NFL 2020

 This is going to be a season unlike any other, and I believe that predictions are going to be next to impossible to make. Still doesn't mean that I won't do them! If you consider that I won't take the lack of a crowd into consideration and when/if they show up in the later weeks, then that's all I need. The NBA and NHL have proven that it's been a bit of a crap shoot when it's come to guessing who's going to run the show. Even MLB has been a little unusual, the Rangers and Red Sox usually challenge for playoff places and this year they are in contention for a top 5 pick in next year's draft. In any case, football is back! 

7 playoff teams now instead of 6. I will use an * to designate which teams I think will make the playoffs.

The playoffs if they happen are going to be insane if there are no fans. Anyone could beat anyone without the distraction of crowd noise and "abusive" environments. (Bye Eagles)

NFC East

1. Dallas Cowboys*

2. Philadelphia Eagles*

3. New York Giants
4. Washington DC Team

I think Dallas runs away with it here. They are really set up to run for the next two or three seasons, and dare I say it, but they kind of look like the 1998 Minnesota Vikings with their offensive talent. Should be fun to watch if Dak can put it all together. I think Eagles and Giants will be extremely close, maybe even down to final weekend. Eagles get Washington while Giants get Dallas, and I'm guessing that's the difference. DC Team are quietly building one of the NFL's best defenses, but that offense... it's awful. A Trevor Lawrence could make things really interesting in years to come. 2-14 might not be all bad.

NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers*
2. Minnesota Vikings*
3. Chicago Bears
4. Detroit Lions

Such strange teams all. Packers are drafting like a rebuild, but have a roster built to win now. Coach Mike Zimmer blew up his defense, let go of Linval Joseph and Everson Griffen, and traded away Stefon Diggs, but may have replaced everyone they lost. If Jefferson can win a OROY award, the offense shouldn't lose a step. Chicago is now a few players away, where I felt like last year, they were only a QB away. Jimmy Graham was a weird signing considering their draft, and I'm not sure Anthony Miller is a bona fide #2 WR. Love their defense though. Roquan Smith might be best OLB in the league. Khalil Mack is a monster. Lions are another strange team right now. Loaded on offense, and D'Andre Swift could be another OROY. Defense they lost Darius Slay, and there's no depth at all. I like Patricia, but his time is running out.

NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints*
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Carolina Panthers

The Saints keep attempting to create a team that can win a 2nd Super Bowl for Drew Brees and always seem to come up short. This finally might be their year, and they added a few nice pieces. I look for Emmanuel Sanders to be big in the clutch, and Taysom Hill to provide big moments to potentially get them over the hump. Tampa Bay did everything in their power to give Tom a team capable of going to the super bowl. It's going to be close, but I think with their difficult schedule and lack of depth on the defense that they end up short of the playoffs. But it will be the most exciting team to watch. Atlanta and Carolina are both very talented teams, experiencing a lot of changes. Todd Gurley will break in the Atlanta O, and Matt Rhule will introduce some very interesting formations to the Panthers. 2021 might be a better bet for both of these teams.

NFC West

1. San Francisco 49ers*
2. Arizona Cardinals*
3. Seattle Seahawks
4. Los Angeles Rams

Toughest division to predict. I think the Cardinals will be the surprise package and sneak into the playoffs at the expense of the Bucs and Seahawks. Big bet for me. Russell has a bit of help again on the defensive side, but I think the offense takes a step back. The 49ers should probably be the team that doesn't have quite the good season, but I think that defense has a chip on their shoulder for such a poor 4th quarter against the MVP. Kyle Shanahan keeps the offense exciting and interesting and maybe one step ahead of the rest. The Rams will be the best last placed team in the league, but trying to even win 3 games in this division might be a little tough. They have the league's best defensive player, but if Jared Goff can't take that jump, it might be a long year for a talented team.

AFC East

1. Buffalo Bills*
2. New England Patriots*
3. Miami Dolphins
4. New York Jets

The dynasty is finally over! And Bill will probably prove all of us wrong and get the best out of Cam Newton, but I'm going to take my shot here. I really, really like the Bills and their defense could be one of the best in the league. Assuming the Bills don't blow any easy games (they have 5), they should be able to win 10-11 games and pull off the division. Bill Belicheck will push them to the end. I just think they lost to many players to the virus list and losing Tom Brady would affect any franchise. Miami could be on a really quick turn around, and challenging for a title in a year or two, assuming that Tua is as good as we were led to believe before injuries. They've put a bit of talent on this roster. New York is in disarray, and losing Jamal Adams will hurt. Le'Veon seems upset, Robbie Anderson is gone, but hey, they should have a good offensive line!

