2016 NBA Finals Preview: Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers II

Welcome in to the 2016 NBA Finals preview on the blog provided by yours truly. This year's finals is the most anticipated rematch between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Dubs beat the Cavs in last year's finals to capture their first title in 40 years. They meet again and while the Warriors retained their championship core from last year, the Cavs have a new coach in place and all their players are at full strength.

Golden State Warriors

By all means, the 2015-16 campaign of the Golden State Warriors is one for the ages in the franchise's history. The team set a new mark for the most regular season wins in NBA history, finishing with an impressive record of 73-9 and supplanting the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls who set the previous mark at 72 wins. Steve Kerr is one lucky man because he got to be a part of history as a player for the Bulls and now as a coach for the Warriors. The impressive thing about the Warriors in breaking the record was that they kept most of their championship players intact. Having won a championship last year, most would think that the competition was going to get tough for them, but they got through the regular season with ease. You can say that the Warriors were a record-breaking machine. They had the longest winning streak at home stemming from last season with 54 home wins before falling to the Boston Celtics late in this season. They're the first team in history to shoot over 1,000 three pointers in the regular season. Steph Curry set an individual record for 400 three pointers made in one season and became the NBA's first unanimous Most Valuable Player. The postseason was another story for the Warriors as Curry went down with ankle and knee injuries in the Warriors' first round matchup with the Houston Rockets before returning in Game 4 in their matchup vs. the Portland Trailblazers in the semifinals. They were battle tested in the conference finals against an aggressive Oklahoma City Thunder who upset the San Antonio Spurs, the 2nd best team in the west, in the semifinals. The Warriors were down 3-1 and were on the brink of having their magical season end in disappointment. But, as former Rockets' head coach Rudy Tomjanovich used to say: "don't ever underestimate the heart of a champion." The Warriors stormed back against the Thunder and eventually took the series in 7 games en route to their 2nd consecutive NBA Finals appearance.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The year 1964 was the last time that the city of Cleveland has ever won a professional sports championship and the Cavaliers are Cleveland's only hope to end that drought. Even though the Cavs had to wait for a majority of the season for Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to get healthy, they still got off to a good start. When you have LeBron James on the roster, chances are you'll still be a competitive team. However, it was a "funky" season for the Cavs. The team made a controversial decision to relieve former head coach, David Blatt of his head coaching duties despite coaching the team to a 30-11 start at the midway point of the season. LeBron, at one point, called out the rest of the team for showing a lack of toughness. Tyronn Lue steps in as interim head coach and changed offensive and defensive philosophies for the Cavs. The Cavs' offense has more emphasis on an up-tempo pace and their defense has more emphais on tough, disciplined defense in order to finish off opponents in the 4th quarter in games. They pulled off another trade before the trade deadline in February by acquiring Channing Frye from the Orlando Magic in order for the Cavs to space the floor more on the court. Despite an underwhelming regular season finish, the Cavs flipped the switch in the postseason, easily disposing the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks in a 4 game sweep in the first two rounds and eliminating the Raptors in 6 games in the conference finals. LeBron James makes history individually and becomes the first NBA player in a while to make the NBA Finals in 6 consecutive years.

Keys for the Dubs

The Warriors have patented "small ball" basketball and it has worked throughout the majority of the season. Add in to the fact, that they are still a deep team behind the Splash Bros. There isn't a new formula that the Warriors have to follow in facing against the same Cavaliers team with a few differences. The main achilles heel that has derailed the Warriors is the turnovers. Even though the Warriors' ball movement is a sight to see, they've committed some silly turnovers. It was evident in all nine of their regular season losses and in the conference finals matchup vs. OKC. They have to take better care of the ball. The next keys for the Dubs I'm going to rehash on last year's preview. Let Curry do his magic and Klay Thompson has to step up his game. Last year, Thompson disappointed overall in the playoffs, but he has stepped up this year in Curry's absence and when the Warriors were playing with their season on the line when down 3-1 vs. the Thunder. The rest of the team has to step up as well. They were almost a non-factor in the conference finals after playing so well in the first two rounds. If they can find their form, they can remind the league how deep of a team they are.

Keys for the Cavs

They're healthy and adding Channing Frye to the mix, they can play the Warriors' own game of "small ball" themselves. In the semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, they've set a record for most threes in the postseason. LeBron James and Kyrie Irving are the primary ball handlers and they can draw double-teams to give a player some opportunity for an open shot, making the Cavs a dangerous team. They need to play the Warriors like they did in the Christmas Day game where the game was close. If you remember the MLK Day game in Cleveland, they got blown out by the Warriors, suffering their worst home defeat in recent history. With Tyronn Lue as head coach, they can match up well with the Warriors in terms of pace and defense. The Big 3 of James, Irving, and Love each need to have big games to carry this team towards a championship and they need more unsung performers like how Matthew Dellavedova stepped up in the finals last year. Look for J.R. Smith, Channing Frye, Tristan Thompson, Richard Jefferson, and Dellavedova to provide some timely relief for the Big 3.

