The Beasley/Rose Showdown

A couple of days ago, we saw the first showdown between Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose, even though it was in Summer League competition. Beasley’s Heat defeated the Bulls when Mario Chalmers hit the game winner to sink Derrick Rose for the second time. If the people from Memphis saw that highlight on SportsCenter, it probably made them cringe. The image of Chalmers beating their Tigers will be remembered in Memphis for a long time.

Beasley was clearly the better of the two players. He scored 28 points but was still not satisfied with his effort. He thinks he is capable of more. Rose, on the other hand, wasn’t as effective. He was held to 10 points as Chalmers did a good job in keeping Rose quiet. Rose is currently battling tendinitis in his knee.

Beasley definitely has the higher upside. Although Rose has dazzling explosiveness and speed, Beasley’s game is better rounded. Beasley will score, rebound and block shots, while Rose will be a decent scorer, but the other parts of his game aren’t top flight yet. I am declaring that Michael Beasley is this year’s favorite for rookie of the year.

 

–MICHAEL GANCI

 

 

NBA Off-Season: Five Storylines to Follow

 Stephon Marbury would be better suited playing for another team  next season.
[PHOTO BY ICON SMI] 
 

 BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

1. Teams Preparing for 2010

COMMENT: Many teams are already working diligently to get under the salary cap in anticipation of 2010, which is when LeBron James will be an unrestricted free agent, which the Cavaliers will have to work very hard to avoid. Rumor has it that LeBron will not resign with the Cavaliers, and his top two choices may be the Knicks and Nets. He loves the idea of playing in the big apple in the world’s most famous arena, but New Jersey is not too far out. Although it is very early, I would say the Nets are the favorites due to the close relationship between James and Nets shareholder Jay-Z.

 

2. Will Kobe Demand a Trade?

COMMENT: Last summer, Kobe expressed a desire to be traded and nothing came of it. Instead of being a cry baby about it, Kobe showcased himself to the best of his abilities, and he was awarded with the MVP honor for his efforts. He wouldn’t say he was satisfied, because his Lakers fell short in the NBA Finals to the Celtics. Kobe is said to be sick and tired of running the show by himself, and would prefer to be somewhere else, but my money is on him remaining a Laker through next season.

3. Will the Celtics Repeat?

COMMENT: There has been a lot of talk about whether or not the Celtics will be able to repeat next season. They are looking to add more depth to their bench, and have been in talks with Corey Maggette. They had only one pick in the draft and didn’t make much of it. I think the Spurs would be my early favorite to win it all due to their experience and sound fundamentals. They just have to make sure that they do not shut down on offense like they did in against the Lakers. Other teams that will surely be in contention are the Hornets, Suns, Cavaliers, and Magic.

4. How do the Knicks Fix Their Problems?

COMMENT: The Knicks were nothing short of a disaster last season, and they decided to change direction. The first act of duty was to get rid of Isiah Thomas. Then, the Knicks replaced Thomas with former Phoenix Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni. They drafted Danilo Gallinari with the sixth overall pick, although that was much chagrin to the New York fans. The latest move was the Knicks’ signing of free agent point guard Chris Duhon. That may signify the end of the line for Stephon Marbury, which would be the best course of action for both parties. Other Knicks that need to go are Jerome James, Eddy Curry and/or Zach Randolph. The Knicks need to have a better attitude in the locker room. The process will take a couple of years.

5.  Who Will Win Rookie of the Year?

COMMENT: I think the man who will be pronounced 2008/09 rookie of the year this season will be Michael Beasley of the Miami Heat. Beasley has a huge upside for the Heat, and also may have the opportunity to post big fantasy numbers. He should go as a fourth or fifth round pick in most fantasy drafts. Other guys who have a shot at Rookie of the Year are Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo and Danilo Gallinari. Who knows? Maybe someone no one is thinking of will become the NBA’s new phenom. It could happen.

HEAT: Marion Likely Staying Put

Miami Heat small forward Shawn Marion will likely return to the Miami Heat next season, according to his agent.

BOTTOM LINE: Marion will likely stay on to help Dwayne Wade lead Miami back into a winning pattern. With Michael Beasley likely coming on board, that will be easier to do.

