Amundson signs with Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have reached a deal with free agent forward Louis Amudson. It is a two year deal worth 4.7 million dollars. This is a good signing for a Warriors' team that desperately needs players that are focused on the Defensive end of the court. Amudson will bring great energy and hustle to this Warrior team just as he did in Phoenix.

Best Point Guards in the NBA 10-1

Continuing our series of the best players at each position in the NBA, here are the best point guards in the NBA 10-1

10. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets
Although Harris and the Nets had one of the worst seasons a team has ever had in the history league, Harris still has to make the top 10. Harris is a better scorer then he is a passer, but that is not a put-down by any means, he still has good vision and good instincts for a point guard. I wouldn't expect the Nets to surprise anybody and make the playoffs, but they will be much improved from last season and Harris will be a big part of that.

9. Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
After a brilliant rookie season in which Tyreke averaged 20.1 ppg, 5.8 apg, and 5.3 rpg per game he deserves to be at number nine on this list. Now Tyreke is not your typical point guard at 6 foot 6 220 pounds, but I think he can continue to play point guard in the NBA at a high level. Tyreke reminds me so much of Lebron James, he has all the physical tools and can do just about anything asked of him on the basketball court. In a few years I think Evans will be in the top 3 on this list and maybe one of the top overall players in the NBA

8. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
I don't think that there is any question that many of the point guards on this list had better seasons then Parker, but only one other point guard on this list has a NBA Finals MVP. When healthy, Parker is still one of the best point guards in the game. He can shoot, he can get to rim, and has improved his passing ability since coming into the league. Plus when push comes to shove in the playoffs I will take Parker over just about anybody on this list.

7. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
The scary part about Russell Westbrook being in the top 10 is that he is still learning how to play the position of point guard. This upcoming season will be just his third year playing point, and people he is close to figuring it out. And if there was a top 10 Defensive point guards in the NBA Westbrook would be in the top 3. This season Westbrook will improve on his great season from last year and may make his first all-star team.

6. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
Derrick Rose's jump-shot has improved over the summer working with Team USA, which is scary news for the rest of the NBA. For the first time in his short career Rose will have a great player on his side in Carlos Boozer. This season the Bulls will be a top 5 seed in the east and Rose will be a huge part of it.

5. Chauncey Billups, Denver Nuggets 
Mr. Big shot is coming off a great regular season with Denver in which he averaged 19.5 ppg and 5.6 apg. However he did not fare to well in the postseason vs Deron Williams. Williams really dominated Billups in each game of that first round series. Going into his 14th season into the NBA many people are wondering if he has lost a step, We will just have to wait and see.

4. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
Why can't Rondo have a jumpshot, not like Chauncey or Nash but just something to keep Defense's honest. If Rondo had just a decent jumpshot he would number 1 on this list. His vision is off the charts, his passing ability is like that of Pete Maravich, his defense is lockdown. Rondo I know you are working on that jumpshot everyday, and once you get it I will edit this blog and move you to number 1.

3. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
Steve Nash is a guy I still can't really figure out, he doesn't have great size or strength, he doesn't have great speed or quickness, but he just gets the job done. His innate ability to make the other people around him better is his best quality as a basketball player. Although they lost to the Lakers in six, Watching Steve Nash in that series made me just appreciate just how truly great he is. I don't know how he does it, I just know that he gets the job done.

Now here it is the top 2 point guards in the NBA Deron Williams and Chris Paul. Well I'm not going to tell you who the best is I want you guys to decide that. So Vote for either Williams our Paul and please leave comments I want to hear who you people think is the best point guard in the business.

USA vs Turkey 4th quarter

* Team USA is just 10 minutes away from the Gold Medal
*USA up 15 with 8:05
*Lamar Odom nails a dagger three to put the U.S up 18
*Rose is putting this game away now has 6 points this quarter
*Lamar Odom 15 points and 10 rebounds. the mvp of this 2nd half
*USA by 17 with 2:07 to play
*Turkey played great in these Championships but were just simply overmatched vs the U.S.A
*Congrats to all the USA players and coaches for there hard work, and there goal of bringing the World Championship back to the U.S.

MVP of the Game: Kevin Durant

USA vs Turkey 3rd quarter

*Everybody on the U.S. is 1-14 from three point range excluding Kevin Durant
*Another long range three from Durant, he now has 26 points. USA up 16
*Lamar Odom cleaning up the glass, USA is dominating this game on both ends of the floor
*Turkey is getting killed on the glass in this second half
*Arsalan for 3, Coach K calls timeout
*Westbrook hits a rare 3 USA leads by 14
*Durant with a Kobe Bryant type shot, 28 points for KD
*At the end of 3 quarters USA leads Turkey 61 to 48.

