to pline guys like Jeff Carter, Daniel Brierre, and Mike Richard to the table while the Bruins send out Patrice Burgeron and David Krejci. Boston may be deeper overall but when just discussing the star players Philly has the edge. The Flyers Carter and Richard are true leaders and have two of the best wrist shots in the league. Brierre has the playoff experience and when healthy can be a difference maker due to his speed and strong stick handling ability. The Bruins premiere skaters are often underachievers but have stepped up this season. Burgeron has been one of the best face off guys in the league along with Kris Draper for years but often gets over looked. These guys both know how to put the biscuit in the basket. Despite having better top tier players, Boston has the clear cut strong core overall offensively. On top of the top guys the Bruins have future Hall of Famer Mark Recchi, his career is winding down but he still can step up when needed and not only proved it all year with 43 points but also in the first round of the playoffs as he is tied for the team lead with 5 to this point. Recchi always finds himself on a good team and when surrounded by young talent can truly be a threat. Recchi also has the most playoff experience among any player in this series with two rings from the 91 Pens and 06 Hurricanes. Look for him in over time situations, it's there guys like him step up. The other vet and player to keep an eye on in the series is Miroslav Satan. It was a year ago that he was sent to the minors by Pittsburgh and had pundits saying his career was over. He rebounded to earn his first title last post season and now with Boston is showing signs of the Buffalo player of the late 90's. Satan is the other playoff point leader with Recchi. The Flyers secondary scoring is no where near as deep but can still be a factor. Simon Gagne who once was labeled a super star provides a nice punch after the big 3. He is joined by Claude Giroux and Ian Lapierre. These two guys played over their heads in the first round and are career agitators rather then scorers. If these two are relied on for offense this series could be over in 4.



This series puts two of the hottest goalies head to head. Brian Boucher for the Flyers finds himself leading the charge on a Philly playoff run a full decade after doing it in his rookie season. Boucher is coming off arguably the two best games of his career to close out the Devils. However, he is a career back up for a reason and only earned the job after free agent acquisition Ray Emery was forced to go on injured reserve. Boucher could keep this hot streak up but he should not be someone to rely on if Philadelphia not only hopes to win this series but make any further noise in the playoffs. Boston counters Boucher with another red hot net minder, Tuuka Rask. Last year Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas lost the starting job mid season and Rask managed to hold ship due to strong defense the rest of the way. Once the playoffs hit and the games began to matter a fire was lit under Rask and he has been man child since. Even more so then Halak or Boucher Rask has been the best goalie so far in the playoffs. I am calling this an advantage for Boston between the pipes. This toss up series continues with the competition on defense. This basically boils down to Zdeno Chara and Chris Pronger. Chara is a giraffe on the ice ad uses his size in order to intimidate his opponents. Every time he is on the ice it is noted and on home ice the opposing coaches try their best to avoid dealing with him. Pronger is another shut down d man and is one of the best all around defensemen in NHL history. He was the first player since Bobby Orr to earn the Hart (MVP) and the Norris (Best Defenseman) trophies in the same season, he has compiled numerous 50+ point seasons, and appeared in two Cup Finals earning a ring in 2007 with the Ducks. That only begins to describe the vast resume of this strong but capable d man. Pronger and Chara both can stop a scoring chance with the best of them but Pronger's playoff experience and ability to blast a slapper or one timmer at any moment makes him possibly the best overall skater in this entire series. Much like Chara Pronger is not afraid to take risks and tends to get a dirty reputation from the refs and opposing players and coaches. Another playoff suspension for Chris may be the only way to stop him from having an impact in deciding this best of 7.

My pick: This may be the most competitive series in this round outside the Red Wings Sharks showdown. Rask will out play Boucher and if he doesn't Thomas will. Pronger will also steal a game with his ability to eliminate to line scorers. Home ice may play the biggest role in this series over any other due the home team getting the last line change each time and having the ability to avoid either Pronger or Chara. The Bruins have the home ice and the better overall team. Boston in 6.

To recap my earlier post on the West. These East predictions would lead to a Pittsburgh Boston match up in the Eastern Conference Finals and a Red Wings Blackhawks re-match out west.

My Stanley Cup Final representatives will be posted following the Semi-finals but lets just say I see some deja voo ahead.

NBA: Best Players of the decade.



