Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesChicago Bulls head coach Vinny Del Negro had been rumored to be on his way out of Chicago numerous times throughout his short two-year stint with the team. Now, it's a done deal. Tuesday, Bulls GM Gar Forman announced that the team would relieve Del Negro of Denver Broncos jersey
his coaching duties after back-to-back 41-41 seasons and two first-round playoff oustings. The situation involving the team and their former head coach was one of the oddest soap operas in basketball. First, shortly after the Bulls won the 2008 draft lottery, they hired Del Negro, who had previously had no coaching experience...at all. He was an assistant GM for the Phoenix Suns and also helped on their broadcast team, but had never been on a basketball bench in a suit. Then, after the team selected Derrick Rose with the first overall pick in 2008, Del Negro led a very young team back to the playoffs, where they shocked the world by playing the most competitive first-round series of all time against the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics. With high hopes for this season, the Bulls got off to a less-than-stellar start. Vinny's name began flying around the rumor mill, especially around Christmastime, the team's historically popular axing period. However, even with Forman allegedly seeking a replacement, Vinny kept his job. Then came the announcement of an altercation after a game on March 30th between Del Negro and VP of Basketball Operations John Paxson. The fight, according to a Yahoo! sports report, centered on the playing time of Joakim Noah, who had recently come off of an injury and had a playing time limit set by team executives. But still, after all of the troubles, the Bulls made the playoffs and even won a game against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. However, apparently none of Detroit Lions
his semi-success and praise from his players was good enough for Vinny to keep his job. Even though I've been critical of the hiring since Day One, the positives that he brought to such a young team can't be overlooked.Despite numerous injuries this season, along with a handful of roster changes, the Bulls never gave up and still earned a playoff spot even after it looked like they were closing up shop and looking forward to the offseason. Del Negro helped develop the young talent that's currently on the team, most glaringly with Rose, Noah, and All-Rookie performer Taj Gibson. With the team looking to make a splash this offseason and hopefully move to the next level of the NBA, however, development wasn't weighing heavily on the mind of Forman. Instead, the team will look forGreen Bay Packers jersey
a veteran head coach to try to attract one of the big-name free agents set to sign this summer.Some names that have already been mentioned are Doug Collins, Mo Cheeks, Byron Scott, and even Phil Jackson. Still, with the team facing a lot of uncertainty this offseason with only six roster players set to return next season, one thing is certain: This offseason will be a busy one for the Chicago Bulls.
2010年12月28日星期二
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 2010 NBA Free Agency and You Don't Care? Think Again Piston Fans.
Well it's almost here, the summer of 2010, the summer of LeBron. The summit is in sight, just remember over every summit is a cliff so pick your steps carefully.This has more followers then the Mayan calendar and the impact is supposed to rival December 21st 2012. If Lebron leaves the end of the world will Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
seem tame for Cleveland sports fans and more then one team hopes to rise from the ashes.Teams have dumped multiple seasons to get ready and it seems like half the players will be free agents. Whole teams will be remade or destroyed, billions of dollars will be spent and way too many bad contracts will be written.The headlines will center around King James, Dwayne Wade and who will the Knicks get while the real stories could be the dozens of second and third tier players who teams refused to sign past 2010 to clear up cap space.With some teams not having enough players under contract to play a game the action will be hot and heavy once the dam breaks. The real winners will be the vendors selling programs and of course new jersey sales.But what if you don't care?What if your team has a maxed out salary cap and no young stars to hang your hopes on?What if you follow the Pistons, Pacers or 76ers?Maybe there is some hope. Maybe we can't dream of LeBron or Wade but that doesn't mean a good GM can't improve his team in this offseason.First off, forget the sign and trade scenarios, the top free agents don't want to play here and if they did by the time you worked up a trade there is nothing left to put with your new toy. With so many teams able to offer max contracts, the top free agents will be looking hard at who their running mates would be and they're not going to play with a bunch of scrubs.So what's left?We could see a lot of trades with teams hoping to make their team more attractive to a Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
free agent and other teams will be hoping to recover from a free agent loss. What about a Denver or Boston. will they sit back and watch everybody else pick up key players while they don't have the cap room to respond?If you're Pat Riley are you trying to convince Wade to stay and Bosh to sign by saying they can play with Micheal Beasley or would it make more sense to trade Beasley for an established player like Tayshaun Prince? One is a talented young rebounder who is probably three years away from making an impact while the other has been the perfect complimentary player for a NBA championship and the Olympic team.What about the Nets? Are they really telling LeBron that he has the opportunity to play with a Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins? With Manny Harris at the point and Brock Lopez down low why wouldn't they trade that No. 3 pick for a proven scorer?Suppose the Bulls get a headline player, they'll still have a little cap space. You might think just sign another FA but with all the frenzy a lot of those second tier players will be getting way too much money. If they're looking for a player in that 6-10 milliion range they might get more value out of a trade.This is the time for all GMs to take a hard look at their situation. Is your team really good enough to add a piece or two and compete for the championship, or is it time to take a step back and reload?I'm a Pistons' fan so I'll use them as an example but I'm sure you can put in the names you want to see used. This plan works for all the teams sitting out this free agency.I know it's tough if you're Joe Dumars, you cleared all that space then spent it all and you don't have enough to contend. Those young players like Stuckey and Jerebko are only pieces, not answers.What JoeArizona Cardinals jersey
has to do is remember the first time he built a contender and find young, talented players with something to prove. Why not go after a Micheal Beasley or high draft picks? This team needs a serious infusion of top end talent and the Pistons won't get there by waiting for a ping-pong ball to fall the right way.What the Pistons have are a lot of complimentary players, great as third or fourth options but no big threats. Maybe this team can pull it together and compete for a playoff spot next year, but that puts you in NBA purgatory, good enough to make the playoffs but too good to get a shot at a primetime player out of the draft.Doing nothing is not an option, though that's better then pretending they just need another second tier player. Don't trade Prince just to clear up space then use it on Carlos Boozer or Amare Stoudemire. Trade Prince for some young player with some upside.But even if you can pick up a young player or two in a trade don't stop there. Scour these free agents hard. Did some team in its haste to shed cap money allow a young player who hasn't developed yet hit the open market?I'm not talking the big names, I'm thinking more like a Johan Petro or Patrick O'Bryant. Maybe it isn't those exact players but are there any guys in their young 20s that maybe need some playing time or are finally ready to play in the NBA?That's what the Pistons need, a handful of hungry young players. We need the next Billups, Hamilton and Big Ben and with all the movement going on this offseason this is the time to strike. Atlanta Falcons jersey
The action will be frenzied and mistakes will be made, just make sure you are on the right side of that mistake.Championships will be built and franchises will be decimated while a lot of agents get rich. But it's the GMs who do their homework and is realistic about their teams' potential that will win in the end.
