Sunday Showdown - Dec 16, 2007

We want to apologize to our avid readers for disappearing for a week. Cheung and Sharj were too busy researching school stuff we hate...now that it's over, we can go back to our favorite research topics...NBA and Fantasy!

Let's not waste anymore time and get this show started!


Most Surprising Team of the Season So Far:

Cheung: Portland Trailblazers
Sharj: Washington Wizards
Cheung: I am not really surprised by Washington, they are a good team with or without Arenas. When you add Arenas back into the equation they will be something else. It is no secret that Butler and Jamison are good. Haywood is a good legit 7 footer. Antonio Daniel's is also a solid NBA pg. The only surprise is the step up play of the role players. Who new Roger Mason, Nick Young and Andre Blatche were this good?
Sharj: Washington is surprising. When they lost Arenas last year, the team LIMPED into the playoffs and got swept by the Cavs without putting up a fight. No one expected that same team to step it up (UNLIKE LAST SEASON) with Gilbert out. Butler has raised his game to a level that has not been seen...Stevenson is also a huge surprise. I was torn between Orlando and the Lakers...but those teams have their big guns intact, I think the Wiz at 13-10 have been good. Eddie Jordan is my COY so far. If someone asked you if the Wiz would beat Dallas on the road last year, you wouldn't say yes.
Cheung: I think the problem last year is Agent 0 went down, and this team was NOT prepared to play without him. This time around, with that experience they were ready to step up. And, NEWSFLASH, Dallas is getting beat by a lot of teams lately.
Sharj: I agree on Dallas...they still haven't recovered from the GS loss. I agree with your logic, but I bet no one would of predicted before the season that Gil would get hurt and the Wiz would be 3 games above 0.500
Cheung: I think I could see them near .500, and people are saying they are better without Gil? INSANITY. He'll come back, and this team will be a contender. Another Big 3 in the making???
Sharj: These 3 were always considered the Big 3. I hope Gil learns something sitting out that he doesn't need to jack up 35 shots for them to win...get these other 2 involved more.
Cheung: No doubt. A lot of players could use this lesson. NBA teams are packed with talent.
Sharj: Portland on the other hand has been decent so far...going 12-12. I think they're like the Atlanta Hawks of the west. Their young guys step up, come out of the gate swinging...but eventually inexperience catches up and they'll go back to being a lottery team. I think their success will be short-lived...especially in their conference
Cheung: After winning last year's lottery and getting AND losing Oden, I bet everyone thought they'd be in the basement this year. They've got big wins, 2 over the Jazz, one over the Warriors, Pistons and Mavs. Aldridge has shown signs of being a 20/10 man, Roy is the real deal PG. And now with Aldridge out we've seen the emerging young talent, James Jones, Travis Outlaw and the "vet" Joel Pryzbilla playing well.
Sharj: Look at their conference...I honestly don't think they can sustain a 0.500 record for another 58 games. Oden needs to pass his geriatric experience onto his players...Roy and Aldridge are good, but the rest of the team is inconsistent and they don't have enough firepower to sustain themselves. I think they're showing glimpses of being good in the future. I see teams like Houston, Memphis and Sacramento stepping it up and overtaking the Blazers.
Cheung: The point of this column though is SURPRISING. And I agree, based on the above information you provided, this start up until now sure is surprising! Thanks for supporting me Sharj!
Sharj: lol no problem. This surprise will be nice and quick...look for it to end pretty soon. I'm always here to support you, not to worry. I support you just the way Boozer supported the Cavs owner during contract negotiations

Wrap-Up
Sharj: Do you think the Lakers are now thanking themselves for keeping Bynum and not trading him away?
Cheung: No, if the Lakers had traded Bynum for Kidd they would one of the top teams in the L. With Kidd's magician abilities he'd make Kwame Brown look good.


Cheung: What do your Nets need to do from this point on in the year?
Sharj: Where do I start? They have four options and they can use them on their own or in combination: (i) Fire Frank (ii) Trade RJ, his value is high and won't remain this high for long (iii) Wait for Kristic and Marcus Williams to come back (iv) Rely on the hope that they've started this way for the past 3 years and that they'll eventually turn it around.

Sharj: Chris Paul schooled Nash yesterday. Phoenix has lost to Miami and Minnesota recently...do you think this is an indication of things to come? Should they make a move?
Cheung: Phx is a GREAT team, a GREAT offensive team. I love Steve Nash, but they lack the team defense that a championship team must have. I don't think there are any easy moves for the Suns to make, so they'll just have to hope they can score 120 per game and limit their opponents to 115.

Cheung: Which PG will get traded first? Where is he going?
Sharj: I know people think Kidd will get traded. Kidd will not be traded, Nets owners and GMs love him...I think Kidd will get the extension he wants. I see Bibby being traded...possibly to Cleveland or Miami.

Sharj: Will the Heat make the playoffs?
Cheung: This question depends on Dwayne Wade's knee. Saw him go for a dunk the other night, which turned into a blown layup. IF they deal for a PG and his knee heals up, they will sneak in and make some noise. If not, they'll be in the lottery.

