The Hoop Doctors » Kevin Burke

Paul Pierce Passes Larry Bird on Celtics All-Time Scoring List

Kevin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:27:50 +0000

February 8, 2012 – Kevin Burke

The sentence alone doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue: “Paul Pierce has scored more points donning Celtic green than Larry Bird.” But it’s true for The Truth. He is now second all-time behind only John Havlicek.

And to think, about a decade ago, many believed Antoine Walker to be the better of the two players and the one who would lead Boston to the promised land. While Walker is still trying to scrape up some loose change in the D-League, Pierce is still playing at a high level. Long before Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett made their way to Massachusetts during the same offseason several years ago, I always thought Paul Pierce to be a grossly underrated player. That was primarily because he always played on losing teams. But when the Big 3 was formed, his talents were front and center and he finally got the loved he was owed.

Despite him surpassing Bird, many still don’t think he’s a top 5 or even top 10 Celtic of all-time. I’m not sure how that makes any sense considering he has scored the second most points and won the franchise a championship. If those aren’t the criteria, then what is? The man is a top 5 Celtic all-time and that’s not debatable. Here’s the bucket that did it:

If you’re looking for your everyday, predictable basketball talk, then go somewhere else, because Kevin Burke of The Kevin Burke Project brings provocative, thought provoking content about basketball as only he can. Kevin also hosts The Hoop Doctors weekly podcast show, which you can subscribe to for free on iTunes. Follow Kevin on Twitter and Facebook

Kobe Passes Shaq For 5th On All-Time Scoring List

Kevin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:55:05 +0000

February 7, 2012 – Kevin Burke

Despite their past differences, Kobe and Shaq will forever be linked. Here’s one more reason: Kobe just leaped Shaq to become the 5th leading scorer in NBA history. He’s still roughly 10,000 points behind the leader, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but we’ll see if he can eventually make a run at that. Granted this is his 16th season, but he’s only 33 years old. Even though he has a ton of NBA miles on his motor, he’s still the best player in the League for my money and has plenty left in the tank.

Either way, when it’s all said and done for Kobe (regardless of if he passes Kareem) I think both LeBron and Kevin Durant will end up with more career points than him. Yes, Kobe came straight out of high school, but it wasn’t until his fourth season where he began averaging more than 20ppg. Conversely, neither LeBron (straight from HS) nor KD (who only played one year of college ball) have ever averaged less than 20 ppg in their respective careers so they have a big head start on Kobe.

Ironically, Kobe passed Shaq last night in his native Philadelphia (not that they care about what he does). Here’s the bucket that did it:

What’s Wrong With Amar’e Stoudemire?

Kevin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:14 +0000

January 30, 2012 – Kevin Burke

Think back to a year ago. In January of 2011, people were already unofficially handing out early season awards. Given the anticipation of last season, it was only natural. A recipients of one of those awards was brand-new Knick, Amar’e Stoudemire. And he was just being handed any ol’ award. Many were tabbing him as an early season MVP. And it was well deserved.

Heading into the famed summer of 2010, many were hesitant to anoint Amar’e as max-contract worthy. Well, he was granted one by the Knicks regardless, and never disappointed. His detractors thought that he was largely a product of Steve Nash, but he proved that theory wrong. His early season play even prompted me to question whether or not he was better off without Nash. He would eventually go on to become the first Knick to start an All-Star Game since Patrick Ewing, led the team its first winning season since the 2000 – 01 campaign, and injected new life into a franchise that so desperately needed it.

Fast forward to today, and things don’t resemble those memories at all. His points are down to the tune of 17.4 (from 25.3 last year) and he seems like he’d rather be doing something else most nights. The obvious reaction to why he’s scoring eight less points per contest is because he’s playing with another bonafide scorer in Carmelo Anthony. But in watching the games, you can tell it’s more than that. He’s not him self. He seems uninterested and uninspired.

It could be one of two things. Either his back isn’t fully healed from when he hurt it in the Boston series last April, or he’s secretly upset that Carmelo has come in and dominated the ball, fan support and attention. The fans absolutely loved Amar’e last year. He could do no wrong. Now he has to share that with a guy who is unilaterally perceived as the superior player. Often times, there are stretches during Knick games where you forget that Stoudemire is even on the floor. Minutes upon minutes will elapse without him even touching the ball, let alone taking a shot. I don’t put that on D’Antoni. That has to do with what’s inside Amare’s chest.

I won’t even get in to the fact that he NEVER posts up any more, or that he’s now shooting entirely too many 3s. For today, I’m just focused on the fact that if Amar’e doesn’t figure out whatever is ailing him, be it mental or physical, the Knicks won’t even sniff the postseason this year.

