30 Dec 10 Petteri Koponen Watch: Remember Me? Edition

This Koponen update brought to you by Hippo is inspiring. It makes me want to write a blog entry of my own someday (maybe). First off, The Finnagler has been named Serie A Player of the Week . You can check out some of his recent highlights, along with an awesome generic rock soundtrack, here (apparently Italy does not have embed video technology yet). Then there is this newspaper article which Hippo (he speaks like 70 languages, Finland educates good) summarizes in some main points:- Koponen is "pound for pound" the best player on Reebok Chicago Bears #6 Jay Cutler Realtree camo Jersey
his team. - Koponen has made a huge leap from 2008-09. He has said that he would love to remain with Virtus Bologna in 2010-11 if Virtus participates in Euroleague play. - His contract with Bologna goes until 2013. It would cost the Blazers $500,000 to buy out his contract. - If another Euro club wants to buy out Koponen, and they are interested, they would negotiate a different buy out amount.Now, more from Hippo on Petteri's recent performance:Recent troubles of Portland Trailblazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard haven't been too good news for Blazers prospects playing in Europe such as Joel Freeland, Victor Claver and Petteri Koponen. Pritchard, alongside Mavs' Donnie Nelson, Spurs' RC Buford, and Raptors' Bryan Colangelo has been one of those NBA GMs willing to spend time and money scouting prospects from outside the States and giving proper time to develop in the big leagues of Europe.We all know that American basketball is all about big numbers and individual statistics. When regular Blazers fan take a peek at Petteri Koponen's 12 regular season games in Italian Pro League this season, they see averages of 11.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 turnovers alongside shooting percentages of 75.7 percent (2pt FGs), 46.5 percent (3pt FGs) and 81.3 percent (FTs) and go: "Meh. Wake me up when he dominates."That is very understandable even from the European point of view. An NBA game is eight minutes longer than a regular game in European league, assists are registered NHL style and if the hands of a team's superstar pivot are inch away from missed shot in the defensive end, he'll be rewarded with a block. In Euroleague, your starting shooting guard can score only four points yet Reebok Dallas Cowboys #82 Jason Witten Realtree camo Jersey
still be mentioned as the best player in the game afterwards.European basketball experts seem to have noticed the same thing this season: Petteri Koponen, despite being a very Americanized offensive player, has adopted the concept of team play, which is vital for star players in European leagues. Just to get idea of the big picture, you can take a look at field goal attempt averages of Virtus Bologna rotation players: David Moss 9.8, Andre Collins 7.8, LeRoy Hurd 7.7, Petteri Koponen 6.6, Dusan Vukcevic 6.4, Diego Fajardo 5.9, Michele Maggioli 5.7, Patricio Prato 4.3, and Viktor Sanikidze 3.7. That's nine guys within six field goal attempts a gamejust imagine your leading guy in the NBA taking only (40-to-48-minutes converted) 11.8 FGAs a game.Petteri Koponen wasn't probably too aware with the situation Kevin Pritchard is in right now, but I guess he has some kind of a sixth sense, because he absolutely dominated the court in Virtus Bologna's away game at league-third Pepsi Caserta. Koponen played 31 minutes and finished with NBA-boxscore worthy 21 points (2pt 4/5, 3pt 2/3, Ft 7/7), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 2 turnover and 1 personal foul in an ultra-physical 74-67 victory.And even after silencing the notorious Caserta crowd, Koponen calmly reminded the press: "This was once again a proof of our defensive style of play. We got things going early on with our team defense and kept Caserta behind our back all night long. Tonight I made a couple of shots but tomorrow it Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
could once again be someone else. We have so many good offensive players that a guy who scores 20 points one might have two in next week's game and that wouldn't alter the result."Consider this a reminderKoponen is playing well and improving. Koponen won two away games in a row against No. 3 Caserta and No. 4 Avellino, and if they're able to beat No. 14 Ferrara and No. 6 Cantu at home, they will definitely fight for regular season No. 2 spot.-Hippo

29 Dec 10 Cleveland Cavaliers-Chicago Bulls: This One's for Mark, Brad, Larry and Craig

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesAs the NBAplayoff matchups came into focus, most Cavaliers fans were hoping to draw the Chris Bosh-less Toronto Raptors instead of the Chicago Bulls in the first round. But Not this guynoooo way.I've been waiting for this one FAR too long.I realize Michael Jordan is long gone and the current state of the Bulls franchise is a far cry from the Dynasty of the 90s, but the fact remainswe have a score to settle.Nobody knows what the true potential wasfor the late 80s to early 90s Cavs teams for a couple reasons. First, Green Bay Packers jersey
center Brad Daugherty and point guard Mark Price both suffered career-altering injuries that really plagued the team during what should have been their peak. Second, THE GREATEST PLAYER IN NBA HISTORY KEPT BEATING US!The timing really could not have been worse for the Cavs to piece together the best pre-LeBron team in franchise history. As the Boston Celtics "Big Three" began to age and fade, the Cavs assembled theirown big three in Price, Daugherty and standout power forward Larry Nance.After years in the doldrums, suddenly the Cavs were the talk of the town and packing fans into the Richfield Coliseum. Experts projected title runs, Magic Johnson said they would be the "team of the 90s."Jordan's Bulls destroyed all of that, as well as filling the space in my heart normally reserved for joy with devastating disappointment. For those who became Cavalier fans the day LeBron was drafted and are making confused faces right now, let me recount the carnage:In 1988, the Cavs squeaked into the playoffs at 42-40 before losing a first-round playoff series to Chicago three games to two. The following year Cleveland broke out with a franchise-record 57 wins and grabbed the third-seed in the Eastern Conference. It didn't matter as the sixth-seeded Bulls again beat the Cavs three games to two with Game Five forever remembered as "The Shot" game because of Jordan's buzzer beater.In 1992, the Cavs again won 57 games and broke the first-round jinx by defeating the New Jersey Houston Texans jersey
Nets in four games. They went on to knock out Boston in a hard-fought seven game series to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. For the third time in five seasons, the Bulls were better and sent the Cavs home. The next season would be Lenny Wilkins' last as Cavs head coach. The team again topped the 50-win mark and again lost the the Bulls in the playoffs; this time in a humiliatingsecond-round sweep.Finally, Jordan delivered the knockout blow to the Price-Daugherty-Nance era in 1994 as the Bulls swept the Mike Fratello-coached Cavs out of the first round.For those scoring at home, that's five playoff defeats to Chicago in seven seasons. Yeah, we owe these guys big.Now, the tables have turned. Its Cleveland that boasts the league's best player and record. The Bulls have enjoyed little success since Jordan, but a upset over LeBron would certainly be a giant step forward for the franchise.Which is why the Cavs have to destroy them, preferably in a sweep. If I had it my way, I would have the Cavs wear their late-80s throwback uniforms for every game of this series andbring out Mark Price to sing the Star Spangled Banner for at least two of the games.Lastly, I would make one of the games "Craig Ehlo Night" and present him with the game Indianapolis Colts jersey
ball after the Cavs won. You know, just to make a point.Remember the television show from the 90s called Quantum Leap? In it,Scott Bakula playedDr. Samuel Beckett, who was sent back in time so he could "put right what once went wrong." For this "throwback" series between the Cavs and Bulls, I fully expect Dr. LeBron James to travel back in time for us Cavs fans and indeed put right was once went so horribly wrong.

28 Dec 10 Despite a Fight, Vinny Del Negro Shown the Door

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.

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.

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.)

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!

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 »