Adjustments
Dallas handily won game 5 last night 103-81. I'm not going to pretend that this was simply due to the Mavericks adjustments. The Spurs rested their starters the entire 4th quarter and gave in quite early last night. That being said, the Mavs dominated that game from tip to finish. The Mavs played like a team with their backs against a wall fighting for their lives-which is what they were. Now they have to do the same thing down in San Antonio.
This series has been infuriating to watch since game 1. The Mavs have played uninspiring basketball combined with infuriating substitution packages. The problems I stated in my opening blog have come to life. The Spurs look like a veteran group that have been lead by Tony Parker who has returned to being unstoppable. We just have nobody who can guard him. Kidd is too slow, and Barea is too small. Then, in typical Spurs fashion, when the vets don't play very well somebody else steps up (George Hill 29 pts in Game 4 win).
There are 3 key substitution issues that have hurt us this series.
1. The biggest problem though, to me, is the substitutions. Roddy Beaubois has yet to play significant minutes in the series. He is a guy who without a doubt in my mind can help us. He has proven this year that when given an opportunity, he can help our basketball team win. The Mavericks are 20-5 this season when he plays 15+ minutes in a game. He has the ability to affect the series and is not being given an opportunity.
2. Jose Juan Barea is a nice player. He's a solid contributor who is fun to watch and can be a spark plug off the bench and give us a boost. But he is NOT a guy who is going to win us playoff games. The benching of Caron Butler in Game 3 in favor of Barea was an absolute travesty. Barea had some nice moments, but after he cooled off he needed to be taken back out, patted on the back, and sat down in favor of Butler. We made a huge deadline deal to get a guy who can win playoff games, and be a legit 2nd option to Dirk. The 2 games we've won Butler is averaging 28.5 PPG on 21.5 shots and 7 FTs. The 3 losses: 12 PPG, 12.3 shots, 2 FTs. We need to get Butler going to win. We did this in Game 5. Let's hope it continues.
3. The Center position. This was adjusted in Game 5. I just want to point out that it hurt us earlier in the series. Haywood looked awesome last night in his first start of the series. Haywood makes Duncan look uncomfortable with the ball. Haywood's length and athleticism are a huge difference from Damp's girth and general slowness. Haywood played 25 minutes to Damp's 19 in Game 4. Duncan was 1-9 with 4 pts. Carlisle obviously noticed this and started Haywood in Game 5. Haywood played 31 minutes. Damp...0. Najera took Damp's minutes and that's what needs to continue. Damp has been terrible all series. Duncan's stat line with Haywood and Najera defending him: 3-9 shooting with 11 points. Duncan was an incredible 5-6 from the line to get him to double digits. Najera brings an added toughness to the lineup that we desperately need. Hopefully this adjustment has been made and will be the norm moving forward in the series.
It will be very interesting to see how Game 6 goes. The Spurs know that they need to put this series away in San Antonio. They have no interest in bringing it back to Dallas. Dallas was right on the verge of winning both games in San Antonio. Maybe with a few adjustments, this time Dallas can steal one and come home with a chance to advance to the 2nd round.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Previewing the NFL Draft
With the draft starting tomorrow night I'm going to take a look at the guys that I think the Cowboys will be keeping an eye on in the first 3 rounds.
Round 1
The cowboys have said that they want to address the OT position in the first round. There are 7 OL that I think are worthy of going in the top 30-Williams, Okung, Davis, Bulaga, Brown, Iupati(G), and Pouncey(C,G). Williams, Okung, Bulaga, Davis will be gone. Brown, Iupati, and Pouncey all will most likely be gone, but they're is a chance that one could fall with Brown being the most likely.
If all of the OL are gone look for the Cowboys to look at taking a Safety.
1st Round Possibilities
2nd Round Possibilities
What the Cowboys do here will hinge a lot on what happens in Round 1. A Safety and an OL will still be the top priorities here.
3rd Round Possibilities
This is very difficult to predict so I'll just give a few names I think the Cowboys will look at.
Others: D'Anthony Smith-DT, Perrish Cox-CB, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah-CB/S, Javier Arenas-CB, Torrell Troup-DT, Rashad Jones-S, Donald Butler-LB (personal favorite), Selvish Capers-OL, Riley Cooper-WR.
