The Playoffs Are Here Baby

We're back. The 1.5 month oddyssey that is the nba playoffs has officially begun. I apologize for being a day late, but to be honest the first day action didn't affect my picks at all. Without further ado...

(L)Eastern Conference
Nets-Raptors- I really want to root against Vince Carter. My associate El Miz has finally convinced me of his complete cowardice. Anyone who quits on a team to be moved to another is a punk. That being said, he's still a fantastic player. Maybe top-10 in the league. I do like the running style the Nets play in spurts too. There's no one better on the break than J-Kidd (yes, on the fast break, he's better than Nash).
Thing to Watch: will Chris Bosh move from star to super star with an unreal series, or will he remain at his very solid regular season numbers?
The Pick: Nets in 6

Magic-Pistons- Not much to this one. The Pistons are too talented and experienced for these young Magic. At every position they have at least a slight edge (I'm counting Webber and Rasheed as one vs. Dwight). Chauncey will start to step it up slowly as there is no one who can even try and guard him. Jameer Nelson? no thanks.
Thing to Watch: will the Pistons take care of business in 4 games, and help themselves out in the future? Or will they struggle and lose a game or two in Orlando?
The Pick: Pistons in 4

Cavs-the artists formely known as the Wizards- This one is a bit tough for AO to talk about. Imagine your favorite team who hasn't made the playoffs much in your life. They are having their finest season, poised to make a run deep into the playoffs. And then Boom, your second best player gets hurt. Whatever, at least you still have your #1 stud, anything can happen. Boom, again. Your 2 best players on the shelves for the playoffs. I will love it if my boys just compete and play hard. Next year Wizkids, next year. And one more thing, FUCK Lebron James.
Thing to Watch: Will the Wizards be pesky and maybe even steal a game in DC. Also, will Lebron continue to play through all his injuries and soreness, or maybe take a game off if the Cavs are up 2-0 or 3-0.
The Pick: Cavs in 5

Bulls-Heat- Maybe the best series in either conference. You have the defending champs who are just regaining their health vs. a young upstart trendy pick for the finals, The Bulls. The key matchup in this series is going to be D-Wade vs. Kirk Hinrich. Hinrich is the man. He runs this team that feeds of his ballhandling and dishing, but more importantly he takes the assignment of D-Wade. He guards him better than anyone else in the league. Also, look out for Luol Deng having a huge series. His mid range J is flawless.
Thing to Watch: Can D-Wade regain his Flash superhuman ability in the clutch and carry the Heat to steal a game in Chicago. Because if he can't, this could get ugly for the overrated Heat.
The Pick: Bulls in 6

Western Conference
Mavericks-Warriors- It's out in the open. The Warriors want the highly touted Mavs. They went 3-0 against them in the regular season and are confident they can contend at a high level over a 7 game series with one of the best teams since Air Jordan descended from his throne. I personally hope the Warriors aren't all talk, because I do see some vulnerability in the Mavs. They can get very passive on offense, just feeding it off to Dirk at the post, and standing around. Devin Harris and Stackhouse are the key for this team, if they want to go one step further than they did last year, and be the ones pouring Cristal on the last day.
Thing to Watch: Will Stephen Jackson stay out of trouble for this whole series (on and off the court). AO says no, he's due for a blowup.
The Pick: Mavs in 6

Suns-Lakers- It's really too bad. This year just aint the same. The Mamba is still firing at an absurd level (another scoring title). But, his team just sucks. Lamar is really slacking, and I don't blame him with all the shit he went through in the offseason. I'm really disappointed in Bynum. I figured with a whole season of playing time under his belt, the kid would progress. As for the Suns, they are my pick to win the whole shabangabang. Their starting 5: nash, bell, diaw, marion, and amare is the most fearsome 5 in the association. Too much here for the Lakers. Sorry, Kobe, you aint even getting 1 this year.
Thing to Watch: The Prince of Pints vs. Raja Bell. Raja has openly admitted his hatred for Kobe, and has "no respect" for him. Kobe will net at least 55 in one of these games.
The Pick: Suns in 4