seem tame for Cleveland sports fans and more then one team hopes to rise from the ashes.Teams have dumped multiple seasons to get ready and it seems like half the players will be free agents. Whole teams will be remade or destroyed, billions of dollars will be spent and way too many bad contracts will be written.The headlines will center around King James, Dwayne Wade and who will the Knicks get while the real stories could be the dozens of second and third tier players who teams refused to sign past 2010 to clear up cap space.With some teams not having enough players under contract to play a game the action will be hot and heavy once the dam breaks. The real winners will be the vendors selling programs and of course new jersey sales.But what if you don't care?What if your team has a maxed out salary cap and no young stars to hang your hopes on?What if you follow the Pistons, Pacers or 76ers?Maybe there is some hope. Maybe we can't dream of LeBron or Wade but that doesn't mean a good GM can't improve his team in this offseason.First off, forget the sign and trade scenarios, the top free agents don't want to play here and if they did by the time you worked up a trade there is nothing left to put with your new toy. With so many teams able to offer max contracts, the top free agents will be looking hard at who their running mates would be and they're not going to play with a bunch of scrubs.So what's left?We could see a lot of trades with teams hoping to make their team more attractive to a Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
free agent and other teams will be hoping to recover from a free agent loss. What about a Denver or Boston. will they sit back and watch everybody else pick up key players while they don't have the cap room to respond?If you're Pat Riley are you trying to convince Wade to stay and Bosh to sign by saying they can play with Micheal Beasley or would it make more sense to trade Beasley for an established player like Tayshaun Prince? One is a talented young rebounder who is probably three years away from making an impact while the other has been the perfect complimentary player for a NBA championship and the Olympic team.What about the Nets? Are they really telling LeBron that he has the opportunity to play with a Derrick Favors or DeMarcus Cousins? With Manny Harris at the point and Brock Lopez down low why wouldn't they trade that No. 3 pick for a proven scorer?Suppose the Bulls get a headline player, they'll still have a little cap space. You might think just sign another FA but with all the frenzy a lot of those second tier players will be getting way too much money. If they're looking for a player in that 6-10 milliion range they might get more value out of a trade.This is the time for all GMs to take a hard look at their situation. Is your team really good enough to add a piece or two and compete for the championship, or is it time to take a step back and reload?I'm a Pistons' fan so I'll use them as an example but I'm sure you can put in the names you want to see used. This plan works for all the teams sitting out this free agency.I know it's tough if you're Joe Dumars, you cleared all that space then spent it all and you don't have enough to contend. Those young players like Stuckey and Jerebko are only pieces, not answers.What JoeArizona Cardinals jersey
has to do is remember the first time he built a contender and find young, talented players with something to prove. Why not go after a Micheal Beasley or high draft picks? This team needs a serious infusion of top end talent and the Pistons won't get there by waiting for a ping-pong ball to fall the right way.What the Pistons have are a lot of complimentary players, great as third or fourth options but no big threats. Maybe this team can pull it together and compete for a playoff spot next year, but that puts you in NBA purgatory, good enough to make the playoffs but too good to get a shot at a primetime player out of the draft.Doing nothing is not an option, though that's better then pretending they just need another second tier player. Don't trade Prince just to clear up space then use it on Carlos Boozer or Amare Stoudemire. Trade Prince for some young player with some upside.But even if you can pick up a young player or two in a trade don't stop there. Scour these free agents hard. Did some team in its haste to shed cap money allow a young player who hasn't developed yet hit the open market?I'm not talking the big names, I'm thinking more like a Johan Petro or Patrick O'Bryant. Maybe it isn't those exact players but are there any guys in their young 20s that maybe need some playing time or are finally ready to play in the NBA?That's what the Pistons need, a handful of hungry young players. We need the next Billups, Hamilton and Big Ben and with all the movement going on this offseason this is the time to strike. Atlanta Falcons jersey
The action will be frenzied and mistakes will be made, just make sure you are on the right side of that mistake.Championships will be built and franchises will be decimated while a lot of agents get rich. But it's the GMs who do their homework and is realistic about their teams' potential that will win in the end.