10. Dwayne Wade SG (MIA)
Decade Averages: 25.1ppg 4.8rpg 6.6apg
Decade Achievements: Champion (2006), Finals MVP (2006), 4xAll NBA (2005-2007, 2009) 2xAll Defensive (2005, 2009), 5xAll-Star (2005-2009) Scoring Champion (2009)

I almost put Pierce here, because Wade was injured for 2 seasons and came at the halfway point with LeBron-but Wade was just too damn good to keep off this list. He established himself as one of the league's premier clutch players his rookie year with his game winning basket in game 1 against Charlotte (Hornets) in the first round of of the '04 play-offs eventually winning in 7. With the arrival of Shaq in '05 he lead the Heat to the conference finals before bowing to the Pistons. The following year he lead the Heat to the Finals and sparked a remarkable comeback from 2-0 to win the title, and earned Wade MVP honors. 07-08 Wade only played 50 games a piece but he came back strong in '09, winning the scoring title, leading the Heat to the 5th seed and finishing 3rd in the MVP race.


9. Steve Nash PG (DAL, PHO)
Decade Averages: 16.5 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 9.3 APG
Decade Achievements: 2xMVP (2005-2006), 6xAll-NBA (2002-2003, 2005-2008), 6xNBA All-Star (2002-2003, 2005-2008)

Don't get me wrong, I love Steve Nash. He's a an extremely accurate passer, shooter and a lot of fun to watch and he seems like a really good guy. However, I think if he doesn't got to Phoenix, he's not a HOF. Not that it matters he did end up finding a system perfect for him in Phoenix, winning back-to-back MVPs and quaterbacking on of the best offensive shows of the decade. Unfortunately as I said in my first ever NBA post, I believe the window has closed for Nash and the Run-and-Gun Suns, but he can still put on a show.


8. Allen Iverson SG (PHI, DEN, DET)
Decade Averages:
27.8ppg 3.3rpg 6.1apg
Decade Achievements: MVP (2001), 6xAll-NBA (2000-2003, 2005-2006) 10xNBA All-Star (2000-2009), 3xScoring Champion (2001-2002, 2005)

The smallest player on this list, but he sure didn't play like it. During his years in Philly some of the stunts he pulled were unprecedented for a player his size. From put back slams to crossing up the greatest player of all time. His 48 point performance that gave the Lakers their only loss in the playoffs was one of the best Finals performances ever, although it ultimately meant nothing, you can't say Iverson didn't give it his all that series. Despite his issues with practice, Iverson gave it his all every game. It's unfortunate that his narcissism kept him from playing on any real contenders



7. Dirk Nowizki PF (DAL)
Decade Averages:
23.6ppg 8.8rpg 2.7apg
Decade Achievements: MVP (2007), 8xAll-NBA (2002-2009), 8xNBA All-Star (2002-2009)

We have never seen a player in the NBA quite like Nowizki. He's a 7 footer, yet he is one of the best shooter's in NBA history. His versatility is only surpassed by LeBron James. One of the leagues top scorers he was top 10 in ppg for 7 seasons. One of the best playoff performers to not have won a ring. In the latter half of the decade it seemed like every season ended in the same fashion. Strong regular season, disappointing play-off run. The Spurs always had their number. In 06 when they finally made it out of the West then they blow a 2-0 lead to the Heat in the Finals. The following year they win 67 then get dropped 1st round by the Warriors. A ring would help his legacy, but there is still not denying Dirk's greatness.



6. Jason Kidd PG (PHO, NJN, DAL)
Decade Averages:
14ppg 9.2apg 7.2rpg
Decade Achievements: 5xAll-NBA (2000-2004) 8xAll-Defensive (2000-2007), 7xNBA All-Star (2000-2004, 2007-2008) 4xAssists Leader (2000-2001, 2003-2004),

A modern day Oscar Robertson and the best point guard of the post-Jordan Era. He edges out Nash for best PG because Kidd plays well at both sides of the ball and he is a triple-double machine, currently 3rd all time in that category along with being second in assists and fourth in steals. His early years in New Jersey were his best, leading the Nets to consecutive Finals in 02 and 03. Unfortunately he ran into the decades two biggest powerhouses. If He can win a championship in his final years with Dallas I will make the argument Jason Kidd is one of the top five point guards ever.