Video: LeBron Channels Vince Carter

Kevin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:00:20 +0000

January 30, 2012 – Kevin Burke

Most basketball fans remember where they were during the Sydney Olympics of 2000. In particular, they remember their location when they saw Vince Carter hurdle 7’2″ Frederick Weis. It seemed like something that Carter should’ve been banned from Olympic play for based on the sheer enjoyable disrespect in which he displayed. That will forever arguably be the best dunks of all time.

Last night, LeBron tried his best Vince impersonation as his Heat hosted the Bulls. In the first half, LeBron was the recipient of a Wade alley-oop pass, but standing in the way was John Lucas. Poor John Lucas. Granted, Lucas isn’t 7’2″. He’s only 5’11″ so Carter has the edge there. But then again, he did it while catching an alley-oop which makes it just as impressive. Poor John Lucas.

JR Smith Breaks Ankles in China; Marbury Victimized As Well

Kevin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:49 +0000

January 20, 2012 – Kevin Burke

When the NBA finally solved the lockout, players who chose to play in the Chinese Basketball Association no doubt were questioning their move. The Chinese league allowed NBAers to come over, but wouldn’t allow any NBA-out clauses in their contract. J.R. Smith is still over in China, but those players should be back pretty soon since the season ends next month. By the look of things, it’s time Smith makes his way back over now. Evidence of this is the ankle-breaking crossover spree he went on against inferior competition. And by the looks of this, it happened in the same game. Even Marbury got some too:

Shaq Swears On Last Night’s TNT Telecast

Kevin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:05 +0000

January 13, 2012 – Kevin Burke

Perhaps I was in the minority but when it was announced that Shaq was joining the TNT crew, I had my reservations. Sure he’s been great at giving witty soundbites throughout his career but I wasn’t sure how that would translate to “Inside the NBA.” Not to mention the fact that the chemistry between Chuck, Kenny and Ernie was already untouchable.

The season isn’t even a month old and I already feel as if they can do without Shaq on the set. I’m not saying he can’t add value to TNT’s coverage of the NBA, but I’m not sure he’s needed in the setting in which he’s being utilized. I will say, however, that he has provided a few interesting moments and one occurred last night. The show opened with the guys reliving Barkley’s performance on Saturday Night Live last week where he impersonated Shaq. The guys joked about it for a while before eventually going to commercial. Then this happened…

It’s probably not a huge deal, but I’ll just say that it’s interesting….

Suns Coach Alvin Gentry is Caught-Up in Tebowmania

Kevin — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:48 +0000

January 12, 2012 – Kevin Burke

After the year sports fans endured following the LeBron James-to-Miami fiasco and all that ensued, I thought that we encountered the most polarizing athlete we’d ever have. I never thought I’d say this but I feel as if Denver Broncos Quarterback Tim Tebow may have unseated LeBron. Don’t get me wrong, if LeBron does something even partially noteworthy, it will get magnified ten-fold. But what we have with Tebow is completely different. However, what remains a constant between the two is that they’re not short of detractors.

This probably explains why LeBron jumped to Tebow’s defense several months ago. Perhaps because he knew what Tebow was going through to a certain degree. Any way you slice it, Tim Tebow is now already the most polarizing athlete quite possibly ever. I don’t think that’s up for debate. His name elicits so much response that it even got Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry to comment. If you don’t follow the NFL, Tebow and Broncos knocked off the favorite Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in an AFC Wild Card playoff matchup. Not many gave Denver a shot. Also on Sunday, the Phoenix Suns hosted and defeated the Milwaukee Bucks. In the post-game presser however, Gentry wasn’t interested beginning by talking about how his squad held the Bucks to under 100. Rather, he wanted to talk about…Tebow:

Kobe Drops 48 on Suns, Proves Demise is Exaggerated

Kevin — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:57:25 +0000

January 11, 2012 – Kevin Burke

I am the furthest thing from a Lakers fan but I find it absolutely astonishing that so many people have written off Kobe Bryant. I even had someone tell me that he’s not a top 10 player in the NBA. Personally, I feel as if he may still be the best player in the game. He may not be able to jump as high as once could but he’s still plenty quick and his shot looks like it gets better each year.

Even though we’re only roughly 10 games into the season, it’s worth noting that Kobe is averaging 29.5 points per game this season and will definitely finish the year averaging more than 25. He’s off to this hot start even with a bad right wrist. You may remember in the preseason when he jammed his wrist against the Clippers. I actually thought he broke it the way he landed and based on his reaction. He has to get an injection in his wrist prior to every game and he’s still able to fill it up. I’m willing to bet that Kobe heard the growing sentiment that he no longer has it and it got to him – explaining this hot start.