2008 NBA Draft Guards Preview

By: Michael Ganci

Update! Writer

The big question of the NBA draft is whom the Chicago Bulls are going to draft with the number one overall pick. Various media outlets have them taking homegrown guard Derrick Rose of Memphis with the top selection, but other experts think they will go with big man Michael Beasley of Kansas State. Either way, they are going to score big. The guards are the players who dictate the temp of the game. They have to be masterminds to be successful. UPDATE! presents its Top 10 point guards of the 2008 NBA Draft Class:

PG, 6-3, 190, Memphis
Comment: The Chicago boy is going to be going number one overall and he has all the makings to be a bonafide superstar for many years to come. Many people have compared him to Deron Williams, and if that pans out, the Chicago Bulls will be set for many years to come.
Prediction: Chicago Bulls at No. 1

PG/SG, 6-3, 199, Arizona
Comment: When you look up athleticism, ability to shoot, and quickness, Bayless is probably the first player you think of. He has a great move to the hole, and is capable of finding the open man. The one thing he needs to work on is the turnover factor. He gives up the ball way too much, and will have to lead a more disciplined game to be a success in the NBA.
Prediction: Seattle Sonics at No. 4

PG/SG, 6-5, 195, USC
Comment: The Knicks have been starting for a guy who can run the team from the point, and they may have found that guy in Mayo. They are known to either be picking a guard or a shot blocking big man with this pick. He averaged 20 points per game last season, and Knicks fans would love to see him at the point instead of Stephon Marbury.
Prediction: New York Knicks at No. 6

SG, 6-3, 215, Indiana
Comment: He and Mayo have drawn many comparisons. He also scored over 20 points per game in college, but his distribution skills are lackluster. He can be a bit of a hog at times, but when he is on, he can be downright scary. A little bit of coaching could be the difference, and Mike Dunleavy seems like the man who would be able to pull it off.
Prediction: Los Angeles Clippers at No. 7

PG/SG, 6-3, 187, UCLA
Comment: The Jamal Tinsley days seem to be coming to an end in Indiana and Westbrook could be the guy to step in and take the helm for Larry Bird’s Pacers. He has drawn comparisons to Rajon Rondo and even Monta Ellis, and the Pacers would love to see what the combination of those two players would be like.
Prediction: Indiana Pacers at No. 11

PG, 5-11, 175, Texas
Comment: Since they lost Mike Bibby via trade with the Atlanta Hawks, the Kings haven’t had that perfect point guard who fits their system. D.J. Augustin is the guy they are looking for. His 19.2 points per game and 5.8 assists were solid for Texas. He turns the ball over a bit too much, but that could be fixed with good coaching.
Prediction: Sacramento Kings at No. 12

SG/SF, 6-7, 211, Kansas
Comment: When thinking of the Phoenix Suns, the first thing you think about is Steve Nash. The second is probably how old their team is. Brandon Rush could be the guy who finally cues Grant Hill’s exit from the game. His 13.3 points and 5 rebounds don’t exactly jump off the page, but he does the fundamentals well, and he has speed, which makes him a perfect fit for the Suns’ system. I don’t think Rush will develop into a star, but he will definitely be an adequate regular at the NBA level.
Prediction: Phoenix Suns at No. 15

PG, 5-11, 175, North Carolina
Comment: At this point, Lawson is not sure whether or not he is going to return for one more season to drive up his stock. His 12.7 points and 5.2 assists will make him a decent guard at the NBA level, but I think another year in college would probably be the best course of action for the young player.
Prediction: Denver Nuggets at No. 20

SG/SF, 6-5, 200, Western Kentucky
Comment: 20 points and 5 rebounds would suggest he can be a star, and it isn’t an unbelievable gesture, but it is unlikely. He has drawn comparisons to Anthony Parker, and could be a nice surprise for a Spurs team that is aging like crazy. He may replace a guy like Robert Horry or Brent Barry.
Prediction: San Antonio Spurs at No. 26

SG/SF, 6-7, 200, Memphis
Comment: Douglas-Roberts has been compared to Jerry Stackhouse, which probably has a lot of you wondering why I have him going this late in the draft. Turnovers are an issue with him, but he has plenty of upside. I would say he is the guy who can possibly shoot up if someone wants to take a chance with a high risk/high reward move.
Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies at No. 28

 

Reason: The Knicks cannot be successful with Jamal Crawford running the game from the point, and who knows whether or not Stephon Marbury will be back. They need a true point man who has a good feel for the court. O.J. Mayo is their man.

Reason: The Heat really need a youngster who can lead this deteriorating offense. Dwayne Wade is the only guy who has kept up his end of the bargain. Miami may do this by going after free agents, which is the most likely scenario. I believe they will draft Michael Beasley with their number two pick.

Reason: Now that the Sonics have found their franchise player in Kevin Durant, they need someone who can get him the ball and score a little bit themselves. Jerryd Bayless would make most sense for them because of his versatility, and while he may take some time to develop, he could develop into a nice player..

Reason: The Jamal Tinsley days seem to be numbered in Indiana, and they are looking for a guy to replace him. Russell Westbrook from UCLA could certainly be that guy. He can score and move very well, but he has got to watch the turnovers. With a little bit of coaching, he will be a stud. Look for the Pacers to use their first pick on a guard.