By: Matt Blue

Relax, I’m only kidding. But unfortunately the national media isn’t.

What this article is really about is the unprecedented and shameful media coverage being directed at the Miami HEAT coming off a Game 1 loss to Chicago. We are talking about confirmation bias, distortion, fear based tactics and unreasonable assessments coming from bloggers, reporters and attention seeking websites.

You would expect this kind of sensationalism from tabloid publications such as the New York Post or the New York Daily News, not from well-respected news outlets with decent reputations.

Apparently, this is a best of 1 series not a best of 7 series where the first team to 4 wins will advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

On this site we like to talk about the facts and we actually like to maintain perspective.  After all, this is a HEAT team that had won their last 41 of 44 games and that not too long ago went on a 27 game winning streak.

It’s also not unusual for a defending champion to lose at home in the playoffs. Five of the last ten NBA champions have rapidly started a series with a playoff loss at home. Champions always overcome obstacles and battle through adversity. It happens to the very best. Remember when the HEAT had their backs against the wall last year when they trailed Indiana 2-1, fell 3-2 Boston, and lost the first game of the 2012 NBA Finals?

You can remember when everyone was writing them off by saying that “the formula wasn’t working. The HEAT didn’t have the right chemistry to win a championship.” You can easily recall those proclamations. What is going on right now is actually pretty similar.

The noise is absolutely exacerbating.  However, that’s all it is. It’s all noise, noise and even more noise.

Therefore, it’s basically the HEAT and the city of Miami vs the world’s most illogical buffoons. NBA writers are trying to create an atmosphere of misery around the team. These are individuals that thrive on attention, drama and negativity.

The proper perspective on the HEAT’s game 1 performance would be this.  The HEAT played a terrible game and still almost won. They were still able to give themselves a chance to win.  Even LeBron admitted that they missed a myriad of uncontested shots and they were able to get good looks. Now are you really going to bank on Miami missing open threes and wide open layups in consecutive games?

The fact is they absorbed Chicago’s best punches and kept their poise. History and logic tells us that this will be the worst basketball Miami will play in the entire playoffs. You are talking about the deepest, most talented and the most prideful team in the NBA.

Now Chicago has Miami’s full and undivided attention. So this would be a reasonable analysis if you are covering the HEAT. I think they have done enough to warrant this kind of benefit of the doubt. They are the defending champions.

On the other hand, let’s give credit where credit’s due. Chicago played smart and efficient basketball. They were energized right from the start. They were ready to run through a brick wall. The HEAT is used to getting a team’s best effort. After all, it’s not too hard to get up to play Miami.

Chicago is a team that believes they can beat anybody. Head coach Tom Thibodeau always emphasizes that they have enough to win. He has established himself as one of the league’s best coaches. So it’s obvious that the HEAT has their work cut out for them. But they have been through this before. This is nothing new to them.

While this type of hyperbolic madness and hysteria is nothing new for the HEAT’s most belligerent critics.

The post Heat Fall to Bulls in Game One, Time to Panic appeared first on The World Champion Crank Up The HEAT.

By: Matt Blue

Have you ever asked yourself why Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony always seems to get a free pass, while LeBron James always seems to be playing under a microscope? The fact is, even though Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James were both drafted the same year; Melo has advanced only as far as the second round in his 11 year career. Now can you imagine if LeBron James had only been as far as the second round in his playing career? The ridicule and the scrutiny would be relentless and constant.

The expectations placed on LeBron James are completely unfair and outlandish. Yes he is the best player in the NBA and yes he will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. But why is LeBron held to a different standard compared to Melo or anyone else?

The truth is, public perception can be a strange thing. If you visit any blog, NBA Facebook page, or comment thread, you will see the vulgar hatred and the unprecedented ridicule constantly being directed at LeBron. The bottom-line is, LeBron should be admired and respect based on what he has accomplished on the basketball court.

The funny thing is many basketball fans and commentators used to give him a hard time for not having a championship. And now he has that elusive ring. So why is there such a stark difference in perception and popularity between the two players?

Is it that Carmelo Anthony plays on the world’s biggest stage and LeBron plays in South Beach? That quite possibly could be the reason. But the most plausible theory is that many fans and pundits still haven’t recovered from the public relations nightmare that was “The Decision”. It’s funny how society can easily forgive athletes for murder, rape and dog abuse. But an athlete who made a mistake in judgment by participating in a TV special that had unbelievable ratings nonetheless, can’t be forgiven?

Carmelo Anthony never did a “Decision Special”. The fact that he alienated an entire fan base in Denver by practically forcing the Nuggets organization’s hand is now ancient history. The unprofessionalism and selfishness that he portrayed while with Denver was deeply disturbing.

Did LeBron handle himself in a similar manner in Cleveland?  Nope. LeBron honored his contract and he never complained about the roster or about having to carry a subpar team on a nightly basis. He dedicated his heart and soul to the city and to the team.

But LeBron did a “Decision Special on ESPN”. Talk about an unforgivable crime against humanity right?

