On Sunday night Ben Simmons suffered a lower back injury in the first quarter of a game against the bucks. This was a re-aggravation of an injury that he previously suffered in a practice the week before. Today, he was ruled out Indefinitely.
Players get injured every year, it’s an unfortunate reality that we as fans, organizations and players have to face. I would never sit here and say that every time an organization demonstrated poor judgement when deciding to play someone through an injury that action needed to be taken. With that being said, I think it is time for the sixers to make some changes and reevaluate how they make these types of decisions.
If this were a stand-alone incident, I would probably brush this off. Hell, if this was the second or third incident i would probably brush it off, but I can only see this same thing happen season after season before I start to connect the dots. Dating back to 2016, the sixers have re-aggravated a Joel Embiid knee injury twice, played Joel Embiid the most minutes in the league for the first stretch of the season in 2018 season, let Markelle Fultz play through a shoulder injury during a SUMMER LEAGUE GAME that arguably lead to him physically forgetting how to shoot a basketball, allowed one of their best young players to average collectively 34 and a half minutes per game over the course of the last 3 seasons, and now this. They have an extremely bad habit of making short term decisions that lead to long term consequences.
Aside from these specific examples, they have a much deeper history of injuries since 2013. Nerlens Noel, joel Embiid, Jahlil okafor, markelle fultz, zhaire Smith, and Ben Simmons each missed significant portions of their rookie year. Embiid also hasn’t had a healthy playoffs since he’s been here and Markelle Fultz couldn’t see the floor the entire time he was there. We can’t blame all of these injuries on front office/medical staff negligence, but when it happens so often, I believe it’s fair to be skeptical.
And lastly, we can not pretend that players don’t recognize these trends too. Kawhi Leonard forced his way out of an organization with arguably the greatest coach of all time because he felt his injuries were mishandled. And after he left, the spurs have found it significantly harder to land free agents. I do not see a reason that the sixers organization should not be worried of a similar fate for themselves if this trend continues.
The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2019-2020 nba season as one of the frontrunners to come out of the East this season. Although they lost their 4th quarter closer in Jimmy Butler, and their best jump shooter in JJ redick, they seemingly had made up that value in former allstar al horford and last seasons leader for the Miami heat, Josh Richardson. The idea was though that while josh can’t shoot like JJ, and Al can’t score quite like Jimmy, they brought a new and different skill set to make up for it, specifically ones that the sixers lacked last season that would end up costing them a chance at a title. Richardson was/is a clearly superior defender to JJ, and is one of the better gaurd defenders in the league. and Al filled a need that jimmy, or anyone else on the 2018-2019 team couldn’t, a backup center that could (potentially) also play alongside joel Embiid, who also happened to be Joel’s worst matchup in the league in the 2018-2019 season. So now the sixers have the physicality and defensive versatility to defend any team in the league while, on paper, not having really anyone who is a negative offensively. Sadly, the optimism that was unlike any optimism sixers fans have had since the iverson era, was not met with the results everyone had hoped for. As it turns out, having 4 players in your starting lineup that heavily rely on posting up, getting inside and being surrounded by floor spacers leads to some unsatisfying results offensively. It also turns out that constantly going stagnant on offense leads to a drop in team morale and motivation on both sides of the ball. Who would’ve thought? Clearly not general manager elton brand. So, sitting at an underwhelming 33-21, and an even more underwhelming 6th seed in the eastern conference, something had to change. Somebody had to come out of this starting lineup. Josh Richardson was the only true gaurd, which the sixers were lacking, Ben simmons and Joel Embiid are the franchise players, and Tobias Harris is the only one of the forwards who even moderately resembles a floor spacer, so that leaves al horford. The same al horford making roughly $33million a year for the next 4 years. The same al horford who hasn’t come off the bench since he was a rookie. But the fact of the matter is Al horford was putting up career lows, and the net rating of him simmons and Embiid was hardly league average. It was a move that had to be made, and frankly, it wasn’t made soon enough. The Second they replaced him in the starting lineup, it immediately lead to arguably one of their most impressive wins of the year against the clippers, and the floor opened up for everybody, there was a new and improved energy level from the whole team, even Al improved in his new role. And now the sixers, rightfully, seem pretty committed to sticking with this experiment, but one question still remains, who starts over Al horford? Do you give up some defense with the teams most accurate shooter in furkan korkmaz, and leave the bench unit with less fire power on the perimiter? Do you start Glenn Robinson/Alec burks, who both are new to the team and have no chemistry with anyone? Do you stick with the defensive first mindset and bring rookie defensive standout Matisse Thybulle in to the starting role, even though he doesn’t bring much to the table from the scoring department? I guess it’s good to have a lot of options, as opposed to their roster options last year, but the clock is ticking and the sixers have to figure it out come playoff time. Only time will tell how this rollercoaster of a season will end.
