Top 5 Friday...Shooting Guard Edition

As we continue on with our Top 5 Friday, this week were exploring the Top 5 Shooting Guards in the past 25 years. This one is fairly easy seeing as though I can't see any human on Earth arguing 1 and 2, but 3-5 could be up for debate. Either way, here we go!

5-Reggie Miller(Time)- This guy took trash talking to a whole new level. I loved watching Reggie toy with guys, chirp in their ear and throw his hands up to the refs to insinuate he did nothing wrong. Whenever the Pacers need a big shot, Reggie was on point! No one will forget his 8 points in 11 seconds against the Knicks in the playoffs. Reggie was one of the best competitors throughout his career. I bet every Knick fan hates him, and thats exactly how Miller liked is!


4- Dwyane Wade (Flash)- Coming out of Marquette, he wasn't one of the more talked about players in the 2003 Draft because of names like Lebron, Melo and...yes...Darko. Seems as though Flash took it personally winning 3 Championships in Miami and will soon have a statue outside the arena. Now he won one championship without Lebron and Bosh, but he did have Shaq. Even though Shaq was a big presence, D.Wade took home the Finals MVP. His game has evolved over the years into a slower, more crafty game, but he is still extremely effective, when he isn't plagued with injuries. He is a great player to watch when hes at 100%.


3- Allen Iverson (AI) Many have said that he is pound for pound the best player ever in the NBA! Standing barely 6 feet tall, AI never had a problem attacking the rim, and he never took a shot he didn't think he would make. He carried a 76ers team all the way to the Finals in 2000 and won game 1, only to run into a dynasty Lakers team. We ain't just talkin bout practice here! AI was a true gamer. No one has ever, nor will they ever question his heart. If only he had a few other pieces around him, he might be able to shine a Championship Trophy daily, to go along with his MVP trophy.

2- Kobe Bryant (The Black Mamba) There really isn't much to say about this guy that isn't known, or hasn't already been said. Coming out of High School, he was originally drafted by the Hornets and traded for Vladie Divac (Nice trade Charlotte!) Ever since then in 1996, he has wowed all who watch him. His work ethic, competitive nature and drive has led him to 5 NBA Championships and a Laker Legend. I have nothing but respect for Kobe Bryant. There are few men that are wired the way he is, maybe that's the reason that those men are in a whole different class of greatness!


1- Michael Jordan (G.O.A.T/Air Jordan/MJ)- It's really funny when people say that Lebron is the next Jordan, or could be as good as him...NOT A CHANCE! There will never be another Michael Jordan because no one has what he had. This couldn't have been an easier pick and no explanation needs to be given as to why he was atop this list. I could go on and on about all his greatness, but I'll just let you all admire his hardware in the picture. I think in this case especially, "A picture is worth a thousand words."

NBA Playoffs Preview

We're going to take it series by series and give predictions for who will win the NBA Championship this season.

EAST-

Atlanta (1) vs Brooklyn (8)
This series is pretty much a joke. Brooklyn is a pathetic team who got into the playoffs with a losing record. With no leadership and an aging core of players who, according to "THE TRUTH" Paul Pierce, don't have that burning desire to win, Atlanta will completely dominate the Nets to a sweep.

Toronto(4) vs Washington(5)
To me, Washington has far too much talent to go out in the first round. They haven't shown it all season, but I figure they can string a run together now that the postseason is here. I love Toronto's guards in Lowry and DeRozen, but I think that Wall and Beal are going to come to play this series. Even though Drake will probably be courtside for all the games, he's not enough of a deciding factor for me to pick the Raptors. Washington wins a good hard series in 6.

Chicago (3) vs Milwaukee (6)
For whatever reason, the Bulls front office isn't happy with Thibs as a coach and he could be looking for work elsewhere next year. I don't get it either. This team just keeps finding ways to win, even with key players in and out of the lineup. JKidd has done a great job with the Bucks and they have some length and athleticism to compete with the Bulls, but Chicago has proven vets that know how to get it done, and they are getting healthy. I'd say Chicago wins this series in 5 games, but Milwaukee is a team that is on the rise for years to come!

Cleveland(2) vs Boston (7)
Again, not a fair fight here. I commend Boston for everything they've done this year. Trading their 2 best players in Rondo and Jeff Green and still making the playoffs, job well done Brad Stevens and crew! Unfortunately, they are running into the best player in the world. Boston MAY sneak one win out of this series, but I wouldn't be surprised if its a sweep either. I'll say Cleveland in 5 since I love Brad Stevens.

Atlanta (1) vs Washington (5)
I just love the way Atlanta plays. 100% unselfish and team oriented. Washington will be a little battered from their previous series while Atlanta will be fully refreshed after a clean sweep of an embarrassment of a playoff team in Brooklyn. The Hawks have the "it" factor this year and play the game the right way. Atlanta takes this series in 6 games.