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Ready For a Rematch? NBA Finals Preview: Lakers Vs. Celtics
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThe dream matchup is here.The Los Angeles Lakers will meet the Boston Celtics in a rematch for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Now that we know who will actually battle for the championship, it's time for my official finals prediction.The Lakers and Celtics are two teams that Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
have two completely different styles of play. The Celtics are the more aggressive team that have two three-point sharpshooters in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, while the Lakers are more of a finesse team that rely on Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and recently Ron Artest to run their offense.The Celtics rely mainly on their defense to shut down elite teams. This could hurt Los Angeles if the finals becomes a long series.Another concern for the Lakers is Andrew Bynum's torn meniscus. Andrew has said that he would prefer to have surgery after the playoffs but Bynum has become nonexistent in recent games.The one way that the Lakers could beat Boston is to shut down Rajon Rondo. Rondo has been playing like an MVP throughout entire playoffs and is easily the best player still in the playoffs. If Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
the Lakers shut Rondo down, that shuts the entire offense down as one of his key abilities throughout the playoffs is his passing.Bottom Line: "The Rematch" will be an even series with two teams essentially offsetting their opponent's styles of play so this series will be decided with defense, not offense.Prediction: Lakers over Celtics in seven games (4-3).(Arguments, opinions, or just want to talk trash? Comment below.)
have two completely different styles of play. The Celtics are the more aggressive team that have two three-point sharpshooters in Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, while the Lakers are more of a finesse team that rely on Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and recently Ron Artest to run their offense.The Celtics rely mainly on their defense to shut down elite teams. This could hurt Los Angeles if the finals becomes a long series.Another concern for the Lakers is Andrew Bynum's torn meniscus. Andrew has said that he would prefer to have surgery after the playoffs but Bynum has become nonexistent in recent games.The one way that the Lakers could beat Boston is to shut down Rajon Rondo. Rondo has been playing like an MVP throughout entire playoffs and is easily the best player still in the playoffs. If Reebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
the Lakers shut Rondo down, that shuts the entire offense down as one of his key abilities throughout the playoffs is his passing.Bottom Line: "The Rematch" will be an even series with two teams essentially offsetting their opponent's styles of play so this series will be decided with defense, not offense.Prediction: Lakers over Celtics in seven games (4-3).(Arguments, opinions, or just want to talk trash? Comment below.)
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 Andre Miller Blasts Blake Griffin: Here's the Problem Tough Guy
Okay so here we go. I on a huge rant tonight about Andre Miller. Not about how consistent a point guard he has been in the league or how he manages games. Not about the timely jumpers he can hit or the pin point passes he can make. Well, if I was him, Id wish that what this rant was about.No, on the other hand I am so confused to why a veteran like himself would disrespect and degrade a young player in his first full season in Blake Griffin. Griffin will most likely dominate in a lot more stat categories than Miller and lead a team to the Finals some day.Yet, Andre Miller, a seasoned vet playing point guard in Portland, tries to be a tough guy. Let be honest, this is Miller last stop before rigamortis sets into his body. Yeah, no joke. And you want to jeopardize your career St. Louis Rams jersey
and games played streak over a stupid act like this? Well granted Griffin can probably make you feel inferior by tea-bagging your ass, but lets get serious shall we, Andre.The suspension is well deserved and hopefully a fine will follow. If you were in the NFL, youd be fined a boat load of money and probably suspended. So enjoy your one game suspension that has made your oh so precious streak of games played non-existent. Trust me, It the least they could do.By Brian Gray - KissTheRim, Jabberhead, Blogger, SJ Contributing Authorhttp://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=72483Join in the discussion on this and other topics in the NEW Sports Jabber Forums!
and games played streak over a stupid act like this? Well granted Griffin can probably make you feel inferior by tea-bagging your ass, but lets get serious shall we, Andre.The suspension is well deserved and hopefully a fine will follow. If you were in the NFL, youd be fined a boat load of money and probably suspended. So enjoy your one game suspension that has made your oh so precious streak of games played non-existent. Trust me, It the least they could do.By Brian Gray - KissTheRim, Jabberhead, Blogger, SJ Contributing Authorhttp://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=72483Join in the discussion on this and other topics in the NEW Sports Jabber Forums!