AFC North

1. Baltimore Ravens*
2. Pittsburgh Steelers*
3. Cleveland Browns
4. Cincinnati Bengals

This division is deceptively tricky to me. All these picks get blown up if an injury happens to any QB. I really believe that Joe Burrow can have the Bengals close to the Browns, even this year. He is confident and he is good. I liked the Browns more last year, and they weren't very good. Any team with Jarvis Landry, OBJ, Nick Chubb and Baker Mayfield shouldn't be having problems. But they continue to do so. The division will be won on Ben Roethlisberger's return. If they don't miss a beat, I think they can jump ahead of the Ravens. But they have their own chip, and I do think Lamar plays 16 games. So I'll give the Ravens the nod here.

AFC South

1. Indianapolis Colts*
2. Tennessee Titans*
3. Houston Texans
4. Jacksonville Jaguars

The top 3 in this division are really difficult to choose from. I think Jacksonville is doing everything in their power to finish 3-13, but Gardner Minshew might be able to get a few wins out of this team. DJ Chark is a WR1, and the defense still has some pieces. The Colts, Titans and Texans will probably all battle until the final weekend, and I really like the rushing duo of Jonathan Taylor and Marlon Mack to get the Colts to the end. Nothing to say of Derrick Henry who is also great, but the Titans have a tough December. Houston is counting on Duke and David Johnson, which I'm not to high on, but they still have a solid defense. I'll give it to the rejuvenated Philip Rivers. 

AFC West

1. Kansas City Chiefs*
2. Denver Broncos
3. LA Chargers
4. Vegas Raiders

I think everyone believes that the Kansas City Chiefs are the heavy favorites to make it back to the Super Bowl this year. They're probably not far off; this is as loaded of a roster as I've seen since some of the Patriots top teams. Not the recent winners that won with Tom and Bill outmaneuvering but the teams with Willle McGinest, Teddy Bruschi, Ty Law and all those other guys. They have the best QB in the league, arguably a top 3 WR, a top 3 TE, a top 3 O-Line and loads of talent on the defensive side. One of the best coaches in football, my real favorite for OROY (CEH) and a die hard fan base. But missing that last thing could hurt, also the Super Bowl hangover that seems to affect most teams. Denver is nice, but just lost their best player today to a season ending injury. I'll keep them 2nd because I had them there prior, but it's definitely an opening for the Raiders and Chargers. LA is a QB away, and we'll see if Austin Ekeler can be the horse. I don't watch Vegas, I don't care to watch Vegas, so putting them in last just felt like the right thing to do. Would love to see them prove me wrong.

NFC Playoffs:

1 seed: Dallas Cowboys
2 seed vs 7 seed: N.O. Saints vs Arizona Cardinals - Saints
3 seed vs 6 seed: S.F. 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles - 49ers
4 seed vs 5 seed: G.B. Packers vs Minnesota Vikings - Packers

1 seed vs 4 seed: Dallas Cowboys vs G.B. Packers - Cowboys
2 seed vs 3 seed: N.O. Saints vs S.F. 49ers - Saints

1 seed vs 2 seed: Dallas Cowboys vs N.O. Saints - Saints

AFC Playoffs:

1 seed: Baltimore Ravens
2 seed vs 7 seed: K.C. Chiefs vs N.E. Patriots - Chiefs
3 seed vs 6 seed: Indianapolis Colts vs Pittsburgh Steelers - Steelers
4 seed vs 5 seed: Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans - Titans

1 seed vs 6 seed: Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers - Ravens
2 seed vs 5 seed: K.C. Chiefs vs Tennessee Titans - Ah what the hell, Titans.

1 seed vs 5 seed: Baltimore Ravens vs Tennessee Titans - Finish last year's business, Titans.

Super Bowl: Tennessee Titans vs New Orleans Saints

I didn't think I would be here. It makes sense in a lot of ways, both teams have unfinished business left over from the last season, but I don't think they're the two most talented teams in the league (Chiefs, Cowboys). But in regards to the Cowboys, I don't think they're ready for the big moment, and for the Chiefs, maybe that hunger disappears? I never predict my Super Bowls, but I think this would be a delicious matchup of styles and head coaches. Two different ways to win. But with COVID lingering and fans missing anything can happen. Should be a great ride!

