AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

By Paul Casey Gotham

It is that time again. Let’s hear from you, readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE (1), UNE, UNO from April 18-24th that stands out to you, and tell us a story.

Chris Bosh nabs my POTW.

After missing his first three shots from the field, Bosh went on to hit 13 of his next 15 attempts to finish with a game-high 34 points to lead the Miami Heat past the Chicago Bulls 96-85 in game three of the Eastern Conference finals.

Bosh hit eight of ten from the free throw line while grabbing five rebounds and handing out two assists on the night.

With the Bulls defense focusing on the Heat’s two primary stars, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, Bosh found plenty of open room on the floor and took advantage of the opportunity.

Who gets your POTW?

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

By Paul Casey Gotham

It is that time again. Let’s hear from you readers. We had another week of stellar performances. Pick the ONE (1), UNE, UNO that stands out to you, and tell us a story.

It’s been forty years since it last happened and despite the protests of some that it even get a chance to occur, including the primary beneficiary, a triple-double in an NBA game took place on Christmas day.

LeBron James gets my POTW.

Not only did James turn a triple-double, but he accomplished the feat in Los Angeles. James dropped 27, grabbed 11 boards, and dished out 10 assists as the Heat dried up the Lakers 96-80 in a game that wasn’t even as close as the 16-point difference. The triple-double was James’s 31st of his career as Miami won for the 14th time in their last 15 games.

Billy Cunningham was the last NBA player to get a triple-double on Christmas Day. Cunningham did it in 1970.

Earlier in the week, Lakers’ coach, Phil Jackson voiced his opposition to NBA games on Christmas Day as did LeBron James. Orlando’s Stan Van Gundy has been fined by the league in the past for his comments about holiday games. Van Gundy switched his tact to sarcasm this year.

In case anyone is wondering, I feel a little after this week’s POTW nomination.

Who gets your POTW?

There is often nothing funnier than capturing a facial expression or occurrence at the right time, or, should we say, the most inopportune time.

I challenge you, loyal readers, to view the picture below and provide a captivating caption that will cause “the shores a-crowding” with “people all exulting.” Should you provide the wittiest of captions, for you the flag will be flung and the bugles will trill.

This week, we have Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra during a recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks:

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2010. Dallas won 106-92. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

You’ve got the context, now make like the father of free verse and create the best caption you can in the comments below.

Doug Benc/Getty Images

>Joe Johnson wanted for theft

In case you’re like me and avoid the contract numbers, Joe Johnson left the 2010 free agency bonanza with the most money. The Atlanta Hawks will give him a reported $120 million for the next 6 years. That’s around $10 million less than Dwayne Wade and LeBron James. And don’t forget they fired their coach, the one who improved Atlanta’s record every year he coached them.

This has to be one of the worst contracts and worst front offices in professional sports. Not that this needs validation, but here’s some career playoff stats:

Dwayne Wade: 26.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 6 apg, 1.65 spg (2010 playoff low in points- 26)

Joe Johnson: 16.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.6 apg, .9 spg (2010 playoff low in points – 8 twice)

Who is Johnson’s agent? I want him to help me close on my next house.

>Chicago no slouch in the East

It seems like despite the Heat’s acquisitions, nobody wants to sleep on the Chicago Bulls. They have one of the best scoring point guards in the league, an energetic 6’11″ center, and now a legit power forward and a sharp-shooter. How must Deron Williams feel after Boozer and Kyle Korver fled Salt Lake City to join forces with Rose and Noah? When will his contract expire because I don’t see him in a Jazz uniform much longer.

Tom Thibodeau, the Celtics former defensive mastermind, will take the helm from Vinny Del Negro. The offensive weapons seem to be plentiful for Thibodeau, but can he recreate the defensive tenacity that made the Celtics so playoff-immortal?

Boozer seems like a better fit than Chris Bosh would have been; Boozer likes to play with his back-to-the basket and will create some space for a driving Rose and quick kick-outs for a Korver or Deng. Though I haven’t seen him play much since college, many NBA analysts are high on Taj Gibson and his possible rise as a second or third scoring option.

>LeBron James would be a great professional wrestler

People ask every once in a while which athlete would be the best at crossing over to another sport. A common answer is LeBron James to football. He was, after all, an all-state pick in high school. But since James’ new favorite term is “it’s business,” what about LeBron James to the WWE?