Here’s a glimpse of what he did to Grant Hill and company last night:

Top 5 Most Versatile Scorers in the NBA

Kevin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:56 +0000

January 10, 2012 – Kevin Burke

Unlike the 90s where it seemed as if the best scorer on most teams was a center, or low-post player, the best scorers in today’s game roam the perimeter. But there are different facets to being a good scorer. One of the topics that has gotten alot of talk over the last handful of years is the concept of being a “versatile scorer”, meaning possessing the ability to score in a multitude of ways. When a guy is a versatile scorer, it makes him nearly impossible to defend because if you throw a big on him, he’s quick enough to get around him. Conversely, if you throw a smaller guard on him, he can use his height to shoot over them. With all of that said, here are my top 5 most versatile scorers in the NBA today.

HS Player Ejected For Dunking on Defender

Kevin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:00:52 +0000

January 5, 2012 – Kevin Burke

Celebration is a part of sports. There is so much emotion involved that whenever you make a great play, it’s natural to get out of character. But not everyone likes to see players celebrate after great plays. Especially referees. In the NFL, there are so many rules against celebrating and penalties assessed that it’s now tough to decipher what’s acceptable and what isn’t. In fact, in the NBA now, if you stare down a player after dunking on him, that gets you a technical foul. We’ve already seen that happen to John Wall this season.

Well, High School is no different. In a recent game in Texas between Houston St. John’s Shcool and San Antonio prep, Justise Winslow of St. John’s got some John Wall treatment. After dunking on a hapless defender, Winslow, a standout sophomore, stared the guy down. That immediately earned him a technical foul. It doesn’t appear as if he’s even aware that he received the tech because as he’s walking back downcourt, he gives the crowd a salute which got him his 2nd and final tech of the game. A bit excessive if you ask me. While I understand that you don’t want taunting at such an amateur level, I don’t think it warranted an ejection. Check out the play, which we saw over at Yahoo Rivals:

Have Trade Rumors Inspired Bynum?

Kevin — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:19 +0000

January 4, 2012 – Kevin Burke

For the most part, championships are won from the inside out. Therefore, I have long since stated that if I had to choose one guy to begin my NBA franchise with, it would be Dwight Howard. He’s the most dominant force in the game today and his combination of size, power and quickness makes him virtually unguardable. So it’s no secret why so many teams were clamoring for him before the season began.

One of those teams, of course, was the Los Angeles Lakers. It was widely reported that the players being discussed in a trade for Dwight Howard were Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. While, I love what Dwight brings to the table, I wouldn’t trade both Gasol and Bynum for Dwight either. That’s two more than serviceable 7-footers. When Lamar Odom was traded to the Hornets before it was voided, he pouted. Then we he was ultimately dealt to the Mavs, he pouted some more. In fact he’s still pouting. Well, perhaps the trade rumors swirling around Bynum have impacted him too, but in a good way unlike Odom.

After sitting out the first handful of games this year because of his attempted battery on J.J. Barea in the playoffs last May, Bynum has begun this season as if he has something to prove. One of the biggest knocks on him is that he’s oft-injured and even when he’s healthy, you expect more. Sure he’s only played 3 games so far this season but his average is 22.7 and 17. I don’t know that Bynum has ever had a 3-game stretch posting those number. This includes a 21 and 22 game last night against the Rockets.

But it goes further than just numbers. If you watch him play, he’s approaching games with much more intensity and aggressiveness, to the likes of which he hasn’t in the past. His moves in the post look a bit more refined and he’s attacking the glass feverishly. From my seat, he’s playing as if he has something to prove. That’s because he does. To me he’s trying to prove to those wrong who believe the Lakers should get rid of him to acquire Dwight Howard. That would fuel anybody (not named Lamar Odom).

Miami’s “Big 3″ Provides the Play of the Year…So Far

Kevin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:00:53 +0000

December 29, 2011 – Kevin Burke

Sure, the season is very young but the reigning runner-up from a season ago, the Miami Heat, look very good so far. The honeymoon is over from last year, so perhaps they’re playing with less pressure on themselves.

They breezed by Dallas on Christmas, held off Boston, and escaped Charlotte last night. But in last night’s contest, the “Big 3″ for Miami combined for one of the best collective plays of this young season. In this play, each did what was expected of them: Bosh blocks the shot, LeBron dishes out the great assist and Wade finishes around the basket:

Miami Heat 2012 Intro Video Celebrates Team

Kevin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:16:47 +0000

December 28, 2011 – Kevin Burke

Following “The Decision”, people were already fed up with LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Then a few days later, they staged and introductory “pep rally” that made people lose their minds.