Back in January, the Celtics dismantled the Lakers by 30, which as fun as that was, it wasn’t what I expected. On Sunday, we got exactly what all basketball fans wanted when the Celtics and Lakers met again, this time in Los Angeles. This game was a dogfight for all four quarters, but the Lakers edged out the Celts 114-112. Whether you’re a Celtics fan, Lakers fan or just basketball fan in general, the only way to start this off is with one player: Jayson Tatum.
Tatum showed us exactly why it’s believed he’ll be a perennial All-Star and could become one of the best players in the league. The 21 year old put up 41 points along with 5 rebounds and 2 assists. He really showed us everything in his offensive arsenal. He was getting to the basket with ease, efficient from three and was able to go toe to toe with two of the best players in the league in LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
It was a playoff atmosphere in Staples Center even before the ball was tipped. I can feel my hair getting grayer as I write this, by the way. The notoriously slow-starting Celtics did just that unfortunately and it took them basically half a quarter to find their groove offensively. Luckily, the defense was awesome, especially Jaylen Brown. He had the tall (literally) task of the guarding LeBron and Anthony Davis. And let me tell you, it was some of, if not the best, one-on-one defense I’ve seen him play.
Despite the slow start and early 11 point Lakers lead, the Celtics headed into the locker room at halftime only down 56-54. For the most part, they were able to hold Davis at bay with only 8 points on 4-11 shooting. Unfortunately for the Celts, Davis came alive in the second half with 24 points. Not to mention LeBron did LeBron things throughout and ended with 29 points, 8 boards and 9 assists. You know, casually. As well as hitting that turn around jumper to give the Lakers a 111-110 lead with 30 seconds left. Trust me, I’ll be seeing that in my nightmares for weeks.
And I hate to be this guy, but I need to rant on the refs for just a second. They called a Jaylen Brown turnover with 15 seconds left and if you were watching on TV, the ball is CLEARLY off Anthony Davis. I don’t know if their camera was blurry down there or what, but man, what an awful call. They immediately follow it up with a technical foul on Celtics coach Brad Stevens. How in the world are you going to call a tech in THAT moment. But, as we all know, ball don’t lie. Davis missed the technical free throw and all was right in the world.
What wasn’t right was my guy Gordon Hayward. This was just a bad Hayward game shooting wise. 5-15, 0-5 from three and only 10 points…yikes. His play making ability was there cashing in on 9 assists, and he was active defensively disrupting passing lanes and grabbing 8 boards. I’m a Hayward apologist, I know. But, much as I love Hayward, he has a bad habit of not scoring in games like these. That’s going to need to change if they want to go anywhere in the postseason.
You can’t win them all, and the Lakers just flat out executed better when the game was on the line. It happens. Not what we wanted to start off this road trip as Celtics fans, but there are still good things to take away from it. If this is the kind of defensive energy they can take to Portland, it’s bad news for the Blazers.
It still feels unreal. The untimely deaths of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and Ara Zobayan shocked the world. Not the nation, but the entire world.
