NBA Playoffs

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This spring, the Pistons will not make the playoffs for the third consecutive season – the first time that’s happened since the mid -1990s. It pains me to write it, but by the next the Pistons enter the postseason it will have been (at least) five years since their last playoff win in 2008.

While I am a diehard Pistons fan, even I don’t see this current roster making it to the 2012 playoffs.

Yes, the 2011-12 season is still technically young. But remember that there’s only 66 games. And Detroit has already dug itself a huge hole by starting out with a 2-8 record. And it doesn’t matter the reasons – injuries, abbreviated training camps, new coaching systems, strength of schedule – it is what it is.

And as it currently stands, the Pistons are among the worst teams in the NBA by several metrics.

They are by far the worst scoring team – scoring just a paltry 82.8 points per game. For a reference point, an NBA team hasn’t had such a low scoring average since the last lockout-shortened season in 1998-99 season when the Chicago Bulls managed just 81.9 points per game (via Basketball Reference).

They are also the second worst rebounding team in the league, grabbing just 37.6 boards a game (they were dead last during the previous season).

I could go on, but here are the quick facts (via Basketball Reference). The Pistons rank:

–30th in turnover percentage
–28th overall in defensive rating
–29th overall in offensive rating
–30th in margin of victory
–27th in opponent field goal percentage
–30th in average home attendance

So, in short, it’s not looking good.

Now, back to the playoffs. Historically, to achieve the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference requires about 37-42 victories during a normal season. For this abbreviated 66-game schedule, that translates to 30-34 wins.

For the Pistons to get to 30 wins, they’d have to win 28 of their remaining 56 games. At first glance that doesn’t sound all that hard, but that means Detroit would have to go .500 the rest of the way to even have a chance at sniffing the postseason.

And that’s a tall task considering the Pistons haven’t had an overall record above .500 since 2008 when they won 64 games as a powerhouse in the East with All-Star point guard Chauncey Billups leading the way.

Making matters worse, 30 wins is at the low end of estimates. To realistically have a shot at the postseason, Detroit would have to win 34 games. That means this squad would all of a sudden have to starting winning games at a .57 clip to end up at 34-32. Again, too tall a task.

The playoffs are essentially out. So now what? In my next article, I’ll describe five things the Pistons should do – or not do – this season since the playoffs are sadly already out of the question.

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We’ve looked at the 3 top teams of the East and the 3 top teams of the West. Which team from each conference will make it to the NBA finals and who will win it all?

From the West: Out of the Lakers, Thunder, and Mavericks, I’m actually leaning towards the Mavs. But the Thunder have a lot of talent too. While I want to talk about age, Dirk Nowitzki’s game does not require a lot of athleticism and he’s smart too so he’ll be able to keep up being one of the best power forwards in the league. And Dirk still has a nice group of players around him. It could work if they can re-sign some players.

Yet, one of the things that was beat on the Thunder was the lack of aggressiveness of Kevin Durant or the over aggressiveness of Russell Westbrook. If those two can find a better way to co-exist they have the better chance. And Kendrick Perkins needs to stay healthy and out of foul trouble too.

It’s a tough one but I’m going with the Mavericks again.

And for the East: Magic, Heat, Bulls. Heat will make it to the Finals unless the Magic become the team I said they could be in my preview for them.

Ok so my final choice is for the Heat.

Now it’s a rematch. But this time, I see the Heat winning in 6 games. Lebron James is going to have to have better 4th quarters than he did last time around. And, the Big three’s supporting class may need to be upgraded a bit. I mentioned Samuel Dalembert. He’d be great if the Heat can afford him or if Sammy decides to take a small contract in order to fit in the cap (I doubt he’ll take the small salary).

It looks more and more likely that the season will not start in time. There may not even be a season. But I made all my predictions as if there will be an 82 game season.

Writer at Hardcourt Mayhem and The Sixer Sense(FanSided) and also at Gather.com(Skyword). Also run 2 sites Dante’s Opinion and National Sixers.

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Who else could it be? This team has the most potential out of the three teams we’ve looked at in the West. After giving the Lakers all they could handle in 2010, the next year they tried (like the Blazers, Lakers, and eventually the Heat) to beat the Mavericks. What’s pretty cool about the Thunder is they have fallen against the eventual champs and have looked good doing it. They have some guy named Kevin Durant and a great scoring sidekick in Russell Westbrook. Their mid-season trade with the Boston Celtics got them what may be the last piece of the puzzle. Kendrick Perkins has just the right toughness and championship experience to lead this young and once too small team to finally grab the crown. And this next year I think they may finally get over the hump; or at least get to the finals.