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 NBA Rumors: Latest on LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and More
Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesBad news for those of you who want to rip or root for the Miami trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh—they probably won't play together until the start of the regular season.But the good news here is that their regular season game against the Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
Boston Celtics begins on October 26—only 10 days away.No that long at all, right?To make the time go by that much faster for you hungry for basketball, we're touching on the NBA today.It's rumor time.Will there be any preseason deals? Last-second signings?And other moves, to change the balance of your favorite team's roster?Here's the latest on what's going on around the league. 08:25 PM ETNBA Rumors: Trailblazers Short On Big Men, Considering D.J. MbengaThe Blazers are said to have worked out D.J. Mbenga, according to the Oregonian.With injuries to Greg Oden, Joel Pryzbilla and Jeff Pendergraph, Portland finds themselves thin at the center position.They signed free agent Steven Hill on Monday but...Read more » 08:17 PM ETNBA Rumors: Lakers Lamar Odom Also Upset With Strict Technical Foul RulesDuring the Lakers exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Lamar Odom found himself being whistled for a foul against Carl Landry.So what's the problem?Odom kept his arm in the air, in protest, for more than three seconds.He was ...Read more » 07:03 PM ETNBA Rumors: Javaris Crittenton Cut By Bobcats, To Lakers?It seemed not long ago that Javaris Crittenton was a key cog in the trade that brought Pau Gasol to Los Angeles.But Crittenton has failed to live up to his potential with the Memphis Grizzles and the Washington Wizards. In fact, he was...Read more » 06:00 PM ETNBA Rumors: Kevin Martin Facing Foreclosure In CaliforniaThe Sacramento Bee is reporting that former Sacramento Kings player Kevin Martin has defaulted in his mortgage payments on a house in Rocklin, California.Martin's lawyer is saying that his client has no intention of Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
walking away from his debt but ...Read more » 05:53 PM ETNBA Rumors: Allen Iverson To Decide On Turkey Contract Offer SoonAccording to ESPN, Turkish basketball team Besiktas Cola Turka is expecting to get a decision from Allen Iverson on their contract offer, soon.Turkish media are reporting that Iverson is asking to be exempt from certain penalties in the contract, ...Read more » 05:41 PM ETNBA Rumors: Erick Dampier Receives Two-Year Offer From Houston RocketsAfter being waived by the Charlotte Bobcats, Erick Dampier finds himself a wanted man.As many as three NBA teams have inquired about his services, including the Houston Rockets. The Rockets, as reported by the Houston Chronicle, have offered...Read more » 05:36 PM ETNBA Rumors: Chris Paul in a Four-Way Trade To Portland Trailblazers?According to NorthJersey.com, the New Jersey Nets are still trying to get their hands on Carmelo Anthony.They are reporting that league sources told them about a possible deal that would have sent Chris Paul to Portland, Devin Harris, Kris Humphri...Read more » 05:28 PM ETNBA Rumors: Players Association To Contest New Technical Foul Rule?Billy Hunter, the executive director for the player's union, issued a statement on Thursday October 14 reacting to the league's apparent crackdown on player complaints to officials.“The new unilateral rule changes are an unnecessary and unwarrante...Read more » 05:18 PM ETNBAReebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Rumors: Kobe Bryant Slow To Regain His FormAfter three preseason games, Kobe Bryant is 4-for-28 from the field.Bryant has been slow to regain his normal MVP-caliber form after preseason surgery on his right knee.The Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that Lakers coach Phil Jackson plans t...Read more » 05:10 PM ETNBA Rumors: Dwight Howard to Use Hakeem Olajuwon Post Moves This Season?There's plenty of truth to this possibility.With the Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard, looking to improve his offensive game. Howard sought the mentorship of all-time great, Hakeem Olajuwon, during the offseason.Howard's low-post ...Read more » 05:01 PM ETNBA Rumors: Wizards Front Office Losing Patience With Gilbert Arenas?Shortly after returning from his 50-game ban from the NBA as a result of his much publicized gun-toting incident, Gilbert Arenas was vocal with media and teammates that he was comfortable with handing the reins over to number one draft pick, John ...Read more » 04:50 PM ETNBA Rumors: George Karl Talks Carmelo Anthony and the Kobe Bryant ScenarioDenver Nuggets head coach, shared his thoughts on the Carmelo Anthony saga with Hoopsworld reporter Eric Pincus, before the Nuggets played the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, October 15."I don't think that [staying] is off the table," Karl told Pi...Read more » 04:40 PM ETNBA Rumors: Dwyane Wade in Chicago, May Not Return Until Regular SeasonWhile teammate, LeBron James, returned to practice after resting a sore hamstring. ESPN is reporting that Dwyane Wade spent Satuday in Chicago, attending a custody proceeding regarding his two sons and ex-wife.Wade remains sidelined with an ...Read more » 04:35 PM ETNBA Rumors: LeBron James Participates in PracticeLeBron James is expected to be ready to play on Monday, October 18 when the Miami Heat host the Charlotte Bobcats.James missed Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
the Heat's last preseason game against the New Orleans Hornets and left early during a match with CSKA Moscow last Tuesd...Read more » 04:25 PM ETNBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Declines LeBron James' InvitationOn Friday, October 8 the Miami Heat were slated to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Kansas City.The previous night, James invited Durant to party with him at the Midland in downtown KC.Durant, the FIBA World Championship MVP, turned down LeBron's...Read more » 04:14 PM ETNBA Rumors: Michael Jordan Says He Can Score 100 in Today's NBAWe have to start with this today, a quote from arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time, Michael Jordan.During an interview with USAToday to promote NBA 2K11, which he is the cover athlete for, Jordan gave his thoughts about playing in ...Read more »