For me, I have been following basketball since the early 2000s. I first got into basketball because of the dynamic duo that is: Shaq and Kobe. That tag team consisted of the first idols (aside from my parents) I looked up to. Dominance, championships, and fun was all I saw and it created a feeling of passion for sports that I had never felt before. I even named my pair of turtles Shaq and Kobe.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Shaq was traded and Kobe stayed with the Lakers his entire career. However, I always kept up with Kobe’s journey; sometimes rooting for him, sometimes covering my eyes as he would drop 40 on my team easy. No matter who Kobe played, you knew he had the killer mentality. He was a master at his craft and his stats, records and five championships show for it. To this day, many say “Kobe!” As they take a shot in honor of his phenomenal scoring ability.
Many people lost a superhero in Kobe. The Black Mamba was given his nickname because of the cold blooded killer he was. For our generation, we had never seen someone so ruthless on the court on such a consistent basis. He always preached working to be the best you could be. Whether it be in sports, a career, or in your family, the beloved “Mamba Mentality” will be a phrase that always sticks as a motivator to be better.
He approached everything as if losing was never an option. He was idolized for his uncommon vision and lovable personality. It has been evident through all the tributes pouring through social media these past few days.
And the tributes were not just from former NBA players. He has been an idol for all stars of all sports: football, soccer, tennis, etc. Every sport has been effected by Kobe in some shape or form. He has been an advocate for women’s teams such as the US Women’s Nation Soccer Team and the WNBA helping them get the spotlight and platform they much deserve.
It didn’t matter if you loved him or hated him, you respected him. And that respect eventually would turn into love as he retired in 2016 and we all got to understand The Black Manba off the court, the man that is Kobe Bean Bryant.
We learned about his passion for being a husband/father quite quickly after he retired. His daughter Gianna Bryant, or GiGi, resurrected his passion for the game as both a father and teacher. He was so happy at the opportunity to both spend a lot of time with her and pass down his knowledge of the game. GiGi was nicknamed “Mambacita” as fans were excited to see what was to come from her playing career. The bond they built is something that we all strive for. We are able to truly appreciate their relationship because we were able to watch it grow. To study how to be the best version of ourselves and pass on our own knowledge to future generations.
I could go on and on about the eternal legacy that Kobe built for himself and those who have followed. But the truth is this: Kobe was an icon of a basketball player, one of the greatest of all time. We will always have fond memories of growing up and watching him ball. But we also will have his off court presence that stays with us as well. He used his platform for the greater good, to push all of us to be the best we can be. To tell someone we love them, to be passionate about the things we do. To strive for greatness. Life is short, but if we all practice what Kobe has been preaching while he was with us, I believe that is the best way to honor his legacy.
“Have a good time. Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile and just keep on rolling.” – Kobe Bean Bryant, 1978-2020
Well here comes part two of my big 4 market rankings. This one will focus on the six markets that have three franchises. If you have not read my rankings of the markets with 1 team or 2 teams you can do so here. A refresher on how my rankings were determined-
There are a few rules I followed in my rankings and are as follows:
Each market is divided into a classification (1 team, 2 teams, 3 teams, 4 teams) — similar to how high school sports are divided–in order to make it easier to compare.
MLB and NFL playoff appearances are weighted slightly more because NHL and NBA playoffs have over half of the teams in their leagues in the playoffs.
For the NBA, NHL and NFL, I use the 2009-2010 seasons as the start of the decade, because the champion of each was crowned in 2010. For example, the Saints were Super Bowl champions in 2010.
Markets only include teams in the metro area (for example I did not include Green Bay with Milwaukee and Sacramento with the Bay Area.