USA vs Turkey 2nd quarter

*Westbrook is providing a huge spark off the bench again
*Team USA is on an 11-0 run they lead 25 to 17
*USA's defense is really frustrating the Turkish guards
*Hard foul by Rudy Gay, I like it though if your going to foul then foul the guy
*Durant has gotten some good looks in this 2nd quarter, he just hasn't knocked them down
*The U.S is in the penalty at 6:01 Turkey is a good free throw shooting team except Omer Asik
*Durant three from the corner USA is up 10
*Where has Hedo been this game? Turkey doesn't have a chance if he doesn't have a big game
*Durant answers Hedo's three pointer with one of his own Durant has 18 points
*Durant again this time a jumper in the lane, he has 20
*Turkey goes to line down 38 to 28 with 2:12 to play in the 2nd quarter
*USA leads at the half 42 to 32; Durant has 20 points at the half

USA vs Turkey 1st quarter

Kevin Durant is already on fire here early in the first quarter, he is such a matchup problem for every team in this tournament. Turkey has gone to their match-up zone real early in this game and got burned by a deep Durant three. Turkey is being really aggressive on offense to start this game which is good to see if you  are a Turkey fan. U.S.A just switched to a 2-3 zone, which is not a good idea vs this team that has shooters all over the court. Turkey takes a 15-14 lead with 4:03 the USA just has to stay calm and keep playing their game. Things are getting a little testy here early with Tyson Chandler and Hedo I like it. *

*Durant may go for 30 in three straight games.
*Steph Curry comes in and hits a huge three to silence this crowd
* Team USA has great energy on Defense
*Very exciting first quarter. Team USA leads 22 to 17

NFL players in the NBA

The NFL season starts today, and this got us to thinking about all the great athletes and basketball players that are currently in the NFL. So we came up with a list of the top ten basketball players in the NFL.
Feel free to leave comments about this post or any other post.

10. Drew Brees
Brees played basketball in high school and although he is not very tall I would take him as my starting point guard. He is a natural leader and a gym rat, he would work his butt off every day and you need guys like that in NBA locker rooms.

9. Tony Romo
Romo has good size and athleticism for a QB at 6 foot 2. I think he could play a little point guard and some shooting guard. Romo averaged 31 ppg in high school, the 2nd highest in the state of Wisconsin behind Caron Butler.

8. Vernon Davis
I would take Vernon Davis on my basketball team any day, his size, speed, and strength are off the charts. Although he is on only 6 foot 4 I may put him at forward, sort of like a Charles Barkley.

7.  Brandon Marshall
This one is interesting just a few weeks ago Marshall said that if there were to be a lockout in the NFL next season he would try out for several NBA teams. No I know Marshall didn't play in college but I have seen him on a football field and I believe his skills would translate to a basketball court. However I know for certain he is not good enough to make an NBA roster.

6. Donovan Mcnabb
Now Donovan is one of those guys that played both basketball and football in College. Although he didn't see much playing time at Syracuse, we are still talking about big east basketball here.

5. Martellus Bennett
Bennett played basketball at Texas A&M and like Mcnabb did not see much floor time. The reason I put Bennett ahead of Mcnabb is because of his size and athleticism at 6 foot 7 250 pounds I think teams in the East should look at signing him to guard Lebron James. (kidding)

4. Terrell Owens
TO is a freak athlete and a very good basketball player. We have all seen him dominate the celebrity game during All-Star weekend and while I'm not in love with his shot he his number 4 on the list because his ability to get to the rim and finish.

3. Jimmy Graham
Graham a rookie in the NFL this season played 4 years of basketball at the U. Graham has a similar build to Martellus Bennett, however he is not as athletic. I really like Graham down low as a banger and a solid rebounder.

2. Tony Gonzalez
Remember the good old days of CAL basketball Jason Kidd dishing to hall of fame tight end Tony Gonzalez? Tony was not a great college basketball player but he was solid in the NCAA tournament when he and Kidd led Cal to the sweet 16.

1. Antonio Gates
 There is no question that Antonio Gates is the best basketball player in the NFL. Gates averaged 16.5 ppg and 7.8 rpg while shooting 50% from the field. In 2002 Gates led Kent State to the elite eight, as far as I'm concerned Antonio Gates is the Michael Jordan of basketball players in the NFL. 