Nate's 9 to watch:

RB - Clyde Edwards Helaire. You're already seeing it tonight. Burrow was great, but CEH was right there.
WR - Brandon Aiyuk. Could be the 49ers #1 WR by end of year.
Chargers D-Line - Whoa!
Gardner Minshew - Least talented roster in the league, can he make magic!?
Drew Lock - Weapons galore! How long of a leash does Elway give him?
Dak Prescott - See above, but with Super bowl aspirations.
Jordan Love - Haha yeah right. My least favorite draft pick of all-time.
Darius Slay - I thought Eagles needed help elsewhere, but he might be motivated by a Super Bowl chance.
COVID - has a lot of power, could end our season at any time. 😔

NCAA Football Preview

What's that you say? Clemson and Alabama are still playing?

NCAA Championship game: Clemson vs Alabama

Lucas vs Nate

 Nate vs Lucas

Monday, August 24, 2020

11:37 PM

It's strange because while I don't think we are complete opposites, the personalities of myself and Lucas aren't very close. He is a full blown extrovert, an entertainer, who when at his very best, enjoys being around everyone and everything. I, on the other hand, just want to read Game of Thrones books or watch EPL in a room by myself and not have to say a word to anyone at anytime. But when we are together, it's magical. Since he's been 2 years old, he's always held amazing eye contact. And so we have these deep, intellectual conversations and I feel like I learn as much from him as I hope he's learned from me. We talk chess, Marvel, sports tactics, demographics! I remember our first debate when he was probably like 27 months old and I wanted him to experience a shower. He said, "No. Bath." I told him, no we are going to take a shower and I'll hold him when the water runs. Again, "No! Bath!". But Lucas, the shower is great, efficient, and fun. "Not clean. Bath." Oh, I see. We can't clean ourselves in showers, only baths, because there's no bubbles in showers… Or the time when he was 3, and he still had a little anxiety about going to preschool. So in the mornings, I would get him talking, to take his mind off of the things that were bothering him. So we used to talk about the things I would do while they were in school. Then one day he says something along the lines of: "Dad. I go to school. You go to the bank, then Cub, then go to the coffee place, then get $5 pizza, then get me and Logan, then go home." It was literally everything that I would do while I dropped them off at school, and he was able to apply all those other trips and put them into a one day errand extravaganza. Perceptive kid, this Lucas.

Lucas started puzzles when he was about 18 months old, finishing them when he turned 2, completed the entire Preschool Monkey Lunchbox before he was 2 and a half, and was playing chess right when he turned 4. He loves that challenging stuff. And he doesn't even work hard at it, we were playing Chess the other day and he was watching Netflix while he played me. I beat him, but not before we went about 70 moves. I've been obsessed with this game for 5 years, and he casually takes me to the ropes with barely a thought. 

I try to cater to the needs of those around me, and maybe that's why Lucas and I get along so well. Very rarely does Lucas attempt this… lifestyle… as he usually likes to dictate the action. He does it while playing with Logan, with his friends at school, with the neighbor kids in the backyard, he really just enjoys running the show. When we are together, it runs pretty smoothly. We've started the Marvel movie storyline, and I like that he has researched the order of the films in the way we are supposed to watch them, and we analyze the characters together and how we hope the story will end. (I think Thor: Ragnarok is our next film?) When we do drills, I set up the cones to his needs and wants, and then he explains the process on how we are going to train. But what he doesn't realize is, I'm grooming him to become a leader, so I love taking a backseat. Logan needs me to run all training, and Aiden prefers training on his own. I love the uniqueness of their development though.

I never thought my best friend could be a kid. I am the square peg, to his ever evolving round hole. He really dislikes reading, I recharge with it. He wants hundreds of friends, I hold high esteem over the 3-4 closest friends that I've made. He loves cooking, puzzles, board games, and big moments. All I need is a TV and a sports package and furthering my children's development. 

My final Lucas anecdote. Big-Moment Lucas. Boys 2011 top team played Girls 2010 top team. So essentially 2nd and 3rd grade boys vs 3rd and 4th grade girls. And these girls are good. I mean, a really strong team. Physical, pushing the boys around, chasing them relentlessly. They give Aiden's team tons of problems whenever they scrimmaged. We're playing them, and as the game goes on, the boys get more and more confident. Down at times 3-1 and 5-3, the boys have it back to 5-4 in the final minute, when the boys get a throw in (kick-in, thanks COVID) in the girls half. I get close to Lucas, and tell him, "A big moment buddy, let's make this one your own." He runs up and takes the kick-in, receives the ball back from his teammate, and blasts the ball past the girl in goal, who had absolutely no chance. 5-5! 