6 Tampa, Florida (NFL, MLB, NHL)
Largely kept out of misery by the Lightning’s resurgence in the last half of the decade, Tampa still is last in this edition. The Lightning won the President’s Trophy just last season and made a Stanley Cup appearance in 2015 only to fall to the Chicago Blackhawks. Playoff appearances in 11’,14’,15’ and 16’ as well as division titles in 2018 and 2019, have made the Lightning the pride and joy of Tampa. Considering their financial circumstances, the Rays have made a respectable effort the last 10 years, making the playoffs three times and winning the AL East in 2010. They weren’t able to get out of the ALDS in any of their tries. Then theres the Bucs. Zero playoff appearances since 2010 but I will say Jameis Winston does make for some must watch TV.
5 Atlanta, Georgia (NFL, MLB, NBA)
Compared to a lot of other places, Atlanta did not have a terrible decade as far as their professional sports teams go. They might have moved up this list if the Falcons had a 31-3 lead instead of a 28-3 lead late in the 3rd quarter. Either way they made a Super Bowl 51 appearance, won the NFC South 3 times and had two wild card berths. The Atlanta Hawks also made the playoffs eight straight years from 2010-2017 and were the one seed in the Eastern Conference in 2015 before getting swept by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Braves moved to a shiny new ballpark in 2017 and have hosted playoff games in 2018 and 2019. Two losses in the wild card game (10’ & 12’) and 3 losses in the NLDS (13’,18 & 19’) has left many fans frustrated with the state of Atlanta sports.
4 Toronto, Ontario (MLB, NHL, NBA)
With hockey being king in Canada, you would thing a team from Canada would have won the Stanley Cup recently but unfortunately the Montreal Canadiens championship in the most recent team to do that in 1993. More of the same has came from the Toronto Maple Leafs as they have made four playoff appearances with zero series wins. The city is starved for a hockey winner and Auston Matthews might be the guy to do it. Moving on to the Blue Jays where they made the ALCS in 2015 & 2016 but nothing farther. Both of those seasons coming as the only postseason appearances for the Jays. Kawhi Leonard and the rest of the Raptors gave a championship to a starved city. It had been since the Blue Jays won in ironically enough 1993, since the city had a parade. The Raptors had made the playoffs every year since 2014 but with Kawhi gone, it’s hard to see Toronto repeating.
3 Cleveland, Ohio (NFL, MLB, NBA)
Similar to the Bucs of Tampa Bay, the Cleveland Browns did not crack the playoffs once in the last ten years. As a matter of fact they did not have a single winning season and managed to go 0-16 in the 2017-2018 season. The Indians came within one win of a World Series title in 2016 before losing in game 7 to the Chicago Cubs. Along with that pennant in 2016, they won three straight AL Central titles and made an appearance in the wild card game in 2013. The Cavaliers put Cleveland out of their misery making five playoff appearances, five division titles, four Eastern Conference Championships and ended the championship drought for the city in 2016 by erasing a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors. Ironically about five months later the Indians blew a 3-1 lead to the Chicago Cubs.
2 Houston, Texas (NFL, MLB, NBA)
Houston has enjoyed playoff success by all three of their teams. Starting with the Houston Texans who have only been in existence since 2002. They have won six division titles since 2010 and have four playoff wins, however they have failed to advance past the divisional round. The Rockets have made the playoffs every season since 2013 and winning the Southwest division in 2015, 2018 as well as 2019. The rockets have not made it all the way to the NBA finals having lost to the warriors in the Western Conference finals in both 2015 and 2018. In 2017 the Astros gave Houston its first title since the rockets won back-to-back in the mid-1990s. Up until 2015 the Astros may have been the worst team in Major League Baseball. Winning the wild card game in 2015 and then three straight division titles from 2017 through 2019. They were able to turn those playoffs appearances into two AL Pennants and the World Series crown in 2017.