Based on the research I've done into the draft these are the guys that I think are most likely to be future Cowboys. Safety, OL, DT, WR, and LB are the areas that need to be addressed the most. If things fall right we could possibly grab a couple of guys who can come in and help quickly. After the draft this weekend I'll recap the picks and see how my projections worked out.
Projections:
1st- Charles Brown, OT-USC
2nd- Nate Allen, S-USF
3rd- Arthur Jones, DT-Syracuse
4th- Jordan Shipley, WR-Texas
Round 1
The cowboys have said that they want to address the OT position in the first round. There are 7 OL that I think are worthy of going in the top 30-Williams, Okung, Davis, Bulaga, Brown, Iupati(G), and Pouncey(C,G). Williams, Okung, Bulaga, Davis will be gone. Brown, Iupati, and Pouncey all will most likely be gone, but they're is a chance that one could fall with Brown being the most likely.
If all of the OL are gone look for the Cowboys to look at taking a Safety.
1st Round Possibilities
- Earl Thomas, Safety - University of Texas: Thomas is a guy who has consistently been linked to the Cowboys, but has also consistently been gone before the Cowboys pick in all mock drafts. Thomas is an extremely fast, ball-hawking safety who had 8 picks and 17 pass deflections last year. He would be a great fit in the Cowboys secondary. I would be very surprised if he falls to us and am guessing the Eagles will take him at 24. Kiper- Broncos (11), McShay- Eagles (24)
- Charles Brown, OT- USC: Brown is a very athletic OT who is a former TE at USC. He shows good footwork and knows how to use his hands. His biggest weakness is his weight. He struggles to even reach 300 lbs which is small for a OT. Brown has been going anywhere from the Packers at 23 to outside the first round. I think this is the guy most likely to fall to the Cowboys at 27 of the OT, and is the guy I expect to be drafted by the Cowboys. Kiper- Cowboys (27), McShay- Packers (23)
- Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho- Iupati, a finalist for the Lombardi trophy, is not exactly what the Cowboys are looking for (OT), but may be to big of a talent for the Cowboys to pass up if Brown and Thomas are gone. Iupati allowed 0 sacks this year on a team that was 12th in the country in Passing YPG. Iupati has been mocked to anywhere from Oakland at pick 8 to the Colts at 31. Kiper- Packers (23), McShay- Steelers (18)
- Taylor Mays, Safety- USC: Mays was a Pre-Season top 10 pick but had fallen to a 2nd round pick before the combine. Mays put some extremely impressive numbers at the combine including a 4.43 40 time which was the fastest of any DB. That speed, combined with his 6'3" 230 lb frame, has put him back into the late first round. Mays is a hard hitting safety that will help in run support, but has problems covering WRs and can be a little stiff in the hips. He has been compared by some to former Cowboy 1st round pick, Roy Williams. He doesn't fit the Cowboys need for a ball-hawking safety but he still has the potential to be a top notch NFL Safety. Kiper- Vikings (30), McShay- Cowboys (27)
2nd Round Possibilities
What the Cowboys do here will hinge a lot on what happens in Round 1. A Safety and an OL will still be the top priorities here.
- Bruce Campbell, OT- Maryland: He was linked to the Cowboys in the 1st round in the early mocks after his impressive combine workouts, but has fallen into the 2nd round since. Campbell is considered the most athletic OL in the draft barely edging out Brown. If he is available in the 2nd round and we don't draft an OL in the first, we will take Campbell. McShay- Cowboys (59)
- Dexter McCluster, Rb/WR- Mississippi: An all-around player at Ole Miss he reminds me of Felix Jones in a lot of ways. He was the Wildcat QB, the #2 WR, and their leading runner accounting for 1,716 yards from scrimmage. He would be a great addition to the offense but I don't know that he fits a need at all. McShay- Jets (61)
- Nate Allen, Safety- USF: Allen is a ball-hawking safety in the Earl Thomas mold who I would love to see the Cowboys draft. He's projected to go early to mid first round, and I don't expect him to fall here. Allen has good size (6'1") and has great instincts and range. He isn't a huge hitter, and doesn't have the pure speed that Mays or Thomas possess. If we take an OL in the first, or if Mays and Thomas are gone in the first, don't be surprised if we make a trade to get Allen. McShay- Ravens (57)
- Lamarr Houston, DT- Texas: A former Running Back, Thomas is very athletic and quick for a DT. He will most likely be gone at this point as well, but has been linked to the Cowboys. The Cowboys are looking for a DT who can plug the gap and give Ratliff a rest. McShay- Rams (33)
3rd Round Possibilities
This is very difficult to predict so I'll just give a few names I think the Cowboys will look at.