Boston Celtics begins on October 26—only 10 days away.No that long at all, right?To make the time go by that much faster for you hungry for basketball, we're touching on the NBA today.It's rumor time.Will there be any preseason deals? Last-second signings?And other moves, to change the balance of your favorite team's roster?Here's the latest on what's going on around the league. 08:25 PM ETNBA Rumors: Trailblazers Short On Big Men, Considering D.J. MbengaThe Blazers are said to have worked out D.J. Mbenga, according to the Oregonian.With injuries to Greg Oden, Joel Pryzbilla and Jeff Pendergraph, Portland finds themselves thin at the center position.They signed free agent Steven Hill on Monday but...Read more » 08:17 PM ETNBA Rumors: Lakers Lamar Odom Also Upset With Strict Technical Foul RulesDuring the Lakers exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, Lamar Odom found himself being whistled for a foul against Carl Landry.So what's the problem?Odom kept his arm in the air, in protest, for more than three seconds.He was ...Read more » 07:03 PM ETNBA Rumors: Javaris Crittenton Cut By Bobcats, To Lakers?It seemed not long ago that Javaris Crittenton was a key cog in the trade that brought Pau Gasol to Los Angeles.But Crittenton has failed to live up to his potential with the Memphis Grizzles and the Washington Wizards. In fact, he was...Read more » 06:00 PM ETNBA Rumors: Kevin Martin Facing Foreclosure In CaliforniaThe Sacramento Bee is reporting that former Sacramento Kings player Kevin Martin has defaulted in his mortgage payments on a house in Rocklin, California.Martin's lawyer is saying that his client has no intention of Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
walking away from his debt but ...Read more » 05:53 PM ETNBA Rumors: Allen Iverson To Decide On Turkey Contract Offer SoonAccording to ESPN, Turkish basketball team Besiktas Cola Turka is expecting to get a decision from Allen Iverson on their contract offer, soon.Turkish media are reporting that Iverson is asking to be exempt from certain penalties in the contract, ...Read more » 05:41 PM ETNBA Rumors: Erick Dampier Receives Two-Year Offer From Houston RocketsAfter being waived by the Charlotte Bobcats, Erick Dampier finds himself a wanted man.As many as three NBA teams have inquired about his services, including the Houston Rockets. The Rockets, as reported by the Houston Chronicle, have offered...Read more » 05:36 PM ETNBA Rumors: Chris Paul in a Four-Way Trade To Portland Trailblazers?According to NorthJersey.com, the New Jersey Nets are still trying to get their hands on Carmelo Anthony.They are reporting that league sources told them about a possible deal that would have sent Chris Paul to Portland, Devin Harris, Kris Humphri...Read more » 05:28 PM ETNBA Rumors: Players Association To Contest New Technical Foul Rule?Billy Hunter, the executive director for the player's union, issued a statement on Thursday October 14 reacting to the league's apparent crackdown on player complaints to officials.“The new unilateral rule changes are an unnecessary and unwarrante...Read more » 05:18 PM ETNBAReebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
Rumors: Kobe Bryant Slow To Regain His FormAfter three preseason games, Kobe Bryant is 4-for-28 from the field.Bryant has been slow to regain his normal MVP-caliber form after preseason surgery on his right knee.The Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that Lakers coach Phil Jackson plans t...Read more » 05:10 PM ETNBA Rumors: Dwight Howard to Use Hakeem Olajuwon Post Moves This Season?There's plenty of truth to this possibility.With the Defensive Player of the Year, Dwight Howard, looking to improve his offensive game. Howard sought the mentorship of all-time great, Hakeem Olajuwon, during the offseason.Howard's low-post ...Read more » 05:01 PM ETNBA Rumors: Wizards Front Office Losing Patience With Gilbert Arenas?Shortly after returning from his 50-game ban from the NBA as a result of his much publicized gun-toting incident, Gilbert Arenas was vocal with media and teammates that he was comfortable with handing the reins over to number one draft pick, John ...Read more » 04:50 PM ETNBA Rumors: George Karl Talks Carmelo Anthony and the Kobe Bryant ScenarioDenver Nuggets head coach, shared his thoughts on the Carmelo Anthony saga with Hoopsworld reporter Eric Pincus, before the Nuggets played the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, October 15."I don't think that [staying] is off the table," Karl told Pi...Read more » 04:40 PM ETNBA Rumors: Dwyane Wade in Chicago, May Not Return Until Regular SeasonWhile teammate, LeBron James, returned to practice after resting a sore hamstring. ESPN is reporting that Dwyane Wade spent Satuday in Chicago, attending a custody proceeding regarding his two sons and ex-wife.Wade remains sidelined with an ...Read more » 04:35 PM ETNBA Rumors: LeBron James Participates in PracticeLeBron James is expected to be ready to play on Monday, October 18 when the Miami Heat host the Charlotte Bobcats.James missed Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
the Heat's last preseason game against the New Orleans Hornets and left early during a match with CSKA Moscow last Tuesd...Read more » 04:25 PM ETNBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Declines LeBron James' InvitationOn Friday, October 8 the Miami Heat were slated to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in Kansas City.The previous night, James invited Durant to party with him at the Midland in downtown KC.Durant, the FIBA World Championship MVP, turned down LeBron's...Read more » 04:14 PM ETNBA Rumors: Michael Jordan Says He Can Score 100 in Today's NBAWe have to start with this today, a quote from arguably the greatest basketball player of all-time, Michael Jordan.During an interview with USAToday to promote NBA 2K11, which he is the cover athlete for, Jordan gave his thoughts about playing in ...Read more »
2010年12月23日星期四
23 Dec 10New Orleans Hornets: Good But Not Great
Ariza has been a great fit in New Orleans.Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesWidely predicted to miss the playoffs, the New Orleans Hornets are one of the biggest surprises of the young NBA season.With a 10-1 record (tied for best in the league) and a +7.4 point differential (the sixth best), Hornets fans have every reason to be excited. The Chris Paul sweepstakes have been canceled for the time being.Leading the league with a 29.06 PER (player efficiency rating, a semi-useful catch-all statistic that tries to encapsulate a player's offensiveBuffalo Bills jersey