1 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (NFL, MLB, NHL)
The Pirates ended a 20-year playoff drought in 2013 and made two other wild card appearances in 2014 and 2015. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2015 and it seems to have taken a turn for the worst this last season with all the clubhouse chaos and executive turnover. For being the second most successful team in the city over the last decade, the Steelers faired extremely well. They started off with a Super Bowl appearance in 2010 and had four AFC North titles and two more wild card berths. They did not finish below 8-8 over the entire decade which would put them at 45 games above .500 for the decade. The Penguins had one of the most impressive decades of any NHL team. They made the postseason every single season while winning their division twice. On top of the 10 postseason appearances they won the Stanley Cup back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017. The city of Pittsburgh has always had a rich tradition of sports success and the 2010’s carried the torch for another 10 years.
In this series we will examine how every sports market fared in the 2010 decade. I will look at each team in their respective market and compare with other teams within that market. I only used Big 4 sports teams (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL) in these rankings.
There are a few rules I followed in my rankings and are as follows:
Each market is divided into a classification (1 team, 2 teams, 3 teams, 4 teams) — similar to how high school sports are divided–in order to make it easier to compare.
MLB and NFL playoff appearances are weighted slightly more because NHL and NBA playoffs have over half of the teams in their leagues in the playoffs.
For the NBA, NHL and NFL, I use the 2009-2010 seasons as the start of the decade, because the champion of each was crowned in 2010. For example, the Saints were Super Bowl champions in 2010.
Markets only include teams in the metro area (for example I did not include Green Bay with Milwaukee and Sacramento with the Bay Area.
1 TEAM CLASS
There are 19 different markets in the United States and Canada with only one Big 4 team. Most of them have not had much success in the 2010’s so instead of mindlessly ranking all 19, I will give you my top 3 for this category
3 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (NBA)
Oklahoma City has been a menace in the NBA since the new decade. They have made the postseason every year but the 2015 season, winning their division four straight years from 2011 through 2014 and another in 2016. The Thunder won a total of 10 playoff series this decade as well as a Western Conference Title in the 2012 season. However, they fell to the Miami Heat in five games, and an NBA title eluded them throughout the decade.
2 Green Bay, Wisconsin (NFL)
Headlined by their Super Bowl XLV title in the 2011 season, the packers were dominant for the first half of the decade. They racked up four division titles from 2012 through 2015, and another in 2016. Adding Wild Card appearances in 2011 and 2016, the Packers were a regular in the NFL playoffs this past decade.
1 San Antonio, Texas (NBA)
I could probably keep the Spurs in this spot since the start of the millennium with how dominant they have been over the last 20 years. However, since the 2009-2010 NBA season, they won the Southwest Division seven times (2011-2014, 2016 & 2017) and they have two western conference titles in 2013 and 2014. In 2014 they beat the Big 3 Miami Heat for their fifth NBA title in franchise history. This was an easy call to have San Antonio at the top.
2 TEAM CLASS
11 Buffalo, New York (NFL, NHL)
Oh boy, where do I start here… Buffalo has some of the most loyal fans with the worst sports teams. Between the Bills and Sabres they have a combined THREE playoff appearances this decade. The Bills in 2018 and the Sabres all the way back in 2010 & 2011. The Sabres did have the lone division title in 2010 for Buffalo. To make things worse, the Bills lost their playoff game and the Sabres did not get out of the first round either year. Things are definitely looking up for the Bills going into the new decade.
10 Cincinnati, Ohio (NFL, MLB)
Without an NBA or NHL team to prop up their playoff appearances, the Reds and Bengals still totaled nine playoff appearances over the last 10 years and four of them coming by way of a division crown. The Bengals did not win a playoff game in six opportunities and the Reds lost in the NLDS in 2010 and 2012. To cap off their last appearance of the decade the Reds lost to Pittsburgh when Pirates fans were able to rattle Johnny Cueto in the 2013 Wild Card game.
