Kobe Bryant

The Black Mamba's Trail

 

In his final game against the Utah Jazz, Kobe Bryant's illustrious career came to an end with a performance you had to expect with the type of player he has always been. Sure he hoisted quite a bit of shots, but he wanted to leave a lasting impression and give the Laker faithful a performance they will remember, along with those 16 championships, for a lifetime. The Black Mamba delivered in a strong way as he scored a NBA season high 60 points. His inefficiency will be well documented, but Kobe has never been one to worry about his percentage. In fact, he is probably the last player that belies what advanced analytics experts despise. Bryant will be the first to tell them off and he has a fist full of jewelry to do so. Although the game was entertaining, I have to go away from it and shed light on his career. In addition, the effect Kobe had on and off the court as well as what he meant to the game. 

Bryant's NBA Draft Profile had him listed as a mature shooting guard with the ability to score at a high rate around the basket. He was considered a fierce competitor, a winner, and extremely intelligent. The knock on him was the fact that he was 17 years old, needed to add bulk, and his ball handling skills needed work. His NBA comparison was at best the next Grant Hill. With that being said, Kobe was taken by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th selection in the 1996 NBA Draft. The Hornets would go on to send him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. At the time, he was the youngest player drafted and needed his parents to cosign his first contract. Los Angeles was infatuated with the young guard, as he played better than Larry Drew and Michael Cooper in pre-draft scrimmages. Bryant started the season on the bench behind Eddie Jones and eventually became the youngest starter in the NBA. He averaged 15.5 minutes and averaged 7.6 points per game as a contributor off the bench. He was mainly a slasher and could dunk over opponents in the paint with flair. As a result, he participated and won the 1997 Dunk Contest. Over the next few years, Bryant would use his athleticism to "ascend" to the top as one of he best shooting guards and best player in the league. His explosiveness as a player would show up in the stat sheet as he quickly became a 20-point per game scorer and became a better defender averaging a steal and block per game at one point. Along with Shaquille O'Neal, the young guard would guide the Lakers back into the NBA spotlight as they garnered three straight championships from 2000 to 2002. During the Lakers three peat, Kobe would average 25.4 points, 5.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. He would go on to hit a rough patch in his career in terms of team success, but he would elevate his game, as he got older. 

Bryant had a great two-season stretch where he put up astronomical numbers from 2005 to 2007. In the 2005-06 season, he had a great four game stretch where he averaged 45, scored 81 in a performance to remember against the Raptors, and broke Laker records for most 40-point performances and single season scoring with 2,832 points. Kobe would finish only fourth in the Most Valuable Player standings and helped guide the Lakers back into the playoffs with the return of Phil Jackson. They would lose to the Phoenix Suns in the playoffs. In 2006-07, he led them back to the playoffs after being snubbed for the MVP again. The Lakers looked well on their way to the next round as they were up 3-1 on the Suns. However, like the season before, they faltered in the first round. Jellybean Bryant had a bum knee that needed work that caused him to miss the FIBA activities that summer. This would be a blessing in disguise because it allowed him to get some rest and hone in on his craft. He recovered and began to realize he could not rely on his athleticism anymore. Being a student of the game, Kobe looked to the sustained success of the great Michael Jordan. He noticed MJ became more grounded and used his post skills to impose his will on teams later in his career. Bryant already had a smooth turnaround jumper and it was something that was well documented in his draft profile. He would go on to workout with the Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon to take his game to the next level. Kobe developed an array of post moves to go along with his patented turnaround, added great footwork, and emulated Dirk Nowitzki's ostrich shot. He would introduce these crafty skills the following season. 

Before 2007-08, Jerry West told the media Kobe wanted a trade and the Lakers were actively looking to fulfill his demand. The Lakers came really close to shipping the guard from Lower Merion High to the Bulls in a deal that included Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas, Ben Gordon, and Joakim Noah. Bryant vehemently refused the deal because he did not want to go to Chicago if he could not play with Deng. The Lakers would get off to a fast start and eventually would go on to acquire Pau Gasol from Memphis in the biggest heist in trade history. Adding Gasol to the Lakers gave them the elite big man they needed to compliment Kobe. Bryant would show off his new skills on the low block while wearing number 24. His jersey would go on to be the top selling jersey that year in China. Back to the court, Kobe and Pau would guide the Lakers to the best record, 57-25, in the Western Conference and to the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Bryant had finally won the MVP and was intent on capturing his first ring without O'Neal to prove that he could win as the undisputed number one option. The Lakers put forth a valiant effort, but the Celtics proved to be too tough and physical for them. Despite their loss, there was plenty of optimism surrounding the purple and gold as they had the looks of a team that could become a dynasty. Bryant struggled against the Celtics Fort Knox-like defense and did not trust his teammates. He realized in order to win he needed to trust his team and pick his spots as well. Bryant would go on to help the Lakers capture two more championships bringing his ring total to five and sparking conversations of him being better than Jordan. He certainly had the opportunity to tie him if the Lakers could another piece to an aging roster. 