5. LeBron James SF (CLE)
Decade Averages:
27.5 RPG: 7.0 APG: 6.7
Decade Achievements: MVP (2009), Rookie of the Year (2004), 5xAll-NBA (2005-2009), 1xAll-Defensive (2009), 5xAll-Star (2005-2009), Scoring Champion (2008)

The fact that LeBron entered the league around the decades halfway point and is this high on most All-Decade lists speaks volumes of his immediate impact in the NBA. He came into a club that hadn't seen major success since the early 90's and turned them around. In 2007 he carried Cleveland on his back all the way to the Finals. Two years later in his first MVP season he lead the Cav's to a league best 66-16 regular season record. The most athletic player in the history of basketball, hands down. Many argue he is the best in the league right now, I respectfully disagree however, I'm pretty confident who my #1 is when I'm making my second All-Decade list in 2020.


4. Kevin Garnett PF (MIN, BOS)
Decade Averages: 21.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 4.6 APG
Decade Achievements: MVP (2004), Champion (2008), Defensive player of the year (2008) 9x All NBA (2000-2008), 9x All Defensive (2000-2008), 4X RPG leader (2004-2007) 10x All-Star (2000-2009)

While I'm sure his favorite season is going to be the storybook 2008 title run as 1/3 of the Boston 3 Party, we saw the best of Kevin Garnett in Minnesota. He was the MVP in the 2004 season when he brought the T'Wolves to the Western Conference Finals. A season in which he put up monsterous numbers (24.2ppg, 13.9 rpg, 5apg, 1.5spg, 2.2bpg).Up until the conclusion of this season he was 1 of only 3 players averaging 20-10 and one of only a handful averaging 20-10-5, but the last 2 injury plauged years brought his numbers down just a shade below those averages. It's of little concern to him, he's a first ballot HOF and might be the second best power forward ever. Nobody in the NBA today can match the passion and intensity Garnett brings night in and night out


3. Shaquille O'Neal C (LAL, MIA, PHO)
Decade averages: 22.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.6 APG
Decade Achievements: MVP (2000) 4xChampion (2000-2002, 2006) 3xFinals MVP (2000-2002), 8XAll NBA (2000-2006, 2009) 3xNBA All Defensive (2000-2001, 2003) 9XAll-Star (2000-2007,2009)


I believe that Shaq is the most talented center, and most physically dominant player in NBA history. He is #3 on the decade list but on an all-time list, I'd put him ahead of the guy at #2. If he stayed healthy he would probably be #1 on this list. At the start of the decade Shaq was a God amongst men. There was nobody in the NBA was physically capable of defending Shaq on the block. Won 4 titles with the decades two best shooting guards. However age caught up to Shaq during the latter half of the decade as we saw him become less and less effective.



2. Tim Duncan PF (SAS)
Decade Averages: 21.2 points per game, 11.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists
Decade Achievements: 2xMVP (2002-2003), 3xChampion (2003, 2005, 2007), 2xFinals MVP (2003, 2005) 10xAll NBA (2000-2009) 10xAll Defensive (2000-2009), 10xAll Star (2000-2009),

The Big Fundamental, the best power forward and one of the most consistent players in league history. He is one of the best low post defenders the game has ever seen, offensively he was a monster on the block. He spearheaded one of basketball biggest powerhouses, the only team to win 50+ games from 2000-2009 and second most championships in the decade. Duncan is fundamentally sound, talented, a leader and a proven winner, he just gets the job done without any controversy, the quintessential franchise player.



1. Kobe Bryant SG (LAL)
Decade averages: 28.2 ppg 5.9 rpg 5.2 apg
Decade Achievements: MVP (2008) 4xChampion (2000-2002,2009), Finals MVP (2009) 10x All Star (2000-2009,), 10x All NBA (2000-2009), 9x All Defensive (2000-2004, 2006-2009) 2xScoring Champion (2006-2007)

He started out the decade as the #2 to Shaq in what I believe is the second best duo in NBA history. Many argue that Tim Duncan is the best player of the decade, which is perfectly valid. I believe that Kobe's title run in the final season 2000s puts him above the rest. I know many condemn Kobe for playing the supporting role on the Lakers. I tend to disagree with the fact that he was the #2 for all three runs I believe they were 1 and 1A after the 2000 season, but that's another argument. With the departure of Shaq we got to see the full potential of Kobe Bryant which included outscoringing the entire Dallas Mavericks 62-61 throughout 3 quarters and the greatest scoring performance ever recorded (81). How can you argue with that?


Honorable mention: Paul Pierce, Tracy McGrady, Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen