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Boston Celtics Team Preview

Last Seasons Record – 55-27 (2nd)

This Seasons Record – 63-19

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Listen closely, you hear that? It’s the sound of either Dave Portnoy or Bill Simmons doing something inappropriate to this team photo. All the power to those two men, but my god. I get it, Boston has some incredible young talent, a great head coach, but you know what they don’t have? THE GUY. I don’t care what anyone says, Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving, or even precious little Jason Tatum ain’t the guy. Not now at least and that is all that matters. We are talking this season, and in my opinion, there is simply too much ego to go around here.

Key Additions and Subtractions.

Okay, so the Celtics didn’t add anyone NEW, but they are getting back Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. They also didn’t lose anyone, goddammit, looking at this roster is intimidating as all hell. I say that because I’m a Raptors fan. The Celtics are probably the deepest team in the league, they went to the ECF last year without their two best players. How can anyone not bet on this team to not make the NBA finals this upcoming year? Brad Stevens is not called the President for no reason, he knows exactly what he is doing, or does he?

Year Long Question – Can this team function with all their pieces? 

When you go to the ECF and now you’re getting back the two most important players, things are about to change drastically. They have two young studs, Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum. How are those two guys going to respond, one of them can not play in crunch time, the most important time of the game, the time of the game when everyone wants to be on the court making that big play. Terry Rozier, how is he going to handle his minutes diminish? This is the Celtics, all of this guys will say and do the right thing to the media, but when it’s 50 games deep into the season, let’s ask them how they really feel. Tatum and Brown flourished so well last year in the playoffs because the ball was always in their hands, now the plays will run through either Kyrie or Hayward, how are these two guys going to react? Are they the same players without the ball? Without the shot selection, they were getting? Everyone is on Tatum’s you know what, declaring him the next Jesus of basketball, because an extremely well-coached team made a deep run in the playoffs and he played some good basketball. I want to see another year out of this kid, and I want to see how he plays when he is not the focal point in the offense. Jaylen Brown, on the other hand, might just go insane this year, maybe even Marcus Smart, because both those dues are alpha dogs and riding the pine might not be their style.

Fan Mindset.

Tony Montana was one cocky son of a bitch eh? Well so are Celtics fans. We all know how this iconic scene plays out. Tony loved cocaine, and Brad Stevens loves role players. So much cocaine, Tony became powered obsessed, he felt unstoppable. Brad has cocaine as well, but his drug is players. He has so much of it, he doesn’t know what to do. With that much power, it’s hard to contain it. Tony was power hungry, he was so close to victory he could almost taste it, the same goes for Brad and his C’s. We all know, that if you don’t watch your back, bad things will happen. You know who’s sneaking up on the Celtics? Kawhi Leonard, and he’s ready to put a bullet in your back.

Bold Predictions, Sponsored By Nate – Inner turmoil looms…….

At some point this season, this whole team will become one big dick measuring competition and I don’t know if Brad Stevens will be able to stop it. These guys are young and hungry, and you know what happens to the runt of the litter? He dies. So many mouths to feed and not enough food. So I can’t wait to sit back, relax and watch this all play out.

Or they are going to win the NBA title.

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Trust The Podcast – Power Rankings

The start of our weekly top ten teams in the association!

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Things can change in a hurry in the NBA, one week you’re on top, the next, well, lets just say it doesn’t look so good. We are about 10 games into the NBA season, and it’s been a really fun ride so far. A ton of great games, more than a few surprise teams, and well the Mavs and the Kings are officially the worst teams in the NBA! (sorry Dirk) Are the Cavaliers in trouble? Are the Celtics going 80-2? I’m breaking down the top ten teams, so here we go!

10.) Washington Wizards (5-4). PPG: 112.8 (3rd) ORtg: 111.3 (2nd) DRtg 107.8 (19th)

It was a tough week for Washington going 2-1 with losses against the Suns and Cavaliers. Thanks to a monster game from LeBron he had 57 against the Wiz, they had a much needed victory Sunday night against the Raptors, without all-star John Wall. No Wall no problem as Bradley Beal stepped up and dropped 38 big ones on the Dino’s. Have the Wizards never watched Goodfellas? Number one rule, “always keep your month shut, and never rat on your friends.” Advice next time you play a big game and insult the best player in the world.