value in one number), three points higher than his nearest competitor, Paul is a front-runner for the MVP award. In the team's starting five, the only other player who can create his own shot is power forward David West. But at only 6'9" and with poor lateral mobility, he can be shut down by longer, athletic forwards. The Nuggets' Kenyon Martin frustrated him into shooting 40% over five games in New Orleans' first-round implosion two years ago.The other three starters—Marco Belinelli, Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor—all depend on Paul to spoon-feed them open shots, usually off back picks and pick and rolls. Primarily jump-shooters, Belinelli and Ariza are assisted on an astounding 85% and 83% of their shots outside of the paint, while 78% of Okafor's baskets come off of assists.Quick-footed and aggressive, all three earn their keep on their defensive end. Most of the Hornets' success can be attributed to their improvement on that side of the ball, from 21st in defensive rating last season to 3rd this year. There isn't a weak link an offense can really attack in their starting five. Belinelli is one of several 3-point shooters surrounding Paul.Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThe story changes when they go to their bench. It consists mainly of undersized shoot-first guards Jerryd Bayless and Willie Green (both valuable because of the team's scarcity of shot-creators) and Jason Smith, a jump-shooting seven footer acquired in a trade from Philly.All of their starters average over 30 minutes a game except Belinelli, who checks in at 27.5. New Orleans' lack of depth is one of the reasons they play the third slowest pace in the NBA, despite having one of the great open-court point guards in the game. With a great half-court defense and a scarcity of offensive options, it's to the Hornets advantage to slow the game down to a crawl.New coach Monty Williams has done a great job of creating a style of play that maximizes his team's advantages Carolina Panthers jersey
and minimizes their deficiencies. He's clearly been the Coach of the Year so far.But despite their sterling record, the Hornets have quite a few flaws.The most glaring is their lack of size up front. At 6'10", Okafor is undersized for the center position and doesn't have much lift in his legs to make up for it. In a game against Dallas, a cutting Ariza dished the ball to a wide-open Okafor under the basket. Instead of dunking it, he gently laid the ball into the basket.West is similarly undersized. Smith, their first big off the bench, is an anemic rebounder (he has a 12.2% rebound rate; a typical center is in the 18-23 range) and not much of a shot-blocker.Okafor is a willing shot-blocker, but at 6'10 with limited hops, this desire results in him getting dunked on.Ironically, the answer to their problems is the player they got rid of for Okafor, current Maverick Tyson Chandler. At 7'1" and 235 with springs for legs, his low-post defense and shot-blocking were crucial to New Orleans' run to Game 7 of the second round three years ago. The first play of Chicago Bears jersey
the Mavericks-Hornets game on Wednesday was a perfect illustration of New Orleans' lack of athleticism and size up front: Okafor could only watch helplessly as Chandler soared for a dunk on a perfectly thrown alley-oop pass from Jason Kidd.In the Western Conference, the road to the NBA Finals goes through the two-time defending champion Lakers. There's simply no way the Hornets can handle Los Angeles' height. If they so desire, Gasol, Odom and Bynum can throw passes to each other with impunity, plucking the ball out of the air and shooting it over the heads of New Orleans' under-sized big men.Not being able to beat the Lakers is no mark against a team, and after last year's disaster, a playoff appearance and a possible second-round birth (depending on the match-ups) has to be considered a successful season in New Orleans.But while their surprising start has erased the specter of their franchise player's trade demand, there are still dark clouds looming over the Hornets' long-term prospects. A younger and healthier Paul ventured into the lane far more often.Listed generously at 6'0", Paul has used blinding speed and played with a fierce edge (which he has often walked over—see punching Julius Hodges in the groin during the '05 ACC Tourney) to make himself into one of the league's best players. But after tearing the meniscus in his left knee and missing about half of last season, Paul has been forced to play with a bulky knee brace.It has clearly affected his game. In 2008/2009, 26% of his shots were in the paint. This season only 16% are. He's not nearly as aggressive on offense as he was that season, averaging a full four points less. In two games against the Mavericks' trio of defense-less point guards—Kidd, Terry and Barea—he averaged only 21 points. Compare that with the 39 he dropped on them in the team's first meeting last year and the 24.6 he averaged (which includes games of 32 and 35 points) against them in their first-round series three years ago.The Mavs began crowding Paul, a once unheard of proposition, frustrating him enough that he threw a wild elbow at the pesky Barea to create some space on a drive to the basket. Going forward, Paul's recovery from knee surgery, and his ability to score in the paint, will be an important storyline to track.As for the Hornets, their undersized front-line and reliance on jump-shooting will derail them at some point in the Western Conference Playoffs. But asCincinnati Bengals jersey
long as they avoid teams with multiple seven-footers, like LA, Dallas, Portland and San Antonio, their tough-nosed defense and Paul's brilliant game-management will make them a tough out.Is the Jack/Bayless trade a good move for the Hornets?Is the Jack/Bayless trade a good move for the Hornets?Yes74.8%No25.2%Total votes: 111Note: Article written before this morning's trade of Bayless and Peja to Toronto for Jarrett Jack and David Anderson. Jack is a better fit in New Orleans because he has the size to play with Paul, but Peja's expirer was their only chance to acquire a big man to compete in the West -- Anderson is not going to cut it.For more, check out the FanTake Blog:Get Buckets. Follow on Twitter at:GetBucketsFT. Follow on Facebook:Get Buckets
