5 Questions about the Western Conference Playoffs

As promised yesterday, here are 5 questions about the Western Conference Playoffs. Quick note, the Magic looked like the Magic from two years ago last night. Great defense, perimeter scoring and everything. One good night doesn't make the world. We'll see if I have to eat my words. And here we are...

Most Impressive Team so Far:


Simply put...The Thunder. You could argue Memphis in this spot too, but all year people have been discounting the Spurs. Considering how they slipped late in the season after being on a record matching pace, its safe too say that their collection of talent and age are starting to slip. The Nuggets showed more then just resilience after the Carmelo trade. They actually showed that they could be better moving the ball and using "teamwork". Who knew?. Many experts picked this as an upset, but the Thunder have showed they can live up too the hype, and play a physical brand of Basketball in the Playoffs.

Most Disappointing Team so Far:

Sorry Memphis fans. The Grizzlies deserve a lot of credit for exposing the Spurs' age. But the Spurs have not been the same team since injuries plagued Timmy and Manu. Tim is showing his age. We're waiting for a vintage 25 and 17 from him, but it doesn't look like he has it left. Manu is playing at his usual break neck pace but his only shooting at around 40 % from the field. Looking at this team right now, you have too wonder how they competed for the leagues best record.

Most Impressive One Man Show:

41.8 Mpg, 30.3 Ppg, 51.9 3p%

Those are Keven Durant's numbers through 4 games this post season. He is having an impressive run. His scoring and minutes are up and he's shooting a ridiculous 52% from beyond the arc. Sorry. I just wanted too show love to the runner up.

24.4 ppg, 11.6 apg, 6.4 rpg, 55.9 fg%

The real one man show is Chris Paul. He's been a double double machine these playoffs. Playing 40+ minutes while still managing too shoot a scolding 56% from the field. Although KD's three point percentage is up, his field goal percentage is down from the regular season. The Hornets went into these playoffs with very little fan fare. You're favorite blogger called for a sweep. But, as CP3 is showing, he is still the best point guard in the league. Even missing David West, he has the Hornets right in the middle of a possible upset. My pick. Chris Paul.

Favorites So Far:

Now, more than ever, the west is wide open. The Lake show has looked more and more flawed this year. Their bigs should be absolutely embarrassed by their performance against an undermanned and undersized Hornets front line. I have trouble trusting the Mavericks. Memories of the implosion in the 2006 finals - however controversial - and the running of the Warriors in 2007 has me wondering about their mettle. The Thunder are a young and physical team. The addition of Kendrick Perkins has definitely made them a legitimate contender. As long as they get consistent production off their bench, they can definitely threaten for a championship. With that said. Maybe I am doing the same thing with Kobe as I am doing with Timmy. I am waiting for that signature performance where Kobe finally puts his stamp on the Playoffs. It's just too hard to go against Kobe regardless of how great Durant looks. I'll stick with the Lake show. For now.

What can we take from this season into next:

As we did yesterday. Here are some thoughts on the top 4 seeds.

The Spurs are facing the same disease that the Celtics are facing. Unless they can get Dejuan Blair to mature into a legit starting 4 to help save some miles on Duncan, the Duncan era may be officially coming too an end; no matter how much it pains me too say.

The Lakers can still be a legitimate contender for the next couple of years if Pau Gasol can ever take the leap to truly elite. He showed signs early on, but faded terribly late. If Andrew Bynum can stay healthy and consistent that front line can be formidable for years too come. The real question is if Kobe can ever truly relinquish the reigns of the team. A solid 2 guard to help preserve Kobe, and a small forward not named Ron Artest, and the Lakers will still be there in May. (Notice I said May not June)

The Mavericks will leave as the Utah Jazz of this era. Always there. A finals appearance. Great point guard play whether it was from Steve Nash or Jason Kidd. And a great Powerforward. I guess it depends on what you would consider a successful run. Dirk will go down as one of the 5 greatest Powerforwards ever, joining an elite group where, the majority never won a championship. I'm afraid that is where Dirk will end up. The Mavericks are on their way down. We'll see them for a few more years. But I'll be surprised if they win a Championship, unless they can make an unforeseen blockbuster trade or a huge splash in free agency.