9 Milwaukee, Wisconsin (MLB, NBA)
This is where it becomes more difficult to rank each market. It is hard to put Milwaukee this far down considering they have two MVPs in the last two seasons with Christian Yelich and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Most of the success in Milwaukee has been very recently. The first part of the decade was largely a dumpster fire for Milwaukee. The Bucks had five playoff appearances before 2019 and did not have a single series win. Their first division title also came in 2019 as well as an Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Brewers did win their division in 2011 and beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in five before falling to St. Louis in the NLCS. They won their division in 2018 and again lost in the NLCS. A wild card loss in 2019 kept Milwaukee out of the World Series and NBA finals for the entire decade and that’s why they’re at #9.
8. Charlotte, North Carolina (NFL, NBA)
Charlotte’s position at #8 is propped up almost entirely by the Carolina Panthers. In particular their appearance in Super Bowl 50 preceded by a 15-1 regular season. The Panthers won three straight division titles from 2014 through 2016 and tacked on a wild card berth in 2018. If Cam Newton was able to stay healthy, Charlotte would be a few spots higher. The most notable thing the Charlotte Hornets did was switch their name from the Bobcats back to the Hornets after 2014 and the team did not seem to do any better; just 3 playoff appearances and not one series win. They have been painfully spaced out and did not string together back-to-back postseason appearances all decade. This team may belong in Buffalo.
7. Nashville, Tennessee (NFL, NHL)
Yet another city propped up by one of their teams, but the Nashville Predators have been dominant the last 10 years. The predators have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs just twice and have a Stanley Cup finals appearance and a Presidents Trophy to show for the 2010’s. If they weren’t snake bitten by the Chicago Blackhawks early in the decade, they would have more than seven playoff series wins. The Tennessee Titans chipped in a playoff appearance in 2018 and a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead, which is not an easy task.
6. Indianapolis, Indiana (NFL, NBA)
Indianapolis comes in as the city with the most playoff appearances between their two teams (14) and the Colts won the AFC to start the decade. The Colts had a total of six playoff appearance and won the AFC South 4 times (2010,2011,2014 & 2015). The transition from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck propelled the Colts through the decade. The Pacers have been a mainstay in the postseason for the last 10 years, only missing the playoffs in 2010 and 2015. Making back to back Eastern Conference Finals appearances in 2013 & 2014 headline the 2010’s but were unable to overcome LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Let’s not forget about Lance Stephenson either.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana (NFL, NBA)
The New Orleans Saints beat the aforementioned Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV netting the city’s first professional sports title. The Saints also appeared in the postseason five more times in addition to 2010 but suffered heart-breaking losses in 2018 to the Minnesota Vikings and in 2019 to the Los Angeles Rams. Both years it was not out of the realm of possibility for another Saints Super Bowl victory. On the other hand, there is the New Orleans Pelicans. This team is notorious for wasting talented players, namely Chris Paul and Anthony Davis. Just three playoff appearances and no division titles, it was not a pretty decade for the Pelicans. They did however pick up a series sweep against Portland in the 2018 playoffs.
4. Seattle, Washington (NFL, MLB)
I can already hear my friends from the greater Seattle metro area tearing me apart for putting the Emerald City this low. The Seahawks have been absolutely phenomenal this decade. A Super Bowl win, another appearance and six total playoff appearances. Four NFC West titles to boot as well. It’s definitely not the Seahawks that is holding Seattle back. It’s the team that plays right across the street. The Seattle Mariners are one of just four MLB teams to not make the postseason in the last 10 seasons (Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres). To rub salt in the wound, they are now the only MLB franchise to never play in a World Series. I think most Seattle fans are content with a perennial contender in the Seahawks though.
3 Baltimore, Maryland (NFL, MLB)
It really is hard to believe that the Orioles used to be a very good baseball team with how horrendous they have been the last two seasons. The O’s made the playoffs in 2012, 2014 and 2016, with the 2014 season being a division title. They did have a Wild Card win in 2012 and an ALDS series win in 2014. The real powerhouse in Baltimore is the Ravens who have three division titles and Super Bowl XLVII under their belt. They add another three playoff appearances in wild card games. An 8-5 postseason record is definitely a sign of a strong decade and the way they have played this season, the 2020’s could be friendly to them as well.
