So Does The Thunder Loss Mean Kendrick Perkins Wasn't The Second Coming Of Christ?

So now that the Thunder are out of the playoffs is it time that we finally realize the Kendrick Perkins deal didn't make a lick of difference? In fact there was an article last week that said, "To put a finer point on things, let's replace the word "starters" with "Kendrick Perkins." In his 82 minutes on the court, the Thunder have been outscored by a whopping 32 points. In his 62 minutes on the bench, the advantage has titled nearly as strongly the other way: The Thunder are plus-23.

And those slow starts? They've magically ended at the exact second Perkins departed. Oklahoma City trailed by five in Game 1 before he went out, by nine in Game 2, and by 15 in this one -- 29 points worth of deficits to make up the rest of the night. The Thunder overcame it in Game 2 by scoring on nine straight possessions right after Perk went to the bench; in the other two games, the hill was too big to climb.

Of course, this could just be noise. Sometimes plus-minus fluctuates randomly for reasons that have little to do with a player's performance. After watching the three games, however, this isn't one of those cases. For starters, Perkins has made a limited statistical contribution, with only 11 points and 14 rebounds in the three games. His main function seemed to be going out of his way to run into Tyson Chandler off the ball."

So it happened to the Thunder too. They realized that Perk is just what everyone says he is, "a big body with a mean snarl" he is not a good offensive player and hurts the offense more than helps it and much like when he was with the Celtics, he finds himself on the bench at the end of games because Nick Collison is a better option.

I'm not trying to bad mouth Perkins, but the absolute bashing of the trade needs to finally be put to the end. The Celtics wouldn't have got passed the Heat with Perk, and Perk obviously isn't the guy that puts a contending team over the top. Everyone shut up and stop bad mouthing Ainge.

Consider It Message Sent Mr. Westbrook

Russell Westbrook did not play in the fourth quarter of Game 2 on Thursday as head coach Scott Brooks played Kevin Durant and other reserves, including point guard Eric Maynor.

Westbrook stated again that he was fine and that he won't complain as long as the team won the game.

"Not when we're winning," Westbrook said. "I'm good. I'm just sitting there just waiting to get my name called."

While some may think this was a big deal, Brooks says his decision to sit Westbrook in the last quarter should not be taken that way.

"I had that decision [whether or not to bring Westbrook back] for the last six or so minutes, but I thought ... we were increasing the lead. We were making shots. I didn't want to mess with the rhythm. I usually will sub him in. Very rarely have I ever done that since Russell has been here (ESPN)."

This has been a long time coming. I saw a stat the other day that Westbrook is shooting 10 more shots a game since the playoffs start. He is the reason they have lost a couple of games in the playoffs. Don't get me wrong I don't think they go very far without him, but this is a much better team when he actually plays point guard. He needs to realize that Durant is the star of this team, not him, he needs to set the table and drive to the basket when it's open. Hopefully, this will get through his thick head, and actually I think it will.

NBA PLAYOFFS Round 2 Preview

The first round is in the books (as is Game 1 of the second round for both Boston/Miami and OKC/Memphis) and we're on to the Conference Semifinals.

In my playoff power rankings I touched on a few things that proved to be correct, and a few things I narrowly missed on. The Hornets did need Chris Paul to play other-wordly to beat the Lakers, and for two games he was just that. Unfortunately, they couldn't expect him to do that for the whole series and Los Angeles survived an ugly 1st round series. I also mentioned that everyone was loving Portland but I still had a feeling Dallas might have one more run in the tank...and it looks like they do. On the other hand I gave Indiana no chance to win a game against Chicago and they took two! Chicago doesn't look nearly as scary when Rose is shooting poorly. I also misread the ORL/ATL series in round one, despite the fact that my gut told me Orlando was really bad. I still don't believe in Atlanta much, but hopefully they can make the series with Chicago entertaining.

And with that...let's get into some series previews.


EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Chicago Bulls vs. 5. Atlanta Hawks

Indiana did exactly what any team should try and do against the Bulls - which is to try and contain Rose to long jumpers and trap him off of pick and rolls. They had some success, although Rose ultimately was too much to handle with his athleticism. Let's get this out there right now - you can't keep him away from the rim for a whole game unless he decides to do so. He isn't a high percentage shooter, and certainly wasn't shooting well against Indiana, but he still gets his points on layups, dunks and free throws when he's not going well. Keeping him out of the paint and off the line will be paramount to Atlanta's success. The Hawks will also want to keep a long arm in the face of Kyle Korver who was a big shot factory in round one. I normally hate on Korver pretty hard but he was big in round one, when no other Bulls were really stepping up.
Carlos Boozer can sometimes struggle against lengthy defenders like Horford and Pachulia, so it will be key for Noah to have a big series on both ends.

Bulls win if...Rose is Rose and scores and distributes. (I know sounds simple, but I really think that is all they need.)

Hawks win if...Rose continues poor shooting, or gets banged up and Joe Johnson starts earning some of that contract he got.

PREDICTION - Bulls in 5.



2. Miami Heat vs. 3. Boston Celtics

Game one is already in the books, and we know what happened there. Pierce came unraveled and Wade had a tremendous game as Miami jumped to an early big lead and never looked back.
Three things concern me about the first game for the Celtics.
1) Rondo lacked the aggression he showed through most of the NYK series. (Although to be fair, he was in foul trouble)
2) Jermaine O'Neal was nowhere to be found. (He was huge against Knicks and needs to be in this series. He should be tearing up Joel Anthony on both ends)
3) Lack of effort. All game long it looked like they were reaching for loose balls and grasping as Heat players as they got burned on D, instead of moving their feet and getting after it. After a long break they shouldn't come out like that - and you know Doc was on 'em about it. I don't expect that to last, but it needs to change fast.

Van Gundy and company made a salient point yesterday in that Miami has the most athletic perimeter in the league and the extra pass (something Boston usually does quite well) will be key in this series. And on defense they really need to stay home on James Jones and Mike Miller and get their rotations tighter.
Look for Miami to exploit their athleticism all series long and the drive and dish for three should be their main weapon of choice.

Miami wins if...Rondo can't destroy MIA PGs and Wade and James display great cohesion.

Boston wins if...They use their veteran presence to get under skin on Miami role players - and King James for that matter. (NOT reacting like Pierce did yesterday.)

PREDICTION - Boston in 7.



WESTERN CONFERENCE

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. 3. Dallas Mavericks

Hard to believe but this is the first time in the "Dirk/Kobe" era that these two have met in the playoffs. It should be a great series both on and off the court, as I can't wait to see some Mark Cuban shenanigans and hopefully some firing back and forth between he and Zen Master Phil.
As I think about this series, I'm not really sure what to make of it. Part of me wants to think Dallas has a real shot - especially with the Lakers recent play and Kobe maybe a bit banged up and certainly getting long in the tooth. However, I just think LA has been doing this too long, and ultimately Kobe, Gasol, Odom and Bynum will be too much for Dirk and company. However, if Jason Kidd can exploit the PG position somewhat like Chris Paul - obviously in a much less dynamic fashion - and Jason Terry can shake loose for his patented big shots they might be able to pull it off. I think stealing a game 1 in LA would be a huge boost to the effort.

Los Angeles wins if... Gasol comes out of his hole and starts resembling the player that we saw in last year's playoffs and they dominate the glass.

Dallas wins if... Dirk plays huge all series and Chandler can make Gasol into a jelly donut like New Orleans did.


PREDICTION - Los Angeles in 6.



4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 8. Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis took game one on the road in convincing fashion yesterday. It might be time to start believing in Memphis. They basically tore up a dilapidated San Antonio team, and have now taken the home court from Oklahoma City - who many saw as the best team in the West. Zach "Zebo" Randolph has been huge in these playoffs and the Grizzlies actually have a very 'OKC up-and-comer' type of feel about them. They are a fairly young team with nothing to lose and playing with a certain swagger. It also seems that Pau had his mojo stolen by his little brother, Marc Gasol who is playing as well as Pau is playing poorly.
On the other hand, if OKC can avoid panicking and another me-against-the-world type of game from Russell Westbrook they should still pull this series out.