USA vs Turkey Preview

Tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 PM EST Team USA will face the Turkish national team in the Finals  of the FIBA World Championships.  Team USA played great in their semifinal vs Lithuania, leading the way was Kevin Durant with 38 points and 8 rebounds. Also contributing with very solid games were Durant’s teammate with the Thunder Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom. Saturday’s game was the best all-around game of the Championships thus far for the U.S.  but they will need an even better effort on Sunday to top the host team Turkey. Earlier today Turkey just squeaked by Serbia, on a layup from point guard Kerem Tunceri with 0.5 seconds. Just like Team USA, Turkey has yet to lose a game in these Championships, beating quality opponents like Greece, Russia, and today Serbia. With three NBA players on their roster, Turkey is no slouch. I think the size advantage with Asik down low could hurt the U.S., but Kevin Durant is an even bigger mismatch for Turkey. This is going to be a great basketball game, plus Turkey’s obvious home court advantage will benefit them down the stretch. I know it is the first Sunday in the NFL but you better tune into this basketball game because it will be one for the ages.

Come to the blog during the game for updates after each quarter as well as after the game. 

Starting Lineups
C: Lamar Odom                         C: Omer Asik
F: Kevin Durant                         F: Ersan Ilyasova
F: Andre Iguodala                     F: Hedo Turkoglu
G: Chauncey Billups                 G: Omer Onan
G: Derrick Rose                        G: Kerem Tunceri

Team USA’s X factor: Russell Westbrook
Team Turkey’s X factor: Omer Asik
Prediction: USA 83 Turkey 80

Best Point Guards in the NBA 20-11

Yesterday we counted down the best point guards in the NBA from 30-21. Today we continue the series starting at number 20.

20. Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavilers
Mo Williams is not your prototypical NBA point guard, he is not a great floor general and not the best passer. Mo is sort of in the same mold as a Mike Bibby, a guy who brings up the ball but usually looks for his own shot first and then dishes to others. With Lebron James' departure to Miami look for Mo to be the go to guy for this Cavs team and while the Cavs may not be so hot this year look for Mo Williams to average around 18 ppg and 5apg.

19. John Wall, Washington Wizards
Coming in at number 19 is John Wall, Wall amazed fans and scouts alike in his lone season at Kentucky. It is hard to put him to high on this list because he is just a rookie, but John Wall is a natural NBA point guard. His vision is off the charts and his speed and quickness maybe unmatched in the league. Watching Wall and Gilbert Arenas in the Wizards backcourt should be great entertainment.

18. Jameer Nelson, Orlando Magic
Jameer really had a disappointing 2009-2010 season for the Orlando Magic in which he averaged just 12.6 ppg and 5.4 apg. The biggest obstacle standing in Nelson's way is that he is always injured. He hasn't played 70 games since 2006-2007. I think Nelson is a really good score first guard who can shoot with the best of them. However I would like to see him start over 65 games and stay healthy for an entire season.

17. Andre Miller, Portland Trailblazers
Andre Miller just keeps getting the job done year in and year out for whatever team he plays for. What I like about Andre Miller is that he is consistent, you always know what you are going to get from him. 14 or 15 points a game, 6 or 7 assists, and a player with a high basketball IQ.

16. Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets
In 2009-2010 Aaron Brooks had a breakout season averaging 19.6 ppg and 5.3 apg. Although Brooks is undersized he uses his speed and quickness to create shots. This year with Yao Ming healthy look for Brook's shot attempts per game to go down but I think his shooting percentage and assists will go up.

15. Darren Collison, Indiana Pacers
Darren Collison maybe the most intriguing point guard on the this list, while he averaged a solid 12.4 ppg and 5.7 apg those numbers are deceivingly low. When Chris Paul was in the starting lineup obviously Darren Collison did not get much playing time, but when Paul went down Collison really stepped in and stepped up. In 37 games as a starter he averaged 18.8 ppg and 9.1 apg, look for him to build off these numbers and continue to improve in 2010-2011 with the Pacers.

14. Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
Last season there was a real argument to be made that Jennings should have been the rookie of the year. He lead his team to the playoffs, he played solid Defense in Scott Skiles' system, and he averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.7 apg per game. I think his one year playing in Europe really helped him mature not only as person, but as as a basketball player. One thing I would like to see him improve is his shot selection. Also sometimes he tries to get to fancy with the basketball and make a top play when a simple pass will do.

13. Stephon Curry, Golden State Warriors
A lot of people had questions about Curry playing point guard in the NBA, well Curry answered those questions and then some. Curry had a great rookie campaign, and while he does benefit in playing in that up and down, score as much as you can and don't play any defense system, he is still a great player.

12. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
Jason Kidd will turn 38 late in this upcoming season but he is still one of the best point guards in the game. Kidd's vision and passing ability are still as sharp as they have ever been and now he is stepping outside and knocking down three's with consistency.  Although his athleticism and defensive skills may have diminished a little bit, Kidd still gets the job done night in and night out.


11. Baron Davis, Los Angeles Clippers
Baron Davis hasn't been what we all expected with the Clippers, but there is no denying that he is still a very good NBA point guard. This season he has a talented and improving Clipper team around with Kaman, Gordon, and Blake Griffin, so expect B-Diddy to have his best year yet with the Clippers in 2010-2011

Recap of USA vs Lithuania

Final Score: USA 89 Lithuania 71

Team USA finished off Lithuania with a solid fourth quarter and an all-around team effort in the second half. In the first half it was all Kevin Durant but in the second half the U.S. got contributions from Lamar Odom, Russell Westbrook, and Andre Iguodala. Although the Defense for the USA dropped off a little bit in the second half, by not getting back in transition and having poor weakside help in their halfcourt defense they were just the more talented team. The biggest difference in this game was that our best player, played like the best player, and Lithuania's best player was non-existent. Linas Klezia had just 4 points on 1-11 shooting, while Kevin Durant set a record for American men in the FIBA Championships with 38 points.This is the best overall game that Team USA has played in this Championships vs a very young and talented Lithuania club. Team USA just keeps getting better and better with each game it plays, and that does not bode well for either Serbia or Turkey.

MVP of the game: Kevin Durant; 38 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists

Leaders for Team USA
Points: Kevin Durant, 38
Assists: Andre Iguodala and Kevin Durant, 3
Rebounds: Lamar Odom, 10 

3rd Quarter

After three Team USA leads by a score of 65 to 56 over Lithuania. Lithuania made some nice halftime adjustments like double teaming Kevin Durant, but the ball movement by the U.S. in their halfcourt offense was beautiful in this third quarter. Quietly Lamar Odom is having a fantastic game with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks. USA's defense really dropped off in the second half, they didn't look as energized as they did in the first half, but they are just 10 minutes from a finals match-up with either Serbia or Turkey.

2nd quarter USA vs Lithuania

The USA leads Lithuania at halftime by the score of 42 to 27. In the second quarter Kevin Durant continued his red hot shooting and leads all scorers with 24 points. The high point total in this championships so far is 37 set by Louis Scola, I think Durant has a real shot at getting to that 37 and maybe even up into the 40's. Just as in the game vs Russia, Russell Westbrook came off the bench and provided a great spark for team USA scoring 6 points in the second quarter. Meanwhile on the Lithuanian side Klezia is absent from this game, he has 4 points on 1 of 8 shooting from the field. The man that has somewhat kept them in this game was our x factor before the game, Martyans Pocius. If Lithuania wants to stay in this game in the second half Klezia must get going and the rest of the team must hit the open threes that they got in the first half.

1st Quarter USA vs Lithunia

After one quarter Team USA looks great, they came out with great energy on both sides of the basketball. Lithuania looks a bit sluggish right now and Kleiza has been a non factor so far. Meanwhile Kevin Durant has been sensational in this first quarter and is well on his way to another 30 point game in this tournament. If the U.S. can keep this energy up they will cruise into the Championship game

Melo to Bulls, good or bad?

I'm sure by now all of you have heard the rumors about Carmelo Anthony being traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Chicago Bulls and it got me thinking is this a good move for the Bulls? Personally I believe that this would be a great deal for the Chicago Bulls barring that they don't have to give up Joakim Noah in the deal. Right Now the Bulls are the fourth best team in the East. With a starting five of Rose, Brewer, Anthony, Boozer, and Noah that puts them right up there with the Celtics and the Heat contending for the Eastern Conference Title. If the Bulls organization is serious about getting back to contending and winning championships, they will make this move happen. The Bulls have not been real good at pulling the trigger when it comes to trading for superstars. We all remember the Kobe Bryant rumors, along with possible trades for Pau Gasol and Kevin Garnett. Also The Bulls making this deal for Carmelo really makes up for them missing out on Lebron, Wade, Bosh, and Joe Johnson in free agency. There is a big three in Boston, A big three in Miami, there needs to be a big three in the Windy City.