Before 2012-13, the Lakers would complete yet another blockbuster deal as they added the best center in the NBA, at the time, Dwight Howard. With the acquisition of Howard, many spectators had the Lakers penciled in as NBA champions for that season. On the contrary, Los Angeles would struggle the entire season under Mike D'Antoni. D'Antoni and Gasol had well documented issues with one another and Kobe would question Howard's mental fortitude in the media. This is something that did not bode well with the big man and was probably the reason he ditched them for Houston the following offseason. The chemistry simply was not there for this group and it showed in their record as they went 42-40. They barely made the playoffs as an eighth seed as Kobe pushed himself to give himself a shot at a sixth ring. Consequently, he tore his Achilles against the Warriors on a drive to the basket. This would be the first of a few injuries that derailed Bryant at the back end of his career and the last time he led a team to the playoffs. The next few seasons he would struggle with injuries in his Achilles, knees, ankles, back, and shoulder. Bryant would have nights where he looked like a shadow of the megastar he used to be and other nights it would be hard to watch as he hoisted up shots. He inked a two-year 48.5 million contract that made it hard for the Lakers to reel in big name free agents like Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, and others. Others believed that free agents were turned off by the idea of playing with Bryant due to his propensity to test their toughness or competitive nature. There was no one that matched his love for the game and it is something he finally realize during his 20-year dominance. Kobe's love for the game, killer instinct, accolades, and statistics have many wondering if he is better than Jordan. 

Many have been debating if Kobe is better than or even on the same level as Jordan. In terms of numbers, both have scored over 32,000 points in their careers as Bryant is ranked one spot higher on the all time list at third place. Both were underrated passers, but Bryant is the only player ever to score over 30,000 points and total 6,000 assists. Phil Jackson coached both players and he talked about the differences between the dynamic guards in an ESPN interview in 2013. Jackson highlighted the fact that Jordan was a better leader and defender; however, Bryant had deeper range in terms of his ability to shoot from deep with ease. Jordan displayed natural leadership skills and did not have to always get emotional for his teammates to play hard. Bryant has always been emotional and at times teammates would not respond well to his words. Both were good defenders, but Jordan was more imposing. Bryant's range was superior as evidence by the game where he made a NBA record 12 three pointers. Their killer instinct is what separated them as they lived for the moment to put daggers into team's hopes and quiet crowds. Kobe is definitely on the same level as Jordan it really just depends on who you ask when you want to know who is better. 

Bryant will go down as one of the greatest Lakers of all time and that is saying a lot when you look at the long list of purple and gold legends. He helped restore a winning culture with his hard work and commitment to excellence. In his prime, Laker fans had high expectations that would often include the team winning a championship. His talent, Nike attire, and marketable persona helped him become an ambassador for the NBA overseas. Kobe's jersey and games were the most bought and viewed during his time as a professional. Today, many countries are vying for an opportunity to compete in the FIBA games because his game piqued their interest in basketball. Bryant's success as a partner with Nike helped make him a shoe icon and got every player to want his own shoe deal. Whether you are playing basketball at a local park or walking down the street, his shoe is ubiquitous. In his final season, Bryant went from one of the most hated players of all time to becoming a fan favorite by even archrivals. Although he was hated for various reasons, people recognize the type of player that he is which is a once in a generation type of talent. Players like Carmelo and Paul George shoot in high volume in their games that is reminiscent of "the Kobe System." Russell Westbrook and Andrew Wiggins display some of his characteristics as well. Westbrook plays with the same passion that the Laker legend played with and is admired by him. Wiggins has the same young body and athleticism Kobe had when he first entered the league. He too received praise from Bryant. Also, there are multiple rumors that reveal Bryant may be mentoring Kawhi Leonard at some point. This would certainly take his game to the next level and put him into the upper echelon of top players in the league. There may be players that remind us of him, but there will never be another Black Mamba. 

NFL Draft 2016

Hidden Draft Gems

 

Christian Hackenberg

Hackenberg had a good freshman year and his best year at Penn State under Bill O'Brien in 2013 when he threw for nearly 3,000 yards, 20 touchdowns, and completed almost 60 percent of his passes. He proved to be more than just hype as he was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American. The young gunslinger had a good stable of backs, good offensive linemen, and a star receiver in Allen Robinson. In 2014 and 2015, Hackenberg's numbers dipped across the board as he made erratic throws and completed less of his passes. He did not have a receiver near the caliber of Robinson and his running game did not make it easier for him. As a result, he saw his stock drop from a potential first round pick to, now, being a second or third round pick. Hackenberg is not even listed in some of the draft experts’ top five for quarterbacks. He is certainly under the radar and for teams that need a quarterback he could be a player worth drafting because of his physical tools and on the field talent. The regression of the Nittany Lion product could be due to different coaches and probably a lack of talent to compete in the Big Ten conference. Head Coach James Franklin ran a run oriented offense as opposed to O'Brien who preferred a balanced approach. Hackenberg is 6'4 and throws the ball with good zip and has toughness. He has had three years in the pro system so the transition should be smooth. Restoring his confidence and cutting back on bad throws will be key to making him a starter. With the lack of talent in college, Hackenberg could end up being a better pro player. 

CJ Prosise

Prosise is a one cut back that was probably one of the more unheralded players on the Fighting Irish offense. He made the game really easy for DeShone Kizer after Malik Zaire sustained a season ending injury. Prosise eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark-rushing total, had 500 receiving yards, and scored 12 total touchdowns last season for Notre Dame. His season would have been better, but after the USC game he had multiple injuries that shortened his year. Prosise has drawn comparisons to Duce Staley and his background as a former receiver makes him an interesting prospect in a not so deep running back class. He is an elusive runner and has enough speed to score from distance. Prosise got better with every carry during each game in which he went over 100 rushing yards. He had a good pro day and his pass catching ability was surprising to some scouts. If he can develop as a pass blocker and stay healthy, Prosise has the chance to be a good change of pace back for the team that drafts him. 

