Baver Answers Colin's Spring Football Questions

Colin: I cannot remember a season with so many starters leaving at the same time. Is it just me or is this exodus unprecedented? 

Baver: It’s absurd: OSU’s 9 guys leaving early just missed LSU’s record of 10. I remember when it first dawned on me last summer that Ohio St was going to lose a ton of guys early; I was thinking, “This could be crazy….maybe as many as 5 or 6 guys.”  LOLOSU’s 6 returning starters are the fewest in the nation for 2016; no, can’t remember the Bucks ever having that few.

Colin: Along those same lines, the schedule for 2016 includes road games at Oklahoma, Wisconsin (night), Penn State (night) and MSU. Once again, is it just me or is that our toughest road slate in recent memory? 

Baver: It can’t get much tougher. And will the Oklahoma game be at night? The Wisky & State Penn games are back-to-back; gonna be tough traveling to Happy Valley after playing a physical team like Wisconsin. And Sparty is again the week prior to scUM which didn’t work out so well last year.

Colin: Playing at Oklahoma so early in the season is a HUGE test for a group this young. Which position groups are you most concerned with heading into this game?

Baver: For that game? #1 concern: WR; #2: OL; #3: LB. Austin Mack and Torrance Gibson will eventually be studs, but I don’t think any wide-out will be in the groove that early in the season. O-line? 3 new starters that may or may not be able to do the job. LB? When Dante Booker replaced an injured Josh Perry last yr against State Penn, Saquon Barkley ran wild. Booker should be solid at some point, but I’m taking a wait and see approach at that Will LB spot. But, Urban has said Worley has really come on (replacing Lee) at the walk-out spot.

Colin: Which positions do you feel will be ready for that challenge so early in the season?

Baver: #1: QB (if that counts), #2: D-line, #3 ??? It’s so early, OSU is so young, and the Sooners are so good….I don’t think many of the units are truly going to being ready for OU. Thank God for Urban, as you know he will have the guys as motivated as humanly possible for the Sooners. Obviously JT is going to be ready, and I don’t think there is as much of a downgrade at D-line (from ’15) as most think. There is still plenty of experience and depth there.

Colin: When Virginia Tech beat us in 2014, the wide receiver's inexperience and inability to beat one on one coverage was a big reason why. Who do you see stepping up to make sure this doesn't happen again?

Baver: Mack is as advanced as they come for an incoming frosh. He will be a starter right out of the chute and “maybe” he and JT are in sync enough at that point to challenge Oklahoma’s D vertically. With Corey Smith and Noah Brown having caught few passes in their careers and both missing 2015 with injuries, I don’t have a lot of confidence there….at least against OU. Word on the street is that Mack is light years ahead of Gibson as a pure receiver. So, other than catching the Sooners napping with his ridiculous speed, I don’t think Gibson plays a huge role against Oklahoma. Hope I’m wrong….maybe the light bulb goes on for him in August.

Colin: Do you feel like they have got the offense play-calling situation hammered out and are we going to miss Chris Ash?

Baver: With the play calling? Yeah….maybe not Tom Herman level, but A LOT better than what we saw prior to the Michigan game last season. Ash? Yes and no. He was a great DC, but hard to see a downgrade with Greg Schiano now calling the shots on D.

Colin: How badly are we going to miss Zeke?

Baver: A lot early on, but Mike Weber will eventually be an All-Big Ten back. Love his bowling ball style.

Colin: If we didn't have J.T. , would this be a 6 loss team?

Baver: Nah….Urban wouldn’t let that happen. And I am buying the Joe Burrow hype. Loved what I read about him when OSU was recruiting him….loved what I saw on TV in the HS playoffs….loved what I saw in the spring game….and loved his demeanor in the post-game press conference. The kid “gets it.”

Colin: At this point, what is your best guess on W-L for the 2016 Ohio State Buckeyes?

Baver: 10-2. Right now, I see a loss in Norman, and 3-1 against the group of Wisky, PSU, Sparty and scUM. I do think Ohio St will be very tough for anyone to beat come November and thereafter.