Just as I said about the Heat yesterday, The Thunder are going to be impossible to ignore from here on out. The difference is the Thunder did it how you would hope every team could do it. A small market team that made good draft picks and were never hamstrung by terrible contracts. Welcome to the way up. The Thunder are the model, and they'll be competing for the next 7-10 years provided there are no major injuries and that KD and Russel Westbrook can still coexist. Don't be surprised to see a Thunder - Heat finals very soon. Unless of course Dwight Howard swings the next ten seasons by ending up on the Knicks or Lakers.

5 Questions about the Eastern Conference Playoffs

Through eleven days of the playoffs, this has easily been one of the most exciting playoffs we've seen in years. We have 8 seeds challenging 1 seeds and undermanned teams fighting for the respect of their colleagues. So, today we're going to do something a little bit different. Its an idea stolen from ESPN *sshhhh*. We're going to do a little five on five. Today We'll answer 5 questions about the east. Tomorrow, 5 questions about the west. So let's take it away:

Most Impressive Team so far:

I think without a question it has to be the Boston Celtics. Boston has been repeatedly counted out by pundits and experts, but somehow they're the only team to actually complete a sweep in the Playoffs. You can cry that the Knicks have dealt with injuries, however, KG and Paul Pierce are visibly getting older by the day. Somehow Ray Allen continues to play at a high level, but that's also because his game never required much athleticism. I would also like to suggest that the Celtics are an extremely physical team. Sometimes, you get injured playing them. That can happen to anyone in the Playoffs.

Most Disappointing Team so far:

I'll avoid the Heat bashing for this paragraph. This is really a toss up between the Bulls and the Magic. The Bulls are playing an inspired Pacers team thats ranked 8th in the east. You would hope that the team with the best record in the league would dispatch of an 8th seed easily, but as the west is proving, teams with nothing too lose play as such. The Magic dispatched the Hawks last year in one of the most embarrassing playoff defeats in recent history averaging a +10 ppg differential. Now, they are on the brink of being eliminated by that same team. Are you telling me Kirk Hinrich is making that much of a difference? The show that Dwight Howard is putting on, you would hope, would be enough to carry this team past the Hawks. The Magic are playing uninspired and are showing that if your name is not Dwight Howard, you may as well mail it in.. I'll go Magic.

Most Impressive One Man Show:

Before I make the obvious choice, I just want too point out some numbers. 

32.3 ppg, 17.5 rpg, 1.8 bpg

28.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 6.3 apg

The top line is the averages of a player on a team in a 3-1 hole. Those are Dwight Howard's averages through 4 games this Playoff. Those are historic numbers. I guess what this comes down too is, who is more valuable. Dwight Howard is putting up ridiculous numbers on a team about to be checked out of the Playoffs, while the second line - Derrick Rose - is up 3-1 on a competitive Pacers team. I'll take a 3-1 lead. D. Rose.

Favorites so far:

It's always dangerous too go out and say who are the favorites too win the east in the first round of the Playoffs, but, let's give it a try. The Bulls are the Cinderella story of the season so far. After being spurned by "King" James and D. Wade, Derrick Rose made it a point too come in this season and make teams pay. However, a one man show hasn't won a championship ever. You need the sum too equal a better whole. Not one too equal a team. I'm not even going to indulge in a debate about the Hawks/Magic. The Heat have looked dominant at times, and have also looked too lackadaisical for a team who has yet too win anything except the Lebron sweepstakes. They have no depth past their big 3, and have problems executing down the stretch. They can be out-toughed and even out-willed at times. Guess who has both those strengths. That's right. I'll go Boston. Playoff meddle and experience plus phenomenal teamwork have won championships well before 2 superstars and 1 almost have ever done it. 2004 Detroit pistons anyone. My pick is Boston.

What can we take from this season into next:

I'm going to rattle off random thoughts for each of the top 4 seeds going 1-4. After the first round of eliminations I'll give thoughts about the eliminated teams.

