Who Will Be The Beast From The Least?

Alright ladies and gentleman I’m back with my second installment of who will make the playoffs. This week I pick the team who will be the sacrificial lamb to whoever emerges from the bloodbath of the Western Conference because as I previously wrote, it is up for grabs.

1.Boston Celtics-The Celtics are the only team from the East who could seriously challenge a West coast juggernaught. This is evident because of their 16-0 record against the Western Conference. It also remains to be seen how Kevin Garnett recovers from his abdominal strain. They would also like to acquire a point guard by the trade deadline. Rajon Rondo has talent but is inexperienced and they are hoping to get a shot at Sam Cassell who obviously wants out of Los Angeles.

2.Detroit Pistons-The Pistons have a chance to do something special this year, but I don’t think they have the talent to go all the way. Last year they were thoroughly exposed by a not so good Cavaliers team, with numerous breakdowns on the defensive end. Trading Nazr Mohammed was a bad move because it left them without an inside presence. Right now they have Primo Brezec masquerading as a center. I believe that they will get to the second round, and if they get farther than that, I will be surprised.

3.Orlando Magic-The two man combination of Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis has paid dividends for the Magic. Any other year, I would have them at the number two seed, but their inexperience has them at the number three. Unlike the Celtics, the sky is the limit and their window of opportunity is about five or six years as opposed to two or three for the Celtics. Jameer Nelson has been a strong contributor at point guard, while Hedo Turkoglu is having the best season of his career. I see them taking on Boston in the Conference finals, but lose in seven.

4.Toronto Raptors-Chris Bosh continues to develop but takes steps backwards when he faces a fellow superstar power forward. That is going to be a key for them down the stretch. Losing T.J. Ford was big but with the emergence of Jose Calderon, it begs the question, why was Ford starting over him in the first place? Last years number one overall pick Andres Bargnani has fallen back in his development and has not shown the qualities of a number one over all pick. The only highlight of their playoff run this year will be Jamero Moon dunking on someone down low.

5.Cleveland Cavaliers-Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Last year, LeBron James was the talk of Cleveland. Not only for his Yankee hat, but also for leading the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals. This year however, I doubt they will get that far. Larry Hughes has proven to be an overpaid number two option who spends more time on the injured list than on the floor. Anderson Varajao’s contract situation was a huge distraction heading into training camp. But, he is now also on the injured list, joining Sasha Pavolic and Hughes. This team is not that great, and if they make it out of the first round I will be extremely surprised.

6.Atlanta Hawks-This is my sleeper pick for the playoffs this year. Marvin Williams has developed into a wonderful role player. And with the acquisition of Mike Bibby, he brings not only a solid jump shot but also playoff experience and leadership. Al Horford is a solid rookie of the year candidate and will be a force in the league for years to come. They have the potential to make it to the conference finals if they play like they know how to.

7.Washington Wizards-The Wizards play way better without Gilbert Arenas. I am a really big fan of “Agent Zero”, but this team does not play to his strengths. He is fitted for a more Golden State Warriors style of offense and it remains to be seen if he will remain with the Wizards after the season. If he returns in March as they hope, they have a legitimate shot at a higher seed. Antawn Jamison is aging rapidly, even though his spot on the All Star Team may say otherwise. Caron Butler is going to be the key for them when he returns from injury. I really like this team, but from where I’m sitting now, they don’t make it out of the first round.

8.Chicago Bulls-This team is the biggest disappointment of the season. They have so many problems, I don’t know where to start. It could be Ben Wallace’s rapid deterioration, or the fact that two of the future stars were failed to be signed to long term deals, or just the fact that we expected too much of them. Whatever it is, they stink. With that said, they will make a wonderful eighth seed in the Least (excuse me, the East) because people will underestimate them. Evidence of this was when they knocked off the defending champion, Miami Heat, last year in the first round.

Stay tuned for another article from me coming this week. Feel free to leave me a comment; I’d like to hear from you.

How the West was won?

My first article revolves around the seemingly up for grabs Western Conference. Before the season started San Antonio was the clear favorite after the Mavericks(specifically Dirk) were exposed by Golden State, Phoenix’s run and gun circus ran out of gas, and the Lakers imploded once again in the first round. After a summer of discontent in my beloved Lakerland, favoritism among GM’s(Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale), and scandals among referees David Stern returns with an encore of “Were Better Than Major League Baseball Even Though Our Ratings Don’t Prove It”. The standings are cluttered with teams vying for the top spot which is why im here to clear the smoke and show you who will make the playoffs in the west.

1.San Antonio Spurs- The defending champion Spurs have been decimated by injuries, but with Tony Parker expected back after the all-star break the champs are poised to make a run at the title again because when they roll on all cylinders they’re almost impossible to beat.

2.Los Angeles Lakers- Many people would argue about this pick but I believed this pick is justified. The acquisition of Pau Gasol was a smart move because as the Lakers proved against Orlando the Pau/Kobe one/two punch is almost unguardable. With Andrew Bynum expected back by mid-March, it gives them enough time to click and get a feel for each other. Because they’re the only team I think could last in a seven game series with San Antonio.

