Its January 1st, 2011, and so another year has come and gone. Personally I'm sad to let 2010 go as it was an amazing period of my life, but I'm hopeful that 2011 will be just as good, if not better. And that includes all things basketball.
For my first blog post of 2011, I've decided to make a list of the things I'm hoping for in the NBA this year. (But I should make a quick disclaimer that I'm only focusing on the rest of this current season, not going into the start of the next, though technically it would be the same calender year.)
In no particular order...
1. Derrick Rose making it to the All-Star game as a starter. Its an honor in itself to be able to go as a reserve, I get it, but he deserves more than that this season. As if he wasn't a great enough player last year, he has stepped up his game beyond my expectations, and I truly consider him to be one of the best current point guards this league has to offer.
2. Carmelo Anthony making a decision as to if hes going to stay, or go. I still believe he should stay in Denver and try to make some new additions to the team and build it up from there, rather than start over somewhere new, but at this point, I haven't the slightest clue whats actually going to end up happening.
3. The hype of the Heat to die down. I should probably just say the hype surrounding Lebron, because at this point, absolutely no one speaks about Chris Bosh, and short of his new commercials (which I must say I love) Dwyane Wade has been out of the limelight lately too, but since talk of Lebron is always linked to "his decision", I have to give the team recognition as well.
4. Yao Ming to realize he can't play basketball anymore, and move on. I know, I know, it sounds harsh. But it should be to no one's surprise that I'm not his biggest fan. And beyond that, I think its been made pretty clear that his foot injury is no joke. He can try to come back as many times as he pleases but his minutes will always be limited, his performance will always be sub-par and his pain will always flare up. Its time to give it a rest. Seriously.
5. Mo Williams to get back in the drivers seat. This one is a little more easily said than done, and not only is his team currently 8-24, but he seems to be plagued with injuries lately, but as a huge supporter, I'm not giving up hope that he will bounce back. Ideally I'd like him to get the hell out of there but with his contract lasting until 2012 (with a player option in 2013), and no trade rumors circulating, it seems he will have to just have to make the best out of the situation hes in. Theres no question that the skill and passion are there, now he just needs to get back the motivation that Lebron's move took away.
6. Shaq to retire. Clearly not halfway through the season, but I'd be a very happy camper if this was his last. No disrespect towards him, I think he was a great asset to the league, and hope he hangs around the organization in one way or another, but in terms of actually playing? Its time to say goodbye.
7. For my fantasy team to start doing better. Ok, so this one is a little off topic, but seriously, I'm failing. Being in third place, out of four, is so not cool. And it seems like no matter what moves I make, or what games are played, I'm never going to move up. Tips are welcome. Very welcome.
8. Dwight Howard to keep improving. I know what most of you are thinking. "This is an awful one. Of course hes improving." But I fear that hes reaching his peak, and for someone his age, thats not good. His freethrows, though somewhat better since he first entered the league, still need a great deal of work, and his fouling could be better controlled. On top of that he seems to have lost his energy, something that beyond his obvious skills of rebounding and blocking, was my favorite part of him as a player. Its not like he doesn't have the skill, or isn't playing well but overall, I want to want to watch him, and lately, that hasn't been the case.
9. For Lebron to stop making comments about off-court matters. He blamed the backlash of "his decision" on race and then said that only teams with three or four superstars on them essentially deserve to be in the NBA. Enough said.
10. Derrick Rose to win MVP. Before you call me bias, you should know that I struggled with this one, because I also think Monta Ellis deserves to be considered. However, with Rose truly being the glue of the Chicago Bulls, and improving individually from game to game, I don't think there should even be a question as to whether or not he should get it. So far this season, no one has done more for their team than Derrick Rose.
11. Refs to lay off calls on the basis of "passionate play". Its true that they've already lightened up since the beginning of the season but honestly, calling a technical on someone for showing emotion? This is a sport for crying out loud. A competitive one at that. Its beyond me how such a rule even got passed but it needs to be reviewed ASAP.
And there you have it. The 11 NBA related things I'm hoping for in 2011. Lets see how many of my wishes actually come true...
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