Cheung: How many wins are the Celts going to put down when this year wraps up?
Sharj: I thought they'd BARELY make 50+ wins...but after seeing them DOMINATE teams defensively and winning easily without Ray Allen, the Celtics will win 60 games.

Sharj: No one is talking about the monster year Chris Kaman is having. Will he make the All-Star team?
Cheung: Depends how many C's get on the squad.. YAO and Amare are a lock. If they put another on, then I throw Kaman's name in the hat. Kudos to the big lug for playing well all year so far.

Sunday Showdown

We dropped the ball Friday, as both Cheung and Sharj were busy. We apologize to our fans, and promise to make that the Sunday Showdown the best yet. On with the show...

Should-Be and Should-Not-Be: All Stars

EAST SHOULD-BE
Cheung: 1) The Big 3 2) Andre Iguodala 3) Chris Bosh
Sharj: 1) Caron Butler 2) Richard Jefferson 3) Josh Smith


EAST SHOULD-NOT-BE
Cheung: 1) VC 2) Dwayne Wade 3) Richard Hamilton
Sharj: 1) Chris Bosh 2) Dwayne Wade 3) Anyone on the Bulls


Sharj: Chris Bosh should NOT be on the all-star team, atleast in the starting 5. He has been hurt most of the year and has underperformed. There are 6 other forwards in the East I would have above him. I feel the Canadian voting will get him in the starting 5. I also feel Wade will be voted in even though he has been sub-par/hurt. I think as forwards...Butler, KG, Granger, Lebron, RJ, Rashard, Pierce and Josh Smith are having better seasons than Bosh.
Cheung: What you mistake for CB4 underperforming, is actually a decrease in statistics due to the Raptors being a better all-around and deeper team. Josh Smith and Granger may appear to be having better statistical seasons... BUT the Raptors sit 4th in the conference, and second in the Atlantic (behind the C's.. so duh). Atlanta has a terrible team, and therefore Smith's stats get inflated. Granger is not even the best player on his team, PP, Rashard are great.. but they are not true forwards, more like guard-forward combos. As the 4th team in the East, the Raptors MUST have all-star representation, and CB4 is our man.
Sharj: But you have to take into consideration how many games Bosh has missed. Like I say, Raptors are a good team full of good players, no big superstars...Bosh deserved an all-star nod last year, but his team has carried the Raptors more than him
Cheung: When it comes down to it, Bosh is still the most important figure of the Raptors, as seen by some of the terrible losses we suffered while he was injured. And also, you must consider him as a PF, and at the PF specifically in the east, there are not many eligible guys. All-star cannot just be about stats, look at your beloved Nets, if it were based on stats VC, J-Kidd and RJ would be there...But let's be honest, none of them should be. They have accomplished nothing for their team this year.
Sharj: The All-Star game is just as much about individual seasons as it is about team performance. The All-Star game takes players who are having great seasons. Otherwise guys like Joe Johnson would never be on. You can't blame a team's poor performance on one guy...if there is one guy having a great year he should be recognized. I think RJ has taken a huge leap and is the 3rd leading scorer and should be rewarded

Cheung: Do you see VC in the game this year?
Sharj: This year VC does not deserve it because his numbers are down. I think though being listed as a Guard he has a chance to be voted in because the fans love him...but I don't think the coaches will vote him in if he doesn't get voted in by the fans. Plus you can't have 2 Nets with their poor performance so far unless they somehow go on a crazy run in the next month or two

Cheung: I'll take that as a NO!!!! Let's move along to the West.


WEST SHOULD-BE
Cheung: 1) Deron 2) Manu 3) Leandro Barbosa
Sharj: 1) Boozer 2) Baron 3) Josh Howard

WEST SHOULD-NOT-Be
Cheung: 1) Gasol 2) Stephen Jackson 3)Dirk
Sharj: 1) Dirk 2) Gasol 3) Only one Rocket should be there, Yao will get the votes, so he is in

Sharj: I disagree on Barbosa! how does he deserve a spot? I can think of 7-8 guards who are having better seasons than him and are more valuable to their team. Amare and Marion deserve to be there with Nash over Barbosa. Kobe, Baron, AI, T-Mac, Nash, Parker, CP3 and Deron all deserve to be there as a G over Barbosa

Cheung: I would just like to see another Sun on the squad. A guy like Barbosa will never get there because his team has 3 permanent reservations to the game. But I think on any other team he would A) be a starter and B) put up huge All-Star numbers. As for your picks... REALLY bold with Boozer and Baron... way to go Captain Obvious.
Sharj: Baron because he hasn't been on an all-star team in many years. Boozer for the same reason...he didn't play last year because of injury. I think the West has more obvious selections than the East
Cheung: The picks are easier, that is why it is our job to find the hidden gems! I think TMAC still deserves a spot. The Rockets are underachieving, but him and Yao are the soul of that team. Watched them at the ACC tonight, and they did struggle. The Rockets are due to explode. The defensive tandem of Battier and Hayes are amazing to watch at work. They really held my Raptors down for the first half of the game, until Bosh spurred a second half comeback.
Sharj: You can't have 2 players from a .500 team in the All-Star game. I love T-Mac...but I think there are other Guards who will be in over him...I think T-Mac though will get voted in because the chinese fans love T-Mac because he plays with Yao.
Do you think one, both (Melo AI) or any Nuggets will be in the Allstar Game?
Cheung: I think Melo and AI should be there, they score too much not to be, and on any given night carry their team, which is near the top in the West.
Sharj: I think Melo has underperformed this year. I want to give a shoutout to my alum Marcus Camby...I think this year, he has been more valuable to the Nuggets than Melo. I would take him in the ASG over Melo.

