Playoff Time 2013: Deron Williams & Joe Johnson

Remember all of that Media hoopla about the Brooklyn Nets? Remember all of the trash talk coming out of the new signings  Joe Johnson& Deron Williams  mouth about taking over the city? Well although they had a solid season they didn't quite take over New York but unlike the New Jersey days they are in the NBA Playoffs. This is where Joe Johnson and Deron Williams need to find that extra level in their games and become great player.

All that talk about being the best back court in the NBA needs to be proven and  Brooklyn's All-Stars need to rise to the occasion, Its playoff time. This season was a roller coaster for Jay-Z's team. Avery Johnson got fired early in the season and the team seemed to have chemistry struggling to play 500. ball. After P.J Carlisimo  took over the Nets began to play more loose and free while developing a swagger. You began to hear the "BROOKLYN" chants reverberating throughout the Barclay's Center more often. Deron and Joe began to look like themselves again particularly in the middle of the season on the 1st night of a home and home vs Milwaukee and their dynamic back court of Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. The game was on the line and the Nets handed the ball to Joe Johnson and he was "Iso Joe" and with a few seconds rose up and fired a buzzer beater three point shot to sebnd the crowd into a frenzy. It was the 1st of several times Joe Johnson came thru in the clutch as the Nets go to guy.

Williams and Johnson both came from teams where they were the guy but couldn't elevate the franchises to that Championship level in Atlanta and Utah. As they enter the Playoffs they face the Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls in the 1st round. Although the Bulls lack the star power of Rose that in no way diminishes how physical they are at every position on the floor. The guards that will likely be guarding Brooklyn's back court are Nate Robinson and Kirk Hinrich who are known for getting after opponents making life tough. The responsibility will be on Deron Williams shoulders to facilitate and get Joe Johnson good looks while he's moving off the ball.

These are 2 proven All-Stars but there is a fine line between All-Star and Great Players, do Johnson and Williams elevate to that level this Postseason.?

The Playoffs Begin April 20th as the Brooklyn Nets take on the Chicago Bulls.

Playoff Time 2013: Brandon Jennings

The phrase “Wearing out your welcome” seems to come to mind when thinking about the Face of the Milwaukee Bucks Franchise- Brandon Jennings. Over the past few seasons he has made his relationship with the organization rather awkward, Stating that he wants to play in a bigger market (such as Dallas) and will be doing his homework. He has also called out his teammates saying “I don’t see any All-Stars in this room”. He even called his coach Jim Boylan out for a late game timeout he didn’t agree with via social media.

But make no mistake about it Brandon Jennings is one talented player who has been one of the reasons for keeping the bucks relevant along with Players like Monta Ellis and Larry Sanders. Is he worth what he would want on a big market team? That’s another discussion.

The Bucks fired Scott Skiles midway through the season and under Interim coach Jim Boylan have played better basketball. Jennings has been very inefficient throughout the season shooting the ball at 39 % field goal clip.  He has had his moments this season but has failed to string together consistency you want from the face of your franchise. For all the talent he posses Jennings at this stage of his Career is still equally as immature.

“FEAR THE DEAR” is a catch phrase normally used around playoff time by Milwaukee Bucks fans but will the Miami Heat have to take heed to those words? The answer is probably no as Miami will probably win the series. There is always the possibility of the Bucks giving the Heat some trouble as they have been known to do in the regular season over the past few years. Larry Sanders isn’t known to be afraid of anybody, Monta Ellis once said he was better then Dwyane Wade and Brandon Jennings isn’t afraid to take big shots, The series could be very lopsided or could be a frustrating one for the Heat.

If Jennings wants to make his money elsewhere after this season he better show other teams what exactly it is they are paying for. He can earn himself a nice check if he performs like the guy who dropped 55 points in a game his rookie season and lead the Bucks to the playoffs. If he does that he will be fine if he plays and acts like the premadonna he has been over the last few seasons then he might have suitors second guessing themselves. Hopefully though he plays some good basketball in the 1^st round and contributes to a watchable first round playoff series vs the defending Champion Miami Heat.

The Playoffs start April 20^th with the Bucks matched up vs Lebron James and the defending Champion Miami Heat.