Derrick Rose: Why He Makes the Bulls Go

This 6'3, 190 pound point guard of a man, Derrick Rose, is the reason why he was selected as an All-Star NBA reserve representing the Eastern Conference in Dallas. Playing for his hometown Chicago Bulls, Rose never doubted his time would come when he would participate in a game full of basketball's elite performers. His quickness and speed as well as versatility for a point guard are valuable assets for a Chicago team that lacks in floor leadership and court vision. He can score in bunches, he is at times a sharpshooter, he can run, he can play heads-up defense, and he can block shots a la Dwayne Wade. Both Wade and Rose are tweeners. Their combination of unusual size and strength and athleticism makes them appear deceiving to opponents who think that they are pushovers. If anything, Rose is the elite player Chicago must keep for the next ten to fifteen years to come. Free agents such as Dwayne Wade and Joe Johnson will be attracted to join a Bulls team that has Derrick Rose at the helm of the offense.

Denver Nuggets: Taking the Lakers to the Distance

Last year in the 2009 West finals, the Nuggets were leading 2 games to 1. They almost squandered a 16 point lead in Game 1. Then, they rushed back to win Games 2 and 3. Before they realized it, the Lakers seized command and took control of the series. After the series loss, the Nuggets learned from their experience by trying to take the eventual 2009 champion Lakers down. They knew deep down inside themselves that they could beat the Lakers. Somehow, someway, they could not maintain the focus they brought to play basketball when they played the Lakers. Whatever the Lakers did, they dictated the tempo of the game and the Nuggets. If Denver believes that they can beat the Lakers, they definitely have the right idea that Derek Fisher is unable to initiate the Lakers' defense. Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets' point man must be able to exploit that part of the Lakers defense. Carmelo Anthony must play terrific to beat the champion Lakers. Kenyon Martin, the Nuggets' four man must be able to score from the post and perimeter to keep Denver in it. If the Nuggets really do believe that they can beat the Lakers, they must prove it on the court.

Why the Rockets Win Ballgames

They win ballgames because of their determination and hustle. This is a hard-working basketball team full of role players who are forced to play every night as if it were their last game. Houston's leading scorer who was an NBA champion last season with the Lakers, Trevor Ariza, is leading the charge. The energizer of hardworkers, Charlie Hayes is the centerpiece of the Rockets. Off the bench, you have Carl Landry who helps out with Hayes as well. Luis Scola is the Rockets' best perimeter threat and best rebounder. You can't go wrong with that. I think what makes the Rockets go is Shane Battier. He does all the little things that help a basketball team like the Houston Rockets win ballgames. He shoots threes, he grabs rebounds, he passes the ball, he can score, he can play defense, he steals, he blocks, he does everything. Last of all, you have Aaron Brooks, the speedy fast point guard for the Rockets. He can pass the ball, he can score, he leads the Rockets offense. No wonder why the Rockets are so feisty and determined to play the best basketball they can.