Cleveland (2) vs Chicago (3)
This is FINALLY where it gets interesting. These teams don't like each other, these players don't like each other and ya know what...THAT'S HOW PLAYOFF BASKETBALL SHOULD BE! This is going to go the distance. Cleveland obviously has the advantage with Lebron James ability to guard 5 positions, but Jimmy Butler is no slouch either. The Cavs don't have the big men to really contend with Noah, Gasol,Gibson and Mirotic,  If DRose plays to the level he's capable of, I think Chicago wins this series in 7 games.

Easter Conference Finals
Atlanta(1) vs Chicago (3)
This is a real toss up. Two teams that are similar in play and both well coached. Either way with this one could be argued for and against. As much as I like Atlanta, I might have to lean towards ChiTown. They have been in the playoffs for the past few years and have been beaten up. They are finally much healthier and deeper. The dark horse in the whole run for Chicago is going to be Mirotic. With so many lineups to play with, Thibs and the Bulls will at last make their Championship run and win the East!

WEST...(Where you actually have to WIN games to get into the playoffs unlike the East where 3 teams are not even above .500)

Golden State (1) vs Pelicans (8)
GS is just too good. Bottom line. The Pels have some fantastic pieces in AD, Holiday, Eric Gordon and Evans, but they don't have Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. I can't remember a better back court in my lifetime...maybe Thomas and Dumars for the Pistons, but I don't know if they could check the splash brothers. The Pels give it a good run and sneak one game, but GS wins in 5.

Portland (4) vs Memphis (5)
A tough draw for both teams. Two contrasting styles of play. Unfortunately, The TBlazers are a little beat up right now and that could prove costly. Memphis is solid all the way around and in a 7 game series, they usually find ways to grind out wins. They don't, however, have Mr Clutch in Damion Lillard. I can see him going OFF this series and carrying Portland to the next round, but I think the Grind House will prevail and Memphis will take this series in 6 games.

Clippers(3) vs Spurs (6)
This sucks for the Clips! They could have avoided the Spurs all together if SAS would have won their last game. Alas, they are stuck with the best 6 seed I've seen in a long time! I still believe that the Clippers are the most overrated team in the NBA and I fully expect the Spurs to show that vulnerability. Leonard and Co. are going to come to play now that everyone is at the big-boy table and the Spurs will win this series in 5 games...MAYBE 6.



Houston (2) vs Dallas (7)

The Battle of Texas! This series is going to come down to one player...Not Harden, not Dirk, not Dwight...Chandler...Chandler Parsons! Going against his former squad who didn't think he was good enough to be the third member of "The Big Three," I can guarantee you that Parsons is thinking about that right now. He isn't 100% healthy right now so if he can bet there and be ready to play come Saturday, he is going to give the Rockets reason to second guess why they didn't lock him up. I still don't think Houston is at the level to compete for championships, but I could be wrong. Dallas, with its experience and excellent head coach, win this series in 6 games.

GS(1) vs Memphis (5)
This will be a great series! The greatness of Curry will prevail over the grit-n-grind of the Grizz. Yes the Warriors have the chance to hit a cold streak and lose a few games, but their defense is way better than people think and they have so many different guys that can hurt you. D.Green plays with heart and I love that. Warriors will prevail in this series in 7 games.

Spurs (6) vs Dallas (7)
The Battle of Texas pt 2! At least Dallas doesn't have to travel far to go from first round to second. 2 veteran teams who have both won championships and both have fantastic coaches. It is going to be fun to watch the chess match of who guards Monte Ellis, C.Parsons, Rondo and who guards Leonard, Timmy and Parker. This will be a great series but Pop proves too much for Carlisle. Spurs in 6.

Western Conference Finals
GS(1) vs Spurs (6)
Youth vs Experience. Steve Kerr actually won a championship with the Spurs as a player in 2003. Such an intriguing story line to watch him now coaching in the Western Conference finals AGAINST his former team. Kerr is going to be a fantastic coach for a long time, but Pop still has it under control for at least a few more years. Pop and the Spurs win a good series and advance to another Championship. Spurs in 6


FINALS
Spurs (6) vs Bulls (3)

Add one more big fella!

There really isn't much more to say there that isn't already known about both of these teams. Duncan continues to find reserve in the tank to keep winning and with this Championship, He'll have 6! He is by far the best PF of all time and I don't know of anyone who doesn't like and appreciate his greatness. Spurs win this series and Duncan is your Finals MVP.
Spurs in 6

God Bless America. Baseball is back!

We all love the hardwood and pigskin as much as the next guy but is there anything like showing up to the ball park, grabbing a few dogs and seeing a pitcher’s duel?

With no real favorite this year everyone from the Cubs and Mets, to the Mariners and Indians looks to have a legitimate shot. 

