tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56920821015283637172024-03-14T06:51:53.991-04:00W2 Hoops A 16 year-old's take on the NBA.
News. Opinions. Highlights.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-62994997133750850542017-03-10T19:42:00.002-05:002017-03-11T10:57:18.078-05:00Is the Greak Freak the Future? <div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I were to ask you to name the three best players in the NBA right now, who would you name? My bet is that your list would probably include names like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, or even Stephen Curry. But what about the league’s next superstar? </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Five years from now, all of the players mentioned above will be over 30 years old, with Lebron leading the pack at 37. The landscape of the NBA will be much different, and the best basketball player on the planet may very well have a name that you can’t even pronounce: Giannis Antetokounmpo. </span></div>
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<a href="http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/giannis-antetokounmpo-of-the-milwaukee-bucks-goes-up-for-a-dunk-a-picture-id631632846" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/giannis-antetokounmpo-of-the-milwaukee-bucks-goes-up-for-a-dunk-a-picture-id631632846" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dubbed the ‘Greak Freak’, Giannis is one of the league’s young stars, and at the age of 22 is looking to cement himself as one of the NBA’s elite forwards. Over the past four years, Giannis has gradually ascended from an unknown prospect to a household name. With a wingspan of 7’4 and a height of 6’11, combined with his surprising agility and fluid playstyle, Antetekounmpo is able to legitimately play all five positions on the court. Whether tasked with bringing the ball up the court or holding down center for a few minutes, one thing is for certain: there is no one like him in the NBA. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His current statline reads 23.3ppg, 5.5apg, and 8.7rpg, and is a testiment to his ability to contribute on all areas of the floor. While typically not known for his shooting, Giannis’ field goal percentage has increased from 41% in 2014 to 53% this season. As well, Antetokounmpo’s size helps him to get roughly 2 blocks a game and 1.7 steals. With those kinds of stats, players and fans are both starting to recognize how good of a player Giannis can be. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Kobe Bryant’s last game against the Bucks in 2016, he had some high praise for the forward, saying,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3b3b; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>"He has the potential to do it. He has the physical tools, the intelligence. Now it's just a matter of believing in himself and going after it. He has the talent to be a great player.” </b>That was before this season, where it seems like Antetekounmpo has taken Bryant’s advice to heart. </span><br />
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<a href="http://basketballjunkie.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_56cbee6da0815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://basketballjunkie.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_56cbee6da0815.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bucks would be wise to build around Giannis have him as their corner piece guy, similar to how Lebron carried the Cavs from ‘03-’10. At the moment, the Bucks lack talent, especially after losing Jabari Parker again to a season-ending ACL injury. With no real playmakers (Dellevadova has been awfully disappointing this year), it is surprising to see the Bucks in playoff contention. They are currently a ½ game behind Chicago for the East’s 8th seed, and it’ll be interesting to see how the end of the season plays out. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If the Bucks are able to add a few pieces in the summer, they may end up being a contender in the next few years. While that is not guaranteed, what’s certain is that Giannis Antetekounmpo will be one of the league’s best players, if not the best. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Will the Greak Freak be an MVP in the next 5 years? Let me know in the comments section below! </span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-6549348739654930732017-03-05T15:26:00.000-05:002017-03-05T15:26:18.153-05:00Harden vs Westbrook: Closest MVP race ever?<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/930/525/6_3525930.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://s3media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/930/525/6_3525930.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s about three quarters way into the season and the MVP race is looking as close as ever. Not only are the league’s best performing on a high level, they’re doing it in record-breaking fashion. In fact, at the time of this writing, the players this season have set a league record for most triple doubles in a season with 79. Most of these triple doubles can be attributed to Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the front runners of this year’s race.