Shining star, this guy. Whatever he does, he's going to shine bright!

Logan vs Nate

 This kid… if each one of my children had an emoji to describe them, Logan is a 💓 for sure. He is so sweet… so kind… always thinking of others. His empathy and sensitivity is unlike anything I’ve ever seen in any child ever. I’ll share a few stories with you.

First story I’ve shared with a few of you already, but when Logan was either 3 or 4, we were at our old house in Ramsey. That sucker had a jacuzzi tub that I miss every single day of my life, but there was a time that I was relaxing in it, reading a Sports Illustrated article about Jerry Smith. He was a TE on the Washington ______, and didn’t share with anyone that he was gay. Played his entire career without being able to share that part of him. And then died of AIDS before he could tell his story. Damn near broke my heart. So anyway, I’m in the tub spouting tears and Logan comes in and puts his arms around my neck and says, “Dad, it’s going to be okay. The Packers could win again next time.” They had just lost a heartbreaking playoff against the Arizona Cardinals the day before, and he thought that I was in tears because their season was over. That said, he held me until I was finished crying.

Second story I’ve shared a couple times as well. It’s the first day of preschool ever for the twins and I think they are also 3 at the time. Lucas has a bit of social anxiety, and especially at that age, had a really difficult time being away from his parents. Sara and I had spent time with him at the open house prior to preschool beginning, but I had a feeling it was going to be hard for him when we weren’t there. Sure enough, I’m getting ready to say goodbye, and Lucas is crying these huge alligator tears, but not saying anything. He was trying to be strong. I went over to Logan, and whispered to him, “I need you to look after Lucas. Make sure he’s going to be okay.” I turn around to leave, but before I go, I take one more look back, and I see Logan with his arm around Lucas and he’s saying something in his ear. Lucas ended up thriving in the preschool setting. I don’t think he could’ve done it without Logan. 

I think I’m a huge introvert, and then I see Logan. He has no problem being by himself in his bedroom, in fact he asks for it a lot of the time. One thing I struggled with in Junior high, and for a little while Senior high, was wondering if people liked me. But I wouldn’t take the initiative to make friends. A little bit because I was reserved, and a little bit because I didn’t really know how. I see some of that in Logan, but then I see that it doesn’t really bother him the way it bothered me. I thought there was a lot of value in the amount of friendships one made in those days, as opposed to the quality of friendships that were made. Now I know better, but it’s a hard lesson to learn. Logan already seems to have that figured out. 

My favorite version of Logan is the athletic version. His commitment to getting better at sports is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. There is a video of him on Instagram when he was 4, when I looked all over the house for him, but he couldn’t be found. Then I look out the window to the backyard and there he is just taking shots on goal all by himself. Now, he does that all the time, and is always willing to practice or play sports with his parents/brothers/friends. I also love that he can be pushed beyond levels that people believe that kids can go. I’ll ask him at Loons games what he thinks of the decision making of professionals, and he usually makes really good assessments of what they’re trying to do. He also likes to be challenged in sports intellectually. He enjoys playing defense in basketball against the other team’s best player, in soccer he wants to know what to do in each position and why he should do it, and in tennis he tries to do things that he sees professionals doing on the TV. Like, extremely difficult, challenging shots. The other two are so good in their own right, but never take things to this kind of level. The girl/boy, career, best friend, school that he chooses will be lucky to have him. In a total essence of who he is, he is a quiet effort guy.

His teachers love him, his coaches love him, any adult that ever meets him is aware of how beautiful of a soul that he has. I wish it was the same with kids. I know he does struggle a bit finding that close friend. His brothers pick on him a bit, and because they’re so extraverted and dependent on relationships, he tends to take a backseat when it comes to play dates, talent shows and getting invited for birthday parties. My wish in the future is to see him become a little more engaging, and to embrace toys/sports/interests/friends that really bring out the best in him. 

Congratulations Liverpool!!!

I don't know how to put my feelings into words. From day 1, Liverpool has been nothing short of





🤮🤮🤮

Work Rushmore

Hello friends. So after working at Malone's for the past 6 years, and listing off Rushmore after Rushmore, it setems appropriate to have an all-time list. As this is a Nate's 9, we are better served coming up with the top 9 of all-time instead of the top 4. For all you Malone's staff that might find this post someday, thanks for not taking me too seriously, and debating these lists over the years. For all of you that read this, but never worked at the restaurant, you missed out on some pretty wonderful ladies!