Oklahoma City wins if... Durant gets off and Westbrook reverts back to his "Robin" ways and quits trying to play "Batman". (That's Durant's job)

Memphis wins if... Zebo keeps playing well and Durant gets shutdown by Tony Allen and the Grizzlie perimeter defenders.

PREDICTION - Oklahoma City in 7

TOP 25 UNDER 25 - #3 Kevin Durant

KEVIN DURANT - Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder

When I started making this list, my first instinct was to put Kevin Durant at the very top of the list. I've since made a few edits, and he has slipped to number three. Make no mistake, though, this young man is as good as it gets for young athletes and the difference between the top 3 are really just splitting hairs.

Durant, also known as The Durantula - one of my favorite athlete nicknames - has quickly asserted himself as one of the NBA's premier scorers. In 2009-10 he was the league's scoring champion averaging a robust 30.1 points per game. During the season he rattled off an unreal streak of scoring at least 25 points in 29 consecutive games! That streak set the NBA mark, breaking a record set by Allen Iverson. During the streak and throughout the season, he seemed virtually unstoppable and able to get his scoring from any position on the floor.

For a 6'9" forward Durant is a deft shooter from all over the court. When he's on his game his jump-shot is really a thing of beauty, and I'd put it up against just about anyone in the league for aesthetics. His combination of size and quickness, make him incredibly difficult to defend one on one, and this season in particular he has faced a myriad of defensive schemes aimed solely at slowing him down.



It has worked to a small degree. In part, that is the reason for his being #3 on this list and not #1. Entering the 2010-11 season most NBA fans and experts were expecting another step forward for Durant. Another 30 PPG effort and perhaps more rebounding and distributing was in order. He stumbled a bit out of the blocks to begin the season, as teammate Russell Westbrook looked to be taking the reigns of the Thunder. Across the board, many of Durant's numbers are down just a tick or two this season. He has struggled a bit to find his stroke from behind the arc, shooting just 34% from three. However, at 28.1 points per night and 7.1 rebounds he is hardly disappointing from a production stand point. Perhaps another step forward might be to much too ask, especially from an unselfish player who knows that for the Thunder to become a contender other guys like Westbrook and Harden are going to have to get theirs too.

In fact, Durant's unassuming superstar temperament might just be the most appealing thing about him. He's much more Scottie than he is Michael. And while that might hinder him from garnering as many commercials or off-court endorsement deals, it certainly helps liken him to the fans. In an age when most athletes of his caliber are always searching out greener pastures (see Alex Rodriguez, Lebron James) Durant was happy to reup with the hometown Oklahoma City Thunder in hopes of making that small market team an annual title threat, and didn't try to force his way out of town onto a so-called "super team".

Durant's resume already boasts many collegiate decorations, a Rookie of the Year Award, two All-Star games, a Scoring Champion award and an FIBA World Championship Gold Medal. When all is said and done with Kevin Durant's career I suspect he will go down as one of the greats. He is well on his way to doing just that, and at the ripe age of 22 and locked into a long-term deal in OKC, Thunder fans are hoping that career just might have a few rings in it as well. If they can keep the talent around him there shouldn't be any reason why not.

Celtics Trade Looks Even Better

"Thunder guard Nate Robinson had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, the team announced Friday. Robinson, who has played one game for Oklahoma City after being traded from the Celtics last month with Kendrick Perkins for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic, experienced discomfort in his knee following Monday's practice (WEEI)."

Ainge you cheeky bastard, that's two players traded to the Thunder, and two cases of knee problems. Not that Robinson was the major piece of the trade, but with "throw in" Krstic already outperforming projections this trade just keeps looking better and better.

I will miss Robinson's antics, but he really was pretty useless for the Celtics, and at the end of the day is just too small to be a consistent player.

Breaking News: Perkins Signs Extension (UPDATED)

I don't know how much, but here is a piece from Sham Sports:
By simultaneously acquiring cap space with the underpaid Kenny Perk, OKC can now do a Baltche with him. OKC can use their cap space to renegotiate Perkins's current $4,640,208 salary up to as much $6,696,720. From there, they can concurrently offer a new four year extension totalling a a maximum of $33,818,436, or any number below that that they feel happier with.