So without further ado let’s get into some predictions...

AL East – Toronto Blue Jays

Talk about wide open.  I think the only thing that is certain in the East is that the Rays will undoubtedly finish last here.  They lost their manager and traded away all of their studs.  It will be another long season with no fans in the park yet again for the Rays.  Could the Sox go from worst to first?  It sure looks that way as they brought in some serious Free Agents this offseason.  Everyone is picking the O's it seems and as much as I love that rotation, they lost Cruz and Markakis and haven't really replaced those guys.  Lastly, being a huge Yankee fan I would love to say that everyone will remain healthy and have bounce back years but I just don't see it.  I think they will certainly be in the mix but at the end I see the Jays taking the east.  Great rotation and the best lineup in the division.

AL Central – Detroit Tigers

Not much to see here, it’s the Tigers all day.  Miggy, Cespedes, and VMart to go along with that rotation just book their ticket to October right now.  I have a hard time believing the Royals will repeat, and the Indians (another sexy pick) just won’t get it done either.  David Robertson will regret bolting NY for Chicago when his team throws up 90 losses this year and the Twinkies might finish with the worst record in baseball.

AL West – Los Angeles Angels

Likely to be the most competitive division this year, the A’s, Angles and Mariners all have high hopes of winning the Pennant.  I like the Angels to squeak it out at the very end.  Rangers were burden by injuries last year and it looks like they have hit the bug yet again.  Houston we still have problems…few more years and they might win 85 games.

Wild Card – New York Yankees, Oakland A’s

NL East – NY Mets

This has got to be the year the Mets make the move.  Phillies and Braves will both be lucky to win 70 games. The Nationals have had some injuries and the Marlins have started off really slow.  I think the Mets get it done behind their young rotation and improved lineup.

NL Central – ST. Louis Cardinals

Another competitive division top to bottom.  I think the Cubs, Reds, Cards and Pirates will all be in it until the end but I like the veteran leadership the Cardinals have to put them over the edge.  Brewers will finish last.

NL West – LA Dodgers

The Dodgers are the best team in baseball and I expect them to run away with this division.  I think the Giants will have a down year and I have no faith in the Rockies (poor Tulo) or Dbacks.  The Padres will finish second in the division.

Wild Card – San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates

World Series – LA Dodgers over Detroit Tigers


AL MVP – Mike Trout, Angels

NL MVP – Anthony Rizzo, Cubs

AL CY Young – Chris Sale, White Sox

NL CY Young – Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Why we don't need "The Next Tiger."

Rory, Jordan, Bubba...Who is going to be "The Next Tiger?" Who is going to carry Golf the way that Tiger in the early/mid 2000's? To me, I don't want or need another Tiger. Why is it that we always look for someone to replicate the greats we've watched in every sport. There will never be another Michael Jordan, another Tiger Woods, another Derek Jeter. Those guys were so unique in their on-the-field greatness, as well as their marketability. Just because they acted a certain way or competed a certain way, doesn't mean that it's the ONLY way to be legendary. I take this past weekend at The Masters as a prime example of how greatness is perceived and displayed. It doesn't make it any more or less fantastic to watch and appreciate, it only gives a variety to what "greatness" means.

Jordan Spieth (who is my new favorite golfer) is a 21 year old, mild-mannered kid who completely dominated Augusta this past weekend and everyone that was trying to catch him from his first drive on Thursday. As anyone who watches and appreciates Golf can tell you, his swing is pure, his chipping is spot on and he is as clutch of a putter as I've seen in a long time. He has all the physical tools to be great in this sport, but what he also has is a persona that people are going to gravitate to. He isn't showy and demonstrative like Tiger is. He goes about his business the right way and says all the right things. He is wise beyond his years. I just imagine what I was doing when I was 21 years old. As I am sure most of you were doing as well, I was getting excited to finally be able to show my REAL ID to a bouncer to get into a bar! This kid just won The Masters. Throughout the tournament, he continued to stay poised as adversity (not a lot) hit him. Shot after shot, putt after putt, it was remarkable to continue to watch his greatness. 

For a few years now, since Tiger had his little "accident" with the SUV, the media has been pushing Rory on us as "The next guy." While Rory is an amazing young golfer, it seems as thought the media is trying to mold him into someone who is the newer version of Tiger. Why? Why can't we have someone who ISN'T like Tiger but still great? Yes Tiger was the best thing that has happened to Golf in a long time, but right now, it's Spieths turn to do it his way. 

Golf is a game of precision, grace and mental fortitude. Jordan has all of the skills to carry golf into the future. I think we all need to appreciate and embrace the fact that Jordan Spieth is his own person, and is going to do it his way. He's a humble young man who has a burning passion to be great. He comes from a strong family and has positive role models to guide him. Let's let Spieth be Speith and enjoy watching him for years to come.