Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 25

The Wizards just signed my guy John Wall to a 4 year/$168M contract, and I'm pretty pumped about it. So for the 25th Jersey Appreciation Friday, I thought I would feature the uniforms the Wizards wore during John's rookie year. Not the current ones, but the ones you would envision Gilbert Arenas wearing. People forget the dark days of Washington basketball, and these uniforms serve as a reminder....they're still pretty cool. Click Here

Podcast #31

-What Am I Wearing?
-Jimmy Butler Trade
-Ricky Rubio Trade
-Chris Paul to the Rockets
-Austin and Doc Rivers
-Phil Jackson
-NBA Draft Thoughts
-Free Agency Predictions
Guest: John Toomey
Click Here

Predicting the 2018 NBA Awards

Now that the first ever NBA Award Show is over, it's time to look ahead to next year. Out with the old, in with the new, they say, so let's jump into the future with these predictions.

NBA Sportsmanship Award: Mike Conley Jr. 

Mike Conley is a pro's pro. Since he came into the league in the 2007-08 season, he has never received a technical foul. I thought he should've won this year. (Though as most of you know, I'm completely fine with Cardiac Kemba Walker winning). Mike Conley always seems to be the bridesmaid. I think 2018 is the year where he will shine as a true gentleman. 

Best Style Award: Draymond Green

Draymond got a head start on the competition already by wearing a turquoise blazer with black golf shorts last night. Style is all about confidence, and if Green had the confidence to pull out that look, then I see him as the clear favorite for the Style Award next year. 

Lifetime Achievement Award: Hakeem Olajuwon 

Bill Russell was the obvious choice for the Lifetime Achievement Award. We get it, Bill. 11 titles, 12 all-star selections and 5 MVPs. Congrats. Now the NBA has a real choice to make. Jerry West can't receive because he's still involved in the league. To put it in perspective, it's hard for me to even think of someone to nominate. Let's see, um, Hakeem Olajuwon? He's out of the league, he's won a championship and he was up there with Bill Russell when he accepted his award. Perfect! 

Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award: Kevin Durant

Durant may seem like a stupid pick here (and it probably is), but you got to remember that he's planning to give up some of his salary in order to keep Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston on the Warriors. Sounds like a "No 'I' in team" type of guy to me. 

NBA Executive of the Year Award: Dave Wohl

The accuracy of this prediction is dependent on three things: 1) The Clippers keep Chris Paul. 2) The Clippers keep Blake Griffin. 3) The Clippers make the Western Conference Finals. If Wohl manages to accomplish the first two, he will will finish at least top 3. Keeping an aging, ring-hunting Hall-of-Famer and a disgruntled superstar after both opted to test out free agency would be a huge boost to Wohl's reputation around the league.

Kia NBA Rookie of the Year: Lonzo Ball

I think Markelle Fultz is a star in the making for Philadelphia, but I chose Lonzo Ball for Rookie of the Year because he's the most likely double double candidate in the class, and because the Sixers are going to end up like the Warriors on a much lesser scale. Last season, the Warriors had so many good players that they all cancelled each other out for MVP consideration. This is going to apply to the Sixers with Fultz and Ben Simmons, and who's left after that process? Lonzo Ball. 

Kia NBA Sixth Man Award: Lou Williams

Despite strong contention from every NBA fan base ever, I'm giving it to Lou Williams. Lou Williams was nominated for the award this year, but fell to his teammate Eric Gordon. Williams is a microwave scorer that has potential to take over a game. This quality was somewhat lost because he was traded from the Lakers to the Rockets mid-season. Next year, he will have adjusted to the system and should be a Sixth Man favorite. 

Kia Most Improved Player: Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal is already an awesome player and counterpart to John Wall, but I think he shatters expectation this season and becomes an All-Star. We aren't going to see another Giannis-like rise next year, but Beal may come close. This is also going to be magnified by an improved Wizards team from last year. (Yes, I'm still high on the Wizards). 

NBA Coach of the Year: Jason Kidd

The Bucks have quietly become one the Eastern Conference's most promising teams. The core of Malcolm Brogdon (this year's Rookie of the Year), Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo (this year's Most Improved Player) is going to wreak havoc for many years to come. The luck heir of this fortune is Jason Kidd, who will quickly reap the benefits after his team becomes a top-4 squad in the Eastern Conference.

Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

This just makes sense. Gobert has had to wait his turn and respect his elders before, but the 2017-18 season will become his block party. With Gordon Hayward and George Hill most likely gone, the Jazz are going to let many more eager drivers into the Gobert Zone, where they will be embarrassingly denied time after time by Rudy Gobert. 

Kia NBA MVP Award: Russell Westbrook

I would like to get creative with this prediction, but we have to face reality and notice that Westbrook is perfectly lined up for another MVP. He has no help whatsoever (I don't care how many teammates he brought up on stage last night), and if he keeps putting up triple doubles, there's no reason why he shouldn't go back to back. 

Butler Trade Brings Uncertainty to Bulls, Excitement to TWolves

I have been waiting years for the day the Bulls decided to wake up and trade Jimmy Butler. Thursday's NBA Draft that sent Jimmy Butler packing to Minnesota should've been an awesome event. Instead, I'm left with more uncertainty than before. Let me explain.

First off, I wish Jimmy Butler nothing but the best with the Timberwolves. I wanted him traded, but I loved him here in Chicago. It's always tough to lose a star like him, especially since he wanted to stay here. That being said, I am happy that GarPax (the Bulls's terrible front office who should've been fired years ago) chose a direction instead of wasting away in Basketball Purgatory. We could've done better with the deal, but I think the crop we got is pretty good. Kris Dunn is a great defensive guard who is a jumpshot away from being a solid starter in the NBA. Zach LaVine, despite his recent ACL tear, is already a bonafide offensive powerhouse with athleticism through the roof. The Bulls also got the 7th overall pick, which was used on Arizona stretch 5 Lauri Markkanen. Personally, I would've like them to take Dennis Smith Jr., but Markkanen still has tons of upside because of his sweet shooting stroke. Overall, the deal was fine for me, but I don't understand why we gave up the 16th pick. For a team that is rebuilding, draft picks, no matter what round, are essential to development. It probably won't matter in the grand scheme of things (unless Justin Patton becomes an all-star), but just having the assurance of picks is a necessary part of a rebuild Chicago's front office still isn't getting.

This was exemplified by Chicago inexcusably selling the 38th overall pick to the Warriors for $3.5M. The pick was Jordan Bell, a valuable prospect whose athleticism the Bulls could've utilized. Instead, we get $3.5M to use on what? Re-signing Nikola Mirotic? I sure hope not. He has regressed every year he's been in the NBA, doesn't play defense, and can't shoot for 7/8 of the season. But that's what it's looking like because GarPax announced their intention of bringing Mirotic back to Chicago. It's these types of decisions that continue to make Bulls fans so angry. We do something right for a change, and then we screw something else up. If this is the way the Bulls handle this rebuild, then Chicago fans are in for a rough 8-12 years. Hopefully, the new Big 3 of Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen can lead us back to relevance. 

Please excuse that prior Bulls rant.

Now for the Timberwolves, this was a perfect deal for them. They get rid of two risky assets in Dunn and LaVine and receive a top 10 NBA player in Jimmy Butler. They now get to pair him up with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins under coach Tom Thibodeau, who coaching Jimmy in Chicago. This couldn't have gone any better for Minnesota. On top of that, the core of Butler, Towns and Wiggins can lure big name free agents. Kyle Lowry, perhaps? Butler was said to be in contact with him earlier in the week. Maybe Minnesota can emerge as a Western Conference Semi-Finals threat as soon as next year. I certainly will be keeping an eye on them. 

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 24

This week's Jersey Appreciation Friday goes to the Sacramento Kings purple jerseys. Not only did they have a great draft (De'Aaron Fox, Justin Jackson, Harry Giles), but they also have a top 10 color combination in the NBA. The purple, black and white has been the only positive thing about the Kings in recent years. (I like the old ones better, but the new ones are cool too). This is more of a franchise appreciation post than just a jersey one. But the times are changing. The Kings have gained a new fan in me, and I want a De'Aaron Fox jersey.    Click Here

NBA Mock Draft

I feel safe that a mock-draft-ruining trade isn't going to happen in the next hour, so I decided to publish my mock draft tonight because I got too eager. Let's get into it. 