Pharoh Cooper

The South Carolina receiver had a rough NFL Combine in which he dropped a plethora of passes and did not run a 40-yard dash due to bad quadriceps. However, Cooper helped his draft cause when he caught all of his passes, performed well in rapid punt returns, and ran a 4.61 40 on his pro day. NFL scouts even noticed an improvement in Cooper's routes, which they enjoyed. He is 5'11 and 207 pounds, but Cooper was a gamer in college. He surprised the Gamecocks, as he became the go to target at receiver in 2014 when he had 1,136 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His numbers dipped to 973 yards and eight touchdowns, but that was due to bad quarterback play. Cooper brings a lot to the table as he can catch passes, run the ball, return kicks and punts, and even throw the ball. His quick cuts and burst out of his routes should help him out of the slot. He is not a traditional receiver and does not have natural speed. On the contrary, he has game speed and has the potential to be a game changer. Cooper is expected to go on the second day of the draft. 

Tyler Boyd

In the few games that I watched Boyd, I noticed that this guy had great hands and the fearlessness to go up for the catch in traffic. I mean his quarterback absolutely force-fed him at wide out and he did not care who was guarding him. Boyd had an extremely productive career at Pittsburgh where he totaled 254 catches, 3,361 receiving yards, and 21 receiving touchdowns. As a freshman, he broke multiple records owned by Larry Fitzgerald when he was a freshman. Boyd is most certainly the most decorated receiver to come out of Pitt since Fitzgerald and he shares some of his skills. Like Fitzgerald, he is not a speed demon, but he gets good separation at the top of his routes. In addition, Boyd will go up and snatch any pass in his vicinity. His numbers dipped each year as a Panther as the team would be forced to run the ball more. Boyd helped in that regard as a runner and he can return kicks. Like Cooper, Boyd is expected to be taken in the second or third round.

Jonathan Bullard

Bullard is a good defensive lineman who has the ability to play either defensive end or defensive tackle. He is best suited for a 4-3 scheme where he can excel as a tackle and cause havoc in the run game. He totaled 26 tackles for losses and nine sacks over the past two seasons for a vaunted Florida defense. At 6'3, Bullard has good size to bat passes down at the line of scrimmage with his long arms. However, at 283 pounds he is on the light side of the spectrum in terms of the prototype defensive tackle. Bullard has to rely on his ability to get off the ball well to make offensive linemen work against him. He excels in stopping the run and has enough speed to create problems in the passing game. Bullard has the skills to be a good complimentary defensive lineman to the star along the front. If he were bigger or faster, Bullard would be a first round selection. He held his own in the Southeastern Conference so that bodes well for him. Bullard should be taken in the second or third round. 

Carl Nassib

Nassib led the nation in sacks at 15.5 for the Nittany Lions stout defensive line. He showed that he is not a one trick pony as he garnered 19.5 tackles for losses and six forced fumbles. He is a towering prospect off the edge as he is 6'6 and weighs in at 277 pounds. Nassib came to Penn State as a freshman weighing 50 to 60 pounds lighter according to former head coach Bill O'Brien. It is likely he will continue to bulk up in the NFL. In addition to O'Brien, James Franklin raved about his practice effort and work ethic. As a former walk-on, it is evident that the same characteristics Nassib used to earn him a scholarship still persist. History has shown, recently, that former walk-ons progress well once they make it to the NFL. Players like JJ Watt, Antonio Brown, and Clay Matthews worked their way to stardom. Nassib has good closing speed and strength off the edge. His long arms allow him to keep offensive tackles at bay. The only knock on Nassib is the fact that he was a one-year wonder like fellow teammate Austin Johnson. He could go as early as round three.

Yannick Ngakoue

Ngakoue was extremely productive for the Terrapins of Maryland in the last two seasons off the edge. He totaled 28.5 tackles for a loss and 19.5 sacks as a starter. Ngakoue is not physically imposing as a pass rusher as he stands at 6'2. His 275-pound frame could help him because he has a lower center of gravity with raw strength. He dominated every tackle he played against including players like Brandon Scherff, Jack Conklin, and Taylor Decker. In fact, he had Scherff off balance quite a bit when Maryland played Iowa in 2014. Ngakoue has long arms and uses speed and strength to beat his opponent. The thing that stands out most on film is his ability to convert his speed to strength with tremendous force. He will have to develop his passing rushing moves to beat more established tackles in the NFL. Ngakoue is rated in the top 50 of draft prospects and could be a passing rushing specialist as a rookie. 

Kyler Fackrell

Fackrell is the new generation linebacker who has great size and the ability to defend the run and pass. Standing at 6'4, he can ruin throwing windows with quarterbacks because they have to throw over him. His size comes in handy as he blitzed the quarterback in college where he totaled 12 sacks. Fackrell defends the run at an exceptional rate with taking good angles and dissecting the play quickly with 36 tackles for a loss in his career. He averaged at least 80 tackles each season to round out his productivity. Fackrell's physical tools and productivity are most comparable to KJ Wright and Kiko Alonso. He is probably best suited to play in a 4-3 scheme as an outside linebacker, but he could play in a 3-4 at middle. Fackrell's size, instincts, productivity, and quickness have helped him jump up draft boards as a potential second rounder. Fackrell's sub par combine performance could cause him to be a third round selection.

William Jackson

Jackson possesses a 6 foot 189 pound frame, which makes him bigger than the average corner. He will fill out his body mass in the league, but he has long arms to compete on the outside. Over his first two seasons as a Cougar, Jackson had three picks and 17 passes defended. Most corners do not make that many plays in their career, but wait there is more. To follow up his stellar play, Jackson defended 23 passes and intercepted five passes. He is not a great run defender, but he will fill the gap on the outside when runners run toward the edge. The production of this corner is unreal and the most overlooked in this draft. If his on the field production was not enough, Jackson had a phenomenal combine to follow up a decorated career at the University of Houston. He ran a 4.37 40 and impressed scouts in the defensive back drills. Jackson reminds me of Eric Rowe last year when he came out of college. His speed, long arms, and desire to compete could make him a steal in a deep class of cornerbacks in this upcoming draft.  

