Holy hell it has been a long time since I sat down with the pen and pad and given my loyal tens of readers my thoughts on the NBA but damn it the season has come and gone and baby I wasn't gonna let these playoffs get started without you hearing the unsolicited thoughts of ya chocolatey boy!
Most Overblown Story: The Whole Kyrie Irving Saga
 |
| The look of a contrarian not a political prisoner. |
Nothing has annoyed me more than seeing Kyrie Irving this season. Don't get it twisted, I am not saying this guy is a bum, or overrated. Quite to the contrary! I find him to be a generational talent...when he plays. This season he has been treated as some sort of martyr, a victim to a flawed and unjust rule. When in reality he should be called what he actually is, an anti-vaxx contrarian. When everyone is agreement on something here comes Kyrie to "well actually" things and not actually give any answers on what should be done. The entire "Free Kyrie" movement and comparing him to a political prisoner? Absolutely insane. He didn't want to take a vaccine so he didn't get to play, he wasn't jailed for having beliefs that are righteous. To act like he has been treated unfairly is frankly insulting. Covid isn't a joke and he played a stupid game and for the majority for the season won a stupid prize.
Coach of the Year: Monty Williams, Phoenix Suns
All the Suns did was win. They made a run to the Finals last season and while the initial thought was that it was more of one of those fluke seasons, Monty was able to battle Covid outbreaks, injuries and increased pressure to not only live up to the expectations but surpass them. Monty Williams is one of the most likeable guys in the NBA so seeing him succeed (even with noted dick puncher Chris Paul) has been so damn refreshing.
Rookie of the Year: Evan Mobley, F/C, Cleveland Cavaliers
No rookie stepped on the court from day one more prepared to be a game changing player than Evan Mobley. He is able to defend every position on the floor much in the way Bam Adebayo can, and proved to be a little more polished offensively than he showed during his one year at USC. He did shoot only 25 % from the 3 point line but hey he's a 7 foot post player what do you expect? Pairing him with Jarrett Allen has given the Cavs a down low duo that as a Bulls fan I am not a fan of.
Team of the Year: Memphis Grizzlies
Last year the Grizzlies made a jump into the playoffs and while they lost to the Utah Jazz, they didn't make it easy for them. Given the injuries suffered by the team this year not only did they live up to last season's goals, they obliterated them as they are the 2 seed in the Western Conference including a 20-4 record in games missed by Morant. Top to bottom they may be the most balanced team in the West and are primed for a deep run with a young core of Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr and Dillon Brooks flanking Morant.
Sixth Man of the Year: Tyler Herro, SG, Miami Heat
The Heat were the class of the Eastern Conference this season from beginning to end. And while rightfully Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler get the bulk of the attention, Tyler Herro definitely is a big reason for their success. Averaging over 20 points a game and shooting almost 40% from 3, he has anchored the second unit and kept the team humming when the starters need a break.
Most Valuable Player: Nikola Jokic, C, Denver Nuggets
All year I ran from this inevitable conclusion but I can't run anymore. Jokic is the MVP and as much as I love Giannis and Embiid it's not even close. For years Jokic has been a darling of the analytics crowd and this year was no different. However when you look at even traditional stats it's hard to argue against the guy. He averages 27 points, 13.8 rebounds and almost 8 assists a night on a team missing Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray. In fact in games played by Jokic, the Nuggets are 18 games over .500. And this year he has even added in 1.5 steals a night. While he won't be in contention for Defensive player of the year, the added wrinkle of him being above average defensively is a pleasant surprise. If you remove Giannis or Embiid from their teams they make the pay in tourney, if you remove Jokic the Nuggets are in the draft lottery.
Well there you have it, I will absolutely do what I can to make sure it's not 4 months between posts again because your boy has missed this. If you want something else to root for, please watch the Timberwolves vs the Grizzles because Anthony Edwards is the most entertaining player the masses are not fawning over.
No comments:
Post a Comment