Add in the extra negotiated salary, and that's over $35 million for four years that OKC can theoretically offer him, as-near-as-is $9 million per. In contrast, Boston could only offer circa $6 million per. It's a significant difference.

I mean we don't know the full details of the deal yet, but if this were the case all the Celtics could have offered him around 6 million a year with the CBA while OKC gave him what he was expecting in the open market. (maybe a bit of a hometown discount)

This kills the chances of us resigning. Oh well.

***UPDATE***

"Kendrick Perkins' contract extension with Oklahoma City pays him $34.8 million over four years, league source tells Y! Sports (Celticsblog)."

That works out to be an average of $8.7 million a year.

This Hurts

This is like seeing an ex with a new person.

He's out 2-3 weeks, does the trade seem any better?

Breaking News: Celtics Trade Perkins For Jeff Green (4 UPDATES - More Trades)

"In a trade deadline stunner, a source confirmed initial reports from Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski and Sam Amick that the Celtics have traded Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City in exhange for Jeff Green and Nenad Kristic. While the deal occured just before the deadline, another source indicated that the framework was in place earlier in the week (WEEI)."

Wow, this really was a shocker. Green is averaging 15 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Thunder, so he will add some punch to the Celtics 2nd unit. That being said Green's contract is up at the end of the year, and this could just be a rental. I don't know if I like this move. The Celtics are giving up one of their best defensive players, in an area where they are already weak with Shaq out another week, and Jermaine out possibly the rest of the year. Nenad Krstic is going to have to help out the centers unit, and although his stats are similar to that of Perkins, he is not half the defensive player.

I could care less about the Celtics trading away Nate, but Perkins (when healthy) is a big key to this team, and I'm just not sure two bench players make up for that.


***UPDATE***

"The Celtics aren't done dealing. A report from Adrian Wojnarowski has them dealing Semih Erden and Luke Harangody for a second round pick. The real value is in the roster spots that open with Erden and Harangody off the books. The Celtics were at the maximum number of players allowed on an NBA roster with 15 and this clears the way for them to puruse veteran free agents such as Troy Murphy and Rip Hamilton, once they are bought out by their teams (WEEI)."

They better get someone, because they are thinning out their centers way too much.


***UPDATE 2***

"According to a source, the Celtics will also get the Clippers 2012 first-round pick out of the deal (Celticsblog)."

Also, according to DP Jeff Green has a qualifying offer for next year, which makes me feel a lot better about this deal.


***UPDATE 3***

"Celtics have agreed to send Marquis Daniels to Sacramento for cash, source says (Celticsblog)."

Even more cap space cleared out. I expect Murphy, Rip, or Sheed (or any combo of those guys) to be joining the team after they are bought out.

***UPDATE 4***

Here is a quick list of all the trade that happened in the NBA today from ESPN...

Aaron Brooks to the Suns for Goran Dragic.
Semih Erden and Luke Harangody to the Cavaliers.
Gerald Wallace to the Blazers.
Jeff Green to Boston for Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson.
Shane Battier to the Grizzlies for Hasheem Thabeet.
Kirk Hinrich to the Hawks for Mike Bibby.
Baron Davis to Cleveland for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon.
Deron Williams to the Nets.
Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks.
Carl Landry to the Hornets.
Troy Murphy to Golden State for Brandan Wright and Dan Gadzuric.
James Johnson to the Raptors.

We will have our thoughts on the rest tomorrow.

TOP 25 UNDER 25 - #20 Russell Westbrook

#20 RUSSELL WESTBROOK - Point Guard, Oklahoma City Thunder



A college teammate of Kevin Love at UCLA, Westbrook is our 2nd UCLA Bruin to crack the top 25, and the first of a bunch young NBA point guards. In his 3rd season in the association he is putting up his best numbers so far and has been rewarded with a spot on the West All-Star team. Along with teammate Kevin Durant, Westbrook leads the Thunder as one of the best up-and-coming squads in the NBA.



As a rookie in 2008 he finished 4th in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting (Derrick Rose). Since then he has continued to improve each season. Never much of a marksman, Westbrook is putting up a career high .438 FG percentage. He is among the top 10 in assists per game, and ranks 12th in the league in player efficiency, 2nd among point guards (Chris Paul).