Zak Sanchez

Sanchez is one of a few Oklahoma players that are flying under the radar in this year's draft class. He is a very intriguing prospect with high risk or high reward not only in his style of play, but also in his potential as a corner. Sanchez was thrown into the fire as a freshman and was picked on a lot by quarterbacks when they needed a big play. The experience he got helped him become a better play in 2014 as he was one of the most improved players across the country. Sanchez made a name for himself living on the edge at corner as he loves to jump routes and intercept passes. He had a game sealing interception against Oklahoma that kept the Sooners playoff hopes alive. He totaled 13 interceptions in his career as a Sooner. He is a smaller corner at 5'10 and will likely compete for a spot as a nickel corner as a rookie. Sanchez will need to become more disciplined in his technique and hit the weight room to help out in he run game. Taking risks will always be in his DNA that could help or hurt his team. 

Miles Killebrew 

Killebrew can be a Shaq Thompson or a Deone Bucanon type of player in the NFL with his supreme run game instincts and decent coverage skills to help in the pass. He will not necessarily be a safety, as he will be considered a hybrid linebacker. This is a position many teams will implement when they have a player of Killebrew's talent that they want to get on the field. Killebrew had a good combine and showed good skills in the ball drills. He has good form as a tackler with malicious intent with every hit. Killebrew will deliver bone-chilling hits into a ball carrier when he is within earshot of his opponent. He has a bad habit of waiting as a play develops and needs to get better in coverage. Bucanon took time to develop, but he saw extensive time last year for the Cardinals defense in his role. Killebrew is not nearly as adept as Bucanon is in coverage so it will take time. He could see time as a rookie as a special teams ace and possibly a defender in goal line situations.

Karl Joseph

Joseph was one of Dana Holgerson's favorite players at West Virginia with his ability to do everything despite being undersized at safety. He was a starter all four years and was an impact player from the first snap. At 5'10 205 pounds, he plays with reckless abandon as he hits offensive players with sheer force. Joseph has the instincts to play deep in cover 3 or 4 with nine career interceptions to corroborate this notion. He was a team captain as a Mountaineer and has a profound love for the game that intrigues many scouts. A torn ACL derailed the back end of his season and limited him at the combine. However, Joseph expects to be ready for training camp. If it were not for that injury, he would probably be a late first round selection. Joseph plays with a great sense of urgency in the run and aerial attack. He can play high with his playmaking ability or low with his toughness in the box. His desire to make big plays or hits can cause him to have breakdowns on the field. That is something that can be cleaned up with experience and good coaching. Joseph is comparable to players like Bob Sanders, Antoine Bethea, Donte Whitner, and Eric Weddle. His high character, multi faceted skills set, and love for the game could make him an opening day starter for whoever drafts him.

International Prospects

International Draft Prospects 2016

Dragan Bender: Croatia, 7'1, 216 lbs. (Top 5 Pick)

Bender is projected to be top five pick in this year's draft making him the highest rated foreigner in the 2016 class. His slim build likely means he is better suited to play at power forward. Bender is a versatile big who runs like a deer in transition or starts the break by throwing great outlet passes. His 9'3 standing reach gives hope for him as a good rebounder and a defensive force. On offense, the Croatian has an all around skill set including passing, post play, and shooting. He can post defenders up and pick up an assist or score around the basket. Bender's face up game is where he is proficient because he loves to use his speed to take defenders off the dribble. In addition, his shooting ability keeps defenders honest. Also, he can stretch out to make three pointers. Bender needs to add some muscle to his frame and become more explosive. He has the potential to be a good scoring option in an offense, but not necessarily a go to scorer.

Furkan Korkmaz: Turkey, 6'7, 185 lbs. (Mid-1st Rounder)

Korkmaz has the potential to be the best foreign player in this draft with his offensive repertoire. He is known for being an excellent shooter. Korkmaz has the ability to be a streaky knockdown shooter, shoot off screens, and shoot off the dribble. He has good form, a high release, and extension on his shot. Korkmaz shooting sets up a lot of the things he likes to do. His shooting ability spaces the floor and allows him to be a good playmaker. Korkmaz has a sneaky way of changing direction with the ball as he drives to the rack where he can finish with an emphatic dunk. He struggles against size, but his 185-pound frame should fill out, as he gets older. Defensively, Korkmaz has to become more disciplined and focus in on his assignment. He has the tendency to stand straight up and lose his defender with mental lapses. 

Timothe Luwawu: France, 6'7, 205 lbs. (1st Rounder)

The first thing you notice when one watches Luwawu is his lanky frame and the wingspan of a pterodactyl. He follows suit by using that 7'2 wingspan by playing above the rim with ease and finishing with his left or right hand. Luwawu is a marginal shooter so early on in his career many defenders will allow him to take intermediate and long range jumpers. If he can set his feet and stay balanced, he can make a jumper with his clean follow through. Luwawu can handle the rock as he uses his long strides in the transition game or in the half court running pick and rolls. He is crafty with the ball with a smooth hesitation move to get where he wants. The Frenchman has to learn how to play with composure when defenders get up and into him. He ends up turning the ball over a lot or takes low percentage shots. Also, Luwawu lacks the awareness, defensively, to be on the court at times.