Nuggets-Spurs- Here it is baby. With the demise of the Wizards, almost all of my attention and support is with AI and his squad. Very exciting time. This series has no ceiling. It's gonna be a battle between a slow it down boring as shit Tim Duncan fundamental style and the run and gun thug badass Nuggies. I don't want to sound too confident, but I like our style vs. theirs. The NBA is evolving. Up and down play is the way to go. I know the Spurs play great defense and all, but if they want to the Nuggets can ball on that end of the court as well. Marcus Camby is not gonna have to guard Duncan (Nene will) so he can just roam the rim and swat and weasely French floaters that Parker throws up.
Thing to Watch: Look our for "The Lineup". I have been scouting this team out for the playoffs the day AI was traded. And when they played their best, and their most confident basketball they had this team on the floor: AI, JR Smith, Melo, Nene, and Camby. This 5 scares people. The question is, will Karl ditch his white losers Blake and Kleiza and let these 5 scare the Spurs?
The Pick: Nuggets in 7

Rockets-Yazz- This one for me is pretty clear cut. If the Rockets were healthy all year long, they would have contended with Phoenix for the 2 seed. Any team with 2 top 10 players has got to be a title-contender, and thats exactly what I think the Rockets are. Yao has been a beast all year and has totally lived up to the hype of a #1 pick. And T-Mac is just the man, definitely one of my favorite ballers. The Yazz don't have enough firepower to win this one. Boozer just has a really bad matchup. His game is being a bull around the rim and fading away for little fallaway jumpers and sometimes taking it strong to the rim (ala Elton Brand), but when there's a 7 foot 5 freakshow in the middle, it makes that extremely tough.
Thing to Watch: Can T-Mac and Yao stay healthy. These guys are scary to watch play, for two reasons. One, their so good. Two, they can get hurt at any minute it seems.
The Pick: Rockets in 5

Yooooooooooooooust. There it is kiddies. NBA Playoffs- round 1-- where dreams begin to come true.

I'll be back for the second round.

And when the games are over, get the fuck outside, its finally nice out.

AO

Where did the Clouds Go

The NBA is in full force right now. NasisComing could not be more excited. Some teams are looking poised to make a run (Spurs, Nuggets, Cavaliers, Heat) and some are losing their early season magic (Wizards, Magic)

However, there are other things going on in the world before the playoffs. This 10 games left period of the NBA is huge and requires more attention, attention that NasisComing cannot give right now due to the beautiful weather in Brighton, MA.

And that is what I'd like to chat about. The outdoors brings out another side of me. I love feeling the warm rays of the sun. I love looking out in the morning and squinting because the Sun is waking up, right in my face. The sky cannot be blue enough. Rain clouds are gone, the icy-devil Winter has passed.

In light of this blessing called Spring, I am pledging to go back to our roots and spend more time outdoors. Its near impossible to be outside in the Winter here in heinous Brighton, but it is also easy to get accustomed to sitting on your ass all day and staying inside, despite the changing weather outside.

But, I do live in a haven of Brighton. 25 Gerald Rd. I am going to be living it up in the backyard. Barbequing til the chicken's gone. Slapping burgers together every weekend. Tossing bags with DJ John Donley. Hitting the links with Sveagle Mania. Toking Ls with Aggies, Sir Boom, and Macdeezy. Most importantly, hitting glass and saving points OUTDOORS, Isla Vista style.

So, all of you Brighton inhabitants, join me. Come outdoors, and get loose. Eat some good food. And as Biggie said-- enjoy the women the weather and the weed, sticky green.

Second Half Magic

The Big Shot's excited for the 2nd Half

It's about time to get back on track here at NasIsComing.

I've heard too much fucking talk about how bad the Eastern Conference is this year. As VanDyne would say, I get your pint, yes the Western Conference is better. But, the West was better last year too right? And who won the title again? Yea, thought so.

I think the Western Conference playoffs are going to be the pinnacle of my NBA life. There are legitimately 6 teams that could advance to the finals. Here they are with a brief summary of why (in no order):

Rockets- This team has played unreal ball since Yao has gotten hurt. Tracy McGrady has willed his team to hold on to its positions in the standings (currently 5th). Van Gundy is coaching the hell out of this squad too. He has taken Luther Head (not particulary good anything) and made him a fantastic role player. Rafer Alston is officially a legitimate NBA point guard. If anyone saw this guy play his first year in the league. You would laugh if I told you he'd shed his "Skip to my Lou" alias.