- Jordan Shipley, WR- Texas: Record setting WR was the favorite target of All-American QB Colt McCoy. He is perfectly suited for the slot position in the NFL and would be a great addition to the Cowboys suspect WR corps. Crayton is not the long-term answer in the slot and Shipley should be ready to play immediately. I've seen him pegged by a few publications as a 3rd round pick, but others (McShay) have him as a 4th rounder. McShay- Cowboys (125)
- T.J. Ward, Safety- Oregon: A solid safety who is better at coming up and hitting rather than coverage. Had only 1 INT last year, and is not considered a great coverage guy. Will immediately help on special teams, and may develop into an above-average Safety. McShay- Cowboys (90)
- Chad Jones, Safety, LSU: Played in all 40 games of his career at LSU. Possesses above-average speed, and, at 6'2", is a bigger Safety. He's considered above-average at all aspects of the Safety position: Run support, ball skills, coverage skills, instincts, closing burst. He was also a baseball player at LSU, and played on special teams at LSU. McShay- Browns (92)
- Arthur Jones, DT- Syracuse: A huge 300 lb DT, Jones is an excellent, run-stuffing, gap-filling DT. He is considered exceptionally tough and extremely strong. His biggest weakness is he is not much of a pass rusher limiting him mostly to 1st and 2nd downs and short yardage plays. McShay- Vikings (93)
Others: D'Anthony Smith-DT, Perrish Cox-CB, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah-CB/S, Javier Arenas-CB, Torrell Troup-DT, Rashad Jones-S, Donald Butler-LB (personal favorite), Selvish Capers-OL, Riley Cooper-WR.
Based on the research I've done into the draft these are the guys that I think are most likely to be future Cowboys. Safety, OL, DT, WR, and LB are the areas that need to be addressed the most. If things fall right we could possibly grab a couple of guys who can come in and help quickly. After the draft this weekend I'll recap the picks and see how my projections worked out.
Projections:
1st- Charles Brown, OT-USC
2nd- Nate Allen, S-USF
3rd- Arthur Jones, DT-Syracuse
4th- Jordan Shipley, WR-Texas
Monday, April 19, 2010
NBA Playoffs
Alright guys, this is my first blog entry for my new blog, The Big "D"etails. My friends and girlfriend have convinced me that starting this Sports blog would be a great way for me to express my views on all things sports. I hope you enjoy, and continue coming back for more.
NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs kicked off Saturday, starting the extremely long process of crowning a new NBA champion. The Mavs are matched up with their old in-state rivals from San Antonio. These teams have matched up for some extremely exciting playoff series over the last decade including the 7 game thriller in '06. This year's match-up doesn't have the same buzz to it with it being a first round 7-2 match-up rather than a Conference Finals. However, there is still plenty of reasons to believe it will be a competitive series.
- Any series with names like Dirk, Kidd, Caron, Duncan, Manu, and Tony Parker will be an interesting series.
- The Rivalry- This series has become one of the best rivalries over the past decade having met 4 times in the Playoffs since 2001.
- Can the Mavs remember how to be a good playoff team? Since their 2-0 start to the Finals in '06 the Mavs are a paltry 8-17 in the Playoffs, with the only series win coming last year against the Spurs.
Why I think the Mavs will win in 6
- The Mavs are too athletic this year. The trade acquisitions of Butler, Haywood, and even Stevenson have improved the Mavs athleticism, defense, and toughness. The Spurs are a veteran team who don't have the athletes on the wing or in the post who can match Butler, Marion, and Haywood.
- The Spurs simply can't stop Dirk. I'm not suggesting Dirk will shot 12-14 (86%) from the floor every game, but I'm willing to bet he shoots over 50% the rest of the series. The Spurs are attempting to guard Dirk with Antonio McDyess and Matt Bonner. Neither has the size or athleticism to guard Dirk. The combined for 8 fouls which led the way to Dirk's 12 free throws last night. Expect that to continue throughout the series.
- Caron Butler. The Spurs don't have a guy with the athleticism or defensive ability to consistently stop Butler. Caron is going to be able to get his shot whenever he wants all series. The threat of a legitimate 2nd scoring option make the Mavs so much more dangerous than in years past.