Stay Golden - NBA Playoff Preview by Ben Galli

It's a couple days late and 60 points short, but here's a preview of this year's NBA Playoffs.  The East is a bit top heavy with 4 teams finishing with identical 48-34 records and the Cavs could run into some trouble, but shouldn't have much issue getting LeBron to his 6th straight Finals appearance. Out West it's between Golden State, San Antonio, and maybe Oklahoma City.  If things play out like they did in the regular season though, Golden State should escape out of a wild, wild West.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Atlanta Hawks (48-34) vs. #5 Boston Celtics (48-34)

Gotta give credit to Danny Ainge for this surprising Celtics season.  Brad Stevens is an excellent head coach and Isaiah Thomas is a little man that can win you ballgames.  The Celtics should have a pretty high lottery pick and free agent money.  They're very close to being serious contenders in the East.  This Hawks team has more experience and talent with a head coach that may be equally as good.  Paul Millsap doesn't get enough love  and he should lead Atlanta to a win.  Hawks in 6.

#3 Miami Heat (48-34) vs. #6 Charlotte Hornets (48-34)

The Heat are probably the biggest threat to the Cavs in the East. Danny Ainge won 2 titles as a player in the 80's and has a total of 3 NBA rings. Pat Riley does it better with 4 rings as a coach in the 80's and a total of 9.  Count the rings, Danny Boy.  The Heat wrapped up the 3rd seed mainly without the services of Chris Bosh.  Bosh will miss the playoffs due to a blood clot and his presence will be missed if the Heat play the Cavs.  Heat in 5.

#2 Toronto Raptors (56-26) vs. #7 Indiana Pacers (45-37)

The Raptors haven't won a playoff series since 2001.  That ties the Bucks for longest drought without having won a playoff series. The Pacers have a better coach and a better overall player in Paul George.  But Toronto's overall talent should be enough for them to win a playoff series.  This is a battle of two places that find it hard to attract free agents.  Having Drake lobby for you might actually be a negative.  I don't see Derozan back next year.  Raptors in 5.

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers (57-25) vs. #8 Detroit Pistons (44-38)

Stan Van Gundy's attack on fashion not withstanding, the Pistons lack the firepower to hang with the Cavs.  Andre Drummond is a beast and Reggie Jackson is making it look like OKC should have done more to keep him but LeBron and the Bronnettes are looking to prove they're not as dysfunctional as LeBron's tweets make them sound.  If the Cavs are all focused, they'll walk through the East.  Cavs in 4.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#4 L.A. Clippers (53-29) vs. #5 Portland Trail Blazers (44-38)

Portland was a revelation this year, clawing to the 5th seed after losing their best player to the Spurs.  Damian Lillard is the next little known superstar and C.J. McCollum is leading many Most Improved Player picks.  But with Blake Griffin back, the Clippers should be able to power through into the next round.  Clippers in 6.

#3 Oklahoma City Thunder (55-27) vs. #6 Dallas Mavericks (42-40)

This very well could be the last year we see KD and RussWest on the Thunder together.  I'm sure they're going to try and make the most of it.  Dallas overachieved this year and it is a nice feeling to see Dirk in the playoffs for the 15th time.  But the Thunder have 2 of the top 5 players in the game and should make quick work of the Mavs.  Some might even say lightning quick work because they can't help the thunder/lightning pun possibility.  Thunder in 5.

#2 San Antonio Spurs (67-15) vs. #7 Memphis Grizzlies (42-40)

Memphis set records this year for having the most players on a roster in one season. But their missing Marc Gasol and Mike Conley Jr and starting Jordan Farmar at point who was signed on March 21st.  This is most likely Manu Ginobili's last year and Tim Duncan shouldn't be far behind.  The Spurs are going to make every effort count and they should easily handle this grizzly Grizz squad.  Spurs in 5.

#1 Golden State Warriors (73-9) vs. #8 Houston Rockets (41-41)

It's unlikely that the previous year's Conference Finals participants meet as a #1 and #8 seed but that's how far the Rockets have fallen.  Firing Kevin McHale 11 games into the season was not the change they needed.  Dwight Howard and James Harden don't get along and Houston may be in for massive changes this off season.  And the Warriors just went 73-9, the greatest record ever.  Warriors in 4.