#9 Labeaux. Wife material. That's all I got.

#8 Chelsea Mayers. First girl to train me at Malone's. Good conversation, oh so very nice, lovely boyfriend, great family. Quite the package.

#7 Kaylee. Our time together was short, but when someone goes out of there way to bring me Caribou... I will always make room for them on the Rushmore.

#6 Deyo. My sweet Deyo. Or Muff Cabbage according to some. It was those Friday night closes with Taus and Ashley that got me acclimated to the environment around Malone's. We almost had too much fun.

#5 Kimmy Narve. Usually don't fumble my words, but I always struggled around Kimmy Narve. Fun to watch at the Christmas parties, she was usually having the best time.

#4 Felly. My best friend forever. Trust her with all my secrets and the first addition to the cabbage patch club.

#3 Holscher. Man oh man.

#2 Josie. Tom Brady of Malone's for me. Probably should be my number 1 from the very first shift, but it took awhile to click. Probably only setback from finishing top of the charts.

#1 Kierra Lind. When I think of elite... I think everyone I worked with was/is pretty great, but Kierra took it to a whole new level. Same page from day 1.

Nate vs Aiden

Nate vs Aiden

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

10:52 PM

This kid is awesome, but he is definitely the most challenging of the three. One of the things that bothers me the most is how he always compares his relationships with his parents to the relationships that his brothers have with Sara and me. For example, "You cuddle with Lucas for 10 minutes, but you only cuddled with me for 3 minutes." And what he doesn't realize is I just kicked the ball with him outside for an hour, while Lucas played with his friends. And he doesn't even like cuddling!!! It baffles me. Well, actually it doesn’t. He wants to be first at everything. He loves competition, it's what drives him. So I know damn well when I am putting Lucas to bed at night, and Logan for that matter, Aiden is counting the seconds that I am in there.

I love his drive though. My first real memory of it was when he was about 5 years old, and not even in kindergarten yet. He was playing on his 2nd soccer team (the first season wasn't great, there was a time when he wasn't really that good!) and he was really starting to enjoy it. But not the way a normal 5 year old would enjoy sports at that age. He wanted to know who played the best, then 2nd, then 3rd, etc. He wanted me to rate each kid on his team. Dad knew what his motivation was, so I always ranked him 4th (he was 3rd). My other favorite thing about his determination is going on amusement rides. He treats them as a source of accomplishment instead of enjoying them for what they are. He told me that the Power Tower should go higher. He thinks that the Wild Thing should go faster. He says that the Steel Venom isn't long enough. Everything can and should be better, but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.

I wish he could have a best friend. He so badly wants to have a ride or die, but going to 3 different elementary schools in 4 years, and then losing his final 3 months this year to distance learning has been really hard on him. It breaks my heart. Logan doesn't really need a best friend right now, or maybe ever, because he gets along so well with everyone. Lucas has a best friend (he's probably had 3-4), but Lucas falls hard for his friends, and gives them everything. Aiden is a lot more standoff-ish, but rightfully so. I would love to see him find someone that he can confidently confide in, and really develop his friendship traits.

Aiden's greatest asset is his independence. There are times when I feel like he is an adult already. I think he prefers the company of grownups; he likes playing board games with us and he really wishes he could watch PG-13 films. (Outside of Marvel, we really don't let them). He already talks about going to Europe to further his sporting education. He is dead serious about it too. No sad feelings about being separated from his parents. I feel like this could go one or two ways for him and I. Sometimes I think that he thinks that his dad isn't relatable to him, and that's why he tries to tear down other relationships that I have within the family. I really relate to him, but he also has a drive that I never had when I was a kid. I always felt like when I was a kid that I was scared to be the best kid on the team for fear of letting down my friends and teammates. Aiden always wants to be the best kid on the team because if he isn't, then he feels like he is letting down his friends and teammates. It's quite a cool mindset, and I can't wait to see how he continues to develop in the future.

Sports are Back!

Nate's Nine

Thursday, April 30, 2020

1:44 PM

Well the NBA decided their season today (Hopefully). It's going to be interesting; 22 teams are invited to play in an 8 game regular season and then the seeding will be determined after the results of those match-ups. I believe that we will have to put an asterisk next to this season's 'champion' but I am excited to watch some meaningful sports these next few weeks. Discussions need to be had, and we as a nation need some time for healing and JUSTICE, but just a deflection of our thoughts and passions is something I think we can all get behind. 