So is this the only thing that separates the two players as far as popularity and public image is concerned? It sure seems like it. Believe it or not, Anthony even passed LeBron in jersey sales. Now, there is no denying the fact that Anthony is a very gifted player. Anthony is an absolute scoring machine averaging 23.9 points per game this past season.

However, there is no way he should have more jersey sales than the best all-around player in the entire league. Do I have to remind you of the type of season LeBron had last year? Well I will anyways.  He won an Olympic Gold medal, an NBA championship, an NBA Finals MVP award, an NBA regular season MVP award all in the same year. While this year, he has orchestrated an historical 27 game winning streak and he led his team to the best record in the NBA. Also, he just won another league MVP award.

But it just doesn’t seem to matter to certain fans. The fact is, regardless of what LeBron continues to accomplish in his career as far as records, stats and championships are concerned; he will never please his unrelenting and unreasonable critics. That is just the cold hard truth. Conversely, Melo knocks down a three in the Garden and he is praised and beloved. He could go his entire career without even sniffing the NBA Finals and he will still be regarded as an elite talent. However, when LeBron comes up short, he is labeled as a choke artist. Talk about a serious double standard.

But nothing is going to change.  LeBron and Melo will continue to be evaluated differently and held to completely different standards all because of one Decision Special announcement on ESPN. That is pretty unfathomable for the unbiased NBA observer to understand. Because trying to understand the rationale of a LeBron hater is like trying to understand the mindset of a patient in a mental ward.

The post LeBron James vs Carmelo Anthony appeared first on The World Champion Crank Up The HEAT.

By: Matt Blue

As the NBA All Star break rapidly approaches, it is a good time to take another good look at the NBA’s top rookies. Some rookies’ stocks have gone up while others have dramatically dropped. The question is who is currently the frontrunner for rookie of the year? And which players will also be strongly considered for this end of season award? You are about to find out.

The post NBA Rookie Rank: 2nd Edition appeared first on The World Champion Crank Up The HEAT.

By: Pedro Heizer, Matt Pineda, Matt Blue, and Steve Rawnsley

We are at the halfway point for many teams and others are approaching it. This season has had a lot of surprises and many things stay the same.  It’s been great having a full season again where our mid-way point gives us a chance to reflect and look to the future.

Here at Crank Up The HEAT, we like to take a stab at our mid-season awards.  These are not our predictions for the awards, but rather who deserves them at this point.  We’ve taking our insights beyond the box score, and look at who is most deserving of the NBA’s season awards.

We’ve got 4 writers, so 4 answers for each question and award.  So take a look at what we think, and then tell us what you think!

Who’s your MVP so far?

Pedro Heizer: Chris Paul

Before my inbox get filled with hate mail, hear me out. Paul is a supreme playmaker on a team filled with players who otherwise would not be able to get their own shot. The Clippers are currently 32-10 (2nd in the Western Conference behind OKC) and the hottest team in Los Angeles. Paul brings good things to life for the Clippers, and is, unquestionably, the best off-the-dribble creator in the league. The Clippers’ high-flying style may lead you to believe that Paul commits his share off turnovers, but, to the contrary, he leads the NBA in assist/TO ratio at 4.41. However, CP3′s impact has not been limited to the offensive end of the floor. Paul is tops in the NBA in steals (91 total, 2.6 per game), wreaking havoc and fueling Los Angeles’ dynamic transition game.

Matt Pineda: Kevin Durant

KD is leading the league in scoring at 29.5 PPG and has the Thunder with the league’s best record. He’s also getting a career high in assists.  LeBron may surpass him in the end, but right now Durant has been the star.

Matt Blue: LeBron James

Recently, LeBron became the youngest player to ever reach the prestigious 20,000 point club. He is having another remarkable season. There has been no championship hangover for him.

Steve Rawnsley: LeBron James

The guy is simply the best all around player in the league. I do not think he is in his own tier though, as Durant has closed the gap. LeBron is leading the HEAT to the best record in the East despite the downward trajectory that has been started in Wade’s career, and not having a real center that is a glaring hole because of the rebounding struggles.

Who’s your Most Improved Player so far?

Pedro Heizer: James Harden

This is always among the toughest awards, in part because the criteria is so murky. Maybe I’ve gone crazy but if I had told you at the beginning of the season that James Harden would be averaging 25.8 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, 5.3 assists per game (all career highs) would you would have probably thought I was… Well, if that doesn’t impress you, I think his player efficiency rating of +22.83 will.

Matt Pineda: Greivis Vasquez

He has played extremely well for a not so well team.  Last year he scored 8.9 and had 5.4 assists.  This year?  He’s up to 14.3 PPG and 9.2 assists, which is 3rd best in the NBA.  He’s taken huge steps to being a legit starting point guard in the NBA.

Matt Blue: James Harden

This may be a bit astonishing to you, but let me go ahead and explain my reasoning behind this selection. After all, how much better could the former 6th man of the year possibly get? Harden has been the heart and soul of the Houston Rockets this season. His scoring average has increased by about 10 points per game and he has even exponentially increased his assist numbers. With increased playing time as a starter, his numbers of gone up dramatically as a result. Harden has embraced the challenge of trying to resurrect the Houston Rockets.