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other candidates like Lebron James (25.9ppg, 8.0rpg, 8.9apg), Kawhi Leonard (26.1ppg, 6.0rpg, 3.4asg) and even Isaiah Thomas (29.4ppg, 2.7rpg, 6.2apg) are having great years and posting career numbers. At the age of 32, Lebron is showing no signs of slowing down, as his Cavaliers find themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference for yet another year. Meanwhile, Thomas is currently second in the league in scoring, and leading the Celtics to a stronghold on the conference’s second seed. Now, if this were any other year, fans would likely not have any problem with the Maurice Podoloff trophy going to one of these guys at the end of the year. However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Westbrook and Harden are simply playing on another level. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With the departure of KD in the offseason, many people expected Westbrook to post outrageous numbers with more offensive freedom and usage rates. In the first month of the season, fans were delirious when Russ came storming out of the gates with nine triple doubles. But who would’ve thought that he would still be averaging a triple-double 62 games into the season?? </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">His current stat line reads 31.7ppg, 10.7rpg and 10.1 apg…</span><br />
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<a href="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/ec/3e/russell-westbrook-041315-getty-ftrjpg_9jj4ook958a61n9n8h6pdug91.jpg?t=-1292210380" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/sporting_news/ec/3e/russell-westbrook-041315-getty-ftrjpg_9jj4ook958a61n9n8h6pdug91.jpg?t=-1292210380" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">...leaving Westbrook on pace for one of the greatest single seasons in league history. At point guard, Russell is able to grab rebounds and immediately start the break, leading to a fast pace for OKC (7th in the league). His can’t stop/won’t stop attitude also leads to more second chance points and hustle stats. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aside from the statistics, the Thunder are currently in playoff position at 7th in the West. With twenty games left in the season, there’s still time for the Thunder to climb into the 6th, 5th or even 4th seed. That’s the thing with the MVP race. The coaches and GM’s typically lean towards the candidate that is also having a winning season, and the fact that Westbrook has been able to single-handedly carry his team to victory lends very well to his case. Along with all of that, Russell leads the league in PER (player efficiency rating) at 29.9, showing how he has evolved and matured as a player and leader. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So what stands in the way of Westbrook and his first MVP? The Beard. </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.nba.vote/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/harden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nba.vote/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/harden.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The south-paw scorer from Houston has been doing a lot more than scoring this season, leading the Rockets to 3rd seed in the West. To say the least, a season with this much success was not expected at all, after going 41-41 last season for 8th in the conference. Mike D’Antoni’s high-octane offense is arguably the best situation for James Harden, who’s assist numbers are indicative of the shooters around him. With three-point threats such as Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon (who is having a career year) spreading the floor, it is easier for Harden to operate and find his teammates. The Rockets have the second-best offensive ratings in the league because Golden State, thanks to the countless opportunities created by Harden’s attack of the dribble. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His stats reflect this as well, with a line of 28.8ppg, 8.0rpg, and 11.3 asg. While Harden’s stats are a little lower than Westbrook’s, the extra assists he provides and his shooting efficiency (43.9%) leads to more points for Houston. As well, with more offensive threats on the floor, there’s less of a need for Harden to look to score his own points. Harden has had his fair share of triple doubles, with 15 so far this season, setting new career averages in rebounds and assists. His ability to probe the defense from any part of the court leaves him a force to be reckoned with on a nightly basis. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the end, both players are incredibly deserving of the award. Who do you think should get the award? Share your pick in the comments below! </span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-28678344576600923842015-07-23T12:24:00.000-04:002015-07-23T12:26:24.386-04:00The All-Bench SquadBasketball is a team sport, and as we've seen in the pass, it takes a whole team of individuals working together to create success, rather than an individual creating his own. Not only do the starters have to play well, but a team's bench must also be able to contribute and even carry the team at times. In light of this, here are the 5 players that I believe have the biggest impacts on a their teams coming off the bench.<br />