value in one number), three points higher than his nearest competitor, Paul is a front-runner for the MVP award. In the team's starting five, the only other player who can create his own shot is power forward David West. But at only 6'9" and with poor lateral mobility, he can be shut down by longer, athletic forwards. The Nuggets' Kenyon Martin frustrated him into shooting 40% over five games in New Orleans' first-round implosion two years ago.The other three starters—Marco Belinelli, Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor—all depend on Paul to spoon-feed them open shots, usually off back picks and pick and rolls. Primarily jump-shooters, Belinelli and Ariza are assisted on an astounding 85% and 83% of their shots outside of the paint, while 78% of Okafor's baskets come off of assists.Quick-footed and aggressive, all three earn their keep on their defensive end. Most of the Hornets' success can be attributed to their improvement on that side of the ball, from 21st in defensive rating last season to 3rd this year. There isn't a weak link an offense can really attack in their starting five. Belinelli is one of several 3-point shooters surrounding Paul.Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThe story changes when they go to their bench. It consists mainly of undersized shoot-first guards Jerryd Bayless and Willie Green (both valuable because of the team's scarcity of shot-creators) and Jason Smith, a jump-shooting seven footer acquired in a trade from Philly.All of their starters average over 30 minutes a game except Belinelli, who checks in at 27.5. New Orleans' lack of depth is one of the reasons they play the third slowest pace in the NBA, despite having one of the great open-court point guards in the game. With a great half-court defense and a scarcity of offensive options, it's to the Hornets advantage to slow the game down to a crawl.New coach Monty Williams has done a great job of creating a style of play that maximizes his team's advantages Carolina Panthers jersey
and minimizes their deficiencies. He's clearly been the Coach of the Year so far.But despite their sterling record, the Hornets have quite a few flaws.The most glaring is their lack of size up front. At 6'10", Okafor is undersized for the center position and doesn't have much lift in his legs to make up for it. In a game against Dallas, a cutting Ariza dished the ball to a wide-open Okafor under the basket. Instead of dunking it, he gently laid the ball into the basket.West is similarly undersized. Smith, their first big off the bench, is an anemic rebounder (he has a 12.2% rebound rate; a typical center is in the 18-23 range) and not much of a shot-blocker.Okafor is a willing shot-blocker, but at 6'10 with limited hops, this desire results in him getting dunked on.Ironically, the answer to their problems is the player they got rid of for Okafor, current Maverick Tyson Chandler. At 7'1" and 235 with springs for legs, his low-post defense and shot-blocking were crucial to New Orleans' run to Game 7 of the second round three years ago. The first play of Chicago Bears jersey
the Mavericks-Hornets game on Wednesday was a perfect illustration of New Orleans' lack of athleticism and size up front: Okafor could only watch helplessly as Chandler soared for a dunk on a perfectly thrown alley-oop pass from Jason Kidd.In the Western Conference, the road to the NBA Finals goes through the two-time defending champion Lakers. There's simply no way the Hornets can handle Los Angeles' height. If they so desire, Gasol, Odom and Bynum can throw passes to each other with impunity, plucking the ball out of the air and shooting it over the heads of New Orleans' under-sized big men.Not being able to beat the Lakers is no mark against a team, and after last year's disaster, a playoff appearance and a possible second-round birth (depending on the match-ups) has to be considered a successful season in New Orleans.But while their surprising start has erased the specter of their franchise player's trade demand, there are still dark clouds looming over the Hornets' long-term prospects. A younger and healthier Paul ventured into the lane far more often.Listed generously at 6'0", Paul has used blinding speed and played with a fierce edge (which he has often walked over—see punching Julius Hodges in the groin during the '05 ACC Tourney) to make himself into one of the league's best players. But after tearing the meniscus in his left knee and missing about half of last season, Paul has been forced to play with a bulky knee brace.It has clearly affected his game. In 2008/2009, 26% of his shots were in the paint. This season only 16% are. He's not nearly as aggressive on offense as he was that season, averaging a full four points less. In two games against the Mavericks' trio of defense-less point guards—Kidd, Terry and Barea—he averaged only 21 points. Compare that with the 39 he dropped on them in the team's first meeting last year and the 24.6 he averaged (which includes games of 32 and 35 points) against them in their first-round series three years ago.The Mavs began crowding Paul, a once unheard of proposition, frustrating him enough that he threw a wild elbow at the pesky Barea to create some space on a drive to the basket. Going forward, Paul's recovery from knee surgery, and his ability to score in the paint, will be an important storyline to track.As for the Hornets, their undersized front-line and reliance on jump-shooting will derail them at some point in the Western Conference Playoffs. But asCincinnati Bengals jersey
long as they avoid teams with multiple seven-footers, like LA, Dallas, Portland and San Antonio, their tough-nosed defense and Paul's brilliant game-management will make them a tough out.Is the Jack/Bayless trade a good move for the Hornets?Is the Jack/Bayless trade a good move for the Hornets?Yes74.8%No25.2%Total votes: 111Note: Article written before this morning's trade of Bayless and Peja to Toronto for Jarrett Jack and David Anderson. Jack is a better fit in New Orleans because he has the size to play with Paul, but Peja's expirer was their only chance to acquire a big man to compete in the West -- Anderson is not going to cut it.For more, check out the FanTake Blog:Get Buckets. Follow on Twitter at:GetBucketsFT. Follow on Facebook:Get Buckets
2010年12月22日星期三
NBA Free Agent Rumors: Is Chris Bosh Key To LeBron James Staying in Cleveland?