2 Kansas City, Missouri (NFL, MLB)
The Kansas City Royals may have been the worst MLB team from 2000-2009. They had ONE winning season over that span, but the pain and suffering finally came to an end in the 2010’s. The Royals started out the 2014 postseason 8-0 enroute to a World Series appearance before losing to the San Francisco Giants in 7. They came back in 2015 and captured their second World Series title, beating the New York Mets in 5. They have largely gone dormant the last few years again but that’s the price of winning a ring in a smaller market. In the exact same parking lot lies Arrowhead Stadium and home to the Kansas City Chiefs. Amassing five division titles and two more wild card appearances, the Chiefs were regularly featured in the NFL playoffs even though they did not reach the AFC Championship until this past season. Just like the Ravens, the Chiefs will likely be a contender for a long time.
1 ST LOUIS, MISSOURI (NFL, MLB)
*I AM NOT COUNTING THE RAMS*
It is strange how the top two markets lie in the same state of Missouri. St. Louis is the only city on this list to have both teams claim a championship this decade. The Cardinals are one of the most respected MLB organizations and have consistently developed their own players. It has paid dividends for them in the form of a 2011 World Series Championship, a 2013 NL Pennant, and five division titles. The Cardinals have their name written all over postseasons for most of the decade. Finally, in 2019 the Blues raised the cup for the first time in franchise history. The Blues netted six playoff appearances since 2009-2010 before their seventh resulted in the Cup. That journey was nothing short of phenomenal, being in last place as late as January when the playoffs start in April. They missed the playoffs the first two years but have made it six of the last seven and have two division titles in 2012 and 2015. PLAY GLORIA!
Yesterday, I was sitting at the Mavericks game with my brother discussing the top players in the NBA right now. My brother and I were each naming off top players in the league, when a fan behind us suddenly interjected because he heard us mention Kawhi.
“Kawhi does not even belong in the top-5.”- the fan behind us said.
Absolutely shocked that somebody would say such an outlandish comment, I tried not to roll my eyes and instead listed off the reasons why Kawhi is a top-5 player in the league. The fan merely breezed over my reasons only to tell me that Harden was a top-3 player in the league. That is when I knew I could not reason with this fan, so I went back to enjoy the Mavericks beat up on the Spurs.
With that being said I wanted to finalize my list of top-3 players in the NBA AT THIS MOMENT. My rankings are more of how a player can impact a team. I prefer to see how this player can make a team a force/threat in the post season.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Averages 30.5 ppg 12.9 rebounds a game 5.7 assists a game
Right now, Giannis leads his team in points, rebounds, and assists per game. The reigning MVP has solidified himself in the top-3 because he has been the main reason why the Bucks has had so much success. The Greek Freak has brought the Bucks to the #1 seed and the conference finals. Without Giannis, the Bucks would be a fighting for a playoff spot. Giannis ensures they are one of top spots in the playoffs. All Giannis needs to do to move up in the rankings is claim the Eastern Conference crown, and show that he can beat even the top defenses.
2. LeBron James
Averages 25.7 ppg 7.6 rebounds a game 10.6 assists a game
I know some may argue this, but I cannot leave LeBron out of my top-3 list just yet. I know he is older, but LeBron continues to show he is one of the best players in the league. First off, LeBron is leading the league in assists by a whole assist (no other player is averaging more than 9.4). People will complain that LeBron is not scoring enough points. That is because is making his teammates better. Averaging over 25 points and 10 assists a game is an incredible stat. LeBron has shown that what ever team he is on can make a run in the playoffs. Not many players in the NBA can say that.