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1. Lou Williams (Lakers)</div>
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Last season (as a Raptor), the reigning 6th man of the year provided a much needed scoring burst off the bench for the team. With the Raptors' offense becoming stagnant at times, Lou was able to create his own shots to bail the team out. As he quickly became a fan favorite, Williams' play continued to help the Raptors reach new levels of success, as the team won a franchise record 49 games. The 6' 1" guard averaged 15.5 ppg while shooting 40% from the field.<br />
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2. Tristan Thompson (Cavaliers)<br />
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While he was inserted into the starting line-up for parts of the season due to injuries all over the Cavs roster, Tristan Thompson emerged as one of the league's top rebounders, especially on the offensive glass. Thompson averaged 8.5ppg, 8rpg during the regular season, but upped his play during the playoffs, averaging 9.6ppg and 10.8 rpg to help power the Cavaliers to post-season success. With Kevin Love and Anderson Varejao out to injury, the Cavs needed the presence of a big man in the paint, and Tristan Thompson provided that.<br />
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3. Andre Iguodala (Warriors)<br />
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The 2015 Finals MVP and captain of the Golden State Warriors, Andre Iguodala, took big leaps this past season in showing the league what he is capable off, averaging 10.4ppg, 4.5rpg and 3.6ast throughout the postseason. Tasked with guarding Lebron James for much of the Finals, Iguodala held his own, wearing James down on the defensive end. As well, Iguodala provided a much needed spark for the Warriors off the bench, helping them secure the game 5 and 6 Finals victories.<br />
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4. Isaiah Thomas (Celtics)<br />
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Isaiah Thomas, the 60th pick in the 2011 draft has surprised fans league-wide, showing everyone why he should've been picked earlier. With career averages of 15.6 ppg and 4.7ast, Isaiah has proven himself to belong among the league's better point guards. After fluorishing in Sacramento and Phoenix, Isaiah was traded in February to the Boston Celtics. His immediate impact was felt, as his play kept the Celtics competitive in their first round matchup against the Cavaliers, even though they were swept.<br />
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5. Jamal Crawford (Clippers)<br />
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Jamal Crawford has come to epitomize the "perfect" 6th man, coming up year after year in 6th man of the year considerations. Known for his flashy crossovers and unrelenting scoring touch, Crawford continues to adapt his game to succeed coming off the bench, even after 15 long years in the league. With career averages of 15.6ppg and 3.7ast, we could see Crawford continue this level of performance for years to come.<br />
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Follow @w2hoops on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/W2Hoops<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-58161222351483865552015-07-22T19:38:00.001-04:002015-07-23T10:46:35.069-04:00Off-Season RecapThis past off-season came with a flurry of activity, as free agents chose new teams while numerous trades have altered the landscape of the league for the 2015-2016 season. To recap, below are some of the teams that (on paper) improved, stayed the same, and unfortunately, worsened.<br />
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<b>San Antonio Spurs:</b> The Spurs managed to keep their core intact, re-signing Tim Duncan, Manu, Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile (and perhaps for the first time in franchise history), the Spurs signed a lucrative free agent in Lamarcus Aldridge to a 4 year/$80 million dollar deal. The Spurs also signed David West to bolster their bench and low post game. With all this in mind, the Spurs are looking to be title contenders yet again, impacting the outlook of the Western Conference.<br />
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<b>Los Angeles Clippers:</b> In somewhat of an interesting summer for the Clippers, the team was able to re-sign DeAndre Jordan to a 4 year/$87 million dollar contract (sorry, Maverick fans). As well, the Clips strengthened their second unit by signing Paul Pierce, Josh Smith, and Wesley Johnson. Furthermore, the Clippers traded for Lance Stephenson, providing additional scoring for a team that is already tops in the league in that category.<br />