THE WRAP UP
Cheung: Dolphins going winless? Patriots going perfect?
Sharj: Is there any doubt? Dolphins are horrible...they blew their chance last week playing the Jets at home. Dolphins are DONE! Pats...I can go on forever, but they have gotten over their slump (which still included Ws)...they played great against the Steelers. Pats 19-0...Dolphins 0-16

Sharj: The Lakers look unbelievable. They have been a huge surprise, playing well despite the Kobe rumors. Will they make noise in the playoffs?
Cheung: No, they won't. Kobe is great. But the West is filled of great TEAMS. 1 V 5 has never won a championship... Lebron was CLOSE.

Cheung: Who is better Celtics or Spurs?
Sharj: Celtics have yet to beat the Western elites. The Spurs are the best defensive team in the league, have the best coaching system and a deep unselfish team. I pick the Spurs

Sharj: Kidd is being rumored in a trade to Dallas. The Nets want Josh Howard as part of the package. Is this fair...should it happen?
Cheung: I don't think Kidd gets the Mavs a championship, ESPECIALLY if they need to give up Howard. Howard is up and coming, with a future, Kidd is going to burn out. If I were Kidd, I would want to go elsewhere. I want to see Kidd in LA/Miami/Cleveland. Dallas is NOT the right fit.

Wednesday Write-Up - Dec 5/2007

TEXAS TRIANGLE

Sharj: The Texas Triangle...this has gotta be one of the most dreaded trips for any team on the road. But the Texas triangle has not fully lived up to its reputation. I think the Spurs are still the best team in Texas. The Rockets are 9-9 and have lost 7 of their last 10. They have arguably two of the best players in the league and have been chronically inconsistent...carryover from last year. Dallas is 12-6, but has been underperforming recently. They easily give up big leads and are always trying to climb back. Dirk is playing more like a pierogi and less like a star. I think the Spurs are the best team @ 15-3 and have the most depth, best system, best coaching and best cohesion. I think we'll see another year of early exits for the Rockets and Mavs as long as Duncan's knee holds up. I see the Spurs and Suns battling it out once again late in the playoffs. Spurs are by far the best team in Texas.
Cheung: The Spurs are one of the most amazing basketball teams to watch. Everything they do is professional. Manu is one of my personal favorite players to watch. The Balki look alike has the most bizarre ways of getting to the hoop and finishing. I think Dallas will come around and become one of the West elite again. Terry has been terrific so far this season and Howard has stepped up as an All-Star once again, as for Dirk, I am not his greatest fan, but I think this is the year he finally stops being a choke master and starts playin more clutch. I love Yao, but the Rockets are too inconsistent to do any serious damage. So yeah, Texas is NOT what it used to be, although the Spurs are going to continue to be amazing
Sharj: I disagree on Dirk. If a 7 foot superstars gets shutdown by 6'6 swingmen in playoff series, you have no hope. Dirk has still been a victim to that. He still settles against smaller players on the perimeter. When the game is on the line, he is not necessarily their first option and I've been disappointed with what DIrk has done.
Cheung: I think Dirk knows he has been playing weak, and I think last year really taught him a lesson. I know he's been soft early in this season, but I see him having a breakthrough, and if he does he is going to be unstoppable.
Sharj: I think Dirk will always be one of those in between kinda stars who was never able to take it to the next level. Dallas should trade him for Kobe if they want to win a ring

(Note: Real Picture of Dirk)

Wrap Up

Kevin Martin is hurt, how will this affect the Kings?
Cheung: Not much. KMart is a GREAT scorer, but Salmons and Garcia can both fill it up, and Artest and Miller will just step up production. Kings will continue at the same pace, just hurts for fantasy owners of Kevin Martin out there.

TJ Ford is back in Toronto, how should Sam Mitchell divide out the minutes with him and Calderon?
Sharj: Ford is good, but Calderon runs the team better. I think Calderon should start and get more minutes. Sam should play both of them together @ the end of games. I pick Jose for his versatility.

Varejao will be back with the Cavs by next week. Do you think he will be enough to get LeBron the help he needs?
Cheung: Varejao is a great energy guy. So was the Junk Yard Dog. How many championships did JYD help to win again? I didn't think so. James needs a Pippen.

The Celtics have looked a little shaky on some recent games, thoughts?
Sharj:The Big 3 are getting worn out and it is showing. Doc needs to manage their minutes better and Ainge needs to pull off one more deal to get those guys a rest. They will be tired/injured by playoff time.