Ivica Zubac: Croatia, 7'1 260 lbs. (Late 1st Rounder) 

The Croatian has excellent size to enter the NBA and be a rotation player as a rookie. His size allows him to hold his own on the low block as well as post up where he can finish with a hook or spin toward his right shoulder. Also, Zubac uses his length to rebound on the offensive glass and alter shots defensively. He has defensive potential so he just needs good coaching on fundamentals and he will get better with game experience. He has soft hands and catches everything cleanly in the post. Zubac loves to use his speed to beat bigs down the court or diving to the basket on pick and rolls. However, he has to improve his pick and roll defense. When he switches onto a guard, Zubac looks really awkward and gets blown by. He needs to box out more often or the elite bigs will out rebound him. Finally, he is not athletic due to his knee injuries. 

Guerschon Yabusele: France, 6'8, 260 lbs. (Late 1st/ Early 2nd Rounder)

Yabusele plays with good energy and a high motor for an undersized big. I think he takes it personal when he plays bigger players because he is ultra aggressive and tries to dominate them. Yabusele is extremely strong and explosive when finishing in the paint. He is dexterous and maintains good body control in the air offensively and defensively. The Frenchman uses pump fakes to keep defenders on their heels and has a good drop step. He is as quick as a cat in transition. Yabusele uses that quickness to disrupt passing lanes with his seven-foot wingspan. His long arms also help him out rebound others. With his size and body frame, he is easily comparable to DeJuan Blair. Yabusele can be a bit over aggressive at times that can get him into foul trouble. His jumper needs work and he struggles against athletic bigs.

Ante Zizic: Croatia, 6'10, 240 lbs. (Early 2nd Rounder)

Zizic could earn the reputation as the toughest foreigner in this year's class. He does not excel at one skill, but he does everything with a great deal of energy. Offensively, he is another big that is fleet of foot. Zizic will run in transition and set good hard screens so he can dive to the basket. He can manufacture easy points by attacking the glass for easy put backs. Defensively, he makes it hard for defenders to post him up. Against the pick and roll, Zizic competes hard even when he is matched up against guards. He does not have good lateral quickness as a defender and his jumper needs to be developed. The word that best describes Zizic is: fighter. He will not “wow” you with his stats, but when you watch the film his impact is felt on both ends. Zizic will be a good change of pace backup big like Tyler Hansbrough or Luis Scola.

Juan Hernangomez: Spain, 6'9, 220 lbs. (2nd Rounder)

Hernangomez is an all or nothing type player meaning it's either a basket at the rim or a three-point bomb. He is a smart player with a good feel for the game offensively. The Spaniard has a nice shot with a quick shooting motion. He hardly takes a bad shot when he has the ball and he is good in pick and pop situations. He can come off screens well as a shooter and can make a cut toward the basket if the defender is overzealous. Hernangomez can occasionally put the ball on the deck and finish in the paint. He is tough on the glass as well with his relentless pursuit. Hernangomez is a tweener as he is not quick enough to defend wing players, but not strong enough against big men. 

Isaia Cordinier: France, 6'5, 183 lbs. (2nd Rounder)

Cordinier is a supreme athlete with long strides in the open court. He loves attacking the rim with malice. He will run a lot of backdoor cuts to generate his points and he slashes to the rim with the ball. Cordinier shoots the ball with more confidence than he did a year ago with great elevation on his shot that makes it hard to block. He has good arc on his shot; however, it still needs some work. The French guard can pass well too with flashy ball movement. On defense, he plays an annoying brand with good energy and pesky play. Cordinier is willing to stick his nose in the paint and rebound for his team. His intangibles are what make him an intriguing second round selection. Cordinier is a gym rat and plays with a tremendous amount of heart according to his coach in France. Cordinier is better off at shooting guard, but he will need to guard point guards. He does struggle with playing through contact; in addition, teams are not so high on him because he does not play in the best French league. He will be a project player wherever he is drafted. If what Cordinier's coach says is true, his commitment to the game should pay dividends.

Best SG

Shooting Guard Arms Race

The shooting guard position has a rich history with players that people, today, still recognize and pay homage to. Jerry "Mr. Clutch" West dominated the position in the 60s and early 70s with a relentless style of play on both ends. His ability to thrive in every statistical category helped him win a championship and be the poster boy for the association. Today, he is still a main cog in the NBA as he is the league's world-renowned logo. In the 70s and early 80s, the league saw "Pistol" Pete Maravich and George "Iceman" Gervin share the best two-guard title as they revolutionized the position. They took on more of a scoring role and shot more three pointers, which made shooting guard the flashiest position on the floor. From there, Michael Jordan took over and brought the NBA more fans around the world with his athleticism and sheer desire to be great. His scoring and six championships still have people believing he is the greatest shooting guard of all time. After Jordan, Kobe Bryant came along and was unanimously named the best shooting guard during his prime as he put together over a ten-year run of dominance. This included five championship rings and dubious Jordan-like performances. During The Black Mamba's run of dominance, Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Dwyane Wade had years of outstanding play that gave them recognition as one of the best with Bryant. With Wade and Bryant on the downside of their illustrious careers, there is a void left at the top of the shooting guard mountain. 

For the last few seasons, James Harden has undoubtedly been the best off guard in the league. The climb to the top for him was not easy as he made a name for himself as a sixth man for the Thunder. Harden would come off of Oklahoma City's bench and give his team the boost it needed as a scorer and facilitator. Before the 2012- 13, he was surprisingly traded to Houston after both sides failed to agree on a contract extension. Due to his lackluster NBA Finals performance, many wondered if he could lead a team on his own, but he answered those questions emphatically as he led his team to the postseason. What he lacks in defensive ability he makes up for in his ability to score. Harden has a streaky shooting ability that allows his team to always have a chance to make a comeback. He "cooks" opponents up on a nightly basis with his ability to shoot, score in the paint, and knack for getting to the charity stripe. "The Beard's" propensity to get to the line makes him someone you love to root for if he is on your team, but hate if he is not. In the last four seasons, Harden has averaged 26.8 points, 6.6 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game that places him near the top of each statistical category at his position. Nevertheless, in the Rockets quest to win a championship, Harden is perfect for their analytical approach, which is shoot efficiently from long range and get to the free throw line. His reign as the best off guard could be over as he has competition from two rising stars. Klay Thompson of the Warriors and Jimmy Butler of the Bulls have arrived at the top of the mountain and look to share or take the title for the best two guard for themselves.