Despite his limited shooting range - only 30% from three point land - he has become one of the tougher point guards in the league to defend. He is a very strong and physical player with tremendous quickness and is adept at getting to the rim. This is evidenced by his 8.2 FT per contest, which ranks 1st among NBA point guards.


Damn.

As far as career accolades Westbrook has some work to do in that department. He hasn't won a championship at any level, though he did help lead the Thunder to a first round playoff appearance last season. Many will recall how they took the Lakers to a 7th game in the first round and nearly pulled off the upset of the eventual champions. That series did a lot for their reputation as a team to reckon with going forward. Westbrook was sensational in that series with over 20 points per game, as well as 6 boards and 6 assists per game.

Like Kevin Love, Westbrook was a member of team USA over the summer at the FIBA World Championships and seems to have benefited from that time. At just 22 years old Westbrook has a very bright future as one of the leaders of this 'Era of the Point Guard' in the NBA. Teaming up with Durant in OKC should lead to some very memorable seasons for the Thunder faithful. (Sorry, Seattle.)

Since we didn't get a Top 25 Under 25 yesterday I will do a double dose on Friday to maintain pace.

92 Celtics, 83 Thunder

I'm very surprised how easy this game was for the Celtics. Yes, we pissed a 20 point lead away, but I felt as if the Celtics were just killing this team all game.

Ray Allen may have led the team in scoring but the real story of the game is that bench saved our ass. The Celtics bench outscored OKC's second unit 33-12. Daniels, Davis, Robinson, and Erden each chipped in with 7 or more points. Including a crazy 3 by Nate to end the half, and big shots from Davis to swing the momentum back our way in the second half.

Durant is a hell of a scorer, he ended the game with 34 points with 11 of 22 scoring, but I think he really needs to learn to pass. The difference between him and guys like Kobe, Pierce and Dwayne Wade is that they can pass, but they realize there are others on their team. He seems to not trust anyone on the team. The Thunder remain a cute team, but even when Jeff Green comes back if Durant continues to only be a scorer, this team is going no where.

Either way, the Celtics are having a hell of a start to the season.

Durant Gets 5 Year Extension

Kevin Durant says he has reached a deal on a five-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The deal will be worth about $86 million over the 5 years. After seeing what the Cavs are going trough with Lebron, it has had ripple affects throughout the NBA. The Nuggets have got their ass in gear to resign Carmelo, and if they can't they will deal him, so they aren't held hostage. Oklahoma City basically had the same reaction. They had the cap space, and they knew this was the best sign to sign him long term, before he starts thinking of leaving. Great move by the Thunder, as Durant looks to get better every year.

109 Thunder, 104 Celtics

34-17 was the free throw disparity and last night was the worst officiated game I have ever witnessed in my life. Kevin Durant had 15 FT attempts alone, and was treated as if he were MJ. Not a lot do you see KG lose his cool but he had this to say after the game:
"I thought we were playing Michael fuckin Jordan tonight the way he was getting the whistle. Durant damn near shot more free throws than our whole team."

Enough bitching about the refs, Rasheed Wallace had his best game as a Celtics offensively hitting 7-8 shots for 18 points. Ray Allen had a night to forget with 13 points and 0-5 from 3 point land. Rondo had a great game, and his energy was awesome this game, he had 16 points and 11 assists (1 shy of Cousy's record)

It's still alllllllrrriiight.

Celtics vs Thunder Preview

I love the Thunder. I do. They are going to be a great team in the future and have a lot of young talent on their team starting with Kevin Durant. But the thing they lack is a solid big man. Sure Nenad Kristic is cool in all, but in the NBA, that's not going to cut it. Anyways, heres the line-ups:
PG R. Rondo 10.8 R. Westbrook 16.3
SG R. Allen 15.8 T. Sefolosha 6.8
SF P. Pierce 18.5 K. Durant 27.7
PF K. Garnett 14.5 J. Green 14.8
C K. Perkins 11.6 N. Krstic 8.5
It should be eyepopping on what the Celtics should do. Go to Kevin Garnett, Go to Kevin Garnett, Go to Kevin Garnett. Jeff Green is good, but he isn't a true 4. Also Ray Allen and Paul Pierce should be able to pick on Sefolosha and Durants defense. The only way the Celtics could possibly lose is if the Thunder don't miss all game.