Why the Mavs could lose the series.
- The Mavs lineups frustrate me greatly, and it could come back to bite us. Roddy Beaubois had another DNP last night. Roddy is one of our best wing scorers and could really pick up the scoring slack when Dirk is out of the game. Beaubois averaged 14.5 PPG on 20 MPG during the month of February while Terry was hurt, including a 40 point explosion against Golden State. The scoring average is a little skewed still with Beaubois playing under 10 minutes 4 games. I'm not saying Terry shouldn't see the floor, but when he's 2-9 on the game I think it's worth our while to see how Roddy B is feeling.
- The Spurs are still a veteran team who know how to win in the Playoffs. Since the big trio of Parker, Duncan, and Ginobli were united in 2001-2002 the Spurs are an incredible 75-47 (.61 winning percentage). They have been here before and know what it takes to get it done.
I think the Mavs are the clear favorite this series, as they should be as the #2 seed. I think this series ends in 6, although I wouldn't be surprised to see it end in 5 back in Dallas.
The Rest of the Playoffs
I'm going to take a quick shot at making my picks throughout the playoffs.
West
Lakers over Thunder in 6- Too much Kobe and Pau. The Thunder are a young improving too, but they aren't ready to knock off the Defending champs.
Nuggets over Jazz in 6- Boozer is hurt. Okur is hurt. The Jazz are in trouble. They can't keep up the scoring with one of highest-scoring teams in the NBA.
Suns over Blazers in 7- The Blazers made a statement last night that they can win without Roy but I think the Suns will regain their composure and pull it out in 7.
Mavs over Spurs in 6.
Lakers over Nuggets in 7- Kobe and Carmelo are going to put on an absolute show all series long, but Pau, Bynum, and Lamar prove that it takes more than one superstar to win in the Playoffs.
Mavs over Suns in 7- The Dirk-Nash Playoff reunion will be an exciting affair with a lot of high scoring close games, but the Mavs will pull it out behind big games from Dirk.
Mavs over Lakers in 7- Mavs get to their 2nd NBA finals with a game 7 win in LA. The Mavs have the wings to run at Kobe all night long. The length inside of Haywood and Damp can keep Bynum and Pau in check, and the Lakers bench is non existent. The Mavs prevail behind some stingy defensive efforts.
East
Cavs over Bulls in 4- Lebron
Celtics over Heat in 7. The Celtics are old and decling but they have enough to finish off DWade and CO. at home.
Hawks over Bucks in 6- The Bucks are very underrated with rookie PG Brandon Jennings leading the way, but Joe and Josh lead the Hawks to the series win.
Magic over Bobcats in 5- The magic are too big, athletic, and good for the Bobcats. Charlotte's first playoff series ends quickly.
Cavs over Celtics in 6- Lebron.
Hawks over Magin in 6- Hawks declare themselves among the elite teams in the NBA with a win over the Magic in 6 games. Joe Johnson solidifies his superstar status and Josh Smith winds up on the Top 10 5 times.
Cavs over Hawks in 6- Lebron again is to much for anybody to stop and the Hawks simply can't stop him. More competitive though than many people will think.
Finals
As much as I hate to admit it, I'm taking the Cavs in 7 over the Mavs. It will be extremely difficult to knock of the Cavs in Cleveland. Lebron is the best player in the league and the Mavs will be fatigued after series wins over the Spurs, Suns, and Lakers. Lebron wins his first championship.
NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs kicked off Saturday, starting the extremely long process of crowning a new NBA champion. The Mavs are matched up with their old in-state rivals from San Antonio. These teams have matched up for some extremely exciting playoff series over the last decade including the 7 game thriller in '06. This year's match-up doesn't have the same buzz to it with it being a first round 7-2 match-up rather than a Conference Finals. However, there is still plenty of reasons to believe it will be a competitive series.
- Any series with names like Dirk, Kidd, Caron, Duncan, Manu, and Tony Parker will be an interesting series.
- The Rivalry- This series has become one of the best rivalries over the past decade having met 4 times in the Playoffs since 2001.
- Can the Mavs remember how to be a good playoff team? Since their 2-0 start to the Finals in '06 the Mavs are a paltry 8-17 in the Playoffs, with the only series win coming last year against the Spurs.