Thompson and Butler have come on strong these last two seasons for their respective ball clubs. Thompson came into the league as a spot up shooter. He has surpassed all expectations and turned himself into an All-Star as well as a second option for his team. Thompson has averaged 22.2 points along with over three long-range field goals the last two years while shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc. Despite Golden State's Draymond Green being known as their defensive stalwart, the other half of the Splash Brothers does his fair share of defensive duties. Thompson often finds himself locked up with the opposing team's best perimeter threat. His two-way play has been an integral part in the Warriors two-year dominance. Thompson is thought of as just a great shooter, but his game continues to evolve with his ability to shoot off the dribble, post defenders, and get inside the paint. His scoring ability widens the court and opens driving lanes for his teammates. Thompson is earning more respect from those around the league and the world as he has proven he is more than capable of taking over for his team. His quiet approach should not belie his competitive nature because he is a silent assassin. 

Chicago is no stranger to boasting the best shooting guard in the NBA. The aforementioned Jordan brought much pride and joy to the city as he dominated the league along with the position itself. Butler is nowhere near the level of number 23, but he is certainly no scrub. He came into the league as a rotation player and at best a solid defensive player. With grit, determination, and scrappy play, Butler has been that rock turned to diamond for the Bulls as he has now become the team's best player. He is a blue chip player, which seems to be a common theme amongst former Marquette players like Jae Crowder, Wade, and Wesley Matthews.  He became a tougher and more confident player under Tom Thibodeau's tutelage. Early on, Butler could not shoot, dribble, or score on a consistent basis. With disheartening injuries to Chicago's star and players, the team found someone they could trust and go to in big moments. Butler has averaged 20.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game there's last two years and can occasionally set teammates up with his passing. He is known for his in between play, ability to finish in traffic, get to the line, and timely steals leading to transition dunks. When he is locked in, Butler has the ability to drop 40 on the man in front of him. His commitment to excellence earned him Most Improved Player and made him an All-Star in recent years. Thompson and Butler's growth has allowed them to reopen the debate for who is at the top of the shooting guard mountain.

Sure Thompson and Butler are not as box office as Harden, but they should not be discounted as two of the best players at their position. Harden is most certainly the best scorer and he has the stats to supersede this crop of players. However, Thompson and Butler's newfound abilities to put points up in bunches along with their two way play has closed the gap in the shooting guard race significantly. Each of these guys brings something the other guy cannot do to the table. This debate is likely something that will continue until one of these players dominates at a higher level or separates themselves with championships. Jordan and Kobe made it hard to dispute their superiority as shooting guards in both regards.

Buddy Hield

The Evolution of Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield has, literally, come a long way in his basketball journey. Hailing from Freeport, Bahamas, he has always maintained that sweet jump shot, passion for the big moment, and charisma. Hield was recognized as the best Bahamian player as an eighth grader and would go on to have a decorated high school career. However, it was not until a 35-point outburst in a Kansas Adidas 64 Invitational with highly touted teammate Perry Ellis that gave Hield the recruiting buzz he needed. Josh Pastner of Memphis and Bill Self of Kansas were in attendance as they took notice of the Bahamian sharpshooter. Hield would go on to choose Oklahoma over Kansas to continue his basketball career.

Through the years at Oklahoma, Hield has always shown up in big games. His natural scoring ability made him the go to scorer as a freshman and over the years he has mastered new ways to put up points. Early on, Hield was a spot up shooter and had a flare for getting into the open court for runaway dunks and lay ups. Now, Hield can put the ball on the deck and get to the rim as well as shoot off the dribble. His length allows him to rebound better than a player at 6'4. Hield has never been the primary playmaker for the Sooners, as he has never averaged more than 2.1 assists in his career. Jordan Woodard has always been the one to allow him to play off the ball as well as Isaiah Cousins. After a stellar junior season, many believed Hield was destined for the NBA as a potential first round selection. He was a third team All-American, first team All-Big 12 player, and the Big 12 Player of the Year. In addition, Hield navigated Boomer Sooner nation to a surprise Sweet 16 appearance. There was more risk than reward for the spunky shooting guard to return to OU right? Wrong. Hield stayed true to a promise he made as a true freshman.

When he first stepped foot on campus, Hield vowed to do everything in his power to make sure he took Oklahoma to a Final Four. Also, he came back for another year because he never beat Kansas in the Phog Allen Fieldhouse. Hield came up short in early January in a three-overtime thriller against Kansas. Hield finished with 46 points in a valiant effort in which he received a standing ovation from the Kansas faithful. Throughout the year, he has shown great improvement in his all around game. Hield used to force shots and not trust his teammates earlier in his career. He has realized he cannot win games alone and has let his teammates ease his workload. Hield has even improved as an on ball defender this season. The killer instinct and high motor he has developed in the last two years is what truly separates him from any other player in America. This has scouts clamoring for the opportunity to watch him live and have the opportunity to draft him this offseason.