2nd Round

East

#2 Toronto vs. #3 Miami - Heat in 7
#1 Cleveland vs. #4 Atlanta - Cavs in 6

West

#2 San Antonio vs. #3 Oklahoma City - Spurs in 7
#1 Golden State vs. #4 Los Angeles - Warriors in 6

Conference Finals

East 

#1 Cleveland vs. #3 Miami - Cavs in 6
#1 Golden State vs. #2 San Antonio - Warriors in 7

Finals

Golden State vs. Cleveland - Warriors in 7

I give Cleveland a better chance than most with 2 likely healthy stars available this time around but it just doesn't make sense to think the Warriors won't win it all again this year.  They haven't lost back to back all year.  They give every team too many problems and when they're on, it's almost impossible.  I think the Spurs will give Golden State a run for their money but LeBron is gonna need to be Batman and Superman for Cleveland to have a shot at the title.  

P.S.  

The regular season belonged to Kobe.

Pencilstorm Hall of Fame Nominee: Reds Opening Day at The Library Bar - by Colin G.

The latest class of the Pencilstorm Hall of Fame will announced Thursday April 14th at the CD1025 Big Room Bar. Doors at 6pm Willie Phoenix and The Soul Underground play a set of rock n roll at 8 pm. FREE!! Click here for full list of nominations.

I'm a pretty big fan of Major League Baseball in general and the Cincinnati Reds in particular. But you know something, I've never gone to a Reds opening day. I probably would have, except for me, if I can get the time free, the best place to spend opening day is at The Library Bar.

Cricket, the owner and a serious Reds fan himself, is behind the bar pouring drinks and encouraging everybody to grab a free hot dog off the grill. Some years the weather is nice and the front door is open. Other times flurries fall from the gray skies. Sometimes the Reds win, sometimes they lose, and once in a while the home plate umpire drops dead right before the first pitch and the game is cancelled. Oh well, bottoms up.

Cricket recently celebrated his 30th anniversary of owning The Library. Think about that. With all the changes that have hit campus, ONE MAN, has owned and worked at ONE BAR for THIRTY YEARS!! How about that for a small business success story.

Back in my younger years, The Library was my main hangout. I mean, don't get me wrong, I hit lots of bars, but The Library was home. When bands would come to Columbus, Watershed would always invite them to come and hang out at the Library Bar. It wasn't stuffy and it wasn't cheesy. It wasn't trying to be something it's not. It was just a bar in the Midwest with the owner behind the bar. That vibe resonated with my circle of friends.

It is still the stuff of legend the night all four members of Cheap Trick showed up and closed down the place. And just slightly less impressive, The League Bowlers played their first show there, too. Many of the old haunts are extinct. Bernie's is gone. AC/DC Cult Night is no more. And poor Larry's had it worst of all, it became The Sloppy Donkey and poetry night was never the same. I hear even Rocket From the Crypt stopped hanging out there. Ouch.

Long Live MLB Opening Day and The Library Bar. I will be there at 4 pm Monday April 4th. Please join me. I urge my committee members to approve of it's nomination to the Pencilstorm Hall of Fame. Go Reds (gulp). - Colin G.

Post All Star Breakdown by Ben Galli

What a dunk contest!  I know it was a week ago and there are still the skeptical, but Aaron Gordon and Zach Lavine put on a show.  To top it off, their dunks may not have even been The Dunk of All Star Weekend.  That was arguably 6'1 "professional dunker" Jordan Kilganon.  

That dude got up!  Now, although the Western Conference scored an all time record 196 points, who really cares about the All Star Game?  It really serves its most important function as a reminder of the unofficial midway point of the NBA season and a precursor to the NBA trade deadline.  Even though the break is over, here's a run down on all 30 NBA teams and where they stand at the All Star break.  You'll see each team's current conference standing along with their point differential, games behind the 8th or 1st seed, and my pre-season ranking.

Eastern Conference

15. Philadelphia 76ers:  8-45 (-10.2 diff, 19 GB of 8th Seed) (Preseason - 15.)

The Sixers aren't surprising anyone.  The only question is how long this rebuilding process will last.  After starting this season 1-30, Philly has since gone 7-15 after acquiring new point guard Ish Smith.  Despite Sauce Castillo's best efforts, however, don't expect much improvement from this squad.

14. Brooklyn Nets - 14-40 (-7.3 diff, 13.5 GB) (Preseason - 10.) 

The Nets have been one of the most poorly run franchises of the last few years.  A real slap in the face to Russian oligarchy.  They could rival the Browns for ineptitude.  The Nets fired their coach and re-assigned their GM just after the turn of the year.  Besides possibly trading some players at the deadline this week, there's really nothing to see here.  Nothing to see in their draft either as Boston owns their unprotected 2016 1st round pick.  