Lakers- Kobe. Kobe. Kobe. Read my last post, fear him. Best player in the world. Can't be stopped when he wants to score. He will get all the calls from the officials in the playoffs. And this is a team that had a 3-1lead on the Suns last year. Another year of experience. A healthy Odom. Much improved interior defense with Bynum and Kwame. If they win the title this year, I think Kobe immediately jumps into best player of all time discussion.



Nuggets- I still haven't given up on my adopted team. They have yet to have a stretch where their best team is on the court together for more than a couple of games. Here's a lineup to ponder: AI, JR Smith, Carmelo, Nene, Camby. That is the most talented lineup you'll find in the Association. I still think if they garner some momentum with a good last 10 games (9-1, or 8-2), they will come roaring into the playoffs. Main reason they could still win that no one would think of: Nene. Watch this guy play. He looks like a slightly shorter Dwight Howard. So big and strong and athletic. Kudos to Denver for inking this guy for a few years after his depressing early career.



Spurs- the best executing team in da League. Poppobitch is a great coach I must admit. Watch them at the end of any game. If they are down 1 or tied, and absolutely need a bucket to win or extend the game, they WILL get an open shot. He diagrams shit beautifully to free up a role player i.e. Bowen or Brent bones Berry for a wide open shot. Plus, they run the Pick and Roll better than anyone with Duncan and Parker (Nash and Amare could be close, more on that later). X-factor: Manu Ginobli. When will we see him consistently play up to his potential. This Aregentine bastard can control the entire 4th quarter of games. On both ends of the floor. I've seen him do it. But, then he'll defer to Duncan and Parker sometimes. For them to go deep, Manu must Man up.



Suns- I am down on the Suns right now. They have been my pick to win it all season, but ehhh. Losing to Philly last night?? Come on. Alright, it was their first road loss to the Eastern Conference this year which is absurd. But, here's why I'm slightly down on them: they refuse to make Amare their alpha dog. I hate Shawn Marion. They run more pick and rolls with him and Stevie MVP Nash then they do with Amare. It infuriated me. Amare is a manchild, a beast, a freak born to dominate the sport of basketball. Run your offense through him once in a while. If they play the Spurs or Mavericks, I think D'Anazi will adjust. Amare can plague their bigs with foul trouble and dominate just like he did his rookie season against the Big Fundamental.
Mavericks- 48 of their last 53. Not much I need to say here. No legitimate post presence is their only weakness. Although Zee Big German will do anything and everything to help his team. So, yea, they have no weaknesses. But, something in my gut tells me they will be heavily tested throughout the playoffs. I know they were last year, but this year their record is by far the best in the NBA so everyone's going gaga over AJ's squad. I can't explain it, but I would not pencil them in to the finals just yet.

As for the Leastern Conference, I say to my loyal readers: beware of the 'dog. I am a disciple of the Eastern Conference, as that is where my team lies. And these guys are not fucking retards running around. They're not the NBDL. They're not the WNBA. There are simply less stars in the East, and less dominant teams. Key word, dominant. And that's quite alright. I think the Eastern Conference playoffs will be a war, a ugly battle it out fucking war. And whatever team emerges will have some unreal chemistry going on. My pick would be the Bulls right now. They are so damn feisty. They get stops when they need them. Ben-G plays on another planet in the 4th quarter. Hinrich is a classic facilitator. He plays a lot like someone I remember from the 90s...some other white point guard...oh yea Scott Skiles, his damn coach. But he's so much more than a passer. He's a gamer. Scores when he needs to, and drives and kicks better than anyone in the league. Watch a Bulls game, it is so simple what they do. Beat their man and dish it out. 15 foot jumpers ALLLL DAAAAY LONG. Again though, no close-to-legit post presence. Ben Wallace and PJ Brown? Vomit.
I have no energy to discuss the Wizards slump right now. It's depressing. Antawn and Caron are out but are headed back to the hardwood within 2 weeks. Agent Zero is trying to hold it down. But the quality of his shots is spiraling downward because teams have to focus on 1 thing: stopping him. he can't kick it out to his running mates to help him out. Sad times in Wizland...

In closing I would like to give a shoutout to one of my buddy's teams. One of the youngest most exciting, but bad, teams in the A. Formerly known as the jailblazers, the Portland Trailblazers have so much to be excited about in the future. Brandon Roy, Zach Randolph, Jarret Jack, Martell Webster, LaMarcus Aldridge. That's 5 players with the potential to be all stars. Who else can you say that about? The Celtics have some good young talent, but only Gerald Green is worth salivating over.