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<b>Sacremento Kings: </b>During the offseason, the Kings acquired Willie Cauley-Stein through the draft and Rajon Rondo through free agency. Both of these players seem to fit into the Kings' system quite well. The Kings ranked 14th in the league last year in PPG, running a medium-tempo offense. Rajon Rondo flourishes with the ball in his hands, and the Kings' slow-it-down half court offense should serve to his advantage. As well, the combination of Cauley-Stein and Cousins in the front court opens up much potential for this young Kings squad.<br />
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<u>Stayed the same:</u><br />
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Coming off of their 4th championship and first title run since 1975, the Golden State Warriors decided to stay the course and keep their core intact. With the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson running the show, we should see the level of play we've come to expect from the Warriors carry on to next season. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers (who were on the losing side of the Warriors' title run), resigned their core of James, Love, Shumpert and Mozgov, keeping their expectations high for the coming season. Other teams such as the Pelicans, Bulls and Jazz succeeded in keeping their key players on board, while failing to add any noteworthy players to their teams.<br />
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<u>Got worse</u><br />
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<b>Portland Trailblazers:</b> In a rather unfortunate summer for the Blazers, the team lost 4/5 of its starting line-up. Obviously, the Blazers lost LaMarcus to San Antonio, but they also traded Nicholas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets for Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson. As well, Portland lost Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez to New York, while giving up Wesley Matthews to Dallas in free agency. All in all, the Blazers certainly don't look like a playoff team anymore, especially in a stacked Western Conference.<br />
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<b>Dallas Mavericks: </b>In a similar manner to the Trailblazers, the Mavericks also lost a large portion of their starting unit, with Tyson Chandler (to Suns) , Monta Ellis (to Pacers) and Rajon Rondo (to Kings) all leaving in free agency. As well, the departures of Al-Farouq Aminu and Amar'e Stoudemire are bound to impact the team next season. However, unlike Portland, the Mavericks were able to make somewhat of a recovery by signing Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews.<br />
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There you have it, the 2015 NBA off-season in a nutshell. Let us know what you think about this summer's activity in the comment section below.<br />
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Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/W2Hoops<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-63033839663888412152014-07-03T20:53:00.000-04:002014-07-03T20:53:17.585-04:00End of the Big Three? Back in 2010, when Lebron James made his heralded "Decision" to join the Miami Heat, joining Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the NBA went crazy. A new dynasty had been formed, right in front of our eyes. Expectations were extremely high for this team, and the Heat didn't disappoint. Winning 2 championships with 4 consecutive Finals appearances, it would be hard to call that anything but a success. However, flash-forward to 2014, with Free Agency on its way, and with the Big 3 opting out of their contracts, the future remains uncertain for the Heat.<br />
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After losing to the Spurs in the 2014 Finals, Pat Riley went on the record to say:<br />
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"We need to retool, not rebuild."<br />
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Now, in order for the Heat to retool, it was expected that the Big 3 would opt out of their current contracts with the Heat to take less money and free up some cap space. However, reports have circulated of Lebron's intentions of getting a max deal, which is certainly not what the Heat had hoped for. To add to that, Chris Bosh is looking for a deal that is in the range of 5 years for $90 million, a contract that would be similar to Kyrie Irving's. Dwyane Wade, on the other hand, has not been heard from yet. Is there cause for concern in South Beach?<br />
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To answer the question, no. The prospects of LeBron James leaving the Heat are very slim at this point. A max deal for Lebron would mean a salary of $20.7 million next season. Although this would leave less cap space for Pat Riley to operate with, the Heat would much rather give James what he wants rather than letting him go. As well, letting Bosh go would make the Heat's frontcourt even weaker. Pau Gasol would be a viable option for his replacement, but the Heat would only have the full mid-level exception of $5.3 million to offer him. In the case of Dwyane Wade, it seems as if staying with the Heat would be the best option for him. Finishing his career in Miami, his only team, would put the finishing touches on an already remarkable legacy.<br />