13. Milwaukee Bucks - 22-32 (-4.7 diff, 5.5 GB) (Preseason - 7.) 

The Deer have taken a step back this year.  They have a very solid, very young core especially with the emergence of Khris Middleton as their leading scorer.  My eyes are on Jason Kidd though.  After some questionable actions as a coach in the past, Kidd did finish 3rd in Coach of the Year voting last season.  However, Kidd missed 17 games this year due to hip surgery, during which the Bucks went 8-9 under interim coach Joe Prunty. A bit better than the 14-23 mark under Kidd.

12. New York Knickerbockers - 23-32 (-2.2 diff, 5 GB) (Preseason - 13.)

The New York Knicks remain the highest rated soap opera in the NBA.  I guess besides wherever Dwight Howard is playing.  The season started with hopes rising due to the brilliant play of Zingis "Kristaps Porzingis" Khan, a rookie from Latvia that came on quicker than many suspected and turned the draft day boos into woo hoos from Knicks fans.  The Knicks are just 5 games back of a playoff spot but last week saw the surprise firing of Derek Fisher after the team dropped 9 of its last 10.  Now with Phil Jackson disciple and 80's nerd icon Kurt Rambis as the interim coach, it will be interesting to see how the Knicks do post All Star Break.  Although the rumors of trading Carmelo seem far-fetched, there are whispers that the Knicks may move players before the trade deadline.  Update:  The Knicks made no trades but are giving former BYU shooter Jimmer Fredette a shot.

11. Orlando Magic - 23-29 (-1.4 diff, 3.5 GB) (Preseason - 12.) 

Orlando has not made the jump that some expected this year but it is still a bit soon to be thinking of making major shake-ups to the roster at this time.  This team needs to be patient and let their players develop as they will.  Even if they miss the playoffs this year, they are headed in the right direction.  Aaron Gordon's spectacular Slam Dunk Contest performance probably buys the fan capital they need to survive this year's disappointment.  Update:  The Magic did indeed trade Tobias Harris to the Detroit Pistons for Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova.

10. Washington Basketball Team - 23-28 (-2.7 diff, 3 GB) (Preseason - 4.) 

The Wizards are surprisingly on the outside of the playoff race looking in.  They're only 3 games back though and Bradley Beal is rounding into form after returning from a leg injury (his 4th tibia related issue in his 4th season) and John Wall (20.0 ppg, 9.9 apg) is close to becoming just the 4th player since 1990 (9th overall) to average 20 ppg and 10 apg in one season.  He'd be the first player besides Chris Paul to do so since 1991.  Impressive feat.  Update:  The W's gave up a 1st round pick (top 9 protected) to get a proven player who has caused locker room issues since his twin brother was traded in the off-season.  Let the Markieff Morris era begin.

9. Detroit Pistons - 27-27 (+1.3 diff, 1/2 GB) (Preseason - 14.)

That twin brother, Marcus Morris, was traded to the Detroit Pistons who are still rebuilding but have surprised many by making a strong case for the playoffs.   Andre Drummond is a physical force and leads the league in double-doubles this year.  Reggie Jackson was probably not going to fit in OKC but he has really shown up in Detroit, leading the team in points and assists while relegating Brandon Jennings (coming off of a torn achilles) to backup duties.  Stan Van Gundy is proving himself an effective general manager as well.  Update:  Detroit traded Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova to budding Magic star Tobias Harris in a move making Detroit's one of the more enviable rosters in the conference.

8. Charlotte Hornets - 27-27 (+1.1 diff, -11.5 GB of 1st Seed) (Preseason - 11.) 

The Charlotte Jordans are hanging on precariously to the 8th seed.  Important because the playoffs were a stated goal for this team in the preseason.  Charlotte's just not very exciting.  They have some good talent and I think a good coach, but they really need a superstar.  Kemba isn't a Number 1 guy on a title team.  Update:  After rumors they were involved in a Dwight Howard trade, the Hornets made one much more under the radar by sending P.J. Hairston to the Grizzlies for Courtney Lee.  

7. Chicago Bulls - 27-25 (-.7 diff, 11 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 2.)

Oh the Bulls.  My, what Chicago fans must think of the mess their franchise is in.  They fired a winning coach in Tom Thibodeau and replacement Fred Hoiberg is not cutting it.  Locker room issues have plagued the Bulls since reports first came out in December.  They were favorites to challenge the Cavs for the East but they'll need to show great improvement if they want to win even round 1 of the playoffs. 

