Welcome to another edition of NBA Nation Australia’s Roundtable! This week we’ll be tackling more hot topics from around the league including George Karl, the MVP award, the free agent debate in LA, most improved teams, Derrick Rose and Kobe’s mum (only because it’s Mother’s Day). We also welcome back podcaster and blogger Jabari Davis from The OpinioNation (theopnation.com), Brent Veale formerly of That Basketball Show and Tom Read from the #BelieveTheHype podcast!
It’s been some time since our last roundtable, so this week we’ve decided to bring in a couple of new contributors as well as a familiar face or two to discuss some of the recent hot topics in the NBA. We’ll be looking at everything from the Warriors playoff hopes, the Thunder’s challenge without Westbrook, The Knicks chances of taking the East, the Boston Celtics troubles, injures and Jason Collins’ recent news. To kick things off we welcome back Tom Read from the #BelieveTheHype podcast, as well as SidelineAgenda.com contributor and all round sports nut Alex Young, and Houston Rockets/NBA social media commentator Terry Goldfain to the party along with regulars from NBA Nation Australia Nick Caro and Sam Monaghan. Lets go!
So…. here’s a new idea we have for YOU, the readers…
Alongside the questions we set ourselves here at NBA Nation Australia for our weekly Roundtable feature, we want to be able to run a new piece where we answer the questions you may have for us.
Are there any burning questions you may have for us?
Want to know who we think is currently in the MVP race?
Want to ask us if we think the Knicks have what it takes to go all the way?
Been dying to ask us when do we think Lebron will go completely bald?
Well ask way…
Here’s how it works -
Hey team, @NickaRuss here.
By now most of you are across our plans. Each member of the NBA Nation team has chosen to profile an NBA rookie and follow his season closely. We will look at their development as a player and as a teammate, the good times, the bad times, will share highlights and try and help you know them better through their tweets, instagram snaps, interviews and everything that comes with being a rookie on the worlds greatest stage.
@Nick_A_How has already introduced you to Jared Sullinger of the Boston Celtics who has immense promise and is in a great position to really cement a place in the hearts of those passionate Celtics fans.
@NickoToGo chose Bradley Beal, the gun shooting guard from the Florida Gators who was picked up by the Washington Wizards with the #3 selection at last year’s draft. With John Wall at point, they should form one of the NBA’s most dynamic young backcourts for years to come.
It really wasn’t too hard of a choice for me when it came to finding a rookie to profile. At the start of this year I was living in New York and was fortunate to be right in the middle of the action when March Madness fever hit. As a basketball fan there is really nothing like it. A few players caught my eye during the NCAA tournament, but none more than the star player from the Kansas City Jayhawks, Thomas Robinson. At first look, Thomas Robinson is a dynamic and aggressive 6 ft 8 (listed at 6 ft 10) power forward who’s athleticism and strength makes him an instant impact player in the NBA, but this wasn’t the only reason Thomas Robinson caught the attention of the nation, It was his heartbreaking story of tragedy and the triumph that grew out of the darkness.
In his freshman year at Kansas, Robinson was a little used bench player. His sophomore year saw an improvement in his time and stats, but still, Robinson couldn’t crack a starting spot. Then the worst thing imaginable happened. In the space of 3 weeks, Thomas Robinson lost his Mother, Grandmother and Grandfather, leaving him with no family apart from his younger sister, Jayla. His father had played no great part in their lives. Normally, this would be enough to devastate a young man, but not Robinson. He turned this heartbreaking tragedy into motivation to work as hard as he could to realize his dream and provide for his younger sister. He knew he was destined for the NBA, even if not everyone agreed. We all know what happened. His junior year was a breakout unlike any other. He led the Jayhawks into the NCAA tournament championship game, was named All American and if it wasn’t for Anthony Davis would have been a firm favorite for National Player of the Year. His story had touched the hearts of basketball fans all over the world, me included and I was so ecstatic for him when he was chosen by the Kings with the #5 pick. They must have been jumping for joy when he fell to them. With DeMarcus Cousins to pair with, all of a sudden, the Kings have one scary looking duo in the post. I am extremely excited about the chance to follow Thomas Robinson through his Rookie season at Sacramento. They are going to be very exciting to watch.
So here we go. Ladies and Gentleman…this is Thomas Robinson.
Welcome to another edition of NBA Nation Australia’s weekly roundtable.
This week we discuss the Playoff’s and all things new in the NBA.
As usual we have invited along some special guests to join us, and this week we welcome Train & Pumpa from ‘That Basketball Show‘ podcast.
Our usual Roundtable Knights from NBA Nation Australia are:
Nick C: @NickoToGo
Nick H: @Nick_A_How
Sam Monaghan: @mono85
With this being the second from last Power Rankings before the Playoff, it’s been a very entertaining week with some big matchup’s. Boston beating Miami on the road, then getting beat by Toronto at the end of it. Chicago beating both Miami and New York at home while also losing to the Knicks on the road. The Lakers also beat reigning champions Dallas. In a time of the regular season where legs are rested, and teams being to ‘tank’ how did your team fair up in our weekly Power Rankings. Catch up with NBA Nation Australia same time next week for the last regular season Power Rankings.
1. Chicago Bulls (46-15)
With the return of Rose this week, the Bulls continued their strong finish to the regular season. Beating New York, Miami & Detroit this week with only one loss against the Knicks on the road Chicago continue to look the team most certain of a Finals appearance. With the current best record in the league and obviously the best percentage (.754) the Bulls continue to dominate and top our Power Rankings this week.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder (44-17)
While the Thunder topped most Power Rankings last week and could very well top a lot this week, we at NBA Nation Australia believe Chicago did just enough by beating teams of Playoff worth to pip Thunder to the top spot. Still, a very strong week playing 5 games and winning 4 of those, with more than convincing wins against Toronto, Milwaukee, Sacremento, and Minnesota. With Durant and Westbrook still continuing to tear it’s way through the league, and KD still in run for the MVP spot the Thunder still have one of the best records in the league. With a great win percentage of .721, and another strong week, the Thunder sit at out number 2 spot. Continue reading
Welcome to another edition of NBA Nations Australia’s Roundtable Discussion
Our Roundtable Knights Are:
Nick Caro: @NickoToGo
Nick How: @Nick_A_How
Sam Monoghan: @Mono85
This week we have a special guest joining the panel to answer our questions and give his insights into the league. Paul from Hoop Diary is currently doing great things covering not only the NBA but also all things NBL right here in Australia. We at NBA Nation Australia are such big fans of what Paul does and we can’t thank him enough for pulling up a chair at the Roundtable.