1. Philadelphia 76ers: Markelle Fultz- The way the 76ers got the 1st overall pick this year makes me want to sever my ties with the Bulls and join the Process. I can't put into words how awesome Fultz (Phultz) fits with this team. The 76ers are getting a star and maybe a championship down the road. Actually I'll call my shot now. The Philadelphia 76ers will be your 2022 NBA Champions. (As long as LeBron retires). 

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball- There have been whispers of the Lakers taking someone else at 2 and pissing off the entire Big Baller Brand, but Lonzo should and will be the pick here. If my words don't convince you, look at their most recent trade that sent D'Angelo Russell to Brooklyn. Like it or not, Lonzo Ball is going to be a Laker. 

3. Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum- There have been subtle hints throughout the draft season suggesting that the Celtics are taking Tatum over Josh Jackson. First, Tatum actually worked out for Boston, and second, Ainge said that they would have taken this player at 1 had they not traded with Philly. Jackson has been heavily involved with the Lakers, while Tatum has been flying under the radar. I think Boston agrees with me in that Tatum is the best wing in this class. 

4. Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson- You can basically flip Tatum and Jackson either way, but as I stated earlier, I believe Tatum goes to Boston at 3, leaving Josh Jackson to the Phoenix Suns. Jackson can develop into a very good NBA player. It all depends on his scoring ability. Regardless, this is a great pick for the Suns. 

5. Sacramento Kings: De'Aaron Fox- Unless they pull another catastrophic Georgios Papagiannis move like last year, Fox should be selected here by the Kings. A player like Fox can be the guard that transforms Sacramento, but he needs his jump shot to improve. To me, Fox's  maturity stands out as one of his many strong points, something this organization's last Kentucky star struggled with (i.e. Demarcus Cousins). The Kings need this type of leader. 

6. Orlando Magic: Jonathan Isaac- I feel like the Magic have fallen off the face of the earth since Dwight Howard left. Unfortunately, this trend will continue as Isaac isn't that known around the casual NBA community. Isaac is a few years away from making an impact, but he can turn into a solid NBA stretch power forward. Personally, I would take Dennis Smith Jr. here, but the Magic seem set with Elfrid Payton for the time being. 

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: Lauri Markkanen- I love this pick for the Timberwolves. Markkanen is a big guy who shoots it really well from beyond the arc. Pair him up with Karl-Anthony Towns, and you have yourself the best shooting front court in the NBA. You also add that to a core of Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine. I'll call my shot again. Minnesota Timberwolves–2024 NBA Champions. (76ers repeat in 2023, beating Minnesota, Wiggins toughens up and gets over his championship hump in 2024). 

8. New York Knicks: Frank Ntilikina- I feel bad for this poor lad. It's hard enough getting adjusted to a new country, let alone the New York Knicks. There is so much wrong with that team right now that it's hard to imagine them not Georgios Papagiannis-ing this pick, but Ntilikina is the perfect fit for the triangle, and should give the Knicks defensive stability for a few years until Phil Jackson runs him out of town. 

9. Dallas Mavericks: Dennis Smith Jr.- I'm a. If point guard guy, so I naturally love this pick for the Mavs. Dallas is in dire need of a scoring guard to help out an aging Dirk Nowitzki, and Smith fits that bill. Smith had a tough year at NC State and showed it. People have been slamming his body language since April. Look, Russell Westbrook has questionable body language too and he turned out just fine. 

10. Sacramento Kings: Zach Collins- Collins makes sense here as the Kings have needed a big guy ever since they traded Demarcus Cousins to New Orleans. Collins is a 7-footer, can shoot and a rim-protector. He and De'Aaron Fox can lead the Kings back to the "Respectable NBA Organization" status that they haven't sniffed in years. 

11. Charlotte Hornets: Malik Monk- This would be a home run for the Hornets, as they lack wing shooting and athleticism. Monk is the stone that kills two birds in that regard. With Dwight Howard in the middle and Kemba Walker at point, Monk should find a nice home in Charlotte. 

12. Detroit Pistons: Donovan Mitchell- This pains me to write because I want Mitchell to fall to the Bulls at 16, but it's not realistic he falls past Detroit at 12. There are questions about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's future as a Piston, and Donovan Mitchell can fill his role and add a bit of defense too. 