3.Dallas Mavericks- If Steve Kerr weren’t such a coward the Suns would be here but things didn’t work out that way. The Mavs could possibly do something if Dirk would stop folding like A-Rod in the playoffs and play to his potential. I’m interested to see if Mark Cuban moves Devin Harris to acquire Jason Kidd as rumored. Making that move would give them a two year window of opportunity until Jason Kidd begins to decline so stay tuned for further developments.

4.Phoenix Suns- Let me start this pick off by saying the Suns get this spot by default because everyone below them is mediocre or overrated. Yes, the Suns acquired Superman(Shaq) forgetting they also possess kryptonite(their offensive system). Another thing weve learned from this trade is that Steve Kerr is a bad poker player. The Lakers Pau Gasol acquisition forced Kerr to acquire an aging, selfish, overpaid has been whose ego exceeds his contract. Another reason is that Amare Stoudemire has had his lack of defense exposed time and time again this year. On a side note I’ll apologize in a future article if this trade works out.

5.New Orleans Hornets- This team is good but not great as there record would suggest. This was proven when the Lakers came to town and totally outplayed them at home. With that said they won’t last ten minutes with an experienced team like the Spurs in a playoff series.

6.Utah Jazz- The Jazz are out to build on last years playoff run and I think they can if people show up. Its time for Andrei Kirelenko to put up or shut up. He’s getting paid superstar money on a playoff contender in the Bestern Conference yet he wants to be the “guy”. If he plays like he is capable, these guys can sneak up on some teams.

7.Denver Nuggets- Allen Iverson to Denver was over a year ago and this team is still only exciting to watch. Coincidentally, I think not. If the NBA extended quarter lengths by about 5 minutes this team would be my number one seed because then there would be enough ball to go around. Until then they’re just only exciting.

8.Golden State Warriors- Some may argue this spot belongs to Houston but I’ll wait for T-Mac to get healthy. But, even the Rockets just aren’t that good. Golden State is fun to watch led by black Santa Claus Baron Davis however I don’t see them getting past the first round this year unless they run into the Mavs again because they have no defense.

Stay interested because my next article is my Leastern excuse me Eastern conference playoff seedings.

The ZenMaster

The Hustle by Danny Russell

Long ago he was named The ZenMaster. Before that his former Knick teammates referred to him as Head and Shoulders. It was the 70's afterall. Some of his current almost-too-young-to-shave-players call him P.J. Occasionally, one of his fiercest competitors, former coach, now ESPN analyst, and still-hasn't-beaten-him-in-the-playoffs-yet Jeff Van Gundy, mockingly labels him as Big Chief Triangle. In Montana during high school he was Bones. Whatever the nickname: Action Jackson, The Mop, or The Human Coat Hanger - there is one undeniable moniker this former hippie maverick has earned - the best NBA coach ever. Okay, this should be easy. Can you name him?

Who is Phil Jackson, Alex?

Yeah. Phil Jackson indeed.

The mystical round ball sage, well known and world famous as the game's best coach, is the most successful bench conductor since the late great Boston Celtic coach and outspoken Jackson critic Red Auerbach. Only Phil has as many championships as legendary Red, who dominated the game while stoking his stinky stogies along the sideline. He blew plenty ofsmoke into the rafters while hoisting up trophies in arenas everywhere.

Red's image was synonymous with the NBA for decades. Today, most NBA coaches are practically anonymous.

Outside of maybe Pat Riley, Auerbach, Jackson and a few others I'd bet most people do not even know the name of a single coach in the NBA. Quick, name the coach of the defending 2007 world champion San Antonio Spurs. Give up? Time. His name is Gregg Popovich. That's right, even though straight-laced Coach Pop is one helluva good coach and his Spurs have won four rings, he isn't nearly as famous or successful as bestselling author, kooky oddball, and commercial pitchman Coach Jackson.

Jackson has become a coaching icon. And quite an eccentric one at that too.

Phil has several eclectic interests ranging from film, literature, traveling, politics, to spas and spirituality. His unique blend ofEastern philosophies, Native American traditions, and hippy demeanor mixed with his strict Pentecostal upbringing is legendary. He's known to burn sage in a locker room to fend off bad spirits during losing streaks. The technique is called smudging, which is the burning of certain herbs like sage, cedar, and sweet grass to create a cleansing smoke bath that purifies the space. Whoa, that's groovy, dude.

And by the way, politically, he says he's backing Barack Obama. That could be good news for Obama, because Phil knows a winner when he sees one.

He jokes that he prefers not coaching All-Star games anymore. Eventhough the Lakers currently do not have the best record in the West, Phil responded to questions about whether he'd like to coach in the All-Star game by saying, "Well, it's an honor representing your team. But God help me if I have to go to the All-Star game. I really wouldn't want to do that. There are a lot of young coaches. It would be great to see them there. I think I have reservations somewhere, a place to relax and retreat during that period of time." Coach went on to say, "ButKobe (Bryant) told me a week ago that, 'we're going to send you there regardless.' So, I'm trying to do my best to stay on top of it."