Wizards are looking great without Agent Zero. Is it time the Wiz move in another direction and trade Gil when he is healthy?
Cheung: The knock on Gil is his D. However he is the kind of guy who can win a game for a team by himself. Maybe seeing his teams success, he will work on his team game and step up on D? Wiz should give it another shot with the Agent.

Amare is tearing it up of recent. Have the Suns finally assembled a team to take down the West?

Sharj: If Amare stays healthy and the Suns are fresh come playoff time, I think this MIGHT be the year...as long as the Suns trainer learns how to stitch up a cut. The Suns got unlucky last year. The addition of Grant Hill has been huge, I think the Suns are the best team in the West right now

Golden State has been on a tear recently after their slow start...winning 8 of their last 10. Do you think they're still good enough to make the playoffs and make some serious noise?
Cheung: GS is the same team from the playoffs last year, with an extra year of experience and Azibu... however you spell his name stepping up. They are exciting, deep and talented. They will make some ruckus again and NBA fans will enjoy it.

Sunday Showdown

Best PG of the 2000's?????

KIDD VS NASH

Sharj: Even though many may debate my choice, my OBVIOUS choice without any bias is Jason Kidd...or as I call him Mr. Triple Double. He is 3rd all-time in triple doubles behind Oscar and Magic. He has taken two average NJ teams to the NBA finals twice. I think Kidd never fully gets the credit he deserves. The man is 34 years old and it is unbelievable to watch him play at his age. The obvious other choice would be Nash, but I think Kidd controls a team better, is a better rebounder and the big difference is his D is outstanding compared to Nash. Nash is a better scorer, but Kidd has upped that too. I pick Hall-of-Famer Jason Kidd...even freakin tonight the Nets shit to bed and the man still had 17 assists
Cheung: Kidd is a great player, no doubt. I do take the Nash stance on this argument though. Since 2004 Nash has turned the Suns into one of the top teams in the NBA. Nash is not capable of putting up the rebounding numbers that Kidd is, but that is the end of the Kidd advantage. Nash is a better shooter from the field, from the 3pt line and from the FT line. As for assists, you could call that a draw. The defense argument you bring forth is way off. Nash is one of the best on-ball PG defenders in the game. He hounds guards night after night, and many PGs can be seen having their worst performances against the D of Nash. Kidd's playoff runs were in the days of a VERY mediocre East, and each year his team was destroyed in the finals.
Sharj: Kidd is averaging 12 pts a game, Nash is averaging 19. Only a 7 point difference. Their assists are on par. Kidd is a better rebounder...his D is miles ahead. Nash HAS always been surrounded by all-stars...Kidd has finally gotten two all-stars but look at how old he is now
Cheung: Nash's teams have had better regular seasons, and are consistently near the top of the league with two 60+ wins in the last few years. The difference between 12 and 19 is monumental. That is the difference between an average scorer in the league, and a top scorer on a team, Kidd's D is not miles ahead.. it is BARELY on par.
Sharj: There is absolutely no comparison between the D of Nash and Kidd. Kidd has been an All-NBA defensive player SEVERAL times in his career...how many times have we seen Nash on that list? Nash also leads the league in turnovers. He has always had better players...I gurantee you if you put Kidd on that Phx team right now he wins MVPs as well
Cheung: I got a 3 letter answer to all of your arguments. MVP X 2. If the argument is best PG in the last 7 years.. and Nash has been named the best PLAYER in 2 of the last 7... that means he must be the damn best PG. And by the way, speaking of being surrounded by players: Are you suggesting that the Nets are not a good team?!?
Sharj: We're looking at who is an all-round better PG. The Suns are a deeper team. If you go outside the Big 3, Nets have nothing. If you put Amare, Marion, Bell, Barbosa around Kidd...Kidd will be just as good Kidd has never had a good backup PG to give him a break...lets see...umm Anthony Johnson?
Cheung: That is always the argument, but I think you forget that Nash makes Amare, Marion, Bell and Barbosa better players. Who was Raja bell before Nash? In fact, who were any of the Suns before Nash?
Sharj: Amare had a monster rookie year when Marbury played on that team. Marion was still an all-star. Raja Bell had a breakout year with Philly when he became the Kobe stopper. Barbosa was layin on a beach in Brazil somewhere. Nash has never been put in an underachieving system. He was in Dallas...that was LOADED. He was then put in Phoenix that was still a playoff team. When Kidd was traded to NJ, they were a lottery team. Oh and just as my final tidbit...when Nash was drafted by Phoenix. Guess who his mentor was...guess who he learnt from...gentleman known as Mr. Jason Kidd
Cheung: Actually...The year before Nash came to Pheonix they were 29-53 (2003-2004) and the next year they were 62-20 (2004-2005) SO GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT! And this is just a classic case of the protege becoming the master.
Sharj: I am not doubting Nash's greatness...he is a sure-shot hall-of-famer. But if I had to build my team and pick 1 PG, I take Kidd because he brings MORE to the team relative to Nash...any guy averaging 12, 10, 9 at 34 years old...All defensive player 8 times...I pick him no questions asked oh and btw these averages are AFTER having a microfracture surgery...something that has ended many careers
Cheung: I question your pick in that case, because when it comes down to it, Nash can put you on his back and score 20 points in a row if necessary, he also makes everyone around him a better player. The only thing he lacks is a championship, which is on its way, unfortunetly for Kidd, he is retiring ringless (unless he gets traded).
Sharj: I think both will go ringless...Suns blew their chance last year. I think this argument will never end...both are great. Nash is a better scorer, Kidd is a better rebounder/defensive player...thats what it comes down to. Lets move on