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James has given no indication of an interest to leave Miami, and has not spoken to the media since the start of Free Agency. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade have also joined this silence. This silence from the Big 3 could be a positive thing. Perhaps, taking a step back from the perpetual onslaught of the media is exactly what the Big 3 need. Time away to reflect on the past for years, and time away to make a decision about their future.<br />
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What do you think will happen to the Big 3? Share your opinions in the comments below.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-68924295162531286322014-07-02T20:04:00.001-04:002014-07-02T20:04:42.378-04:00The Carmelo Anthony Sweepstakes After being traded from the Denver Nuggets to the New York Knicks in 2011, it was thought that a new era of basketball would dawn in New York, the mecca of basketball. Well, that didn't happen. In the past three seasons, the Knicks, led by Anthony, have struggled to find their identity, failing to make it past the second round of the Playoffs. Although, Anthony has continued to shine during his time in the spotlight in New York, as he averaged 27.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 3.1 apg last season. Anthony has opted out of his contract with the Knicks and is therefore an unrestricted free agent this summer. Ladies and gentlemen, let the show begin..<br />
<br />
As of right now, the frontrunners in the Carmelo Anthony Sweepstakes are the Chicago Bulls and the Houston Rockets. The LA Lakers have also shown some interest. Of course, there is still a possibility that Anthony could stay with the Knicks (but who really believes that). This week, Carmelo will (or already has) meet with the Bulls, Rockets, Mavericks and Lakers. Of course, each of these teams has something very different to offer.<br />
<br />
With the Bulls:<br />
<br />
Carmelo would join a strong and battle-tested team, with the likes of Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Taj Gibson. Anthony would fill the need of a scoring (what he really does best), as the Bulls were ranked 30th overall in scoring. With Anthony in tow, the Bulls would instantly become an Eastern Conference contender. Paired with a deep bench and a great coach in Tom Thibodeau, there is reason to believe that Chicago would be the best fit for Carmelo Anthony. <br />
<br />
With the Rockets:<br />
<br />
With two superstars in James Harden and Dwight Howard already on the Rockets, the acquisition of Anthony would create a formidable Big 3 in a highly competitive Western Conference. In a team that is more offense-oriented, Anthony would flourish, given the ability operate freely. However, Anthony, who is notoriously known as a lackluster defender, would not help the situation in Houston on the defensive end.<br />
<br />
With the Mavericks:<br />
<br />
The Dallas Mavericks have always been active in the hopes of acquiring a marquee star player. In recent years, the Mavs have not had much luck. Instead, they have boosted their roster with quality role players such as Tyson Chandler, Vince Carter, Shawn Marion, and Monta Ellis. Not to mention Dirk Nowitzki, who will be instrumental in recruiting Carmelo. Even with Carmelo Anthony, it would still be difficult to succeed in a dominant Western Conference. Given Carmelo's intentions to play for a contending team, Dallas may not be the best option for him.<br />
<br />
With the Lakers:<br />
<br />
This is where it gets interesting. The Lakers have always managed to maintain a winning roster, no matter the circumstances. From Wilt to Kareem to Magic to Shaq to Kobe, the Lakers have had their share of star players. However, it appears that the well has run dry. Long gone are the days where the prospects of playing in LA would draw all the superstars. Instead, the Lakers are left with an aging Kobe Bryant paired with an incredibly underwhelming supporting cast, with the likes of Kendall Marshall and Ryan Kelly as headliners. With the score-first attidude of Kobe Bryant and the score-first attitude of Carmelo Anthony, Carmelo could cause more problems than he fixes by joining the Lakers.<br />
<br />
You've seen all the options. Where do you think Carmelo should go? Voice your opinions in the comments below.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-46744903813832072372014-07-02T17:12:00.000-04:002014-07-02T17:12:39.180-04:00Free Agency 2014 - Kyle LowryAfter leading the Raptors to a franchise best 48-win season, and carrying his team against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the Playoffs, Kyle Lowry has cemented himself as an All-Star point guard. Coming off of career high averages of 17.9 ppg, 7.4 apg, and 4.9 rpg, while increasing his 3-point percentage to 38%, Lowry has drawn interest from multiple free agent suitors.<br />
<br />
The Houston Rockets and the Miami have been in talks of signing Lowry, with both teams planning to make a chase for him. However, it does appear that the Toronto Raptors are still the front runners to keep Lowry, after talking of a 5-year extension. After the June 1st deadline, Lowry was contacted by both the Raptors and the Rockets, but it still remains to be seen what the Rockets have to offer. Due to the Raptors early-bird rights, they are able to sign Lowry for the most money. However, Lowry has made it known that his intentions are to play for a contender, which the Raptors are a few steps away from.<br />