The Bulls have a lot of talent and depth, so they'll always be there in the end. However, they could still use a legit 2 guard that can help spread the floor. If Rose keeps improving he'll end up drawing comparisons too Jordan in terms of greatness and being competitive, not so much in terms of style. Carlos Boozer turned in a solid season, but they didn't sign him to be solid. They signed him to be a 20 and 10 guy. If they get it, they can definitely win.

The Heat are going to be close to impossible to dismiss next year. We can argue that they beat up on bad teams this year. But one season of actually working it out will be the best remedy for what ails them as far as late game troubles. They're going to be the favorites from here on out probably. We'll see if they can actual live up to the hype.

The Celtics are close to done. Their window is more or less closed. How they are remaining relevant is a mystery. Rondo is playing out of his mind right now, but as age continues too creep in they are eventually going to fade.

I don't even know what to say about the Magic. Aside from Howard, this entire team should be up for grabs. Nelson is a solid pg but hasn't turned in another All Star year since the 08-09 season. Hedo needs to be examined by a coroner. Bass is showing that he can't be a starting 4. This teams needs a redo badly, or they're going to have flashbacks of Shaq leaving.

Mens Lebron VIII Playoffs

            With the NBA playoffs in full swing, I would like to bring your attention to an exceptional shoe that has been released by one of the most polarized figures in the NBA today. That's right, Lebron James. With the release of Lebron's sneakers he's begun to carve out a name for himself apart from the Jordan moniker. However, with the recent relocation of his talent's to south beach, much of the love has changed. 
            Regardless if you agree with Lebron or not, his talent is a once in a life time talent. Combining the grace of Dr. J, with the strength and physical conditioning of Karl Malone; Lebron has etched out a game that we have not seen since the time of the big "O" Oscar Robertson. Although Lebron may never average a triple double in his career, - mostly thanks to the amount of shots that were taken during the big O's career - he is a sure shot Hall of Famer at the tender age of 26. Why is this relevant?
             Part of what made Jordan so successful was a mystique that he carried around with him. People wanted to be like Mike regardless of how they felt about his over competitive nature, or even some of his gambling problems. When you are great people will forgive. Lebron will experience the same love again. People will forget about the decision, and will remember the triple doubles he puts up, and all the "OMG" moments he's been responsible for. His sneakers will reach a peak that only Jordan's have ever reached. The Playoff editions of the Lebron VIII's are no different. Featuring Nike's Air Max Zoom technology in the front, a 180 unit in the back, and a Cushlon midsole throughout, the Lebron VIII will provide a true advantage to any baller. 

Nike Back Packs and Luggage

           Much has been said about Nike over the years, however, it can not be denied that the quality of work Nike puts into their products is truly unmatched. From the introduction of the Jordan Brand, to all the endorsements handed out over the years, there is a reason why Nike is the leader in its industry. Today, though, we are going to look at another, rarely talked about, aspect of their company. Their backpacks, and luggage.

           For years Nike has been providing travel necessities to athletes, and us regular humans. Their innovative design coupled with the strongest materials, have provided us with a stylish stability that usually only found in high priced high end brands. However, Nike has made it affordable to get places stylishly and reliably. This year, Nike has made it a point make our luggage/back packs as comfortable and light as possible.

            Introducing Nike's Max Air Cushioning straps.These straps were made with the promise to make carrying your back pack/luggage as comfortable as possible, while not adding any weight to the actual bag. And boy; does Nike deliver on that promise. Make sure you get yours today, and don't forget, click the pics.

CMFT VIZ AIR 13

        
         Drum Roll Please!!! Introducing the Men's Nike Air Jordan CMFT VIZ AIR 13. The CMFT's are a combination of style and grace that could only be fathomed by the geniuses that work at NIKE. A combination of the Jordan 13's and the popular AIR MAX line, the CMFT's are a must have for any Jordan fan. Not only that, but it gives you the option of a low top pair of 13's that basically don't exist.

         The Air Jordan 13's were the final Bull's release of the Jordan era. Thought up during the 97-98 season, the legacy of the 13's will be relived by countless millions and billions of people who watched Jordan reel off his last shot against Byron Russel to win the championship against the Utah Jazz. This is the legacy that the 13's leave behind. A legacy forgotten by some. But an image that will last forever. The 13's have yet again reinvented themselves with the CMFT VIZ AIR's. Make sure you check them out, and don't forget followers. Click the pics.