This could be the finest season of the NBA in my lifetime. I invite all of you who are on the cusp of entering the euphoric circle of being a true-NBA fan, to take that extra step. Fuck school, come over to 25 G and watch some league action.

Read systemicide.blogspot.com for any life info outside of basketball. Boycott feedthecreatures because of its teasing habits. Go Nugz. Go Wiz.

Risen Above

I have been caught up in this whole Gilbert Arenas thing. I admit it. I'm a huge 'Zards fan, and he was the EC player of the month. I might even deem him the best scorer in the league right now. But, thankfully, I caught the Lakers last night on national TV. They beat SacTown in OT in Arco Arena, which is never an easy place to play. Anyways, watching #8... er #24...reminded me of his greatness. I am a Kobe fan simply because of his greatness. I love the sport too much not to like the person in the world who best plays it. He dominates. And the best part is this year, he has got immeasurably better by scoring 7 points less a game.



Kobe is averaging 29 a game this year. But, he is blowing his absurd 35 ppg season out of the water with his newly acquired team play. He always seems to make the next pass now. He trusts the guys out on the hardwood with him. Smush, Luke. whoever. He doesn't scowl when they miss open threes, he claps and tells them "shoot that all day baby." The Lakers are 21-11, a mere 2.5 games behind the team many think is the best the Association has to offer (the Phoenix D'Anantonis). They are still winning games without Lamar Odom, by far the second best player on the team. Lamar was averaging a ridiculous 17 9 and 5 before he sprained his knee. Kobe torched the Bobcats for 58 in a loss soon after the injury. Everyone thought oh shit here he goes. We're gonna go right back to the absurd scoring numbers coupled with playing .500 ball. But, no, Kobe is a changed man my friends. It's team first.



This is something he has never learned in his career. Early, he was playing under Shaq and did defer to him, but he never liked it. He wanted to shine. He knew his potential for greatness. So once the Big Aristotle left, Kobe took the league by storm. He dominated skill wise everyone else in the league. But, no rings. No advancement in the playoffs. Barely any playoffs for that matter. But, Phil J came back, and after last year's experiment he now knows how to win. He is only averaging 5 dimes a game, but watch a Laker game, and you'll know what I'm saying. He's dishing to Kwame Fing Brown for Christ’s sake. The biggest bust #1 of all time (thanks MJ).



But, you know what the best part of all this team play crap is. Kobe is involving his teammates, even depending on them throughout the game. But, BUUUUT, when his team needs him to dominate he can turn the switch on. Flick, boom. He goes to the rack draws a foul and finishes the shot. Or he pulls up from 30 foot and drain-o. Chuck Barkley put it cleverly last night, "Isn't it nice for you to have a Rolls Royce in the garage and be able to drive it anytime you want." I thought that was great.

Kobe has a sort of spider sense. You can pick up on it if you pay close attention. When his team needs a bucket, he goes to work. So, this is why I'm rooting for the Lake-show in the West (behind the Nugs for obvious reasons if you know me). Kobe deserves to win. I haven't seen a star player play the game this smoothly since His Airness. But, I'd like to see MJ’s numbers without Scottie. I can't remember Pip ever getting hurt for that long. Anytime KB is on TV, tune in if you’re a basketball fan. Gilbert, you're the man as well, but you knew what you were talking about when you called Kobe "still far and way the best player in the league."



Just had to settle that.



Kobe and AI square off tonight. My prediction, AI scores more, Kobe scores when he needs to, and the Lakers easily get the W.

If I Ruled the Hardwood

Well here it is. My first blog. My first public venue to write down and share my thoughts on important subjects such as Nas, The league I (NBA), the league II (NFL), The Palace that is 25 Gerald Rd., the life that is Boston College, and of course...the System.
Today, in honor of my blog title, I have an interesting challenge for myself and for all of the League I and Nas fans out there. Which NBA baller best represents Nas on the basketball court?
This is an extremely tough question. But the only way to find the answer it is to first define Nas. What has he stood for and what has he accomplished (in AOs opinion).

Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones is a man of the people. He lives to fight the System at every turn. He is Hip Hop, but not in the shit-you-hear-on-the-radio sense. He is the Man--he is real. He has never sold out, contrary to some belief. He has always remembered his roots. QB is where he's from, and I'm damn sure Nasty Nas would rather smoke a blunt with his boys in Queens than win a Grammy.