6. Indiana Pacers - 28-25 (+2.2 diff, 10.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 8.) 

The Pacers have one of the better head coaches in the NBA and the Paul George at power forward experiment has worked in part because George isn't really playing the 4 spot.  It's described as something like "positionless" basketball and as teams adapt to changing trends, you will see that more.  These positions are for the casual fan anyway.  George still doesn't seem completely sold but he will do what is asked of him.  The Pacers are still a player or two away although rookie big man Myles Turner is intriguing.  

5. Miami Heat - 29-24 (-.3 diff, 9.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 3.) 

The Heat have been fine this year but they are currently dealing with pretty serious issues.  One year after being hospitalized with blood clots in his lungs, Miami superstar Chris Bosh reportedly may have a blood clot in his leg.  Health comes before just about everything so we wish that crazy dinosaur gets well soon.   Update:  The Heat sent the Birdman, Chris Anderson, to Memphis and got Brian Roberts back in a 3 team trade involving the Baltimore Orioles.  Oh wait, wrong Brian Roberts.  

4. Atlanta Hawks - 31-24 (+2.7 diff, 8.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 6.) 

The Hawks are right where they probably belong but there was a lot of talk around the trade deadline that they were just going to start over.  Al Horford, one of the bigger free agents of 2016, was rumored to be on the trading block along with Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver.  That's the way of the NBA these days when you're best player is about to be a free agent.  Update:  The ATL traded Shelvin Mack and Justin Holliday for Kirk Hinrich and saved a little bit of money.

3. Boston Celtics - 32-23 (+4.2 diff, 7.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 9.) 

Boston has come on strong as of late to find themselves surprisingly leading the big pack behind Cleveland and Toronto in the East.   Credit must go to former Butler wunderkind coach Brad Stevens and a group of young players, lacking a star, but complementing each other really well.  With draft picks (including Brooklyn's unprotected 1st in '16), and salary cap space, the Celtics could really change their fortunes in the coming years if they pick up a superstar or two.

 2. Toronto Raptors - 35-17 (+4.4 diff, 3 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 5.)

With the emergence of All Star DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors have shot up to the number 2 spot in the East behind mighty Cleveland.  It is yet to be seen if they can seriously contend with Cleveland, but Dwane Casey has cemented himself as a legitimate NBA head coach.  

1. Cleveland Cavaliers - 38-14 (+5.9 diff, -) (Preseason - 1.) 

I wrote about the Cavs big shake-up here and Tyronn Lue is doing fine albeit with a few bumps on the road.  It was fun to imagine Carmelo Anthony replacing Kevin Love in Cleveland but that was always a case of the media making much ado about nothing.  Kevin Love has been frustratingly inconsistent this year, but he's a big man that can rebound and shoot, an important weapon against the Warriors and Spurs of the world.  The Cavs can use bench depth and some shooters so they may make some lesser trades.  

Update:  Cavs traded fan favorite and Mr. Hero spokesman Anderson "Sideshow Bob" Varejao to Portland in a 3 team trade netting them Channing Frye.  Although Varejao can give quality minutes as a role-playing big man, this saves some money and nets them a 6'11 guy that can shoot outside and apparently plays solid defense.  It may be concerning that after Portland waived Varejao that both the Warriors and Spurs both made strong plays to sign him but there is evidence that the Frye pick-up may make a difference for the Cavaliers.  

Western Conference

15. Los Angeles Lakers:  11-44 (-9.6 diff, 16.5 GB 8th Seed) (Preseason - 11.)

The major story line for the Lakers this year has been Kobe's final season.  After that it has been a discussion of whether or not the Lakers are purposefully tanking and is Byron Scott destroying D'Angelo Russell's development.  Good news for Lakers fans on both those fronts.  Although a beloved member of the 80's Showtime Lakers, Byron Scott's coaching prowess leaves much to be desired which has helped the Lakers into the number 2 position for franchise savior Ben Simmons of LSU by way of Australia.  And just yesterday, Scott announced that D'Angelo Russell will start the rest of the season after saying the same for 2014 1st round pick Julius Randle of Kentucky.  