The Wrap Up
-Spurs lose Duncan to a knee injury, how does it affect them in the next week or two-
Cheung:Losing Duncan obviously hurts, you can't lose an MVP and be the same; however the Spurs are a team of vets, and Parker/Ginobli are having great years. Spurs will continue to put up the W's even in the abscence of Duncan.
-Knicks bounce back with a win after getting killed in Boston, Does Zeke still have a job?-
Sharj: I think he will stay around for a few more weeks. Phoenix is killing them right now. I think the Knicks will turn it around, but still won't have enough to make it to the playoffs. Zeke is out by the deadline (PLEASE!)
-The Cavs look horrible without LeBron. Their PG situation is weak...what does Danny Ferry have to do help poor LeBron out-
Cheung: Does he have to help? No, Lebron makes the Cavs a legit team on his own merits. Should he help? YES. Throw Lebron a freaking bone here, with one other decent player you could be looking at a championship team.
-Kevin Durant is looking money of late. We haven't seen a single thing from Greg Oden yet. Who will be the better player next season?-
Sharj: Microfracture surgery has ended many careers. If rehabbed fully, it will still take Oden a year to fully recover and get used to the NBA pace. Durant has shown flashes of briliance and will only get better, KD just needs to add some lbs. I take Durant
-Miami has still been struggling with Wade back. Do you think they will turn it around and make a playoff run Cheung:Simply put, YES. They will aquire a PG (A. Miller OR J-Kidd OR Damon??) and make a push to the play-offs.

The Friday Report

Hello there all of our loyal readers. Due to popular demand, we have decided to restructure this blog and shift the focus a little. We will do the blog 3 times a week (Fri, Sun and Wed) and instead of making predictions, we will analyze the major news in the league, recap the main events and discuss players/teams on the rise and fall. We will also take in questions from our readers (cheungsharj@gmail.com) and discuss anything that people want to hear about. Lets get this show kickin' and we encourage people to comment on the blog and even vote for who you agree or disagree with more...CHEUNG OR SHARJ!

Top 5 Players of the Season So Far:
Cheung: 1. LeBron 2. KG 3. Dwight 4. Baron 5. Nash
Sharj: 1. LeBron 2. Dwight 3. Baron 4. Boozer 5. KG

Cheung: Alright, so I've been having this argument with a LOT of different people saying Dwight is better than KG, but you have KG at 5! I am FLABBERGASTED. I know you are sore cuz his fantasy numbers have been a little low. BUT you have to think of what KG's presence brings Boston. And YES Boston is the best team in the L right now until proven otherwise. They have the best record, and have only lost to Lebron's insanity and the Magic, who are a solid squad.
Sharj: Well LeBron is the consensus #1 so we won't bother discussing his greatness. I have to put KG a little lower. I know KG has brought a lot to Boston, but the way I think is...how bad would the team be if that particular player were taken out. Without LeBron, Cavs get the #1 pick next year. Without Dwight, the Magic would NOT be a playoff team let alone 14-3. Without Baron, the Warriors would be partying under the Golden Gate Bridge...same goes for Boozer. I think without KG, the Celtics are weaker but still have enough in Pierce/Allen to make the playoffs...KG is valuable no doubt about it, but not as valuable as the other 4 to their teams. Nash and KG were borderline on my list. My top 4 are having bigger statistical seasons as well.
Cheung: Statistics only measure certain contributions to the game; however KG's game is much more versatile than Dwight, he can step away from the basket, pass the ball and creates HAVOC. I think he is being UNDERUSED in Boston. That said, I don't think the Celtics are a playoff team without him. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce have been on decent teams and had horrible results. The key piece to the Boston team is KG. He got an abyssmal Wolves team to the playoffs, and now that he is surrounded with the two other All-Stars he is the centerpiece of a great team. Overall, looking at the Magic supporting cast, I think they are actually better than Boston.
Sharj: I am by no means doubting KG's importance to the Celtics...he is their most important piece, but I think relative to the other guys I listed...those guys are more important to their franchises. KG is underused and I think that will come back to bite them in the playoffs. KG has only taken them far in the playoffs once and that too with the help of Sprewell and Cassell
Cheung: But as you say taking away that player determines how good a team is, I think if you take away KG and Dwight, the Magic are better than the Celtics. The same could be said for the Warriors as well with Baron.
Sharj: Thats where I disagree. I have to give Baron more credit because he is leading that team in the Western Conference
Cheung: He is, but look at his supporting cast, he has a squad of REALLY talented guys even on the bench, Nelly has almost 2 starting lineups to put on the floor
Sharj: Warriors have no shot without him. Without Dwight, Turkoglu and Jameer can't create their shots and all they have is Rashard. Pierce and Allen still can create and win a game on any given night
Cheung: I completely disagree, You have to look beyond those players to the respective benches, Boston has an extremely weak bench, I agree with my boy Quentin Richardson in his analysis of the Boston bench... before the Celtics served the Knicks last night. OH, and by the way have some Canadian pride, Leaving out the two time MVP, speaking of importance to a team???
Sharj: The Boston bench is not being given enough credit. Posey and House are great shooters and can get you 10-15 pts just by the attention Pierce Allen draw. As for Nash, I love the guy and he was tough to leave out...the boy has won it twice...he is JUST as important as the other guys I've listed but I feel this year the rest of his team has upped their game slightly...but no disrespect to him