13. Denver Nuggets: Justin Jackson- I'll be flat out honest and say I haven't watched a Nuggets game since they lost to the Warriors in the First Round of the 2013 Playoffs, but Justin Jackson seems like a good fit here. The Nuggets are set at the guard position and they have Nikola Jokic in the middle, so a wing like Jackson would fill out that roster well. 

14. Miami Heat: John Collins- The Heat's current power forward is Luke Babbit, which...can be improved upon. John Collins is a freak athlete and would be a nice defensive fit next to Hassan Whiteside. 

THE POINT WHERE EVERYONE STOPS WATCHING THE DRAFT BECAUSE IT'S TAKING TOO LONG. 

15. Portland Trail Blazers: OG Anunoby

16. Chicago Bulls: Luke Kennard

17. Milwaukee Bucks: Jarrett Allen

18. Indiana Pacers: Terrance Ferguson

19. Atlanta Hawks: Justin Patton

20. Portland Trail Blazers: TJ Leaf

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ike Anigbogu

22. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles

23. Toronto Raptors: Tyler Lydon

24. Utah Jazz: Johnathan Motley

25. Orlando Magic: Semi Ojeleye

26. Portland Trail Blazers: Derrick White

27. Los Angeles Lakers: DJ Wilson

28. Los Angeles Lakers: Bam Adebayo

29. San Antonio Spurs: Ivan Rabb

30. Utah Jazz: Jawun Evans

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to respond via Twitter (@bobsbballblog) or hit up the comments section. I'll respond to everything!

Podcast #30

What Am I Wearing?
The 76ers/Celtics Trade
Jimmy Butler Rumors
Kyle Lowry's "Zero Interest"
Trading Porzingis
Paul George's Early Decision
Top 16 Mock Draft
Guest: John Lichtenstein
Click Here

The Pacers Are Screwed

As if the NBA couldn't get any crazier, Paul George announced today that he is leaving the Pacers after the 2017-18 season in free agency. Wait, hang on. He ALSO said that his preference is (you guessed it) the Los Angeles Lakers. George has been dropping hints since his Pacers lost to Cleveland in the first round of the Playoffs, and today was the confirmation. 

It's easy to speculate about how good the Lakers will be in 2018, but I want to focus on Indiana. This just sucks. Paul George has just ripped out the heart of the Indiana Pacers with this one. Sure, there were locker room issues, frustration from top to bottom and the classic "who gets the ball for the last shot" thing, but Paul George's announcement today is the nail in the coffin. Not only do the Pacers lose a superstar in George, but they also can't trade him now. George saying he prefers the Lakers tells the rest of the league to not even flirt with him. Basically, the Pacers are stuck with a disgruntled All-Star who they can't even get anything for. To put it in simpler terms, the Pacers are screwed. 

Where Will Markelle Fultz End Up?

Rumors have been flying like a tornado of anger swirling about as of yesterday when it was announced that the Celtics and Sixers were in "advanced talks" to basically swap pick with each other in the upcoming NBA Draft. This would result in the Sixers getting the 1st pick and the Celtics receiving the 3rd. 

This has to happen. I can't get the image of Markelle Fultz in a Sixers uniform out of my head now. A core of Fultz, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons is so promising, even if injuries have been a major problem. This makes perfect sense for Philadelphia. They have all the young pieces there except for a true point guard. Bringing in Fultz would complete the Process that the organization has been patiently carrying out. 

As for Boston, this trade would then be used to try and get Jimmy Butler from the Bulls. This would work too, as the Celtics are one superstar away from being an actual threat to Cleveland, and the Bulls are on the cusp of a rebuild anyway. Imagine a lineup consisting of Isaiah Thomas, Jimmy Butler, Al Horford and Gordon Hayward, who they have a decent shot at signing in free agency. That is something I would give up Markelle Fultz for.

This deal isn't going to go down easily, though. The Lakers, who everyone thought were going to take Lonzo Ball at 2, have reportedly been trying to trade up with Boston to get Fultz at No. 1. Magic Johnson is apparently "in love with" him. It looks like the proposed trade would be the 2nd overall pick and Julius Randle for the 1st overall pick. Whether that's good or not, who knows, but the point is that Philadelphia has some competition for Markelle Fultz. 