Celtics: 101-82

Tommy Award: KG

103 Celtics, 84 Thunder

After not giving a shit the past couple of Sundays the Celtics, whooped the Thunder yesterday led by Big Baby. After getting 10 stitches in the third quarter, Big Baby came back and dropped 19 points and 10 rebounds. If anyone has been watching the Celtics Big Baby has been playing out of his mind lately, he has taken on the pressure of Leon Powe being out for a while and played terrific. K.G. was out again and who cares? It was Thunder night. Paul Pierce had a quite 27 points, Rondo had 12 assists and Mikki Moore was productive getting his first double double in a Celtics uniform having 12 points and 11 assists. Either way, it was a good win on a Sunday.

Tyson Chandler Trade Dead

"Tyson Chandler missed the New Orleans Hornets' last 12 games before the All-Star break with a sprained left ankle. But that had nothing to do with why he failed his physical with the Oklahoma City Thunder and was thus sent back to the Hornets on Wednesday. After examining Chandler's left big toe, Dr. Carlan Yates, Oklahoma City's team physician, determined that the risk of re-injury was too great to give Chandler a clean bill of health (ESPN)."

Not only were the Hornets not able to cut salary, but they are now stuck with a guy who has a "high probability" of reinjuring that toe. I am sure Chandler with not be very happy that he was being traded, and the team won't be happy that the deal fell through because he couldn't pass a physical. As DP said yesterday, this team's chances of doing anything in the Western Conference has gone out the door, and even with Chandler back I don't think it will change anything.

P.J. Carlesimo Gets The Axe

The Oklahoma City Thunder, off to a league-worst 1-12 start in their new home town, have fired coach P.J. Carlesimo.

That sucks but was necessary, 1-12 is terrible and figuring they are only averaging 88 points is even worse. The Thunder are going no wear fast and are not selling confidence in Oklahoma City. I personally believe that they shouldn't have left Seattle and hopefully this experiment will stop soon.

96 Boston, 83 Thunder

To be perfectly honest with you, this was the most boring game I have ever watched in my life. Sure the Thunder put up a valiant effort in the first, but you knew watching the game the Celtics were just toying with them. The Celtics seemed to be getting fancy and turning the ball over on sloppy plays but it didn't matter because the Thunder are just that bad. Perk, Allen, KG, Pierce and Powe were all in double figures and Rondo had 11 assists. Again the Celtics are using a team effort to beat teams and that's a good thing because that allows the big three to get their much needed rest. Jeff Green is the best player on the Thunder (yea he is better than Durant) due to his versatility, the kid has a knack for not only big shots but does all the little things. I don't know why the Thunder are starting Earl Watson over Russell Westbrook, Watson is good but Westbrook is the future.

Celtics Vs Thunder

HAHAHAHA Thunder night.


Celtics 110- 78

Tommy Award: Leon Powe

NBA Breakdowns: Oklahoma City Thunder

Offseason moves:
Key Additions: Russell Westbrook, Joe Smith, Desmond Mason, K. Weaver, S. Ibaka, DJ White, D. Hardin
Key Losses: Luke Ridnour, Francisco Elson, Adrian Griffin, Donyell Marshall, Mickael Gelabale

The Thunder have a really bright future and are a decent team but I don't see it happening this year. They go into the season with Earl Watson, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Chris Wilcox and Nick Collison. It's not bad considering this team has been imploded recently. This team hinges on the production of Jeff Green, Russell Westbrook, DJ White and Kevin Durant. This team is going to take it's lumps especially with the lack of interior offense.

22-60

Seattle SuperSonics Now Officially The Oklahoma City Thunder

I know DP reported this before, but The Thunder...really? That's the best they could come up with? First off, this team should never have left Seattle, and now they have a name that sounds more like a WNBA team rather than a NBA franchise. I hope this team doesn't win more than 20 games next year. I mean come on...look at that symbol it's terrible. You should never name a team after a loud noise, why not call them something that people are actually scared of..how about the Twisters. I know, not great, but at least it doesn't remind me of the Oklahoma City bombing.

-BMack