9.) Portland Trail Blazers (6-4). PPG: 107.2 (12th) ORtg: 108.6 (10th) DRtg: 102.2 (4th)

One thing that is impressing me with the Trail-Blazers this season in their defence. Ranking 4th in defensive rating is pretty impressive. They can score the ball with the best of them, and Dame Dollar is coming off a MONSTER week, where he averaged 34-PPG, 7-APG and 5-RPG, including a game winner against the Lakers. They ran into some trouble with the Raptors last Monday night, but all around Portland is solid basketball team, and if their defence can keep improving, they could be a really sneaky team to face in the first round of the playoffs this year.

8.) New York Knicks (5-4). PPG: 104.7 (18th) ORtg: 107.4 (13th) DRtg: 107.6 (18th) 

Okay I know, what you’re thinking, the Knicks? Well hear me out, they started off the season 0-3 and since then have gone a 5-1 stretch. Porzingis is playing out of his mind right now he dropped a career high 40 last night, and the Knicks team is really fun to watch. They are super young, full on energy and are playing hard on both ends of the court, so I thought they deserved a shoutout and some recognition in the power rankings. If Porzingis can keep playing this way, the Knicks will not be a complete dumpster fire, and that’s what we all wanted, an enjoyable Knicks season! They came back from 19 down with 10 minutes to go yesterday against a pretty good Indiana team, give the Knicks some credit.

7.) Memphis Grizzlies (6-4). PPG: 101.8 (25th) ORtg: 106.4 (18th) DRtg: 102.5 (5th)

Grit and grind might not be dead after all! Just like the good old days, Memphis is a grind it out basketball team, averaging some of the fewest points per game in the entire league, Yet are one of the 5 best defensive teams. They had a really tough loss to the Lakers last night. The LA life night must have gotten to the boys. Conley and Gasol remain a solid foundation for Memphis to work with and they are just an all around really good basketball team. They started off the season really hot with an impressive win against Golden State, you knew they would cool down eventually and lose a game or two.

6.) Orlando Magic (6-4) PPG: 109 (7th) ORtg: 106.7 (17th) DRtg: 104 (10th)

One of the surprise teams of the season thus far. Listen I know Orlando had a bad week, and their offence really struggled, but with a banged up back court. Both Payton and Augustine are out with injuries, their offence which took a tumble so far in the month of November. I still believe this team is pretty good, and when your entire back court is out, well I believe that will reflect on your offensive efficiency. Or maybe the Magic just got off to a magical start and are coming back down to Earth, only time will tell I guess.

5.) Detroit Pistons (7-3) PPG: 104.8 (17th) ORtgt: 108.8 (9th) DRtg: 105 (14th)

Going into this season, I thought the Pistons would have a really hard time scoring the basketball, but ranked in the top ten in offensive rating is really impressive. Guys like Avery Bradley have really brought a culture change to this roster, and that was something that was much needed. Again they had a terrible loss at the hands of the Lakers (again LA night life). The big thing for the Pistons right now is Andre Drummond and his free throw shooting, which is up to 75 percent this year. Considering he was shooting a mere 38% last season, well that’s a huge step up and something that is really nice to see. He’s ranked second only behind DeAndre Jordan in rebounds per game, and is just putting together a really nice season. Happy for the Pistons and Stan Van Gundy.

4.) Golden State Warriors (7-3) PPG 120.7 (1st) ORtg: 119 (1st) DRtg: 109.7 (22nd)

Yeah that’s right, I’m not putting the Warriors in the top spot. They are shaky on the defensive side of the ball right now but I guess when you can simply outscore your opponents every night, that makes it a whole lot easier. They are also leading the league in assists per game with 31.5 which is five more than the second best team, which is Philly. They love sharing the rock and spreading the floor to make the defence work. I just didn’t want to make them the top dogs because well, they don’t deserve that spot right now.