<br />
As for the Miami Heat, their first priorities are to re-sign the Big Three, as LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade, have all opted-out of their contracts with the Heat. Whether or not the Big Three will take a pay cut to clear some cap space for the Heat is still unknown. After the Heat's lackluster performance in the 2014 Finals, as they were demolished by the Spurs in 5 games, it is apparent that they will need to retool their line-up. With a glaring weakness at the PG position, Lowry would be a perfect fit. Although, it appears that the Heat will not have enough money to lure Lowry to South Beach.<br />
<br />
The Raptors have currently put a 4-year/44 million dollar deal on the table. As the competition racks up in the Lowry sweepstakes, a 5th year in the contract may be needed to cement the deal. Returning to a young core of Demar DeRozan, Terrence Ross, Jonas Valanciunas, and Patrick Patternson could be promising. As this team has shown us what they are capable of, retaining Lowry would be a huge step forward in continuing a winning culture in Toronto.<br />
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As Free Agency continues, stay tuned on W2 Hoops for more NBA news..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-73423553739041511702014-04-04T10:03:00.002-04:002014-04-04T10:03:58.037-04:00Kevin Durant and LeBron James: The Battle For MVP<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
The
MVP is officially on.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s a showdown between the reigning 3-time MVP Lebron James
and 3 time-scoring champ Kevin Durant. Throughout the ups-and-downs of this
season, one thing is clear. It’s definitely a two man race. Other contenders
like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and Paul George just haven’t been able to raise
their game to compete with the talent that Durant and James provide.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So…
who should get the MVP?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are so many factors that ultimately decide who takes
home the trophy at the end of the year. The most important of which are
individual statistics and team success. Also, consistency is another key
factor, as being able to play at a high level throughout the season is
incredibly important. All of these factors will helps the voters decide who
gets the MVP award. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Individual Stats:</b><o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
At the time of this writing, Kevin Durant
has scored 25 or more points in <b>39</b> consecutive
games. He’s trailing Michael Jordan’s record of 40 straight games. Durant has
carried the Thunder this year, with Westbrook out to injury. Without Russ,
Durant has seen improvements all across the boards, with increases in points,
assists, FG’s, and True Shooting Percentage. Durant has also managed to
accumulate an astounding PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 30.5, 1.5 points
higher than Lebron’s. In the month of January, Durant had five 50-point games, including
a career high 54 points against the Golden State Warriors. He also exploded for
51 points and the game-winner against the Toronto Raptors. Such Jordan-esque
play of late could be attributed to Durant saying, “I’m tired of being second,
I want to win”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lebron
James is Lebron James. He will always be Lebron James. But, will that be enough
to win the MVP? Over the past three seasons with Miami, Lebron has average
roughly 27 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Those are numbers that we
have come to <i>expect</i> from Lebron. It’s
almost as if he has created a golden standard for NBA statlines. In this three
season time frame, he has led the Heat to three consecutive NBA Finals
appearances, along with back-to back championships. But this season has been a
little different for the Heat. They are currently in the 2<sup>nd</sup> seed,
trailing Indiana by three games. Dwayne Wade has had trouble dealing with his
re-occuring knee injuries, transferring more of the load to Lebron. Has he
handled it well? Without Dwayne Wade, the Heat have meddled around .500 this
season, giving reason to believe that fatigue could be wearing on Lebron. With
free-agency around the corner for Lebron and Bosh, the Heat had better hope for
better play from the supporting cast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ROUND ONE goes to Kevin Durant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><b>Team Success: </b></u><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Oklahoma City Thunder: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Thunder are trailing the Spurs (who they just snapped
their 19 game winning streak) for the
first stop in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant has stepped up his game