Diesel Watches

"BE STUPID" 

         An interesting slogan for one of the world's more successful apparel, and more recently; watch companies. However, interesting none the less.

         Diesel has been a leader in fashion for more then two decades. However, it was not always like that. Originally founded in 1978, by Renzo Rosso, Diesel experienced many tough times before its meteoric rise in popularity and fame. Widely known for their popular jeans and clothing, watches have been a staple in their organization for much of the last decade. Started as a small company with big dreams, its new "be stupid" campaign is a tribute to creativity which is often times mistaken for "stupidity". If that's the case. Then, my friends, diesel is one of the stupidest of them all. 

         

Make sure you check out our watch collection too...just click the pics, and don't forget, be as stupid as possible.

Air Max 2010

      What can be said about Air Max's that hasn't already been said about some of the best sneakers that Nike has produced. Maybe the only thing that Jordan never dominated, Nike has consistently produced stylish sneakers outside of the Jordan legacy. Besides Air Force's, Air Max's have been the cornerstone of a Nike collection that today, still dominates the market.

       Air Max is famous for releasing "of year" sneakers. Whether it be the memorable soles of the 95's or the classic styling's of the 90's every couple of years Nike out does itself. The 2010's prove no different. The sole features the patented air bubble which was originated with the 95's but have steadily improved since. Keeping a clear consistency around the shoe, it literally feels like you're walking on an air mattress. Besides the stylish stitching which can be compared to the air stabs, the 2010's have added fly wire into the mix. Flywire, is a light weight wiring that provides support for your feet when you're working out; but, lets be honest...it simply looks hot.

       Well people, to quantify the 2010's in a blog would simply be impossible. Make sure you check them out yourself, then maybe you'll understand Nike's success.

Air Jordan Retro 7's "Bordeaux"

                We briefly covered the Air Jordan 7’s in our “Air Jordan 7 Orion” blog. However, the Jordan brand has released the highly anticipated and highly coveted Air Jordan Retro 7 “Bordeaux” edition. Before we delve into the concept and name, let’s take a brief moment to recognize the greatest basketball player to ever walk.

                The Air Jordan 7’s were originally released in 1992 with Jordan gunning for his second championship. Originally debuted in the All Star game, they were overshadowed by the return of the great Earvin “Magic” Johnson who had been recently diagnosed with HIV.  This marked one of the few times that Jordan lost out on an All Star MVP trophy. Regardless, Jordan claimed his second championship that year.

                “Bordeaux” is the name of a town in France that produces some of the smoothest and most expensive wine and is immediately noticeable by it deep red hue. Famous for its “First Growth” wines, in many respects Bordeaux is the leader in vintage wines and the blueprint for what we consider good wine today.

                Combine these two concepts and what we have is one of the most unique and sought-after Retro 7 releases in recent memory. Like the smoothness and uniqueness of the wine, Jordan’s game became the trendsetter too superstar’s today. Welcome to the Air Jordan Retro7’s Bordeaux.

UGG Boots

               For years UGG boots have been serving the public with stylish comfort that no other boot company has  matched. Although the origin of the UGG boot is sometimes disputed, the future of the UGG boot is constantly being realized today.

                Many accounts have the UGG boot originating back in the early 1930’s in either Australia, or possibly New Zealand. Used originally by fighter pilots - especially during World War 2 - the UGG has been a successful staple for eight plus decades. However, the popularity in North America was not fully realized until the 1960’s, when surfers used them to keep their feet warm in between tides. Thus, the boot began its meteoric rise into our society today.

                Made of the finest sheep skin, the UGG company has the manufacturing of these boots down to a T. Known for their warmth and comfort, the UGG boots are unmatched. Although there are many substitutes floating around the “flying ugg” is truly unique. Made with handpicked sheep skins and fleece, they should not be confused by their “kangaroo” competitors.

                For eight decades, the UGG boot has been providing comfort, style and warmth to the world. And trust me when I say…it isn’t going to stop anytime soon.