3.) Minnesota Timberwolves (7-3) PPG 109.4 (6th) ORtg: 110.3 (5th) DRtg: 110.7 (25th)

I simply don’t understand this. How is a Thibs coached team so bad on defence? Are guys just not buying in? It’s bugging me, because well the Wolves are an impressive 5-1 against the West right now. It’s a tough conference and they are playing with the best of them. They have a great showdown with the Warriors Wednesday night and that will be much watch television. It’s time for Wiggins and KAT to buy in to playing defence because if that happens, look out!

2.) Houston Rockets (8-3) PPG: 109.9 (5th) ORtg: 110.8 (4th) DRtg: 104.1 (12th)

Harden did his thing on Sunday night, scoring 56 points in just 20 minutes of play! I add in the fact that he dished out 13 assists as well. What a performance. Is it weird that they could be a better team without CP3? I know that’s not possible, but they are playing okay defence so far, and I know that will improve once he gets back from injury, or at least one would think it would. I’m really excited about this team, because I think Harden really is on another level, and watching what he did on Sunday was so marvellous, it made me realize that this team could really give the Warriors a go in the playoffs.

1.) Boston Celtics (8-2) PPG: 102.9 (23rd) ORtg: 107 (16th) DRtg: 96.9 (1st)

The only team with a defensive rating lower than 100, the Celtics are the best defensive team in basketball. They have won 8 straight, since dropping the first two games of the season, and are doing this without their second best player. The young guns, like Brown and Tatum are coming up big for them. I believe Jaylon Brown is a really special player, and this is his coming out party. He’s my pick right now for most improved player. I’m shocked that they are doing so well on the defensive side of the ball, considering they have Kyrie on the team, who has been known to be a poor defender. I’m happy for the Celtics so far, they needed this and I think they are by far the best team in the East.

Reviews

Recapping NBA Night One

And boy was it a doozy 

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Remember that time Michael Jordan punched Steve Kerr in practice and it’s like a legend as old as time itself. Well Bobby “Rigor Mortis” Portis left teammate Nikola Mirotic in the hospital after an “altercation” in practice. That must have truly been a great momma joke, because Mirotic suffered two broken bones in his face and a concussion. And who says there’s no fighting in basketball? News of this broke a mere hour before the NBA tip-off, starting the highly anticipated 2017-2018 NBA season. Good news for Raptor fans who play the Bulls in their home opener Thursday night at the ACC – looks like an easy win if you ask me. Oh who am I kidding? The Raptors always lose to the Bulls, so look for them to blow this one somehow. I did see a great article that was titled “Portis is looking to do whatever it takes to start” he wasn’t kidding. 

Cavs vs. Celtics 

It started off great and then OH MY GOD. Why, why did this have to happened? Gordon Hayward suffers one of the worst injuries I’ve ever seen in my entire life. I was almost brought to tears because in that moment everyone felt for him. There were no teams no favourite players, just feelings for a guy who just broke is leg on national television, 6 minutes into his first game with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics were looking like a real contender and everyone wanted to see this exact showdown in the playoffs. I feel for him, but he will bounce back stronger and better than ever. Kobe had a great piece on instagram about it – it was really touching. As for the game, Jaylon Brown and JaysonTatum looked really solid last night and Boston will still be a top tier team in the East. Boston lost by 3 with Kyrie missing a 3 at the buzzer to tie it up. I think the Cavs will really start cooking once their roster gels, they added 7 new guys and I think if Wade and Rose stay healthy and have it come playoffs, this will be a really good team. LeBron is going to new heights this season, I can feel it. One thing is certain, to all my friends out there, can we please start doing an intricate handshake. These guys make it look so easy and cool. LeBron also had a massive stat line and then had a 40 minute post game work out – what a guy. 

Rockets vs. Warriors

The Warriors aren’t fun to watch anymore. What’s fun though is watching Swaggy P hit none stop 3s. He might hit more than Steph this year. Bold precdiciton but why not. Chris Paul kind of looked out of place a bit I’m not going to lie.  Oh yeah I live on the East coast. This game started at 11:12pm. I passed out at half. But the rockets won after KDs game winning shot didn’t count. Take that snake! 