I've never seen a draft where the first three teams on the clock are so active in their pursuit of the same player. It tells me one thing: Markelle Fultz is going to be a star. Personally, I think he's going to be the best top pick since Anthony Davis in 2012, maybe even better. For me, it's not how good he will be, it's where he will be. 

And I think that Fultz will end up a Philadelphia 76er. I think the trade with Boston makes the most sense for both teams, and Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are doing the old social media kiss up thing. It's all falling into place. The Process is complete. 

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 23

This week's Jersey Appreciation Friday goes to an underrated and unnoticed jersey that probably isn't the most notable in the franchise's brief history. The Orlando Magic have had decent jerseys dating back to their creation in 1989. Shaq and Penny rocked some creative uniforms in the '90s, but the jersey that always stood out to me was the Dwight Howard era white one. It's pretty simple, but the white, blue and black gives the uniforms a clean look. It isn't flashy. It isn't memorable. But it gets the job done.Click Here

Louisville Just Got Slammed

The NCAA decided to actually punish Louisville for its paid escort scandal today, and the results are pretty bad and could get worse. As of now, coach Rick Pitino is suspended for 5 ACC games next year, games from 2010-2014 could wind up being vacated, including the 2012 Final Four appearance and the 2013 National Championship, and Louisville loses multiple scholarships over the next four seasons while it's on probation. 

Here's why this especially sucks for Louisville. THEY ALREADY PUNISHED THEMSELVES. In the 2015-16 season, Louisville self-imposed a one-year postseason ban because of this issue, and the NCAA still dropped the hammer down on them today. Honestly, Louisville deserves this ruling. Not because of the whole prostitutes for recruits thing (okay, maybe for that too), but because they were just stupid. By banning themselves from postseason play in 2016, they basically admitted guilt, causing the NCAA to investigate even further. Louisville would have probably gotten the same punishment from the NCAA regardless of whether they banned themselves or not. 

I think the NCAA wanted to make an example of Louisville, which is scary considering the ongoing North Carolina fake classes investigation. People are acting like this UNC thing is the worst thing since unsliced bread, so it will be interesting to see what happens to them. Back to the Cardinals, they have already said that they are appealing all the punishments handed down by the NCAA. It's a smart move by them considering what may happen as a result of the sanctions standing. After all this, there is only one thing of which I am certain. This isn't over. 

I'm Pumped for the NBA Draft

Well, basketball season is officially over until October, but one of the most exciting times for basketball fans is right around the corner. (No, not the Summer League.) The NBA Draft is my second favorite basketball event of the year, behind the NCAA Tournament. I've said this earlier on my podcast, but I want to say it again: the NBA Draft is awesome because EVERYONE–college and NBA fans alike–comes together to celebrate the graduation of the most recent crop of draftees. This is really the only point where the NBA and the NCAA collide. And the collision is glorious. 

There are always stories, reports and predictions circulating around which prospects will go where and how good they will be in the league. Most of these (including my future ones) aren't true. One of the best things about the Draft is the chaos surrounding it. There are so many conflicting viewpoints and updates concerning players and teams and trades that nobody knows what to do. NBA insiders like Adrian Wojnarowski and Brian Windhorst become public figures for one night as fans try to sort out what's true and what's not. 

The stakes for this year's draft seem higher because of the level of talent available. Sure, according to ESPN every player is a breakout star or a sleeper every year, but this year is actually different. The 2017 Draft has the most talent since 2003, where LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony and Darko Miličić were selected. (The last one on that list is supposed to be a joke. If you don't get it, look him up.) it's almost fitting that as these players get older and enter the last year's of their careers, a new crop of stars is about to be harvested. Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, Jayson Tatum, Harry Giles (I still believe), De'Aaron Fox, Lauri Markkanen, Malik Monk, Dennis Smith Jr, Johnathan Isaac and Frank Ntilikina all have All-Star potential. This could be the draft that defines the next twelve years of the NBA. 

So, just remember that as we enter into Draft Week, embrace the chaos and pay attention. We could find the next LeBron. 

