NBA Jam Tournament: Eastern Conference Teams Preview
By Jay Rosales
Miami Heat: Dwyane Wade + Lebron James; Sub – Chris Bosh
Here’s your Pippen-Jordon combo for the tournament. It would’ve been cool to have the Ray Allen – Rashard Lewis duo, just for the sake of calling them the Miami Supersonics. As cliché as it sounds, we are truly witnessing greatness. Watching Lebron pick apart defenses with his outside shot, his ability to post-up, and the always-threatening bullet pass to a three-point gunner is a sight that all haters need to appreciate. Remember, this team defeated a stacked Oklahoma City roster with Mike Miller and James Jones playing integral roles!
Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings + Monta Ellis; Sub – Ersan Ilyasova
Now this is a fun team! Sure they’ll give up easy points to teams with anyone over 6’4”, but when they get the ball back, their speed and shot-making ability make them a real upset threat. Taking a look at the rest of the Bucks squad, they’ve got a keeper in Ilyasova, who’s currently playing behind Drew Gooden at the 4. They’ve got a plethora of shot-blockers lined up at the centre position, with Samuel Dalembert, Ghostface Przybilla, and two of the best collegiate shot-blockers in Ekpe Udoh and Larry Sanders.
New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony + Amare Stoudemire; Sub – Jason Kidd
It’s been beaten to death but it’s worth mentioning one more time. The Knicks refused to match the 3-year, $25 million contract offer to Jeremy Lin by the Houston Rockets. The next day, MSG’s stock dropped 8.5%, or $93 million!! In a two-on-two format, Amare could prove very effective playing alongside Kidd. However, can you really envision a Knicks squad without ‘Melo starting? A duo of J.R. Smith and James “Flight” White would be amazing to watch, for dunk purposes. A duo of Rasheed Wallace and J.R. Smith would be fascinating to witness both get ejected, leaving New York to forfeit. A duo of Tyson Chandler and Marcus Camby would create the longest game, as they’ll block every shot, but also be incapable of scoring!
Orlando Magic: Arron Afflalo + Glen Davis; Sub – Jameer Nelson
Oy Vey! We all knew that Dwight was going to end up in LA. However, the deal they finally struck was significantly worse than any other deal offered. Random facts: J.J. Redick edged out Adam Morrison for Player of the Year honours in 2006. Morrison’s most famous NCAA moment was crying after getting eliminated by the Afflalo-led UCLA Bruins! 6 years later, Redick and Afflalo will battle for starting 2-guard minutes, while Morrison will battle to make the Blazers’ roster. On the flip side, Morrison (why am I still writing about him?!?) does have 2 NBA titles (2009, 2010, Lakers). Back to the Magic, Gustavo Ayon is their starting centre, while Ish Smith, Redick, and the carcasses of Q-Rich and Al Harrington are the first ones off their bench!
Philadelphia 76ers: Evan Turner + Andrew Bynum; Sub – Jrue Holiday
If Bynum’s knees can hold up (big IF), then the Sixers could make some noise in the East. However, I don’t see it happening. Losing Andre Iguodala’s leadership and defensive prowess will hurt this team on many levels. Also, losing Elton Brand is an under-the-radar huge loss on the defensive end. Brand ranked #1 in points allowed in post-up plays. Not Howard or his replacement, Bynum, but 13-year veteran Elton Brand. The addition of Nick Young and Jason Richardson should help the 22nd ranked offense, but this team’s M.O. is defense, and two of their leaders are playing elsewhere.
Toronto Raptors: Kyle Lowry + Andrea Bargnani; Sub – Demar DeRozan
There’s optimism in Canada’s only basketball team. While the squad doesn’t necessarily keep opponents’ defensive coaches up at night, Toronto’s defense is making significant strides. The Raptors were top 10 in points allowed and opp. FG%, while also ranking 5th in 3pt. FG%. Kyle Lowry is an upgrade at the point, and Jonas Valanciunas provides their first true centre since the days of Kevin Willis and the ghost of Hakeem Olajuwon!
Washington Wizards: John Wall + Nene; Sub – Bradley Beal
There’s reason for excitement in Washington these days. The Capitals have Ovechkin, the Nationals finished with the top record in baseball, and Redskins fans have been taken for a ride on the RG3 bus. The Wizards have a surprising amount of balance in their starting 5. John Wall and Bradley Beal can provide the offensive punch, while Trevor Ariza, Nene, and Emeka Okafor are a formidable defensive front court. Beyond that, though, their bench looks atrocious with A.J. Price, Jordan Crawford, and Jan Vesely being the first subs.
Be sure to follow SCIC Writer Jay Rosales on Twitter at @Rosalesaurus