Like I said, they have potential. Their roster is full of youth and athletic ability. James Harden, Serge Ibaka, and Thabo Sefalosha, are solid players and will need to be consistent if the Thunder want to win it all. Especially Harden. As good as he has been, it seems like he could be better. Right now, it looks like he could be a great 6th man (Jamal Crawford, Manu Ginobili) with the scoring punches he brings. But he can most certainly be the third best player on this team. And if that happens, this team will be in an even better position to win. Perkins will need to stay healthy and out of foul trouble too. As we saw with the Celtics, he’s an important factor.

Now that we’ve seen the Western teams, it’s time to move on to the East. Next time we’ll look at the top three teams from the East that have the best chance at winning the NBA title.

Writer at Hardcourt Mayhem and The Sixer Sense(FanSided) and also at Gather.com(Skyword). Also run 2 sites Dante’s Opinion and National Sixers.

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Ok, ok so we all saw what happened to them in the 2011 playoffs. Mavericks swept them away. They looked bored and uninspired. And now they have a new coach. Kobe is slowing down from injuries. But still, I think this team has another run left in them. The big part is keeping Andrew Bynum healthy all season long. Of course, I personally think that the Lakers are never going to get back to how good they were when they won the NBA championship in 2009 and 2010. But, compared to the other western teams, they should be ok.

The roster is on the older side, yes. But, the Lakers (Kobe) need to include Pau Gasol in the offense more. There have been tense moments where Gasol has called out Kobe for not passing him the ball more often. And, with Gasol being younger and more healthy than Kobe, it’s probably wise for Kobe to use all the help he can get. He can’t keep carrying this team by himself anymore, at least to win a championship. The odds are kinda stacked up against the Lakers but with Kobe, many things can happen.

Ron Artest (soon to be World Metta Peace) and Lamar Odom are going to be key pieces as well if the Lakers want to get back on top. Most of the team disappeared during the playoffs. And, as said before, Kobe is gonna need all the help he can get.

Next time we’ll look at the last team from the west. Then three teams from the east.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Delayed by the lockout, it may take longer than expected for LeBron James and the Miami Heat to get the opportunity to make do on their infamous promise of multiple titles. Regardless of whether there will be an upcoming season, the next time NBA teams suit up for the season, the Miami Heat will be the clear favorite.

The Heat took over the sports world about a year ago when they shockingly lured LeBron James away from his hometown Cavaliers, re-signed Dwyane Wade and added Chris Bosh to form the notorious “Big Three.”

The unprompted celebration only added more venom and ultimately turned the Heat into the villains of the sports world. Soon enough, NBA legends such as Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan were providing their own commentary on the “decision,” and questioning LeBron James’ makeup.

The Heat were a large component to the NBA’s most interesting season—never had any sports team been scrutinized on a nightly basis like the Miami Heat. A slow start led to speculation that Pat Riley would be stepping down to the bench, replacing head coach Erik Spoelstra.

After a regular season that warranted 58 wins and second place in the Eastern Conference, the Heat went through the Eastern Conference with relative ease, taking care of Philadelphia, Boston and Chicago in five games each. Fourth-quarter struggles and the magical play of Dirk Nowitzki ended the Heat’s season ring-less and full of question marks.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/187/380/113185465_crop_340x234.jpg?1313096403Despite a trip to the Finals and a roster that included three All-Stars, Heat fans were left with a sense of emptiness; many had proclaimed that this team would match the great 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ 72-win mark.

But the Heat have the chance to build off last season’s success. They will enter the season as the odds-on favorite in an Eastern Conference that includes an aging Boston Celtics roster, an uncertain Orlando Magic team and the same Chicago Bulls team that the Heat defeated in five games.

I fully expect the Heat to at least repeat as Eastern Conference champions. The Western Conference, on the other hand, doesn’t boast a single team that the Heat couldn’t beat in a seven-game series, including the Mavericks and the Lakers.

This Heat team will only get better. Ultimately James, Wade and Bosh must fully adapt to each other and learn how to play their best when they are on the court together. Last season, James felt more comfortable when Wade was on the bench and vice versa. The only way the Big Three will live up to their potential is with time.

Last season, the Heat got off to a slow start due to the fact that the Big Three were still learning how to play to each other’s strengths. In fact, the Heat got off to a 9-8 start through 17 games.

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/article/media_slots/photos/000/187/381/115753444_crop_340x234.jpg?1313096534This season, I wouldn’t expect a slow start from the Heat—the adaptation phase won’t be necessary. Instead, I would expect the Heat to play similar to how they played during the first three rounds of the playoffs.