Podcast #29: Goodbye NBA

What Am I Wearing?
NBA Finals
-Overall View of the Finals
-State of the League
-Durant
-What's Next for Warriors?
-What's Next for Cavaliers?
-LeBron's Superteam Denial
Lonzo and LaVar Ball
Overtime: Lavall Jordan to Butler
Guest: RJ Bottalla
Click Here

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 22

I'm seeing red right now because the NBA clearly is setting this up for a Game 5 back in Oakland by giving the Cavs every call possible. Because of this, I decided to go with a very cool red jersey from LeBron James's past for this week's . I'm talking about the Miami Heat red jersey of course. This jersey is interesting because it thrives on four main colors instead of three: red, black, white and gold. This doesn't always work for teams, but the Heat managed to create one of the coolest jersey schemes in the NBA doing it. Click Here

3 Takeaways From Chris Holtmann Going to Ohio State

Chris Holtmann shook up the college basketball world this morning by leaving Butler to replace Thad Matta at THE Ohio State University. I have three major takeaways from this move: 1) Holtmann must attempt to rebuild another program that has lost its way over the past few years. 2) The Butler coaching search is going to be WILD. 3) The Big East is still on a lower tier than the other major conferences. 

First, it's clear that Ohio State basketball has seen better days. Matta, despite what his exit would suggest, was the best coach in program history, taking the Buckeyes to two Final Fours and nine NCAA Tournament appearances. But he was canned because of their recent slide in the Big Ten and national picture. The program has been plagued with transfers and dismissals. In fact, no one remains from the 2015 recruiting class–and that's not because of the NBA. Holtmann comes in with barely anything to work with, but his time at Butler showed that he can rise a program back from the ashes. 

Chris Holtmann's future is only one side of the story. Butler now has an uncertain outlook for its future as well. Luckily for Butler, they have experience with losing pretty good coaches to bigger jobs. If history repeats itself, Butler will find another guy, get a top 4 seed in the tournament, and lose him too. My point is that history is on Butler's side here. Also, Butler isn't some garbage job in the middle of nowhere. It has a historic arena, a great fan base, and national prominence. The Butler administration should have the awareness to go for bigger names instead of buying low. To me, one name stands out among all others: Tom. Aaron. Crean. I mean come on. This is PERFECT. Crean was unfairly booted from Indiana, he would get to stay in the state, and the Big East would get another big-name coach to join with Jay Wright, Chris Mack, Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin. (Notice I said "big-name" not "big-time"). Imagine the Crossroads Classic where Indiana plays Butler. That would be awesome. If they don't go for Crean, I think it will be an inside hire (boring), but it worked last time so who am I to criticize it? 

Lastly, this shows that the Big East is still lower on the totem pole than the Big Ten and the other major conferences. I'm old enough to remember when the Big East was the best conference in college basketball and was flirting with 11 NCAA Tournament teams. Now, it's a small-school league televised on FS1. FS1 is great and all, but the Big East has certainly had more luxurious eras. The fact of the matter is that bigger conferences mean bigger money, and coaches are always going to go for money, as they should. 

Podcast #28

What Am I Wearing?
NBA Finals
-Do the Cavs Have a Chance?
-LeBron v. Durant
-Steph's Celebration
-Finals Are Boring
Thad Matta
-Weird Dismissal
-Legacy
NBA Draft
-Lonzo and the Lakers
-Tatum or Jackson?
-Superstar Will Get Traded?
Overtime- 2005 Fighting Illini
Click Here

NBA Finals Show Why College Basketball is Superior

I like to look at the NBA from an entertainment standpoint. This preference became especially true when the Bulls became stuck in the cycle of mediocrity about 3 seasons ago. Because I look at the NBA this way (not having much skin in the game), I have to say that these NBA Finals have been a disappointment thus far. I can't say it wasn't expected as the Warriors were the clear favorites heading into the Finals, but I wish there would've been at least one single-digit game in the first two. 

This is another example of why college basketball is better than the NBA. Sure it's nice to see the best two teams with loaded rosters go head to head, but this series hasn't been the payoff basketball fans had deserved after suffering though the first three rounds. College basketball, while not having the star power it used to, is always going to be exciting, especially in the postseason. 