Come on – the spectacle Thursday night was something that I’m sure made Vince McMahon wonder, “Hey! He’s stealing my ideas!” What better industry to be a part of than the narcissistic adventures of bikini-brief clad, bodybuilding, novice actors?

I think LeBron practiced his speeches so well he started to believe them himself, the same way these wrestlers eventually morph into their characters in their real-lives. Has anyone reminded him that despite believing that Cleveland couldn’t put together a good supporting cast, they were the best team the past two seasons with over 60 wins in each?

He even referred to himself in the third person several times. See – just like The Rock used to do! He’s perfect for a WWE run. Just as in wrestling, businesses have to reinvent themselves in order to remain appealing.

Just look at these two videos and see if you can tell which is associated with the NBA and which with professional wrestling (Press play for both videos at the same time and mute them. I gaurantee you’ll chuckle):

I never thought a twitter post announcing a contract would come off as taking the higher ground, but thank you Kevin Durant for showing us what professionalism means in the 21st century!

>Should loyalty matter?

For a moment , try to forget how James decided to let Cleveland know he was leaving. The thing I’m most confused about is loyalty in sports. Dirk Nowitzki decided to re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks. He stayed loyal to his organization and will remain the first scoring option. James spurned loyalty to possibly become Wade’s Magic Johnson. Who has the better chance at titles?

Where do we stand as a fan base? Dirk probably won’t even bring the Finals back to Dallas. James on the other hand will undoubtedly reach the Finals multiple times in the next six years.

I think it’s safe to say most felt it was Nowitzki who needed to put loyalty aside and go somewhere to be the no. 2 guy, not James. Yet everyone wants to throw James under the bus and claim he isn’t competitive. Is this solely about who tries to do it alone, or who tries to create their best path to a championship?

Who made the better basketball decision? Let’s hear it from the ‘Pine.’

By Paul Gotham

Eastern Conference

Bulls vs. Cavs

Maybe the Bulls could show as much spirit on the court as their coach, Vinny Del Negro, and GM, John Paxson, show off the court. I missed the announcement of “Joakim Rules.” Maybe Vinny should consult with Joe Girardi.  It’s kind of nice how the Bulls positioned themselves to be the Cavs’ appetizer. Chicago won 10 of its last 14 to get in the playoffs. Can Derrick Rose continue getting to the basket now that it is the playoffs, and teams will actually play defense? Can Shaq get in stride after a layoff? Does Shaq still have a stride? LeBron should be plenty rested.

Heat vs. Celtics

As far as seeds and numbers go, Miami winning would fall into the category of an upset. How many would be surprised if the Heat took this series? Does it matter any more that Boston swept the season series? The Cs have dropped eight of 13. Of course, it’s not like the Heat have anyone beyond D-Wade that they can actually count on from night to night. Do you hear that Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal?

Hawks vs. Bucks

Has the potential to be the best first round series. Milwaukee will go without Andrew Bogut, but do not discount Scott Skiles and his ability to motivate the Bucks. Don’t forget, the Bucks have John Salmons who has the reputation for playing big in the playoffs. Salmons will need a great performance to thwart the Hawks.

Anyone looking for Marvin Williams will find him in Atlanta’s lineup. Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson average 33 a game. Skiles’s defense should shrink those numbers.

Magic vs. Bobcats

Maybe the Vince Carter acquisition wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “Vinsanity” is averaging 16.6. More importantly, the “Iso King” is not disrupting Orlando’s offensive flow. Jason Williams is getting a second chance and making good on it. His presence along with Jameer Nelson’s make the Magic a contender. Congratulations to the Bobcats for qualifying for the playoffs.

Western Conference

Lakers vs. Thunder

You know things are not right with Lakers when Phil Jackson has to resort to mind games in the first round of the playoffs. Just when Kevin Durant showed maturity beyond his years, he goes and reacts to Jackson’s gibes. It will be interesting to see how many shots Durant takes in the first game or two of this series. He averages 20 shots per game.  What is there to not like about the Thunder’s roster: James Harden, Jeff Green, Nick Collison, and Eric Maynor. They have a good, young lineup. They are just not ready to win this series.  How much of LA’s success in the long run depends on Andrew Bynum’s Achilles’ tendon?