If you’re reading this, I’ve stared a podcast called Untitled about basketball and everything else I love about life. We recorded our first episode last week! I’ll leave a link down below, it’s up on SoundCloud!

https://m.soundcloud.com/nathan-wallace-317604515/theuntitledpodcastepisode1
 Check ya later. 

News

Basketball Movie All-Stars


“Basketball is my favourite sport. I like the way they dribble up and down the court”

Basketball fans! It’s that time of the year again, NBA All-Star weekend is looming and I thought I would take it upon myself to have a little fun. Movies and basketball, two things I hold dear to my heart, two things I’m very passionate about. So I thought it would make complete sense to combine these two passions into a fun little exercise. I have picked 10 of the very best basketball players from movies. From there I decided to make two all-star teams and have them battle it out in a winner takes all game, because well I guess I have to much free time on my hands. Side note, I didn’t choose any players that were played by an NBA player. Seeing how it just didn’t make things fair. Sorry Jesus Shuttlesworth maybe next time.

The East All-Stars
Jimmy Chitwood (Hoosiers) — Player Comparison = TJ McConnell
Clutch, the one word to describe both Jimmy Chitwood and TJ McConnell. Hoosiers, what a classic. Jimmy Chitwood, the soft-spoken lights out shooter from Hickory Indiana. Maybe the first player ever, to be considered to have ‘ice in his veins’. With the game on the line who else do you really want taking the last shot? The answer is pretty simple, it’s Jimmy baby! One of the best things about this movie, the fact that the Indiana Pacers sometimes rock theses incredible Hickory throwback jerseys! TJ McConnell on the other hand has TWO game winners this year, without question the most underrated clutch player in the NBA right now. Squint your eyes and watch both videos, you would swear they are the same person. TRUST THE PROCESS!!!

Spaceman (Sunset Park) — Player Comparison = Tristan Thompson

“It’s time to get loud, it’s time to represent, Sunset Park what time is it!!” Only known as “Spaceman” was played by a super young Terrence Howard, in this 1996 lesser-known movie, Sunset Park. About a New York City high school team, that like most sports movies must find themselves and come together as a team to finally reach their true potential. Spaceman just like Tristan Thompson was a beast on the boards, and was the energy, glue guy of the team. Spaceman was quiet and kept to himself mostly, having difficulties communicating with his teachers and his teammates. Once he finally opens up, he becomes unstoppable on the boards and a vital part of the teams success in the movie.

Quincy McCall (Love & Basketball) — Player Comparison = Derrick Rose

“Who you going to the dance with anyway? Spalding?

This movie man. Love & Basketball straight up pulling on your heartstrings! Remember how good this movie actually was? Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan killed it in this. Quincy McCall, what a beast! The only reason I’m comparing him to Derrick Rose is, much like Rose who has had multiple injuries and set backs in his career, it just reminds me on Quincy’s story. He was almost on top of the mountain, when a devastating knee injury finished his career. He could never really reach his true potential, much like Rose now (Sorry Derrick). This scene though, gets me every time.

Timo Cruz (Coach Carter) — Player Comparison = Lou Williams

Timo!! He is instant offence baby. A tortured soul in this movie, always trying to prove himself, while juggling the hardships of his personal life. Timo would have made a great sixth man for this game, much like Lou Williams. A great streaky shooter, deadly from the corner, Timo Cruz was one of my favourite characters from Coach Carter. Yah I put him on this list over Damien Carter! Timo is willing to die for his team, and I love that about him. This is the type of guy I would want on my team. Remember how many push-ups and suicides that guy did, just to get back on the team? That’s why he’s on this list, and well because he was awesome. I also totally forgot Channing Tatum was in this movie!