Many felt as if this was celebrating something that had already happened, when in actuality, nothing did. And what burned detractors even more was that only Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James were featured in this “pep rally.” Personally, I didn’t have a problem with it because it was intended solely for the people of Miami, not a national audience. The only thing that the Heat did wrong in that entire ordeal was allowing it to be recorded. That gave everyone else a chance to see it and subsequently, criticize it.

Fast forward to this year and there’s a whole new vibe about the Miami Heat. While some will always hate them, they don’t seem to have that same bullseye on their backs like they did last year. The mystique is getting rather old now I guess, and they are finally becoming just another team in the NBA. LeBron and Wade doing things like making the decision to handle their post-game press conferences individually this year is just an example of how things are becoming normal.

But the Heat still like to have fun and their intro video is evidence of that. Here’s what plays on the big screen right before the starting lineups during each Heat home game this year. It does a great job of celebrating team which is this year’s focus for Miami:

Westbrook Ends Luke Ridnour’s Career

Kevin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 18:00:52 +0000

December 27, 2011 – Kevin Burke

Before the season tipped off I picked the Thunder to represent the Western Conference in the Finals this year. I also picked Durant to lead the league in scoring for the third consecutive year. The Thunder have one of the best young cores in the business so many have lofty expectations for this. But the biggest hurdle for them may in fact be from within. Who can forget the conversation that was born during the playoffs surrounding Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant and shot attempts. Well that will surely be the case again this season.

In Westbrook’s defense, he has the tools to be thee guy on an NBA roster. Skill-wise, he’s very similar to league MVP Derrick Rose. But unfortunately for Westbrook, he plays alongside Durant so it will always seem as if he shoots too much. If you don’t believe me that Westbrook could shine on his own, then just as Minnesota’s Luke Ridnour. Check out was Westbrook did to him last night. In all my years of watching basketball, I’ve never seen anyone fall this badly as result of getting crossed up:

NBA Season Predictions for 2012

Kevin — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:47:40 +0000

December 23, 2011 – Kevin Burke

It certainly looked shaky there for a moment, but both sides finally came to their senses and the long, arduous and frankly, avoidable lockout was finally resolved, subsequently salvaging the season. As we got deeper in the November, for the first time during the work stoppage, and I actually felt as if the season was going to be cancelled. Perhaps that was just the frustrated fan in me. Nevertheless, that is all behind us now and we can set our sights on this abbreviated 66-game sprint that will commence this Sunday with a magnificent slate of games.

After the NBA reached popularity at the likes of which the League hasn’t enjoyed since Michael Jordan gave Bryon Russell a tiny shove some 11 years ago, last season proved to be very special. But as meaningful as last year’s campaign was, the lockout looked to be equally as damning. But somehow, all seems to be forgotten as basketball heads are clamoring for Sunday at noon like never before. Given the unique circumstances surrounding the League now, this year is highly anticipated for many reasons. Without further ado, here is how I see this season shaking out:

Scoring champ – Kevin Durant
The crazy thing about this is that Russell Westbrook will be top 5 as well.

Coach of the Year – Vinny Del Negro
Typically in sports, the coach of the most improved team wins Coach of the Year honors by default. It’s just the way it works. Even though the Clippers have an improved roster, Del Negro will be credited for working magic.

Rookie of the Year – Derrick Williams
I’ve stated from day one that if it were up to me, I would’ve taken Derrick Williams first overall in the draft. He agrees with me. I think his game will translate nicely and he’ll be able to make an immediate impact to the Timberwolves, who should be much improved.

Defensive Player of the Year – Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard set an NBA record last year by winning three consecutive DPOYs. As long as he is healthy and still in his prime, he should continue to win this award each year.

Most Improved Player – DeAndre Jordan
One of the most coveted free agents this past off-season, Jordan showed flashed of what he was capable of last year. Now he’s a year better, a year more experienced and should be an impact player for the upstart Clippers.

Sixth Man of the Year – James Harden
Harden is good enough to be a starter in the NBA, but on the Thunder it works well with him coming off the bench. He came on strong down the stretch for OKC and I fully expect that to be the case all year long (assuming he comes off the bench enough to qualify for the award).

MVP – Derrick Rose
Rose shocked the world least year and won MVP because without him, you could make the argument that the Bulls would’ve missed the playoffs rather than being the top seed in the East. This was primarily because he had to do the bulk of the scoring. Although the Bulls did acquire Rip Hamilton this summer, Rose will still have to shoulder the load in order for Chicago to be considered one of the best teams in the East again. So at the very least, he’ll be in the discussion again.

Finals – Heat over Thunder