14. Phoenix Suns:  14-40 (-6.3 diff, 13 GB) (Preseason - 13.)

Jeff Hornacek, who was once traded away from Phoenix in the deal that brought Sir Charles to town, was fired earlier this month.  Not sure why the Suns had much hope with this roster but after a 2-19 run, Hornacek was out and former UCLA guard Earl Watson took the interim title.  To be frank, the Suns' front office seems to have no idea what they're doing or which way they're headed.  Update:  They did trade the unhappy Markieff Morris.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves:  17-37 (-3.6 diff, 10 GB) (Preseason - 9.)

The T-Wolves have been a bit of a disappointment but their future is bright with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.  Kevin Garnett has 1 more year left on his contract and it should be fun to see him do a Kobe type farewell next year but on a team that should be contending for the playoffs.  Minnesota has some strong young talent including the ever improving Zach LaVine, the back to back slam dunk champ.  

12. New Orleans Pelicans:  20-33 (-3.0 diff, 6.5 GB) (Preseason - 7.)

The Pels have probably been a bigger disappointment than Minnesota.  After barely making the playoffs last year, New Orleans has faltered this year under new head coach Alvin Gentry.  Injuries have played a part but perhaps the pressure got to the players.  The next big thing, Anthony Davis, is having another great year, but hasn't gotten his team to take the next step.  He is only 22 though.  Update:  Anthony Davis became the 3rd player in 50 years, joining Wilt and Shaq, to score at least 50 points and grab at least 20 rebounds in game with 59 & 20 last night in a victory.  Perhaps there is still hope this year.

11. Denver Nuggets:  22-32 (-2.9 diff, 5 GB) (Preseason - 15.)

The Nuggets have done a little better than I expected which may be a testament to new coach Mike Malone, who was confusingly let go by Sacramento early in the 2014 season.  They may have the coach in place but it will take a couple years to see if they can really make some noise barring free agency developments. Update:  The Nuggets traded backup guard Randy Foye to Oklahoma City.  Foye learned of the trade through the NBA app!

10. Sacramento Kings: 22-31 (-2.0 diff, 4.5 GB) (Preseason - 10.)

This is what I said in my Season Preview:  "This could be the biggest dumpster fire in NBA history or George Karl might somehow have this team contending for the 8th spot."  Can it be that both are coming true?    The behind the scenes turmoil has not been scant as multiple times there have been reports that George Karl is going to be fired only for the team to announce on February 9th that he will stay on.  This was pretty much at the same time that it was reported that the team's minority owners are trying to wrest control away from majority owner, Vivek Ranadive.  Long live the Kings!

9. Houston Rockets:  27-28 (-1.8 diff, .5 GB) (Preseason - 6.)

The Rockets are out of the playoff seeding right now and perhaps their woes started after the unexpected firing of Coach Lurch McHale early in the season.  Their season is pretty well summed up with recent reports that Dwight Howard and James Harden maneuvered to get each other traded.  That happened after the end of the 2014 season but wouldn't you know it, Howard was allegedly on the trading block in recent weeks.  Houston, we have a problem. Update:  The Rockets tried to trade Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton to Detroit for Joel Anthony and a 1st round pick but it may be voided due to a back injury.

8. Utah Jazz:  26-26 (+1.4 diff, 22 GB 1st Seed) (Preseason - 8.)

The Jazz improvised after losing Dante Exum for what was to be a very important development year for the former # 5 overall pick in the 2014 draft.  Rodney Hood, the former Duke product, has emerged in his 2nd year and Utah is fighting for the playoffs. Update:  Utah traded a 2nd round pick for Shelvin Mack who may overtake Trey Burke for the backup point guard spot.  Mack was a college teammate of the Jazz' leading scorer, Gordon Hayward.  

7. Portland Trail Blazers:  27-27 (+.6 diff, 22 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 14.)

Dame Lillard is deserving of all the endorsements and praise and respect for his rap songs.  After being snubbed for the All Star Game, Lillard may really take it up a level.  He and CJ McCollum have brought the Blazers mostly back from the large hole LaMarcus Alrdridge left them in. Update:  The Blazers traded a future 2nd round pick to get Anderson Varejao and a conditional 1st round pick pretty much just to reach the minimum salary cap threshold.  Also on Friday, Damian Lillard scored a career high 51 points to lead Portland over Golden State, 137-105, handing the Warriors their worst loss of the season by far.   