His occupation is his passion. He raps with an unparalleled poetic style. His rhymes and rhythms range from Illmatic to It Was Written to God's Son. So the question is, who balls like Nas? Who in the Association represents his fire?

When talking about his main characteristics, a few people come to mind.

Loyalty- Carmelo Anthony shares this. #15 from the Nugs never forgets his Baltimore roots. His loyalty certainly holds him from being an all around fan favorite, something Nas can relate to. Marbury and AI are two little guys that share this same fierce sense of their past. Starbury's loyalty to NY has actually helped towards the demise of his basketball game, as evidenced by unpassionate play for the Knicks recently.

Genius Style- Here, you gotta think of the young guns Cp3 and Gil Arenas. Paul has had complete control ever since he stepped on the court as a freshman at Wake Forest. He has the most poise of any young point guard I've ever seen. Gilbert's style is just as genius but in a different way. He has developed a killer instinct that he brings to his team every game. Night in and night out, he's trying to embarass teams. That's why he has dubbed this season "The Takeover." When asked about his desire to dominate, Agent Zero said: "The hibachi is coming to a city near you. I’m cooking chicken and shrimp, but if you want to throw a double team my way, filet mignon gets cooked too." You gotta love anyone as zany as that.

Un-Commercial- Here, two sharpshooters pop out in my mind- Mike Redd and Jesus Shuttlesworth aka Ray Allen. Ray Ray's got the whole movie thing going, like Nas did in Belly, and Mike Redd is scorer with the killer mentality that doesn't get much Pub. But, he hasn't done a thing in the playoffs, so he hasn't gotten to that dominant level that Escobar achieved with Illmatic. So, a nice thought, but they can't quite cut it.

Powerful- The young reverend Dwight Howard is nothing but power. Pure muscle and in your face I'm-gonna-fuck-you-up attitude. But, the problem is Dwight is a preacher's boy. He's too nice. He'll help you up off the ground, after he slams in your face. You could classify Lebron as a pretty powerful player when he drives the lane. But, my personal hatred for "The King" will keep him from being discussed in any positive ways in this blog. Reference last years playoffs and his remarks to Gilbert Arenas if you need to know why.

With all these pop up ideas, I'm going with someone I haven't mentioned. Someone I believe has all these qualities and more. I'm going with the kid from Cypress Creek High--Amare Stoudemire. The way he plays without fear and the way he doesn't hesitate to put it to "the best" reminds me most of Nas. I mean, look back at the Suns-Spurs series from '05. The Suns went down 4-1, but here were Amare's numbers against the best PF in the Association at that time: 41 and 9, 37 and 8, 34 and 11, 31 and 5, 42 and 16. That's averaging 37 and 10 against the best player on the best team that prides itself on defense!!!

This series proved Amare's potential to dominate, much like Illmatic. And what did you hear from STAT (standing tall and talented, his nickname) when he was hurt? "I'll be back" he said to all the doubters. But all the doubters continued to doubt him and they all sold out on him and jumped on the Dwight Howard train. But, don't look now Amare had 28 and 10 the other night in just 28 minutes. He's back, he's beginning to dominate again. Just like It Was Written for Nas, he knows his greatness, and this season will prove it.

Sure parts of Nas' style are in AI, Carmelo, CP3, Arenas, Kobe, or Lebron but Amare's young dominance, period of disappearance, and apparent return to dominance make me think that Amare must have "Hip Hop is Dead" running on his Ipod.

The chorus of Nas' new single says "hip hop is dead this morning". But, this morning I say The Association is alive and well. There are vets striving for rings, youngsters desperate to separate themselves from the rest, and more youngsters coming (there's some tall freshman at Ohio St. is supposed to be really good...I don't know if you have heard of him).

These youngsters have grown up watching Kobe and AI strive to be better than Jordan. #23 isn't the be all and end all of ballers. This attitude is heating up competition in high school and college gyms all around the country. And as my Teammate El Miz would say "if you can't handle the heat, get outta the kitchen." But, let me tell you something--go watch Gilbert Arenas play. Go watch Carmelo, Lebron, Joe Johnson, CP3. But, watch them for 48 minutes. And I think you'll share my feeling that not only do these guys want to stay in the kitchen, they want to be the head Chef.