I Love This Game!

I appreciate it when you guys keep me up to date on college hoops. Even though I could care less about Bill Self's abilities and how UNC's recruiting class ranks. Now that it's playoff time, I feel it's my duty to update everyone on former college (and HS) stars in the NBA.

1) "We are all witnesses". The Nike ad says it all. Bron Bron has arrived. I watched that Cavs-Wiz. I haven't seen one player dominate an entire game like that since Jordan in 1992. And he may be better right now. A triple double in his first playoff game? Unbelievable performance.

2) Speaking of dominant: the defending champion Spurs were just that this weekend. This by far their deepest team. Think about this: they got Duncan, Ginoboli, Nazr and Tony Parker (no one gets into the lane easier than Mr. Longoria) in the starting five. Then they bring Michael Finley, Van Exel and Big Shot Rob (Horry) off the bench. These aren't the old Spurs as evidenced by the 122 points (73 at the half)

3) Detroit: damn they're good. Definitely the favorites.

4) Fun series' to watch:
Bulls-Heat: The Baby Bulls may be the most fun to watch. A great collection of young college players that play with heart and never seems to give up. I thought I'd say this but Kirk Hinrich is one of my favorite players to watch. He's a good point guard and an even better shooter. And this Noccioni kid is good too. Unfortunately, they're about one big man away from being an elite team in the East. Oh and no one can guard Wade or Shaq. Wade is next year's MVP - write it down.

Clippers-Nuggets: I never liked Sam Cassell or as Barkley calls him "Gollum". Not at FSU, not at Houston, not at Minnesota. But then he became a Clipper. I'm sorry but if you can turnaround a franchise like the Clips, you get my respect. Sam I Am is that damn ballsy and has changed the whole personality of this team/franchise. And for anyone who says Duke doesn't produce good NBA players, look no further than Elton (formerly Fat) Brand. Easily, a top 10 player in the league now. Name another player who can give you 25 and 12 a night, besides KG and a healthy Duncan.

Nets-Pacers: Only because Vince will add another playoff failure to his resume. Hey, but at least he looks cool revving up his imaginary motorcycle after dunks. And great shot selection in that 12 for 33 performance, VInce! VC sucks my nuts.

5) My vote for MVP (if I had one): 3rd - Steve Nash; another great season by the most exciting PG on the most exciting team. 2nd - Kobe; I hate him almost as much as I hate Vince; sure he's the worst ballhog in league history, but the Lakers wouldn't have won 30 games without him.
My MVP - Dirk Nowitski; the guy has carried the Mavs all season long to a franchise record for wins. And he's been doing it without Nash or Finley. The Diggler has become a top 5 player in the league and a franchise player in 2 short seasons.
But based on his 81 point game, Kobe will the MVP. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me - the best player on the 7th seeded team winning MVP? I'll give Vince Carter this much, I agree with assessment that Kobe's 81 pt game sends the wrong message to kids. As if this generation didnt produce enough ballhogs.

JD