1.Kawhi Leonard
Averages 25.9 ppg 8.0 rebounds a game 5.1 assists a game
The top player in the NBA is Kawhi Leonard. Being the top player in the NBA is not just offense, but defense as well. Kawhi has a significant edge over other players when it comes to defense. He can guard almost anybody in the game. In addition, he plays incredible on the offensive side inside the paint, and beyond the arc. What sets Kawhi apart from everyone else is his clutch gene. Kawhi is one of the most clutch players in the league. Kawhi took out Giannis and the #1 seed Bucks last year, and scored when the moment mattered the most. Just look at the 2019 finals or the last second shot to beat the 76ers in game 7. LeBron has shown he is not as clutch. Just look at the 2011 finals, and the 2016 finals where it was Kyrie’s go-ahead shot that sealed the deal over the Warriors. Kawhi is a terminator on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and he is best when it matters most. His clutch-ness even made our Top-10 moments of 2019.
Kawhi showed that he was the best player last year, and has the belt. No one has taken it from him yet.
Honorable Mentions:
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were not included because they are injured and out for the season.
James Harden- great at scoring, but he has not been able to do that in the playoffs to get his team even to the conference finals
Anthony Davis- excellent player, but LeBron is more valuable for the Lakers with his assists.
Joel Embiid- Embiid has shown he can be one of the best players. He is just not nearly consistent enough.
Luka Doncic- He has had an incredible career in the NBA thus far, but has yet to take down some of the best teams and players on a consistent basis
Below is where the other contributors rank their top-3:
Ah, the annual bundle of NBA Christmas games. A great time to spend with the family and watch some of the most-anticipated competition of the season. As the last festive lineup of the decade arrives, there is much to look forward to as some of the biggest names in the league face off as the year comes to a close.
Raptors v Celtics (ESPN)
As of right now, both teams are playing great, each being within the top-5 spots in the Eastern Conference. Though both teams do have key injuries on each side, I think the lack of Pascal Siakam (groin) will allow the Celtics to continue riding the hot hand of their 3-game win streak and leave Toronto with a W.
Prediction: Celtics get tough win on the road.
76ers v Bucks (ABC)
Another potential Eastern Conference Final Match-up is on display as the #1 Milwaukee Bucks take on the #5 Philadelphia 76ers. This is a personal favorite because of the challenge that is stopping Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have been hard to slow down especially since the Greek Freak has shown his ability to extend his range. However, this game will truly test the strength of the Bucks depth as they face a contending Philadelphia team. This will be a great battle down low for those who love seeing heavily contested buckets.
Prediction: 76ers take the home field advantage and the win
Warriors v Rockets (ABC)
The injuries and adjustments to this year’s Warriors team makes them quite underwhelming. And as usual, the back court of Russell Westbrook and James Harden wish to make a statement on the team they just can never get by in the playoffs. Since the Warriors are down and out this season, I expect a dominating performance from Houston. You have to make a statement when given such a golden opportunity. And being on Christmas, this is the Rocket’s present as they should take this win in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Rockets win in fashion, Harden and Westbrook drop 30+ each.
Lakers v Clippers (ESPN)
It has been recently announced that LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be playing this Christmas together for the first time as teammates. Not only does this make for the game of the week, but this will be the first time the two revamped Los Angeles teams face each other this season. With all due respect to the baller that is Montrezl Harrell, I see the trio of Centers (Davis, McGee and Howard) dominating the paint. The Klaw, PG-13 and company versus The King, The Brow and their squad. This is the match-up sports fans live for. L.A. fan or not, this will be the game to watch.
Prediction: Lakers’ big men shine in a roller coaster of a game.
Nuggets v Pelicans
Everyone was excited to see Zion play this Christmas, but unfortunately due to injury the opportunity must bee pushed to next season. The #2 seed Denver Nuggets will face the second-to-last New Orleans Pelicans to cap off the last Christmas game of the decade. I expect Nikola “The Joker” Jokić to pull from his bag of tricks and have a fun Christmas win, despite the Most Improved Player campaign that Brandon Ingram is displaying.
Prediction: Nuggets win with ease and we see some more crazy Jokić passes.
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