Whether it's a first round upset or a Final Four Cinderella, the NCAA Tournament always brings new twists and turns. The NBA Playoffs...not so much. 

Listen, I can't blame the Warriors for being good or the Nets for being terrible. College basketball certainly has its annual contenders and its bottom feeders too. All I know is that after a long, tiresome, boring NBA season, I want some actual suspense when it matters most. College basketball never fails to deliver on that. 

The NBA Should Take A Page Out of Baseball's Book

Adam Silver created an interesting debate about the future of the NBA earlier this week during his annual State of the League Address when he said the one-and-done rule that the league has implemented since 2005 should be changed. 

This could be all talk as there have been rumors of this change for years, but if the draft eligibility rules were to be changed, I think the best way to do it would be the "baseball rule." 

To summarize, the baseball rule is that a prospect must turn pro straight  out of high school or spend three years in college and then re-enter into the draft. 

Let's make one revision to the rule for the NBA: players have to stay two years instead of three.

This is the best solution to the current draft problem because it offers the best of both worlds: the top players can avoid wasting a year in college and go straight to the NBA, and the college players become more dedicated to their teams since they stay for at least two years. 

It's pretty evident that some of these players are too talented to spend a year in college. Take last year's freshman class for example. Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Harry Giles (before his awful year at Duke) and others all would have likely gone pro and been first round picks at this time last year. 

This is also a good time to change the rule as cases like Lenny Cooke (made the high school to NBA jump and didn't make it) would decrease since players can hear from NBA scouts and attend the NBA Combine without formally declaring, unlike the first era of none-and-dones. 

Ultimately, both the NBA and college will benefit from the baseball rule, as NBA teams can get hands on younger prospects and the college game won't be infested with disinterested players. Hopefully, Silver's remarks actually come into fruition. 

Jersey Appreciation Friday Vol. 21

This week's Jersey Appreciation Friday I must appreciate the jersey worn by one of my favorite NBA players of all time: Reggie Miller. The yellow Indiana Pacers jersey with the navy blue pinstripes should be considered a national treasure. Pinstripes are a tricky thing to get right–they can't be too thick. The Pacers jersey uses pinstripes perfectly as they are neat and thin. The white outline on the letters is also a fantastic addition. Click Here

NBA Finals Preview

The Cavaliers and Warriors are set to square off in their third straight NBA Finals. Golden State won in 2015 and Cleveland in 2016. This is seen as the rubber match between the two elite squads, but I think that both teams will be in serious contention for wars to come. Nevertheless this is supposed to be the grand daddy of them all as they say. It could enhance LeBron James's hall of fame legacy and it could validate Kevin Durant's. As always, there are plenty of things to talk about. But this Finals seems more important.

On one hand you have the Golden State Warriors–the team that can do no wrong. It's clear that they have been the class of the league for the past three seasons, and they only got better after adding Kevin Durant after a record-setting 73-9 regular season. That addition caused a lot of controversy as it made the Warriors even more dominant. Despite the criticism, Golden State steamrolled its way to the Finals going 12-0. This, I may add, comes wit head coach Steve Kerr being out with a back injury and Kevin Durant missing two games in the first round. With Durant, two-time MVP Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, the Warriors are the favorite heading into this series. 

East of the Mississippi, we will find our other competitor: the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are underdogs in this series, but we can't sleep on them since they are the defending champions. Now many of you know me as a converted LeBron James admirer; I hated him all my life and last year something clicked and now I can't get enough of him. The LeBron GOAT ("Greatest of all time" for the old-schoolers) talk is one of the most fascinating debates in basketball. His obvious competitor for this title is Michael Jordan, and while I don't think LeBron is at his level yet, a title this year can go a long way. James doesn't have to go at it alone though. He's got all stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love to chip in. Irving hit the championship-clinching shot in Game 7 last year, and Love is a solid shooter and rebounder. The Warriors are favored, but the Cavs should make it interesting. 

It's hard for me to pick a team to root for because part of me wants to see Durant get the title monkey off his back, while the other part wants to see LeBron advance in his climb toward basketball immortality. Either way, I can't lose, but I also can't win. (I'm a glass-half-empty guy). If I had to pick, I think I'm going to be slightly rooting for the Cavaliers this year. If I had to PREDICT, I say Warriors in 5 games.