6. Dallas Mavericks:  29-26 (-.9 diff, 20.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 12.)

The Mavs are doing better than I projected and a lot of that credit should probably go to Rick Carlisle, their coach.  No one really jumps out on their roster in terms of having a career year.  Zaza Pachulia was almost voted into the All Star game, helped by his home country of Georgia and a vine star and Dirk became the 6th player in NBA history to reach 29,000 points this past weekend.  Those will be the highlights for Dallas this year.

5. Memphis Grizzlies:  31-22 (-.9 diff, 17.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 5.)

With Marc Gasol out indefinitely due to a broken foot, Memphis is down in the dumps.  Fear not fans of ludicrous characters.  After making some trades last week, Memphis' roster now boasts Zach Randolph, Tony Allen, Matt Barnes, Chris Anderson, and Lance Stephenson.  Here's a link to how Twitter reacted.  My favorite is the suggestion that these Grizz give up hoops and just form a horrorcore rap group.  Update:  Memphis traded Jeff Green for Lance Stephenson and a 1st round draft pick and got Chris Anderson in the Courtney Lee trade.  

4. Los Angeles Clippers:  35-18 (+3.9 diff, 13.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 3.)

It all came to a head for the Clippers on January 25th, when Blake Griffin fractured his punching hand after hitting his friend and team employee.  Griffin was to be out 4-6 weeks seriously hurting L.A's positioning in the playoff race during that time.  Rumors flew of Griffin being traded although as usual, nothing came of it.  L.A. still has talent but inconsistency has plagued them this year.  Update: L.A. traded Lance Stephenson for Jeff Green in a move that many have panned but gives the Clips someone to pick up those all important Blake Griffin minutes.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder:  40-14 (+8.2 diff, 9 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 4.)

Oklahoma City is what happens when an Unstoppable Force and an Immovable Object are teammates.  Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will go down in history as one of the greatest teammate duos of all time.  That they may never win a title together, is the story no one wants to write.  The Thunder have solidified themselves as the Next Team in the West after Golden State and San Antone and many back them as the biggest threat to beating the Warriors in the playoffs.  Everything depends on how great these 2 can be. Update:  The Thunder acquired solid guard Randy Foye in a trade with Denver.  The Thunder were beaten effectively by a Cleveland team missing Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert, and Moe Williams Sunday afternoon, 115-92.

2. San Antonio Spurs:  45-8 (+13.3 diff, 3.5 GB of 1st) (Preseason - 2.)

There are 2 teams that are head and shoulders above everyone else this year.  The shoulders are the Spurs.  They've lost a couple more games than Golden State but they have a +13.3 point differential.  The all time NBA record is 12.28 (1971-72 Lakers) so if the pace holds, this team will be very special.  Even though they were blown out at Golden State by 30 points, the Spurs have 3 more attempts to see how they fare head to head against the Warriors.  Perfect for Gregg Popovich to rest his starters and play head games.    

1. Golden State Warriors:  48-4 (+12.5 diff, -) (Preseason - 1.)

The head is the Golden State Warriors who are playing better than even last year's historical rate.  A perfect mix of solid moves in free agency and the draft along with the perfect timing of strong development has the Dubs in the most enviable position in the league. There's really not much to go into besides pointing out that this team started 24-0 under Luke Friggin' Walton (39-4 overall under Bill's kid).  Over the next 2 months, as the playoff seeds take shape and the "real" NBA season starts, expect excitement and egos as we see who can dethrone the Warriors in the West and if the Cavs are good enough to defeat the team that comes out.

Kobe v LeBron: Requiem by Ben Galli

I'd never been to a NBA game.  Surprising even to me since the opportunity was always there, but I guess LeBron leaving for 4 years probably put a damper on a lot of people's intentions.  Back in November, I got an email about a potential trip to Cleveland to watch the Lakers game on February 10th.   You didn't have to remind me this would pretty much be my only chance ever to see Kobe Bryant in a Lakers uniform.  I was "all in" as the kids say nowadays.  Stupid kids.

My waning hope as I fell asleep Tuesday night was that there wouldn't be some weather forced cancellation.  My first sound as I awoke the next day was the soothing buzz of an incoming text and then instant dread.  When I finally woke up, woke up I checked my phone and sure enough, it was about the game.  The news was palatable though, informing me that one of our group of four had to bow out last minute.  After multiple nearly successful attempts to find someone to take the ticket, the three of us left downtown Columbus, 3:30pm that afternoon.  Right around the time we were slowly traversing an impromptu blizzard in Ashland, we found someone who'd take the fourth ticket.  Everything was coming up Milhouse.