Phil usually gets what he wants so chances are he won't be coaching in New Orleans over the All-Star weekend and Obama will be President. And if I were a betting man, I'd wager that The ZenMaster will be enjoying a nice sabbatical filled with rub downs, mud baths, and meditative sunsets at his favorite spa, the Golden Door Spa & Resort in Escondido with girlfriend and Lakers owner Jerry Buss' daughter Jeanne Buss. I hear the spa is spectacular. As in spectacularly expensive.

Some say the nature of being an NBA coach is a lot like being Presidentof the United States. And if this is true then Phil Jackson is Franklin D. Roosevelt. They share many similarities. For example, the NBA doesn't have a 22nd Amendment, so just like FDR, Jackson isn't hamstrung by term limits like good ol' Bubba Clinton, but I'm sure he relates to Slick Willie a little bit because, just like Hillary, his girl, Jeanne, is also poised to someday be President of the. Lakers.

Presidents have voters; coaches have fans and both positions are subject to public opinion. The only thing that matters more than public opinion are results. Phil gets results big time. He changes opinions by his deeds. Coaches are not measured by elections or votes they are measured by wins, playoff appearances, and bling. Championship rings. And Phil owns tons of hardware. His diamond rings are forever. His rock collection is so bright the bling could blind Paris Hilton.

In 2008, one-of-a-kind Coach Jackson is serving long into his fifth term after leading generations of players to 9 NBA titles. Just likeRoosevelt, he too has resided over the Greatest Generation of all time- the Chicago Bulls. And now, he has his perky young Los Angeles Lakers seemingly assembled for a deep run into the Western Conference playoffsand beyond.

He magically ridded himself of Kwame "The Pink Hole" Brown with help
from much maligned but recently resurrected Lakers GM Mitch Kupchick when the former North Carolina Tar Heel pulled off The Spanish Acquisition - Pao Gasol.

Ole' Mitch! That was one Pao-erful move. Badump bump.

I already hear Jackson's deep bellow, "Fresh water for my horses, and paella for all my men."

For years, critics have claimed Coach Jackson was too impatient and could never build a team from the ground up or turn around perennial losers like Larry Brown. Well, there's no one like Coach Brown and news flash - when he's won, he's had talent. All great coaches need great players. Period.

There is a grain of truth to the fact that Jackson became head coach ofthe Bulls after owner Jerry Reinsdorf assembled all the players and of course he signed on with the Lakers after former Laker GM Jerry West pulled off the Shaq deal. But to me, his career choices show that in reality, Phil is a good judge of talent, knows what he does best, and is smart enough to choose how to be in the right place at the right time. He knows when to show 'em and when to fold 'em. Call it Karma. Call it psychic energetic prairie wisdom. Call it whatever you want. The dude's got good Chi.

But now it's different. He came back gambling on the franchise that was reeling after an implosion of egos and age. He needed time off to recover from drama overload. He had to have two hips replaced and a heart surgery. He looks more limber, healthy, and fresher then the day he signed on for his first stint with the Purple & Gold Gang back in1999.

Way to go Jeanne.

Finally, for Kobe's sake, the pieces are all there for the new LakeShow. Only it's going to require some patience in LakerNation because there are some pretty big "IFs." The biggest IF is IF phenomenal center Andrew Bynum can return to full strength as expected in March. And there's IF mercurial Lamar Odom regains his usually reliable shooting touch. And IF slashing defensive ace Trevor "The Razor" Ariza heals his broken foot. And IF Pao Gasol along with his 18 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks a game can all gel.

IF they do - It could be parade time in June again down on Figueroa Street.

As Chicky baby used to say, "The door's closed, the light's out, the eggs are cooling, the butter's getting hard, and the Jell-o's jiggling!

Coaches, like Presidents, are officially the leaders of their people but Jackson is also part riverboat gambler and part nonconformist gunslinger similar to the fictional character in Kenny Rogers' song, The Gambler. Except in real life, if Jackson were to hang out with a country star, he'd probably prefer hanging out with Willie Nelson on his bus more then with Kenny in Laughlin or Reno, if you know what I mean.

Irie, mon.

LakerNation, don't forget that you read it here first in The Hustle: If healthy, the Lakers will beat Boston in seven games to become 2008 NBA champions in a classic for the new millennium.

That's right, I believe that, barring injures, the smart money has already shifted onto Jackson and his built-from-the-ground-up, self-nurtured young Laker team. These talented kids will allow Coach Jackson to pull yet another ace from his sleeve and set him alone onthe NBA mountain top for his record 10th championship.

And just to make Red Auerbach rollover in his grave, I predict not onlywill these young Lakers beat the old but rejuvenated Boston Celtics, but they are nowhere near finished helping P.J. collect more shiny hardware and rings. Yes, these new Lakers are so good that The ZenGambler will not be able to cash in his chips and ride off into the sunset until, well, I imagine Kenny singing now.

There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealins done.

Commander in Chief Phil Jackson might earn yet another nickname - TheZenGambler.* * *Remember, please read The Hustle and give peace a chance.