The one major concern for the Heat is LeBron James’ fourth-quarter struggles. Had James played better during the fourth quarter, the Heat would’ve likely been entering next season as defending champs.

It’s important to note that these fourth-quarter struggles were very untypical of James’ fourth-quarter play throughout the postseason. James was the Heat’s closer in both the Boston and Chicago series.

In the first three series leading up to the Finals, James had shot a red-hot 15-for-31 in the fourth quarter. The issue can be fixed. It’s very possible that James’ fourth-quarter struggles are an aberration; James may have to defer more to Dwyane Wade.

More players will continue to see South Beach as the premier destination. Last season we saw veterans flocking to Miami to take the veteran’s minimum in exchange for a last chance at a championship.

The Heat didn’t have much of a roster behind the Big Three, but I could see veterans such as Jamal Crawford, Shane Battier and Michael Redd all signing with Miami. Who knows how the new collective bargaining agreement will impact the salary cap, but I’m sure more veterans will be willing to sign with the Heat, bolstering the Heat’s thin roster.

There will be young teams willing to challenge the Heat; the Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder will be right in the mix, battling the Heat for the next few years.

Entering year two of the Heat experiment, however, I think Miami will only get better. The Big Three will play to each other’s strengths and the roster will improve.

It’s possible that the only thing stopping the Heat from a championship is the current lockout.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Chicago Bulls forward, Carlos Boozer, released a song with rapper Twista and R&B singer, Mario Winans, in a song called “Winning Streak.” It’s supposedly going to be the Bulls anthem.

Jon Greenberg of ESPNChicago.com explains more:

In the new song “Winning Streak” (Bulls Anthem), Boozer raps the introductory bars before R&B singer Mario Winans starts a somewhat-catchy chorus and Chicago rap legend Twista takes over with a Bulls-themed rap that namedrops most of the team.

The song was first played at the United Center before Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals and went viral the next day.

It is believed to be the first rap song that mentions Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau.

It is pretty good. Better than Ron Artest in my opinion with Boozer. Anyways, check out the song:

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Looking Back at It

by Josh Dhani on June 3, 2010

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It felt more of an trade than separate signings during the off-season. The Los Angeles Lakers let go of their key to an NBA Championship in Trevor Ariza. But the L.A. filled the hole at that small forward spot when they signed Houston Rockets power forward Ron Artest. Artest was good enough to be their SF and they were also lucky enough to keep Lamar Odom as well. Ariza was in Artest’s previous team with the Rockets.

Houston’s 2009-10 season later turned into a disappointment. Yao Ming was the big key, as he was out for the whole year. Then Tracy McGrady was traded, but the Rockets got Sacramento Kings’ Kevin Martin out of it. But it wasn’t enough and Houston would later turn into a team that is now looking forward to an off-season and the NBA Draft late in June. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers finished as the best team in the Western Conference and are now looking at revenge at the Boston Celtics in a re-match from the 2008 NBA Finals.

Many expected before the season that Trevor Ariza would have the better end of the deal with a five-year contract. Along with that, Ariza was in his prime at 29 years of age and was coming off an amazing performance in the 2009 NBA Playoffs. Artest would seem like “that guy,” even though he had a five-year deal as well. The thing was, Artest looked like he was past his prime as he would most probably play as a role player with his age of 34.

The Lakers looked like they had a bad deal coming for them. They never built their roster when they were aging with the Shaquille O’Neal-Kobe Bryant era. Now the Lakers are with a new team with as Kobe Bryant is acting nothing like people are saying that he is “past his prime.” Pau Gasol is in his prime and is just doing amazing right now. But the Lakers pulled the trigger on the AK, taking in Artest. But it didn’t seem right. Artest was aging. And it took the Lakers six years to win a title again because they got younger. Now they were aging again and the 2009-10 season may not be what it was in the 2008-09 season.

But the Lakers got the better end of the deal here. First of all, Trevor Ariza should be considered a bit overrated if you ask me. He shot over 47 percent with his three-pointers during the post-season in the Lakers’ title run. But, here is the thing: in his whole career, Ariza was nearly 30 percent from shooting behind-the-arc. And with that, he shot 33.4 percent for this year with the Houston Rockets from behind the three-point line.

Another reason the Lakers got the better end of the deal because players simply are going to play worse when they land in Houston. Ron Artest may not have a polished season, but Ariza was no where near polished. It was worse than smelling a wet dog. His true shooting percentage was a downright horrible 48.8 percent. Along with that, the so-called “superstar” averaged 14.9 points per game. Artest’s true shooting percentage was 51.1 percent and averaged 17.1 points per game, also acting as if he were a power forward most of the year while Ariza was a small forward. Big difference there.