Scott Howard Aka Teen Wolf — Player Comparison = Russell Westbrook

Okay, okay, okay. I know what you’re thinking. Really, Russell Westbrook? Yes! This wolf could do it all on the basketball court. He could even surf on top of a moving van!! Rebounding, passing, dunking, honestly Scott Howard could do it all. Just like my man Russell Westbrook, he would have been a triple double machine, if he didn’t realize that he could win without becoming the wolf (what a shame). Howard plays the brand of basketball I love, rough and tumble basketball. Do you remember some of the fouls in the finals in this movie? Straight up murder people! He is the spark plug of the East squad, and team captain no doubt. He is odds on favourite to win All-Star MVP. What an insane concept for a movie though, and lets not speak of the sequel. Damn you Jason Bateman.

The West All-Stars

Billy Hoyle & Sidney Deane (White Men Can’t Jump) — Player Comparison = JJ Reddick & Jamaal Crawford

These two guys are a package deal. I don’t care what anyone says! Without question my favourite basketball movie, and these two guys really could play. I decided on Reddick and Crawford because to me it just felt right, ironically enough they are actual teammates in real life. Billy Hoyle will out work anyone on the court and he doesn’t want to admit it, but is a knock down shooter. Sidney Deane, no one in any movie ever, has looked as stylish when playing basketball as Wesley Snipes did in this movie. His outfits are on point, and now lets get to his game, unorthodox to say the least, but just an overall great scorer. The West team has instant chemistry, but it could derail them in the end, seeing how they could have a side bet going, that could ultimately hurt the team. Don’t bank on Woody Harrelson going into the dunk contest. Everything you need to know about this movie is in the scene below. Also, if they remake this movie, I want Chris Pratt for Hoyle and Michael B Jordon for Deane! 

Kyle Watson (Above The Rim) – Player comparison = Kyrie Irving

Handles for days! Without a doubt a show off, Kyle Watson was the original Kyrie Irving. Could be a burden to the West team if he doesn’t share the rock. The opening scene in Above The Rim is the reason I never learned how to dunk, still chilling to this day. Kyle just like Kyrie is a playmaker, who is always looking to score the ball. Could be looking at the high-scorer of the game.

Junior Battle (Coach Carter) — Player Comparison = Serge Ibaka

He was the best player on Coach Carter’s team, the heart and soul of it too. Junior Battle was an all-around solid player. Shot blocking, mid-range jumper, could finish around the rim, just like Serge. Junior found himself in an unusual spot, after the top two scorers from the previous season left the team. The only big on this West squad, looking forward to the big man battle we have always wanted to see; Spaceman vs. Junior!

Bill Murray (Space Jam) Player Comparison = Brian Scalabrine

Hear me out people! Bill Murray in the limited minutes he played, in the biggest basketball game this world has ever seen, deserved a spot on a roster. He’s a team player, who is going to get the other guys hyped for this game! Some times you need that on your roster, sure he will be a defensive liability, but it’s an all-star game. NOBODY PLAYS DEFENCE! Scalabrine, the white mamba was crucial to the Celtics winning a title, and he was the hype man for the team. Bill Murray is also an underrated passer, and is looking for the all time all-star game assist record. Space Jam, a time in my life when I found myself having a weird fascination with bunnies. Tell me I wasn’t the only one?

The Coaches

I would have loved to have Birdie from Above The Rim, who was played by Tupac, but obviously that can’t happen (RIP). So coaching the West will be Ken Carter (Sam Jackson) and coaching the East, I’m going with Norman Dale (Gene Hackman). Both different in styles and at the end of the day, it will be interesting to see how the players react to their coaching styles.

The Game

I’m having a tough time picking a winner here. All I know is, if the game is close down the stretch, you know Jimmy Chitwood is knocking down a game winner. That is a fact, they are running the picket fence for Jimmy and he’s knocking it down. Hoyle and Sidney will be tough to handle together, so honestly I don’t know! Teen Wolf himself, gets the rare all-star game triple double, before turning back into Scott Howard, for the final minutes of the game, which hurts the East team. For the 10 people reading this, let me know which squad is coming out victorious! At the end of the day I’m probably going with the team that has a werewolf on it, just saying.