Prediction

Unlike last year, this could be a very good matchup between the two teams. The Cavs were undermanned when the Warriors captured the NBA title from them and it looks like they can run lapses and catch up behind this Golden State team. Despite the Cavs fully healthy, I think the Warriors are still the better team in terms of depth. LeBron, Kyrie, and K-Love could give Steph, Klay, and Draymond some fits and Channing Frye can provide mismatches at the "5" position if Bogut and Ezeli are on the floor for the Warriors. This could be a down-to-the-wire series, but I think the Warriors have the depth to cap off their historical season with back-to-back NBA titles.

Warriors in 7

Game 1: Q-by-Q Reaction, Halftime, and Full Recap Posts tomorrow 6:00 PDT

TrueRaiderLaker Productions #6 - The Untamable Beast - Khalil Mack

How do you guys like my subliminal post last night? Well, that was intended to give QBs who are about face the "Mack Attack" nightmares for the upcoming 2016 NFL Season. Funny about today, the NFL dedicated this day to Khalil Mack by naming it #MackMondays. For those who don't do social media a lot, every weekday, the NFL puts a player on a spotlight. #FitzFridays was an example last week where Friday was dedicated to a whole lot of things dedicated to Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. This Monday was all dedicated to Khalil Mack, hence the #MackMondays going on in the NFL's social media pages. I didn't intend to upload this video during today, but it's truly an honor to coincidentally upload this Khalil Mack video during #MackMondays.

If I could make this video 1,000 times, there would be no doubt in my mind that this is how you would make this when a beast like Khalil Mack broke out last season, racking up 15 sacks, tied a franchise record for 5 sacks against the Denver Donkeys, and became the first player to be named 1st team All-Pro playing two different positions at Defensive End and Outside Linebacker. How I wanted to make this video is that I wanted it to be intense, powerful, and violent. In hindsight, I wanted to make a theatrical-style epic video fitting for the beast that is Khalil Mack. I looked through every epic music soundtracks that I know of, ranging from Audiomachine, Two Steps From Hell, Immediate Music, and Epic Score. And I landed a good soundtrack of "Untamable Beast" by Epic Score. To be honest, I probably listened to the soundtrack a million times and just pictured an epic Khalil Mack video to the music. This video signals another stepping stone for my editing skills, but as always, I still have a long ways to go. Enjoy the video.

*If you guys are new to my blog, you'll notice that I rarely post during May. This is the time where my blog gets a break from the games and the offseason news until the NBA Finals and then eventually through the NFL Preseason. Don't worry though. I'll keep providing some more TrueRaiderLaker Productions multimedia content when I have the time to put in work for another project. I'll see you guys later.*

Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft Selections (Rounds 4-7) + Final Thoughts

Round 4, Pick 100 (TRADE UP from 114): Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State

Highlights:

Comment: I was following Day 3 of the draft on my phone while I was in S.F. with family. When I saw that the Raiders selected a quarterback in Connor Cook, I'll admit I was holding my head in confusion. My initial reaction was "what are we doing?" We already have Derek Carr. We have a solid backup in Matt McGloin. Why trade up, lose the extra 5th rounder, and waste a fourth round pick on a position that we don't need? Then as I researched more through my phone, I realized the bigger picture. McGloin will be an unrestricted free agent next year and he likely wants a shot as a starter to another team and the Raiders will eventually pay Carr top-tier money once his rookie contract was up. That's one of the few reasons why this pick makes sense. Before the Raiders traded up, Cook was on the boards of the Cowboys, Chargers, and Chiefs and they're looking for someone to groom when Romo, Rivers, and Alex Smith eventually call it quits. Cook was the best quarterback available after Goff, Wentz, and Paxton Lynch went in the first round and the Raiders scooped him up before they do. Another reason is that Cook can be used as trade bait, so if he develops to be one heck of a backup to Derek Carr and fills in admirably if Carr were to get hurt, another team could use his service and will probably "give up the farm" to the Raiders for Connor Cook. This can be a genius pick or it could backfire. Remember Tyler Wilson from three years ago? Raiders let Wilson go for nothing since he wasn't a fit and McGloin beat him out. Hopefully, this works this time around because this is a risky pick and a highly questionable one for the Raiders.