The Sooners run to the Final Four has been tremendous and appealing to the average spectator. The biggest difference between this year's bunch and last year's is mental toughness and finishing games. The senior guard demonstrates those qualities in his own game. Whether it is against a gritty Hawaii team on the road in mid December, big 12 foes West Virginia and Iowa State, or a battle tested Virginia Commonwealth team that held him in check in the first half, Hield has adapted and silenced critics as well as opponents. That is how Oklahoma has made it all the way to the Final Four and perhaps on the cusp of a national championship.

Hield has certainly had a decorated career at Oklahoma and could go down as one of the best NCAA players of all time. He has been exciting to watch since his first game as a Sooner. Hield has morphed himself into a dynamic two-way player with the composure to take over big games in front of NBA scouts and his idol Kobe Bryant. The talent has always been there for him as well as the NBA future, but his drive and commitment to excellence has propelled him to stardom and into the top 10 as a future NBA lottery selection. 

Playoffs 2015

NBA First Round Expectations

Western Conference

(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) New Orleans Pelicans

This should be a good series for Golden State as they embark on their journey as the top seed in the West. The Warriors are led by MVP candidate Steph Curry and Klay Thompson as they lead a potent offense. However, the arrival of Steve Kerr has helped invigorate their defense. Draymond Green and Andrew Bogut echo Kerr’s sentiments defensively and bring toughness to a perimeter-oriented bunch. Together the Warriors won 67 games and never lost more than four games each month. Anthony Davis and the Pelicans sealed their playoff fate when they staved off a late rally against the Spurs Wednesday night. New Orleans helped keep their hopes alive even when things were looking grim without Davis. They will look to upset the Warriors especially after they felt they were disrespected during their last match up with them. Davis should have favorable matchups because he is too fast for Bogut and David Lee as well as too big for Green. New Orleans might have a brief postseason, but Davis will leave his mark.

(2) Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks

These are two teams that hate each other starting at the very top with Darryl Morey and Mark Cuban. It all started when Dwight Howard spurned the Mavericks when he chose the Rockets over them. Then, Cuban was able to finalize a deal that the Rockets could not match for Chandler Parsons. Finally, Jason Terry was once a Maverick. I know I am reaching there, but that just adds to the rivalry and makes this series must see television. There are matchups worth watching all over as well with Monta Ellis versus Harden, Trevor Ariza versus Parsons, and Howard versus Tyson Chandler. Houston will have to figure out how to stop Dirk Nowitzki and limit Rajon Rondo's drive and kicks. This series could very well come down to "Hack a Dwight", which could make these games unbearable to watch. The Rockets are talented, but they rely too much on Harden. I like the Mavs experience and depth to prevail here in this series.

(3) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (6) San Antonio Spurs

At one point, I had the Spurs and Clippers set to face off in the Western Conference Finals. It’s amazing how unpredictable the West can be. This matchup spells bad news for the Los Angeles Clippers because the Spurs are peaking at the right time. Chris Paul will probably be matched up against Kawhi Leonard or Danny Green since the Clippers lack an elite wing threat. Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan are vastly improved since their last playoff series against San Antonio. They will have to dominate their matchups and get help from JJ Redick as well as the bench. The Big 3 for the Spurs should be well rested and is up to the task and their bench will be ready. Los Angeles winning this series is not as farfetched as it seems, but the experience and depth of the Spurs should overcome the Clippers talent.

(4) Portland TrailBlazers vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies

This series could have so much potential if every other player was not injured or hurt. The TrailBlazers lost Wesley Matthews and have to wait and see how long Nicolas Batum and CJ McCollum could be out. LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard already carry a ton of their team's weight, yet they should be up to the task. On the other hand, the Grizzlies are without Tony Allen and Mike Conley. Marc Gasol is nursing an ankle injury, but he should be fine. Both teams have contrasting styles, as the Blazers are more uptempo while the Grizzlies want to slow it down. Portland has the big men to compete with Zach Randolph and Gasol. The first key to this series will be perimeter shooting. Portland will shoot it well as for Memphis they struggle from outside. The final key to this series could be who gets healthier the fastest. The team that gets key players back from injury could prove dividends in the end. I like Portland to win this series because they are balanced.   

Eastern Conference 

(1) Atlanta Hawks vs. (8) Brooklyn Nets

For a little over a decade, Atlanta has always been a city riddled with good teams not living up to postseason expectations. As a result, the people of Atlanta always remain skeptical whether its the Falcons, Braves, or Hawks. The Hawks won 60 games and went from the Eastern conference's cellar playoff teams to a penthouse Finals contender. After a hot start and securing the top seed, they have been on cruise control for the last two weeks. The Brooklyn Nets have the star power necessary to give them a tough seven game series, but are simply too capricious. In addition, the Nets lost all four games to the Hawks by an average of 17. It will be interesting to see if the Hawks come out playing loose or uptight with the pressure growing from their rejuvenated fan base. The Hawks should come out with a ton of energy and look to cement themselves as a true contender. I think Atlanta's playoff demons will not be resurrected at least not in this series.

(2) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (7) Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics were 19-35 at the All-Star break after they were left for dead following the trade sending Rajon Rondo to the Mavs. Jared Sullinger suffered what appeared to be a season ending injury. Almost everyone thought they were headed towards pulling the plug, but Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge had other plans. They made a trade for Isaiah Thomas, which at the time was nothing more than a blip on the massive trade day deadline radar. Stevens was able to instill that same Butler Bulldogs toughness in his players and galvanize this bunch, which landed them a playoff birth against the vaunted Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs had problems at one point too as they were 20-20 and had chemistry issues. Although the chemistry is not where it needs to be, Lebron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love lead a team that is the Eastern Conference favorites. This should be nothing more than a brief initiation for the Celtics as the Cavaliers are overwhelmingly better.