Lets move on to the next topic...the ABYSMAL NEW YORK KNICKS!

Cheung: The Knicks-Celtics game was just embarrassing, it was like watching the last 2 minutes of a high school basketball game when all the subs are in, only it lasted for 3 quarters of the game! Zeke is DONE. DONE! Fire him today, now!
Sharj: The Knicks should be moved to the WNBA...Isiah and Laimbeer can ponder over why their lives suck (even though Laimbeer is successful in the WNBA)...and hey...Ronaldo Balkman will be the 10th hottest girl in the WNBA
Cheung: You would be on the top 10 list in the WNBA, with that new haircut.
I think if Isiah is out, and the players get a system they can buy into, they have a shot at being a decent team, but then on the other hand, they could just throw this season and go for draft picks. The Knicks formula just doesn't work. You can't recruit a team of dysfunctional players and hope for them to work together. They should hire psychiatrists.
Sharj: The problem is Isiah...him and Dolan should end their love affair, trade Marbury...build around the rest and hope you don't get stoned to death outside MSG.

Which teams are going to pull up their socks and turn things around??

Cheung: I know the easy pick here is to say the Bulls, but guess what, I don't think they are going to turn it around. Not until Scott Skiles gets fired and they choose a freaking starting lineup (THAT INCLUDES ANDRES NOCIONI!!!). My pick is the Memphis Grizzlies. Saw a few games this past week, and they are making strides. They did get ass whooped by my Toronto Raptors, but a) the raptors are a good/deep team and b) they had just whooped the Nets the night before. PS if you are wondering that works out to this formula: RAPTORS>GRIZZLIES>NETS!!! I LOVE IT. But, once Milicic is healthy again (if ever?) and they move Gay back to the 2 spot, this team will be looking good. I also just picked up JCN in fantasy, and the kid is a 3 point gunner.
Sharj: Not to sound bias...I agree the Bulls won't turn it around, I think the Nets will. VC is getting back into form, Kidd and RJ are heating up. The Nets have sucked in the 2nd quarter and I think to address that problem, Frank will bring VC off the bench so he is on when the others aren't. The Nets are an easy pick for me...I don't think Memphis will, they are in a tough conference and I just don't see it happening (rely too heavily on the 3 ball). My pick is the Miami Heat...Wade is still getting into form, Shaq is on fire...if their bench steps up...I think they will make a huge surge within the next month and make the playoffs with a lower seed. OH and by the way...NO WAY the Grizz & Raps are better than the Nets...speaking of the Raps, I hope you enjoy your 3 hrs at the ACC tonight when LeBron, Bosh and Bargnani don't play
Cheung: I will enjoy it because all eyes wil be on SUPER JAMARIO, they gotta start playing the NES theme song in the ACC when he scores. As for the Nets, they should be better with the return of VC; however, of late RJ hasn't been as effective as he was in the first 3 weeks (predictable) and Kidd is going to get hurt, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon. Regarding the Heat, I read a little rumor the other day about a deal involving them receiving Andre Miller. Why did I drop him in fantasy?? (because he sucks) but he is a great distributor of the ball when he has players to pass to, and in Miami he would (I know he has Iggy now, but Iggy creates his own shots.)
Sharj: Miami is looking to dump Jason Williams...that boy is a waste of talent. Miller will be a good fit and I think Riley has the know how to pull off that deal...as an NBA fan I want to see Wade in the playoffs...as a Nets fan I hope they don't make it because they've killed us in the playoffs way too often
Cheung: Can't hate on J-Will, an ex-Florida baller. He is inconsistant though, and Miami needs a guy to bring the ball up so Wade can spot up away from the ball. Not much else to say. (Nets suck).

Final Friday Night Shoutouts

Cheung: My last words are gonna be props to my boy Mike Dunleavy Jr. for stepping up in the absence of J-O (may his injury continue to hinder him) and giving me a much needed fantasy boost, and last but not least: I HATE AK47. Peace.
Sharj: My last words are hoping my Nets turn it around...and importantly for tonight (I think one of the best nights in the NBA tonight)...some awesome games (Boston Miami, Orlando Phoenix and Lakers Utah)...Turkish Delight will RIP UP Phx's Canadian Bacon!

You'll all be hearing from us again on Sunday. Keep those emails (cheungsharj@gmail.com) and comments coming in.