Why I think the Mavs will win in 6
- The Mavs are too athletic this year. The trade acquisitions of Butler, Haywood, and even Stevenson have improved the Mavs athleticism, defense, and toughness. The Spurs are a veteran team who don't have the athletes on the wing or in the post who can match Butler, Marion, and Haywood.
- The Spurs simply can't stop Dirk. I'm not suggesting Dirk will shot 12-14 (86%) from the floor every game, but I'm willing to bet he shoots over 50% the rest of the series. The Spurs are attempting to guard Dirk with Antonio McDyess and Matt Bonner. Neither has the size or athleticism to guard Dirk. The combined for 8 fouls which led the way to Dirk's 12 free throws last night. Expect that to continue throughout the series.
- Caron Butler. The Spurs don't have a guy with the athleticism or defensive ability to consistently stop Butler. Caron is going to be able to get his shot whenever he wants all series. The threat of a legitimate 2nd scoring option make the Mavs so much more dangerous than in years past.
Why the Mavs could lose the series.
- The Mavs lineups frustrate me greatly, and it could come back to bite us. Roddy Beaubois had another DNP last night. Roddy is one of our best wing scorers and could really pick up the scoring slack when Dirk is out of the game. Beaubois averaged 14.5 PPG on 20 MPG during the month of February while Terry was hurt, including a 40 point explosion against Golden State. The scoring average is a little skewed still with Beaubois playing under 10 minutes 4 games. I'm not saying Terry shouldn't see the floor, but when he's 2-9 on the game I think it's worth our while to see how Roddy B is feeling.
- The Spurs are still a veteran team who know how to win in the Playoffs. Since the big trio of Parker, Duncan, and Ginobli were united in 2001-2002 the Spurs are an incredible 75-47 (.61 winning percentage). They have been here before and know what it takes to get it done.
I think the Mavs are the clear favorite this series, as they should be as the #2 seed. I think this series ends in 6, although I wouldn't be surprised to see it end in 5 back in Dallas.
The Rest of the Playoffs
I'm going to take a quick shot at making my picks throughout the playoffs.
West
Lakers over Thunder in 6- Too much Kobe and Pau. The Thunder are a young improving too, but they aren't ready to knock off the Defending champs.
Nuggets over Jazz in 6- Boozer is hurt. Okur is hurt. The Jazz are in trouble. They can't keep up the scoring with one of highest-scoring teams in the NBA.
Suns over Blazers in 7- The Blazers made a statement last night that they can win without Roy but I think the Suns will regain their composure and pull it out in 7.
Mavs over Spurs in 6.
Lakers over Nuggets in 7- Kobe and Carmelo are going to put on an absolute show all series long, but Pau, Bynum, and Lamar prove that it takes more than one superstar to win in the Playoffs.
Mavs over Suns in 7- The Dirk-Nash Playoff reunion will be an exciting affair with a lot of high scoring close games, but the Mavs will pull it out behind big games from Dirk.
Mavs over Lakers in 7- Mavs get to their 2nd NBA finals with a game 7 win in LA. The Mavs have the wings to run at Kobe all night long. The length inside of Haywood and Damp can keep Bynum and Pau in check, and the Lakers bench is non existent. The Mavs prevail behind some stingy defensive efforts.
East
Cavs over Bulls in 4- Lebron
Celtics over Heat in 7. The Celtics are old and decling but they have enough to finish off DWade and CO. at home.
Hawks over Bucks in 6- The Bucks are very underrated with rookie PG Brandon Jennings leading the way, but Joe and Josh lead the Hawks to the series win.
Magic over Bobcats in 5- The magic are too big, athletic, and good for the Bobcats. Charlotte's first playoff series ends quickly.
Cavs over Celtics in 6- Lebron.
Hawks over Magin in 6- Hawks declare themselves among the elite teams in the NBA with a win over the Magic in 6 games. Joe Johnson solidifies his superstar status and Josh Smith winds up on the Top 10 5 times.
Cavs over Hawks in 6- Lebron again is to much for anybody to stop and the Hawks simply can't stop him. More competitive though than many people will think.
Finals
As much as I hate to admit it, I'm taking the Cavs in 7 over the Mavs. It will be extremely difficult to knock of the Cavs in Cleveland. Lebron is the best player in the league and the Mavs will be fatigued after series wins over the Spurs, Suns, and Lakers. Lebron wins his first championship.
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