Nuggets vs. Jazz

Denver has lost their way since George Karl’s bout with cancer has taken him off the sidelines.  Carlos Boozer is a game time decision. Both lineups pack plenty of talent. Which team will get the most mileage out of their gas?

Mavericks vs. Spurs

Oh, the intrigue. Dallas looked ready for a title run after acquiring Caron Butler. Dallas has lost just seven games since getting Butler on February 16th. Does anyone want to play the Spurs in the playoffs? How much playoff experience do the Spurs have? Tony Parker is back in the lineup.

Suns vs. Blazers

Probably the most entertaining series. There will be plenty of scoring. Portland without Brandon Roy does not bode for the Blazers making any noise in the playoffs.

Splinters

Remember when Rey questioned Boston’s acquisition of Rasheed Wallace? If you don’t, click here. Bill Simmons added his commentary on the Celtics picking up Wallace. Read it here. Rey saw the smoke months ago.

Cheers to Lionel Hollins for showing Kenyon Martin how it’s done.

Give us your take on the NBA playoffs.

By Paul Gotham

Reckoning Season

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady face personal crossroads this upcoming season. Both entered the league with much fanfare. Golden State chose Carter with the fifth choice of the ’98 draft. Toronto picked T-Mac ninth in the ’97 draft.

Since draft night Carter has played on teams that have won three playoff series. As of now, Carter does not know the NBA playoffs beyond the second round.

McGrady is still waiting to celebrate the winning of a playoff series.

Carter joins an Orlando Magic team that fell one game shy of the NBA title.

When Hedo Turkoglu opted for Toronto and its Turkish community, Magic GM, Otis Smith, acted quickly and acquired Carter. On the surface, Carter seems like an upgrade.  The ’99 Rookie-of-the Year is physically imposing. Orlando’s half-court set thrives on 4-Out around Dwight Howard leaving plenty of open floor. Carter should be able to capitalize and use his ability to go off the dribble.

But Carter will need to play a role supporting role with the Magic – something he has never seemed comfortable with in the past. Turkoglu’s biggest contribution to the Magic might have been his ability to let the game come to him. Rarely, did Turkoglu force a shot. Carter, on the other hand, might be responsible for single handedly exposing the limitations of the Iso set.

Making Carter’s plight more challenging is the overall improvement of the Eastern Conference. Add to that the loss of Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee (traded for Carter) and Orlando could find themselves exiting early in the 2010 playoffs.

Can Carter pick up the slack?

McGrady watched as his Houston Rockets eliminated Portland in the first round and lost in seven games to the eventual champion, Los Angeles Lakers. Many stuck a fork in the Rockets. McGrady spent most of the season sidelined with a knee injury. Then the Rockets shuffled Alston to Orlando leaving second-year man Aaron Brooks to run the point guard position. Rather than collapsing, the Rockets had a revival.

With the return of McGrady to lineup, will Houston improve? Or will the Rockets regress to a previous state of playoff incompetence?

Beasley Checks Into Re-Hab

ESPN is reporting that Miami Heat first round pick, Michael Beasley checked himself into a rehab center in Houston. Details are unclear, but it appears the rookie is suffering from chemical dependence.

This is not meant as a cut on Beasley, but how many of us saw this coming? Beasley lacked maturity at Kansas State. He argued with teammates and coaches. Sure, he is an impressive physical specimen with incredible athletic abilities. When will NBA teams figure out that it takes more than athleticism to be a professional?

Beasley was Miami’s second leading scorer. Perhaps, the best statement about Beasley might be that from Dwyane Wade. While Wade hasn’t come right out and directly criticized Beasley, the Heat’s leading scorer is making waves about his future. Wade has lobbied for the Heat to bring in more talent. Is that because Wade knows Beasley is four years away from consistently contributing?

Beasley, as many young players, needed an opportunity to grow without the pressures of playing professional. Instead he gets thrust into a spot where he lacks the coping mechanisms to succeed.

Here’s hoping Beasley gets the help needed to work through his problems. Here’s hoping NBA execs let kids make their mistakes in an environment that has the potential to nuture.

Got some Splinters to share? Post ‘em here.