Though Artest’s number weren’t that good from last year, he helped spread the floor and make other players better actually. Many people complained with Artest in the triangle offense. But it wasn’t that bad and Phil Jackson tried to defend him as much as possible. So what, his player efficiency rating was worse than Trevor Ariza’s; but if you have been living under a rock, Artest is poor on shooting with his two-pointers, which is about 45 percent. But he also didn’t shoot as much, too.

But Artest showed during the Western Conference Finals what he really means to the team and why the Lakers picked him and should pick him over Ariza every single time and moment. Game Five was his best performance of the series. Artest had 25 points in that game, and 17 in the first-half. Along with that, he made a spectacular game-winning shot right at the buzzer. Then in Game Six, when the Lakers (with, of course, the help of Mr. Kobe Bryant) eliminated the Phoenix Suns 111-103, Artest had 25 points once again. Artest helped big in that series and Kobe Bryant also had his best statistics ever in a playoff series; averaging 33.7 points per game, 8.3 assists per game, and 7.2 rebounds per game.

The Lakers must feel lucky not playing the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs, or facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. They will be going against those tough small forwards like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James. But there’s something worse than that when they face the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. They will face a small forward that destroyed them in the 2008 NBA Finals: Paul Pierce. Pierce smothered on defense, guarding Kobe Bryant at times. But his offensive game was very very productive; averaging 21.8 points per game and 6.3 assists per game in a six-games series-win. But Pierce was going against guys like Luke Walton, Vladimir Radmanovic, and sometimes Kobe Bryant. Now he will face a defensive-stopper in Ron Artest. Ariza wasn’t very productive in his 35 minutes of play during the 2008 NBA Finals (according to John Hollinger, the games that he was in were the Game Two and Game Six blowouts). But now the Lakers have a so-called upgrade and a much better player, which was explained above: Artest. Paul Pierce did not do so good against Artest this year; averaging only 13 points per game and 2.5 assists per game. Artest is different, too. With the Indiana Pacers, Artest pantsed him, which gave me the name for my NBA podcast at PantsingPaulPierce.com. But nevermind that, Artest is ready.

Now as we look back, we’ll see who got the better end of the deal: the Houston Rockets in Trevor Ariza or the Los Angeles Lakers in Ron Artest. I guess you’ll have to decide. But no worries, if you don’t want to, you already found it while reading this. Enjoy the NBA Playoffs. I expect a great performance from Artest, as the Lakers will win this in six or seven games. But as we look back at this, the Lakers have the last laugh.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Let’s face it, for the past three years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been the most unstoppable and dominant team in the West and possibly in the NBA.

Last year marked that they were number one for sure. 2007 marked that they were close, but the C’s were simply just better. This year, they’re more experienced but still the best team in the West.

So it brings up a question: Who can stop the Los Angeles Lakers? They have such a great lineup.

They have a veteran leader at point guard in Derek Fisher with a great backup in Jordan Farmer; the best SG in the NBA with Kobe Bryant, who is simply impossible to stop at times; a defensive-minded SF in Ron Artest, who will play physical; a playmaking PF in Pau Gasol, who can rebound and score just about whenever he wants to along with a great sixth man in Lamar Odom; and finally a dominating center in Andrew Bynum.

A mega-all-star lineup there.

So, who can stop them? There’s only one team out there, and there name is the San Antonio Spurs. Their lineup isn’t half bad:

They got a fast/veteran PG-combination in Tony Parker and George Hill; a streaky shooting guard in Manu Ginobili, followed by Roger Mason behind him; a decent SF in Richard Jefferson; a future HOF PF in Tim Duncan, followed by an intimidating rebounder in DeJuan Blair; and finally a decent C in Antonio McDyess.

Again, another mega lineup here.

Both teams have had their share of championships this decade and all have a huge superstar who has been in all of the team’s Finals this decade: Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant.

The Spurs have an advantage at PG with George Hill’s youth and Parker’s leadership against Fisher and Farmar. But Fisher can sometimes make plays when you need them and Farmar sometimes is reliable.

SG is no question: Lakers win there. But it is still a hard-fought match-up with Ginobili in the mix. SF will be entertaining with Artest over Jefferson. PF’s gonna be good with Duncan vs. Gasol and Blair vs. Odom. Bynum vs. McDyess? Decent.