Steve Rawnsley: Nikola Vucevic

Once thought to be a throw-in in the Andrew Bynum Andre Iguadala, and Dwight Howard trade, he is now making some serious noise for Florida’s other team. Since December first, he is 4th in the league in rebounding behind now injured Varajo, K-Love, and Dwight Howard.

Who’s your best 6th man?

Pedro Heizer: Jamal Crawford

Crawford is absolutely controlling this category. I can’t think of a better player coming off the bench right. Crawford is averaging, off the bench, 16.5 points, and 2.4 assists per game in one of the league’s most exciting team. In fact, ill make a case for him to be in the Western Conference lineup come the all star game.

Matt Pineda: Jamal Crawford

At 16.5 PPG, Crawford is just getting it done.  It also helps that the Clippers are playing so well.  But, we all know that Crawford doesn’t have a good history of playing for good playoff teams.  But he is the best player that isn’t starting.

Matt Blue: Jamal Crawford

Crawford has been absolutely sensational coming off the bench for a very deep LA Clippers team. He is averaging 16.5 points per game, a 16.77 PER rating, an offensive rating of 106 and a win share per 48 minutes estimate of 1.25 with the league average being .100. With the numbers he has posted this season, you would think he was starter.

Steve Rawnsley: Jamal Crawford

I have never liked him, as he has always been more of a volume scorer. (A volume scorer is a scorer that takes a lot shots to get his points.) However, this year he has been much more efficient even if that has started to drop off a little lately.

Who’s your best Defensive player?

Pedro Heizer: Marc Gasol

Well, rest assured Dwight Howard won’t be walking away with the trophy this time around. The Grizzlies allow about four fewer points per 100 possessions when Gasol is on the floor, and though he’s not an electric shot blocker like Ibaka, he protects the rim well. Most important: He is almost always in the right place, moving around the floor in sync with an opponent’s offensive sets, and with such braininess it often seems as if Gasol is one step ahead of that offense.

Matt Pineda: LeBron James

It might be time he gets recognized for his versatility with hardware.  He can guard any position at any time.  He can shut down Pau Gasol, or put him on Darren Collison.  He is the HEAT’s most important player because he can shut anyone down who gets hot.  It’s not about the stats, it’s about stops!

Matt Blue: Larry Sanders

You are probably mumbling to yourself “who in the world is that?” right about now. Obviously the Milwaukee Bucks do not get a lot of national publicity. And that is putting it kindly. But let me just say this. Larry Sanders is singlehandedly preventing the Milwaukee Bucks from being a completely incompetent defensive team. He may be an obscure name to you, but he still deserves a tremendous amount of credit for his impeccable and relentless defense.

Steve Rawnsley: LeBron James

He is the most physically gifted player I have ever seen. The physical tools he has, sets him apart defensively. He can guard any position because he is so strong, has length, and speed.

Who’s your best Rookie?

Pedro Heizer: Damien Lillard

This award is turning into a runaway, albeit, not with the candidate that most expected it to be. There’s half a season left to be played, but there’s hardly a chance that Damian Lillard can be caught from behind (figuratively, and literally speaking). From opening night, Lillard has been the floor leader for the Blazers, and he has not disappointed in any way. He refuses to hoist bad shots, he spreads the ball amongst all of his teammates, and he values the basketball.

Matt Pineda: Damien Lillard

There isn’t much to debate here.  Lillard has surpassed expectations for him and has elevated his team to playoff contention in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year.  Lillard will be a great player if he stays healthy.

Matt Blue: Damien Lillard

The young Trail Blazers rookie has shown that he has the potential to be one of the very best guards in the NBA. Lillard has been head and shoulders above every rookie this season. This is a slam dunk selection.

Steve Rawnsley: Damien Lillard

Is this even a question? Even if Anthony Davis did not miss the fourteen games, I would still say Lillard is rookie of the Year. I think the better question is who is the 2nd best rookie so far?

Who’s your best Coach?

Pedro Heizer: Mark Jackson

Momma, there goes that man. Jackson has the Warriors playing very good basketball. At 25-15 the warriors are currently the fifth seed in the western conference and they look like a serious playoff contender.

Matt Pineda: Mark Jackson

Having the Warriors off to a 25-15 record in an extremely talented and deep Western Conference is great.  Jackson in just two years is now fulfilling his promise of making this team a playoff team.  They are currently 5th in the West and that’s all without the injured Andrew Bogut.

Matt Blue: Tom Thibodeau

Just think about how incredible it is that Thibodeau has been able to keep Chicago afloat without Derrick Rose. The Bulls currently have a record of 23-16 which is good for 5th in the EAST. The Bulls have been able to have success this season thanks to their knack for rebounding and defense. The Bulls have played hard-nosed basketball this season and this directly reflects the personality and coaching style of their head coach.

Steve Rawnsley: Kevin McHale

They have the youngest team, and are making a playoff run. They were tired of being in the middle of the draft where they could not really improve the team, but couldn’t make it out of the first round. The Rockets rebuilding effort is off to a great liftoff.

The post Mid-Season Awards appeared first on The World Champion Crank Up The HEAT.