Let's have a little fun. Top 9 teams with a chance to win these… 'NBA Finals'?

Honorable Mention: New York Knicks. If the Knicks can go 8-0, then beat either the Nets or Magic twice, they can make the playoffs! Then all they have to do is beat the Bucks in the best of something series, and then quite possibly the Raptors or Celtics. Easy, peasy.

Honorable Mention: Dallas Mavericks. If Luka Doncic is raring up to go, and physically ready for it, he could carry them far in this super short, playoff based season. It's a big ask, but a hot month can change a player's life. I wouldn't put it past Luka.

#9 - Boston Celtics. This sets up perfectly for a team like this. Tons of talent, weren't quite meshing on the level of the Toronto Raptors or the Milwaukee Bucks. I had forgotten that they were almost playing .700 level basketball, so they know how to win games. If conferences are kept the same, they should be able to win any first round matchup easily. It's when they meet the Raptors or the Bucks that things might get tricky.

#8 - Miami Heat. I wavered on this one. I really like a Nets team that has Kyrie and KD on the floor. I mean, I really like that team. But since we don't know, here's the Heat. They're 27-5 at home this season, although their away record is trash. But if they can win the home court games, it will get interesting. This is a really underrated, deep roster. And at its forefront, Jimmy Butler. You all know how I feel about him, but he is an all-star. If playoffs are best of 3 or 5 instead of 7, give the Heat a chance.

#7 - Houston Rockets. I don't know why they were struggling so much during the regular season. They should be able to take over games. For as good as Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are, James Harden and Russell Westbrook should be right behind. Yet, this team was 40-24 at the time of Pandemic. Something wasn't right. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt, and saying that they're closer to winning this 'title', than some more socially infused teams.

#6 - Oklahoma City. Speaking of socially infused. Chris Paul did not want to go here. And now here they are with the same record as the Rockets. It's actually a really talented roster. More importanly, they won some really tough games. This team is battle tested and with Steven Adams and Dennis Schroder offering some strong minutes, they could upset the status quo and go on a nice run.

#5 - Denver Nuggets. At one point in the season, they were really flying. This might be my favorite roster in the NBA. Nothing to speak of when it comes to egos. Energetic, committed bench. Nice blend of leadership and youth. My only concern is whether my favorite non-Timberwolf Jamal Murray can take that next step at the point guard position and get past those great defending PG's from those Los Angeles squads. Can't forget that Nikola Jokic is super nice.

#4 - Toronto Raptors. Repeat champions? Probably not, but this team is firing on all cylinders and I think they're the best coached team in the league. Everyone executes everything that's asked of them, as a fan of just good, smart basketball, they show you how far that style can take you. They can run with the Bucks. They can grind with the Sixers. They can push against the Lakers, and if I'm not mistaken, gave LA an ugly loss this year. Reason they're 4th? The top 3 have some serious firepower.

#3 - Milwaukee Bucks. Best record in the league. Almost unguardable at times. So why 3 you ask? That collapse against the Raptors really bugged me last year. Up 2-0 and then to drop the series is a sign that a team isn't ready. They remind me of the early 1990's Utah Jazz. Talented roster, can win a lot of regular season games, but when it's time to get dirty, they keep washing their hands. #COVID Hand washing won't win you titles though. Huge fan of Giannis, but I can't quite keep the faith with this squad yet.

#2 - Los Angeles Lakers. I feel like its their tournament to lose. LeBron is healthy. Brow is healthy. Their supporting class is clicking and this squad just has great chemistry. KCP, Rajon Rondo, Markieff Morris, Kyle Kuzma, this reminds me of the championship teams of the last decade. It's got star power, plus the guys willing to do the hard things. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they ended up champions. I just think there is a nemesis in their way.

#1 - Los Angeles Clippers. This crappy franchise. I can't remember any time in my life that I thought the Clippers would be NBA champions. For years, they were one of the worst franchises in sports. Even when it seemed like it was going to get better, something would set this franchise back. The Chris Paul, DeAndre Jordan, Blake Griffin group should've done better. And now we're here. There's no denying they don't have the depth of the Raptors or Lakers. They don't have the Freak. Their record hasn't been very good up until this point. I'm making my basis on 3 things. 1. Doc Rivers. One off the all-time best. 2. Paul George. Is there a hungrier player in the league? 3. Kawhi. Why would you bet against him? He laughed at all of us last year.