Matchups and Calls November 27, 2007

***Marquee Matchup***

Boston v Cleveland

Sharj: This is gonna be one hell of a matchup. I think this is a bigger game for the Cavs than the Celtics. LeBron is carrying a HUGE HUGE load on his shoulders. He is the hands down MVP so far and there is no stopping him. I think Boston is due for a loss. They are coming off a miraculous win...but I think LeBron will step it up an EXTRA notch (don't really know how much better he can play)...drop a triple double...Cavs pull this out by 3
Cheung: MVP vs MVP? I would say so at this point. I agree that Lebron will step up and have a massive game (which totally screws me on the fantasy side of life) but I think that Boston is gonna roll through on this one. The reason? One of Paul Pierce or Ray Allen is gonna go off tonight. Lebron can guard one of these guys, but Sasha Pavlodick or whoever else gets assigned to the other guy is gonna get lit up, Z might give Garnett a little hassle inside, but if Garnett is smart and takes a few steps away from the basket he'll torch whoever comes out to greet him. The Celts by 7.5
Sharj: I don't think anyone on Boston will win MVP. I think right now the top two contenders are LeBron and possibly Dwight Howard
Cheung: if the celts keep rollin the way they are... ie a 70-12 record or something like that, Garnett wil be our MVP
Sharj: Garnett is great no doubt about it...but he has two awesome players by his side to carry the load when he is off. LeBron is all alone carrying a franchise and city
Cheung: ya for sure.. but the celts have 1 loss, in 12 games, they could post a record season, the cavs won't be close to that, Dirk got it last year on a very talented team, if Boston does the same, KG is the man.
Sharj:You may be right...I love the Celtics...but I won't be a believer till they go on a Texas Triangle trip
Cheung:I'll put my word on it, the Celts win the regular season title and KG stays healthy, he is the MVP

Memphis @ New Jersey
Cheung:Alright, well, here is a NBA War first, I give it up to the nets, they are gonna win this one. My boy Gasol is gonna rip it up, but alas Nets by 8.
Sharj:Finally a believer...of course I'm not gonna go against my boy. First game back from a west road trip is tough, but Nets are 7-2 with VC in the lineup and 0-6 without him. Nets win by 5

Charlotte @ Miami
Sharj:Charlotte has very poor 4th quarter execution. They've blown some winnable games. Shaq is on fire recently and I can see the old Wade again. Miami win an easy one at home by 9
Cheung:Both teams are like tossing a coin for how well they'll play. We are going back to back agreement, maybe we could call George Bush and teach him how to make peace. Miami by 6.

Philadelphia @ Milwaukee
Cheung:Philly looks like toilet water, but Iguodala looks like he is finally waking up. Start Louis Williams already. Bucks still win by 7 cuz they are on a roll.
Sharj :Bucks are red hot...they're gonna try to extend their win streak to 6. Philly are ass...but I have a dirty Sharj instinct kicking in (which is 80% right according to recent statistics). I think Iggy and Miller have a huge game. Philly with an upset on the road by 2

Atlanta @ Chicago
Sharj:Atlanta has a habit of beating really good teams and losing to horrible ones. Fortunately for Chicago, they are horrible and Atlanta suck against horrible teams. Atlanta is exciting, but I think the BULLS surely will step it up at home to pull off a W by 6 pts. Hinrich PLEASE have a good game
Cheung:The energetic Hawks are gonna come to life for this one. Josh Smith is due for another explosion. What'd I tell you about Hinrich's messed up wrist? The shot is GONE. Hawks by 4

Indiana @ Denver
Cheung:Indy and Denver both have explosive potential, depends who shows up for dinner tonight. Gonna go with AI having a biggie, Denver by 6.
Sharj:K-Mart hurt once again, no surprise. Jermaine probably coming back to play this one. Indy showing signs, my boy Granger is hot. Nuggets been inconsistent. Indy with a big road win...Indy by 3

Seattle @ LA Lakers
Sharj:This is a no-brainer. Kobe wasn't happy with his performance against the Nets on Sunday night. Kobe will explode on Durant and drop 40. Lakers win an easy one by 11
Cheung:I agree, best friends for life? Lakers by 8,

Wrap Up

Sharj:Huge shoutout to Mr. 2nd Rd Pick Monta Ellis. He has a career high 31 and scored 17 straight in the 4th quarter against the Suns. Quite a few upsets in the league last night...Utah was upset by the Knicks. Marbury played a great game. Also props to the Wiz...Caron Butler is proving his worth and is taking on the scoring load with Arenas out. Eddie Jordan doing a great job of motivating his troops. My last shoutout to Beno Udrih. Danny Ferry is scratching his head wondering why he let go of Udrih. Beno torched Tony Parker and made him look like French Frog Leg Soup. Sacramento was quite impressive and I think they will make some noise in the coming month. oh and just for your reading pleasure...Turkish Delight with another great game (no surprises there baby!)
Cheung: Serious Sharj, wanna go out for Coffee later? I hope Sactown lights it up, cuz Udrih and Artest are on my fantasy roster. As for last night, who could have picked those? (Definitely not me, I am looking like the Bulls, good on paper with a shit record). GSW-PHX was just pure enjoyment. I was shocked by the Knicks, Crawford, Marbury and Randolph somehow beat a non-dysfunctional Utah squad. Maybe losing Arenas wasn't so bad? Wiz are on fire. Last word is about Chris Kaman. I found out yesterday he is only 25. He looks like a 37 year old neandrathol. But hell, can he play. I give the ugly brute some props.