Round 5, Pick 143: DeAndre Washington, RB, Texas Tech

Highlights:

Comment: So, the Raiders missed out Devontae Booker to screw up some other teams' draft boards to take Connor Cook. We're screaming for a running back and finally, in the fifth round, the Raiders select DeAndre Washington out of Texas Tech. The expectation is that he'll be the complementary back to Latavius Murray. I heard Paul Perkins out of UCLA was still on the board, I thought he would be a better pick, but I'll live with Washington since he fills a need as a change-of-pace back. He had quite a productive year as a senior for the Red Raiders, racking up 1,455 rushing yards and 14 rushing TDs and 304 receiving yards and 2 receiving TDs. Based on his highlights, he is capable of running in between the tackles, he has pretty quick acceleration once he sees a hole even though he needs to be quicker because defenses in the NFL are much faster closing in at running backs. He reminds me of Maurice Jones-Drew. The funny thing is Washington is almost the same size as MJD and did pattern his game after him. So, I think I'll live with this pick even if we passed up on some better prospects. Murray has a partner-in-crime and it looks like Roy Helu will be shown the door after Washington's selection.

Round 6, Pick 194: Cory James, LB, Colorado State

Highlights:

Comment: The Raiders use the 6th round to stock up some depth at the linebacker position and possibly at special teams. Looking at Cory James' draft profile, he was mainly used as a pass rusher on passing downs, the sack totals are pretty decent: 7.5 sacks (2013), 8 sacks (2014), 6.5 sacks (2015). James was one of Colorado State's most consistent playmakers and he was converted to play the middle linebacker position just last season. Essentially, he can play at any position. I heard the Raiders actually worked James to play either strongside or weakside linebacker. Again, versatility is emphasized here in this pick. Cory James is likely going to be a special teamer and a project at best.

Round 7, Pick 234: Vadal Alexander, G, LSU

Highlights: 

Comment: With the Raiders' final pick, they addressed depth on the O-line by selecting this big man out of LSU, Vadal Alexander. 300+ pounds, definitely, he's a fit in the power running game. Again, versatility is considered here and Alexander was capable of playing Left Guard and Right Tackle during his tenure with the Tigers. However, according to his draft profile, he has slow feet and slow change of direction against defenders. He'll get the benefit of a doubt in being coached by one of the best O-line coaches in the NFL in Mike Tice and he's going to be essential as insurance if one player of the Raiders' potential elite O-line goes down (which we hope doesn't happen).

Conclusion

After evaluating each selection, this was a pretty okay class for the Raiders. It's not as legendary as the 2014 class nor is it as great as the 2015 class, but it's just average at best. I liked the Karl Joseph pick. The Jihad Ward pick was "meh." The Shilique Calhoun pick was a solid steal. The Connor Cook pick will continue to make us scratch our heads unless he actually beats out McGloin because McGloin won't go down without a fight and he knows the system well. DeAndre Washington fills a need for a complementary RB. Finally, Cory James and Vadal Alexander are selected to stock up depth. With the way the Raiders built this roster with the 2014 and 2015 draft class and with the 2016 free agency, they've addressed every glaring need on their roster and they used this draft to take the BPA (Best Player Available) in the first round and stock up on some depth. Yes, to the casual fan who doesn't follow college football too much, it's underwhelming, but we'll see how they pan out as the season progresses. Right now, this team is stacked with young talent and this draft is used to add more "nuts and bolts" to this team.

Grade: B-

Lakers Hire Luke Walton

So while I keeping track of the Raiders' 2016 NFL Draft selections, I got an alert on my Team Stream App and I received a text from my friend, Stillmattic that the Lakers have hired Luke Walton to become the next head coach. I thought this wasn't a surprising hire. Ever since the Lakers fired Byron Scott, Luke has been the hot commodity in terms of candidates in the Lakers' head coach search. We've seen what he's done, coaching the Warriors in Steve Kerr's absence and leading them to a 39-4 start. We hear the pundits saying that Luke inherited a stacked Warriors team, but with or without Kerr, the Warriors respected Luke Walton as a coach. Yes, the transition will be a lot different because he's inheriting a core of Russell, Randle, and Clarkson who are still developing as players and their chemistry is a work-in-progress. Even though it's nice to see Luke come back to L.A. and the Laker brass knows how to take care of their alumni well, the question is will he bring over the Warriors' offensive system and replicate that system to this current Laker squad? Because Luke has played and excelled in the Triangle Offense under Phil Jackson and he might want to bring that as the Lakers' full time offense. In my honest opinion, the way the Lakers' roster is structured without Kobe Bryant in terms of talent, they're more suited to run an offense similar to what the Warriors are running: running the floor, unselfish ball movement, setting multiple screens to give players open looks. Again, I'm not surprised at Luke Walton's hiring, but he's definitely a better option over Byron Scott. It's going to be interesting to see how Luke will develop this young roster and how he will tailor offensive and defensive sets to fit the personnel of this Lakers team. Other than that, welcome home Luke!

Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft Selections (Rounds 2-3)

Round 2 Pick 44: Jihad Ward, DE, Illinois

Highlights:

Comment: Now keep in mind, I don't follow college football a lot. Last year I did because I was high on Amari Cooper coming to Oakland, so I kept following some Alabama games. Since I don't follow too much college football, this pick was a head scratcher to me even though Mike Mayock loves his story and how he worked his way up. The Raiders value good stories, but there were a couple of better defensive end/defensive tackle prospects on the board like A'Shawn Robinson, Jarren Reed, Andrew Billings; they could've waited in the 3rd round to select Sheldon Day out of Notre Dame (I'm just following what mock drafts say, scouts, PFF, etc.). When I saw his highlights and game tape against Perdue and Iowa, it was a little "meh." Like I said, Reggie and Jack love versatile players and Ward can play both the DE and DT position on the defensive line. PFF graded him high in terms of run stopping. Pass rush? I heard his pass rush fell off and according to the NFL draft profile, he's not a counter pass rusher because when one technique doesn't work, he'll just give up on the fly. But I have full faith and confidence that he'll be coached up under Del Rio, Norton, and Jethro Franklin. A lot of people are comparing this pick to the Mario Edwards, Jr. pick last year, but I thought MEJ's highlights and tape were more convincing to see when he the Raiders drafted him. Again, this is my opinion, this pick was a little "meh." I wasn't too convinced on his tape and highlights, but I trust the coaching staff to coach him up to his potential. 

Round 3 Pick 75: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Highlights:

Comment: I've seen Shilique Calhoun's name pop up in a couple of 7-round mock drafts. So, for Day 2, the Raiders decide to use Rounds 2-3 to beef up the defensive line. And like the old saying goes in football: "you can never have to many pass rushers." Calhoun had quite the production in the sacks department with 27 sacks in his four-year collegiate career at Michigan State. He finished amassing 100+ tackles, five fumble recoveries, and an interception. When you see his highlights, he looks like an absolute beast in getting after the quarterback, but the more game tape you see of Calhoun, there's a mismatch. Even though he's good in pass rushing, he has a hard time stuffing the run. So, most likely, he'll be a situational pass-rusher as 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB and the Raiders run a hybrid of both. This pick, I can live with even though I was hoping the Raiders would use a 3rd round pick for a complementary running back to Murray like a Devontae Booker. This is a solid pick. I would say I like this pick more than Jihad Ward selection in the 2nd round, but they're both good depth picks to beef up the D-Line and make this pass-rush even more scary with Mack, Irvin, and Aldon Smith.

Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft Selections (Round 1)

Round 1, Pick 14: Karl Joseph, Safety, West Virginia

Highlights:

Comment: Early on this year, I was looking at a couple of highlights of 1st round prospects the Raiders could take with their #14 pick. It ranged from Mackensie Alexander to Ezekiel Elliot to Sheldon Rankins and to Myles Jack. And during that span, I did come across some highlights of Karl Joseph and saw a little bit of tape of him in an actual game against Oklahoma. During this draft, I liked the idea that Myles Jack would fall to us, then when I heard that Karl Joseph was the selection, I had somewhat of a mixed reaction, but it's mainly positive. I thought he would've been still available during the 2nd round because his stock dropped off after the ACL injury, but the Raiders were comfortable drafting him at the #14 spot. When I saw Karl Joseph's highlights, my first impression was that this guy is a hard hitter. He's also a solid tackler in the open field against the run and he has a nose for the football. I heard he had three interceptions in one game, lead the nation in with five interceptions before his ACL tear; he's always around where the football is at. Joseph could be that hard hitting enforcer-type Safety that the Raiders haven't had in a long time since "The Assassin," Jack Tatum. Albeit he's a little small in size, I heard he can play anywhere from Free Safety to Strong Safety to Nickel Safety. Keep in mind, McKenzie and Del Rio love versatile players. The number of selections that the Raiders made on players who can play anywhere on the field is evident: Mack (OLB/DE), Carrie (CB/S), Cooper (Outside/Slot Receiver), Edwards, Jr. (DT/DE), Ball (OLB/ILB), Feliciano (T/G/C) to name a few. Add Karl Joseph to the list of versatile players. Even though Charles Woodson retired, Joseph will still benefit playing behind veteran safeties Reggie Nelson and Nate Allen. Not to mention, he also has Marcus Robertson and the Hall-of-Famer Rod Woodson coaching him up. Good pick, a little bit of a reach at the 14th spot, but he can be the guy patrolling the secondary on the defense for a very long time.