We parked near the arena ($25) around 6pm, grabbed some paninis at Panini's, and headed to our seats.  We'd paid $55 a pop for our tickets a week before Kobe announced his retirement plan.  Now, tickets in our section were going for about $175 so we were happy.  We were also literally 3 rows from the very top.  But Quicken Loans Arena or the Gund if you're like me and not a shill, has a giant scoreboard.  It's the largest HD scoreboard of any arena in the country. You could actually feel the flames on your forehead when they burst out in thunderous celebration.  As far as any Kobe tribute, there was a nice video highlighting his past dominance and a heartfelt standing ovation but no jewel encrusted black mamba or honorary plaque in Comic Sans. The real joy would be to see two of the greatest players of all time go at it for the last time in Ohio. 

Photo Credit:  Joel Bishop

As soon as the game started, I became pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to follow the dance on the court.  Kobe and LeBron started off guarding each other. Give the people what they want. Kobe's 15 footer answered a Kyrie jumper early in the game.  But the Cavs went on a 16-4 run after that (despite Kevin Love missing 3 straight shots from 3 point land) mainly because the Lakers don't play defense.  Not sure if that was on orders from their Tank Commander, Byron Scott, or not.  Kobe took his difficult and sometimes ill-advised shots as has been his MO pretty much his whole career.  He didn't hit again until making a trey with three minutes left in the first.  He was replaced on the next break by Metta World Peace, the Artest formerly known as Ron.  Cavs led after one, 35-25.

The 2nd quarter saw D'Angelo Russell shine.  In a two minute span, the rookie from Ohio State drained three straight pretty 3-pointers to cut the Cavs lead to 6.  It begged the question, why won't they let him play more?  Russell did finish with 15 points on 5-11 shooting in 28 minutes.  Most impressive may have been his +11 plus/minus. The Lakers struggled after that and the Cavs took advantage, coasting to a 64-47 halftime time lead on the strength  of 54% shooting from the field versus the Lakers dismal 36%.  Kevin Love was not impressive the whole half and did not come back into the game after suffering an apparent injury to the shoulder (yes that shoulder) late in the period.  The team (and Love) says it is not serious.  What is serious is that KLove went 2-9 with 8 points and 6 rebounds in 20 minutes.  That's not even beating the Rockets.

The 3rd quarter was memorable because Anderson Varejao played some quality minutes and did not look too bad.  It's also always nice to see World Peace in action.  Most memorable to D'Angelo Russell (in a very bad way) was the fastball he took from LeBron in the, ahem, gonads.  Poor guy was laid out on the court in pain for a good five minutes.  The Cavs led coming into the 4th, 93-74.  Not much was expected the rest of the game but in the latter half of the 4th, amid "Kobe" chants from the considerable number of Lakers fans in attendance, the Lakers sprang to life.  A 4 point play from Bryant cut the Cavs lead down to 9 and a couple minutes later, Kobe got fouled on a 3 point attempt, sinking the trifecta of free throws.  L.A. was down 8 with 3 minutes plus left but that would be as close as they'd get.  

In an overall fantastic experience for me, Cleveland won the game 120-111 behind 35 points, on 15-24 shooting, and 7 assists from Kyrie Irving who found little resistance.  LeBron James played a great game with 29 points (on 12-22 shooting), 11 assists, and 7 rebounds in 37 minutes.  Kobe finished with 17 points (5-16 shooting) and 6 rebounds in 33 minutes.  Not what he once was, but deserving of respect nonetheless.  There will still be time for a proper Kobe send-off on these pages but there won't be many more wins for this Los Angeles squad.  Of course, this could all be part of the plan to get in position to draft Ben Simmons in June, instantly skyrocketing the future of this proud franchise, reduced to a miserable rubble these past few years.  

The Cavs were there, during LeBron's "college years" but they're in a whole new stratosphere now.  This win was expected and perhaps too close against the team with the 2nd worst record in the NBA.  From now on, every success and mishap for the Cavs will be scrutinized against the backdrop of the ferocious West where the Warriors and Spurs are both making runs at the greatest season ever.  Should they have fired the coach, was Kevin Love the right choice, is LeBron done, does J.R. Smith have Periscope?  Much has been made of LeBron's leadership or lack thereof.  This season will be strong testimony to who he really is.