USA vs Lithuania

Today at 11 am eastern time Team USA will take on the Lithuanian National team in the semifinal of the World Championships. Team USA played a sloppy first half but then picked it up in the second half to get the victory over Russia. Kevin Durant has been nothing short of amazing so far, but if Team USA expects to advance to the finals they will need more then Durant's scoring. Last game vs Russia Russell Westbrook ignited the team in the third quarter with 10 points and 3 steals. However this Lithuanian team is a step up from the Russia Squad the U.S. handled. Lithuania has shooters at every position with the best of them being Linas Klezia. Klezia has been to Lithuania what Durant has been to the U.S. averaging 19.1 ppg. This game could come down to a 1 on 1 battle between Klezia and Durant advantage U.S.A

X factor for U.S.A: Derrick Rose
X factor for Lithuania: Martynas Pocius

Prediction: USA 93 Lithuania 85

Best Point Guards in the NBA

Hey Everybody this is the first post for the newest and best NBA Blog on the Web. Recently the Ball Don't Lie Blog on Yahoo Sports had a series where they ranked the best players at each position in the NBA. Well I think a lot of us that read it had some problems with it. Like Kelly Dwyer putting Dwyane Wade over Kobe Bryant as the league's best shooting guard or having Troy Murphy ahead of Louis Scola. Going to Kelly Dwyer for basketball analysis is like going to George Bush for advice on how to run a country, he may try his best, but by the end of it you will be scratching your head. So with all that being said I wanted to create my own list of the best players at each position and today we are going to start with Point Guards. So here they best point guards 30-21

30.  D.J Augustin, Charlotte Bobcats
D.J. is a guy who did not get much playing time last year backing up Raymond Felton. However with Felton leaving for New York Augustin will see a significant increase in minutes. Last year he averaged 6.4 ppg and 2.4 apg look for those stats to rise this year and for Augustin to have a solid season in his first year as the starting point guard with the Bobcats.

29. Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
Chalmers has to be the happiest man on the face of the earth, with the additions of Lebron James and Chris Bosh Chalmers has the opportunity to be a real good point guard in this season. Chalmers suffered from a Sophomore slump after a very good rookie year in which he averaged 10 ppg and almost 5 apg per game. Not to mention starting every game and having a pretty decent playoff series vs the Hawks. This season he may be the starting point guard on the Eastern Conference Champions so he has to be on the list.

28. Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers
How can Derek Fisher be left out of this list, The man has 5 rings and hits big shot after big shot in the postseason. He took over Game 3 of the NBA Finals in Boston with an amazing 4th quarter. This year Derek will do what he has always done; play all 82 games, have the heart of a lion, and hit big shots when it matter most.

27. Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons
I believe that Rodney is one of these guys that is a shooting guard that is forced to play point guard. Rodney is a pretty good scorer and has good size and strength, but his instincts as a point guard are suspect. I love him as a scorer at 2 guard but don't really like him as a point guard in the NBA.

26. Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets
Lawson is coming off of a very good rookie year where he averaged 8.3 ppg and 3.1 apg in just 20 minutes. Playing behind Chauncey Billups does hurt his statistics but will really help him in the long run. If he works hard and picks Chauncey's brain as much as he can I believe he can be one of the best in the game in a few years.

25. Mike Bibby, Atlanta Hawks
There is no doubt that Mike Bibby's best years are behind him, but he still is a solid NBA point guard. Bibby is a guy who always shoots about 42% from the field, 38% from three, and 80% from the foul line. Also I have always liked him as a clutch player, knocking down big shots in 4th quarters.


24. Jarret Jack, Toronto Raptors 
Jack is like a box of chocolates, you never really know what you are going to get. On some nights he looks like an all-star caliber player and other nights he looks  uninterested. This past season in Toronto he played pretty well along Bosh and Hedo. This year he is going to be expected to do much more so I'm looking forward to this year being Jack's best year as a pro.

23. Jrue Holliday, Philadelphia 76ers
Holliday is a guy with all the skills and potential in the world, and we saw just a glimpse of that this season. Jrue has size, speed and an improving mid range game, with Doug Collins coaching him this year I expect him to really have a nice 2nd season.


22. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzles
Conley in his 3rd year with the Grizzles, had a solid season averaging 12 ppg and 5 apg. Conley has so many weapons around him guys like Gay, Randolph, and OJ Mayo. Conley has improved each year in the league and this season will be no different.

21. Raymond Felton, New York Knicks
Felton had a good season with the Bobcats in 2009-2010 averaging 12.1 ppg and 5.6 apg these stats will go way up in 2010-2011 playing in Mike D'antoni's system. Also Felton's Defense is something that was weak when he first came into the league but has improved each season. I think Felton really learned how to run and lead a basketball team under Larry Brown and that will benefit him greatly in the Big Apple.