But can Bynum still dominate, even with an injury at hand. I have a strong sense the Lakers will stop the Utah Jazz. Already up 2-0, they can get it. Spurs are down 1-0, but shouldn’t worry. They were down to the Mavs and succeeded.

They can get the Suns in six or seven. Lakers can get the Jazz in five or six, though.

I think these two teams are destined for the Conference Finals. Who will be on top in the Wild West? I just don’t see the Suns getting success over L.A. It just doesn’t seem like it. With the experienced teams, it’ll have to be San Antonio and Los Angeles.

But whoever goes to the Finals out of these two teams, this Conference Finals is gonna be helluva entertainment, no doubt!

Good luck to the four teams in the West and in the East.

Keep watching the playoffs!

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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LeBron James entered the podium as a very humbled man. Walking up to the stage, LeBron James accepted his second-ever MVP trophy, as it was also his second consecutive one as well.

LeBron, expressing tenderness, showed himself that he was a mature man. Even at a youthful age of 25, James acted as if he was a intelligent, courteous 30-year-old. James has yet to win a championship, but didn’t it take Mr. Airness a while, too?

James shared his achievement with his friends and family. He thanked his mom, who had been raising him at the budding age of 16. Or he thanked his two uncles or his high school teammates.

He thanked his kids, who he talked about in front of the packed audience, all listening to what he says. The Cavaliers are the sports team of the city. And James has made it happen.

James brought up his teammates onto the stage towards the ending of his diffident speech. Many players fooled around, notably guard Delonte West; showing off his phone and record James’ back. Center Shaquille O’Neal was probably the most prominent teammate there.

What James showed there showed how great of a guy he is. After answering the questions to the media, James brought his sons onto the stage. His son had a problem and James didn’t care. He took care of him in front of the camera. It just shows how much of a family man he is.

Most guys would just do something so much more different to that. What I saw in that press conference, it just shows that the NBA needs more guys like him. A great player, great guy in person, great family man, and one hell of a human-being.

So unselfish, so mature, so amazing. LeBron James showed why he should be the face of the National Basketball Association. Many would disagree because of guys like Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade, who have rings. But James will get his rings.

And no disrespect to Kobe and D-Wade, but if LeBron switched teams with any of them, he’ll most probably make the most impact. Ask anybody. James shows character. Dwyane Wade does as well but LeBron is more of a better player.

Kobe has shown selfishness before. And you can’t start making a fuss because many people know it is in fact true. He rattted out Shaq. And now Shaq is with a player just as good, or better. His name is LeBron James.

Since coming into the league, James has made more effect than any other player. Another reason of showing James’ unselfishness is that he gave us a clue: He will be staying in Cleveland no matter what happens. He’ll stay. He said Akron, Ohio will forever be his home.

So I guess this could make impact of this year’s free agency. Get ready to pick Bosh or somebody else Knicks, Clippers, etc. James has so many qualities as a player and a normal human being. He’s a fantastic person.

And the new, true face of the NBA.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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Things haven’t been going well for the Atlanta Hawks.

Sure, they got themselves back into the series with a Game Six win, but seriously: Game Seven with the Milwaukee Bucks?!

I know it’s now or never for a lot of other teams like the Cavaliers, but what team that really needs that saying are the Atlanta Hawks.

There’s now excuses now, the Atlanta Hawks have to beat the Milwaukee Bucks in this crucial Game Seven for the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Hawks shouldn’t be all that satisfied with that Game Six win.

Atlanta was entering this series, looking to win it in five-to-six games.

Now the Hawks are fighting to even be in Game Seven in an elimination game for the Bucks. Brandon Jennings has made this time look like a pack of fools right now. The Hawks need to start flying on the Pterodactyl and the rest of this Milwaukee squad.

It’s now or never for this team. What really bothers me, though, is that how much talent this team has.

They have a really athletic power forward in Josh Smith. Along with that, they have a sleek, veteran point guard in Mike Bibby. A game-changer in Jamal Crawford and an engine in Joe Johnson. And don’t forget Al Horford, the very underrated center.

The Hawks shouldn’t have any excuses for the performance they have been showing. This Game Seven will take place in Atlanta and this team really needs to make the most of it. With a likely strong fanbase coming in to support the crowd, Atlanta has an advantage here.

All the momentum is coming and returning. Let this team bring back the wins like the first few games in this series. Atlanta needs to have this kind of mindset. Make it a win.

For the Hawks, it’s really time to soar.

Josh has been writing since January 2009 and founded FootBasket in April 2009. He also owns the websites, Hardcourt Mayhem and Gridiron Mayhem. For a full bio, check out JoshDhani.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshDhani

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