It is noofficiallysix days into the 2010 NBA Free Agency Frenzy. Some decently big names like Paul Pierce, Rudy Gay, Dirk Notwitzki, and Joe Johnson have all re-signed with their respected team. Whereas the first big name to land somewhere else with a different team was, Amar'e Stoudemire. Minnesota Vikings
Who is about to sign a five year deal worth roughly $100 million, with the New York Knicks.The question is, with all these players re-signing with their current teams, could LeBron be on his way to re-signing with the Cavaliers?Well there have been reports that LeBron and the Cavaliers are not only working on a deal with LeBron, but are working out recruiting Raptors forward, Chris Bosh to come to Cle-Town?Bringing Chris Bosh to Cleveland would give LeBron the supporting tier one player that he has been looking for. With Amar'e off the books, Bosh is the best option for LeBron as a sidekick.Bosh, is a type of player anyways that needs some one to give him the ball down low, he is not a type of big man that can get the ball from about 15-18 feet out and drive to the whole on a consistent basis. So, by having LeBron who will take up numerous defenders at a time, a guy like Bosh will be able to benefit from that, because if LeBron is in trouble he will use hisfacilitatingskills and just find the open Chris Bosh down low for the easy flush.Pairing Bosh and LeBron is the best pairing LeBron can ask for. If you were to pair alongside a Dwayne Wade or Joe Johnson (which can not happen now). You will be asking for disaster. Who is going to have the ball in their hand during crunch time? Who will the offense be ran around? Who is willing to give up three-five points in their point averages? None of them. That is the answer.Having LeBron and Chris Bosh is best scenario for LeBron and Bosh.The Case For LeBron JamesAdding Bosh or Stoudemire would have been the bets pairing LeBron could have gotten. Now, that Amar'e is off the market, Bosh is your best option left. LeBron needs the ball in his hands all the time. Having another similar New England Patriots jersey
player like Dwayne Wade on the team, is not benefiting either player. LeBron always wanted another top tier player to play alongside him, well now is his chance tocapitalizewith Bosh.The Case For Chris BoshThis is the bestpossiblescenarioChris Bosh can ask for. By going to the Cavaliers the Cavs would now be championship contenders, hands down. Bosh says he wants out of Toronto and go to a team where he has a chance to win. Well, Cleveland and LeBron James is the best option. Bosh is a type of player that has to have another top player around him like a LeBron or a Wade. If you think I am lying, think about it. If Bosh is to sign outright with any other team. Say the Heat right now without Dwayne Wade. Are the Heat not just the same team as the Raptors were with Bosh...? Exactly. Besides, Bosh will still get his 20 and 10 a night in Cleveland.With Bosh going to Cleveland it will benefit LeBron, Bosh and the Cleveland Cavaliers.How This Will Happen?The one way for this deal to potentially happen a sign-and-trade would have to be done, since the Cavaliers are only six million under the cap-space as it stands. The teams could potentially discuss a sign-and-trade. The sign-and-trade deal the Cavaliers since they do New Orleans Saints jersey
not have that much to offer, could package in the expiring contract of Antawn Jamison and All-Star point guard Mo Williams along with Danny Green (who's salary is notguaranteedfor next year). For Chris Bos h and Colangelo would probably package in the salary of either Hedo Turkoglu or Jose Calderon or Jarret Jack .Yes, by doing this trade, it will be the start of a re-building process for the Toronto Raptors. Sorry Raptor fans.
Who is about to sign a five year deal worth roughly $100 million, with the New York Knicks.The question is, with all these players re-signing with their current teams, could LeBron be on his way to re-signing with the Cavaliers?Well there have been reports that LeBron and the Cavaliers are not only working on a deal with LeBron, but are working out recruiting Raptors forward, Chris Bosh to come to Cle-Town?Bringing Chris Bosh to Cleveland would give LeBron the supporting tier one player that he has been looking for. With Amar'e off the books, Bosh is the best option for LeBron as a sidekick.Bosh, is a type of player anyways that needs some one to give him the ball down low, he is not a type of big man that can get the ball from about 15-18 feet out and drive to the whole on a consistent basis. So, by having LeBron who will take up numerous defenders at a time, a guy like Bosh will be able to benefit from that, because if LeBron is in trouble he will use hisfacilitatingskills and just find the open Chris Bosh down low for the easy flush.Pairing Bosh and LeBron is the best pairing LeBron can ask for. If you were to pair alongside a Dwayne Wade or Joe Johnson (which can not happen now). You will be asking for disaster. Who is going to have the ball in their hand during crunch time? Who will the offense be ran around? Who is willing to give up three-five points in their point averages? None of them. That is the answer.Having LeBron and Chris Bosh is best scenario for LeBron and Bosh.The Case For LeBron JamesAdding Bosh or Stoudemire would have been the bets pairing LeBron could have gotten. Now, that Amar'e is off the market, Bosh is your best option left. LeBron needs the ball in his hands all the time. Having another similar New England Patriots jersey
player like Dwayne Wade on the team, is not benefiting either player. LeBron always wanted another top tier player to play alongside him, well now is his chance tocapitalizewith Bosh.The Case For Chris BoshThis is the bestpossiblescenarioChris Bosh can ask for. By going to the Cavaliers the Cavs would now be championship contenders, hands down. Bosh says he wants out of Toronto and go to a team where he has a chance to win. Well, Cleveland and LeBron James is the best option. Bosh is a type of player that has to have another top player around him like a LeBron or a Wade. If you think I am lying, think about it. If Bosh is to sign outright with any other team. Say the Heat right now without Dwayne Wade. Are the Heat not just the same team as the Raptors were with Bosh...? Exactly. Besides, Bosh will still get his 20 and 10 a night in Cleveland.With Bosh going to Cleveland it will benefit LeBron, Bosh and the Cleveland Cavaliers.How This Will Happen?The one way for this deal to potentially happen a sign-and-trade would have to be done, since the Cavaliers are only six million under the cap-space as it stands. The teams could potentially discuss a sign-and-trade. The sign-and-trade deal the Cavaliers since they do New Orleans Saints jersey
not have that much to offer, could package in the expiring contract of Antawn Jamison and All-Star point guard Mo Williams along with Danny Green (who's salary is notguaranteedfor next year). For Chris Bos h and Colangelo would probably package in the salary of either Hedo Turkoglu or Jose Calderon or Jarret Jack .Yes, by doing this trade, it will be the start of a re-building process for the Toronto Raptors. Sorry Raptor fans.
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