Monday Night Matchups - Nov 26, 2007

Welcome fellas to another edition of Cheung vs. Sharj...let's get right to it

****Marquee Matchup****

Phoenix vs. Golden State

Sharj: This is gonna be one exciting run and gun western conference shootout. Golden state has picked up from their sluggish start with Stephen Jackson back. Baron Davis is playing huge. Phoenix has been the best team in the league so far with Amare back from injury. The Sharj instincts are tellin me though that Baron will have a huge game as will the other warriors. This is gonna be a high scoring game, but I take the Warriors to win a thrilling game at home by 3.
Cheung: I love Baron Davis, and Stephen Jackson scares the shit out of me. Don Nelson drives me f'n crazy with his rotation (HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO PICK UP A WARRIOR FOR MY FANTASY SQUAD??). As for the Suns, they are sick as always. Really tough call, but a really good game. I think the Sharj instincts are bullshit tho, and Phx is gonna come out and get the win in a tight one. Phx by 6.
Sharj: I agree it will be a tight one, but they won't be as tight your 5-15 tight predictions.

Other games tonight:

Utah @ New York

Cheung: New York, they are one of the most screwed up teams in the league. Based on this Utah should win by 10, I HATE AK47.
Sharj: Hard to disagree...but I'm gonna go out on a Jamal Crawford limb and predict he will have a huge night and upset the Jazz at home by 3. I hate the Knicks but I gotta make this pick cause I have that gut feeling.

Minnesota @ New Orleans

Sharj: I'll take the Hornets by 5. They're just too good at home with Paul and Tyson playing at a high level. I still call my boy Al Jefferson to have a monster game.
Cheung: Minny is only marginally better off than New York. Injuries and inconsistency. NO by 7. I wanna see Mccants light it up.

Washington @ Dallas

Cheung: Decent match-up. Jameson and Butler are getting shine with Agent 0 out. Lil upset special here, Washington by 4.
Sharj: Disagree big time...Wiz have struggled on the road. With Arenas out and the Mavs getting an earful from Avery for giving up big leads early...Mavs step it up with a 12 pt win.

San Antonio @ Sacramento

Cheung: Spurs are too good for this Sacramento squad. Even Kevin Martin has been inconsistent of late. Spurs by 9
Sharj: Hate agreeing with Mr. Wrong...but unfortunately I gotta. Predict a closer game with Spurs coming off a back to back...Spurs pull it out by 4

Orlando @ Portland

Sharj: Orlando is the hottest team in the league. They are too talented and deep. Orlando wins an easy one with a huge game from my Turkish Delight. Orlando by 8
Cheung: Even Sharj can predict this one cuz it is a no brainer. Orlando by 13. Aldridge is gonna get DOGGGED.

Houston @ LA Clippers

Cheung: Tough call, both teams have been up and down. I gotta stick with my boy YAO and hope he comes up big against the caveman. Rockets by 5
Sharj: I'll make it interesting and say the Clips pull off an upset. I hope T-Mac drops 50, Yao and Mobley fall on top of each other and crack some ribs. Clips with a close 2 pt win (Fantasy is affecting my picks...tsk tsk)

RECAP OF LAST NIGHT

Cheung: I gotta start the wrap up off with my boy Jamario Moon. 6 blks and a Dr. J impression were things of beauty. Big ups to the raps for killing the bullshits. Carlos BOOZE went on a tear last night and shocked the shit outta me. His FG% was bananas. Once again Lebron proved he is the best in the league right now, and is silencing any critic. The Sonics suck. And the Nets impressed last night. I will admit. VC stepped it up and hit big shots. He still looked like he was crying the entire game. And Kobe Bryant still looked better than him. Jordan Farmar? WTF MAN.
Sharj: lol glad to see you're coming around on VC. The Nets were great last night and got an all-round team performance. Kidd's comments really got to the team and having VC back has turned things around. The Raps were great, Moon impressed...main difference is with Calderon running the show, the team looks way better (START JOSE START JOSE!). LeBron was ridiculous...he is going after Oscar Robertson and he will get there eventually. No surprises in the league last night...AND PLEASE WILL JOHN PAXSON MAKE A TRADE IN CHICAGO!
Cheung: PAX won't make a deal. But one more week like this and Scott Skiles is gonna be saying peace out dawgs. Jose is a fantastic PG. 1 TO in 2 full games at point. I read his stat was a 5:1 ast to TO avg. That is ridiculous.
Sharj: I'm kinda glad the Bulls are sucking...one less team the Nets gotta worry about. Anyhow...that's a wrap for tonight. Looking forward to the big Celtics Cavs matchup tomorrow!

Our joint condolences to the family of Redskins safety Sean Taylor. We wish him all the best as he tries to recover from a gunshot wound and is in critical condition.