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.