(3) Chicago Bulls vs. (6) Milwaukee Bucks

The Bulls and Bucks are one of two playoff matchups where divisional rivals square off. This rivalry has not been one worth mentioning sense the 90's, but it should be the first of many big games in the years to come between these two. Ironically, both of these teams have some traits worth comparing. They have elite defenses that force their opponents to take bad shots and turn the ball over at an alarming rate. Second, they are willing to close the paint and foul players to discourage attacking the basket. Finally, both offenses can be stagnant at times because of players expending so much energy on defense. The Bulls and Bucks love to slow games down so the first team to 90 will more than likely win each game. The matchup to watch is Jimmy Butler versus Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Derrick Rose is the x-factor. This should be a chippy series, as the Bulls will prevail. This series would be a lot more intriguing with a healthy Jabari Parker and the presence of Larry Sanders.

(4) Toronto Raptors vs. (5) Washington Wizards

This is the only series in the East that I had to wrestle with because both teams are evenly matched and equally mercurial. The Raptors and Wizards both have been trending downwards since the All-Star Break. Randy Whitman and Dwane Casey could be coaching for their jobs, as they are both solid coaches. John Wall and Bradley Beal will have their work cut out for them against Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan. This should be fun as both teams love to push the pace every chance they get. The battle down low will be key on offense and defense for both teams. On paper, Washington has the advantage with Marcin Gortat, Nene, Kris Humphries, and Kevin Seraphin. If they play up to their abilities, the Wizards should win the series. On the other hand, Toronto has a better bench, which evens out the playing field. The first team to win on the road has the advantage. Otherwise, the Raptors should win in seven.

FF4

Final Four Journeys

March Madness is coming to an end with Final Four action looming in the days to come. Three of the four teams were expected to be in Indianapolis while one has become America's Team. Duke, Wisconsin, and Kentucky were pegged to be championship contenders since the beginning of the season with the gaudy talent each team boasted. On the other hand, Michigan State was not even considered an afterthought to make the Final Four at the start of the season. The Spartans were on the fringe of being an NIT bound team at one point. Although these teams had different roads to get to the Final Four, they each have one common denominator and that is elite coaching. 

Duke

Coach Mike Krzyewski continued his resurgence at Duke as he recruited three possible “one and dones” in Tyus Jones, Jahlil Okafor, and Justice Winslow. They started the season well as they overwhelmed out of conference teams with their talent and experience from guys like Quinn Cook, Amile Jefferson, Matt Jones, and Rasheed Sulaimon. All of a sudden, Duke hit rock bottom when they lost to a pesky Miami team at home 90-74. In addition, Sulaimon was suspended from Duke with sexual assault allegations against him. That suspension, in my opinion, proved to be the difference in the Blue Devils run. They began to band together and play for one another as well as play loosely. Some of the aforementioned players received more responsibilities and freshman Grayson Allen earned more minutes off the bench. Chemistry was never the issue with this team it was all about Coach K keeping his guys level headed. If they win the championship, it will be because of their shooting ability, uptempo offense, and the play of Okafor, Winslow, and Jones.

Wisconsin

With the John Wooden Award limelight beaming heavily on Frank Kaminsky, Wisconsin managed to breeze their way into the Final Four. Kaminsky's size was too much for smaller defenders and too agile for big men with cinder blocks as shoes. Sam Dekker has made himself a lot of money with his meteor-like performances recently while Nigel Hayes and Josh Gasser make their contributions. The only adversity this team faced was when Traevon Jackson missed 19 games with an injury, but Bronson Koenig was consistent during his absence. The Badgers lost games, but there was never a reason to overreact. This team resembles Ryan as they are a gritty group of players and never get rattled when the pressure increases. The advantage they have in any of their games is the chemistry and experience with one another. These are not boys these are men playing alongside one another. The versatility of their players and the ability to spread teams out will be a nightmare for the other teams. Pick your poison is an understatement regarding this group.

Kentucky

When Kentucky returned over 60 percent of their scoring and added Karl Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, Trey Lyles, and Tyler Ulis they were immediately dubbed as the favorites to win it all. The Wildcats have everything a coach could dream of size, speed, athleticism, a presence in the post, and suffocating defense. Nolan Richardson would agree that playing Kentucky is "40 Minutes of Hell." They started off the season hot as they rolled through powerhouse programs like UCLA, North Carolina, Kansas, Texas, and Louisville. They even rolled through a national team in Puerto Rico back in August! They have certainly made it look easy, but Coach John Calipari would tell you otherwise. He is constantly letting reporters know that it is hard to get so many young players to come together and stay focused. At times, Kentucky's toughest opponent has been themselves. I still think this team is too much for the remaining teams, but I worry about them in clutch situations. Towns wants to own the moment, but everyone else is questionable. If Towns fouls out of a game, this team can be beat.

Michigan State

Tom Izzo called his team "A Team of Destiny" after their Elite Eight victory over Louisville and it is hard to argue that notion. This team has managed to get hot at the right time and reminds me of last year's Connecticut team. Travis Trice certainly reminds me of Shabazz Napier with his competitive spirit and big shot capability. However, this team is far more talented than those Huskies. Denzel Valentine is finally morphing into a top tier player on both sides of the ball and Branden Dawson has a knack for making the right plays. Just two months ago this team was almost poised to be in the NIT as they lacked confidence and traditional Sparty defense. Izzo found a way to push the right buttons and get his team on track as they finished the season off strong and lost in the Big Ten Championship to the aforementioned Badgers. This team has the toughest road to winning it all because they have to make the games ugly to win. Overall, their lack of talent makes it hard for them to win games, but Izzo will give them a chance.