amidst injuries throughout the season to both Russell Westbrook and Serge
Ibaka. Although, this has not helped their road record, which currently stands
at 23-12. The Thunder have to step up their production away from home, although
they do have a home record of 32-7. The Thunder have thrived against the poorly
competitive Eastern Conference, and have a 33-13 record against the West. With
the level of competition, it shows that the Thunder is clearly one of the best
teams in the league. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Miami Heat: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Miami Heat are currently atop of the Eastern Conference,
and have a very good chance of finishing first in the East, if they can hold
on. The Pacers are having an untimely slump, ranking last in fast-break points
in the last eighteen games. The Heat have elected to rest key players down the
stretch, including Dwayne Wade and Ray Allen. This will allow the Heat to play with an added
element of energy during the playoffs, while giving additional minutes to the
bench guys during the home stretch of the season. The Heat are 30-6 at home, but are a meager
22-16 on the road. As well, they have a record of 32-14 against the Eastern
conference, which is certainly not the best. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
ROUND TWO goes to Durant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Game over. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-37696837997408394822013-12-08T20:53:00.004-05:002013-12-08T20:53:57.908-05:00Rudy Gay Traded to the Sacramento KingsYear after year, time after time, Toronto Raptor fans have been let down. New reports from Yahoo Sports have signaled the unfortunate doomsday for the Raps. The blockbuster trade, which will reportedly send Gay, Quincy Acy and Aaron Gray in exchange for the Kings' John Salmons, Vasquez and Patterson, signals a turning point for both franchises.<br />
<br />
Toronto has been trying to turn it around the past couple of years with numerous acquisitions in Kyle Lowry, Landry Fields, Steve Novak and Tyler Hansbrough in an attempt to change the culture for this highly disappointing Raptor franchise. The Kings, on the other hand, are looking to build with young, up-and-coming players in DeMarcus Cousins, Ben McLemore, and the recently acquired Derrick Williams already in tow. This Rudy Gay trade sends them into the playoff mix although there are still questions to be asked about team chemistry and how Gay and Cousins will mesh on the court. For the Raptors, this trade does not come as a surprise with Gay's lackluster play as of late and the urgency to clear Gay's $19 million that he is due next season. One could say that with recent change in management for the Raps, with the hiring of former Denver Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri, that the franchise in headed into the wrong direction and it remains to be seen how this trade will affect the team.<br />
<br />
As of right now, much is uncertain. The Rudy-less Raptors will play the Lakers later on tonight, with Kobe Bryant making his return from his Achilles injury. Stay tuned for more details and news...<br />
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On second thought, this may be the reason why he was traded.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-43351997693803271912013-09-25T21:06:00.002-04:002013-09-25T21:06:37.706-04:00Toronto to Host 2016 NBA All-Star Game Yes that's right. The<b> All-Star game</b> is coming north of the border. It's been a while since we've had some interesting news this off-season, so this comes with both great surprise and delight. <b> Ryan Wolstat</b> of the <b>Toronto Sun</b> reports that multiple sources have told the Toronto Sun that a deal to have the All-Star game in Toronto is on the horizon. An official announcement is expected shortly (possibly this week) and further details are expected. Coincidentally, the All-Star game to-be will align with the 20th Anniversary of none other than the Toronto <b>Raptors. </b><br />
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Having the All-Star game in Toronto would be an excellent way of celebrating the Raptor's 20th anniversary, as this would be the first ever All-Star game hosted in Canada. The Raptors have not been very successful since their humble start in 1995, as part of the expansion draft with the Vancouver Grizzlies. Although, the Raptors have had their share in the spotlight, thanks to multiple outstanding performances by Chris Bosh, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady, among others. I mean, who could forget Vince's incredible showing at the 2000 Dunk Contest? All-Star weekends, with all their fun festivities and competitions and media attention, continue to draw in fans by the masses, year by year. With all it's multiculturalism, basketball has really found a home in Toronto. And what a better way to reward the fans, with a 3 day basketball fiesta!</div>
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Oh and just in case you've forgotten, here are some highlights from the 2000 NBA Dunk Contest..</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-84248062469538278282013-07-25T18:58:00.001-04:002013-07-25T18:58:49.469-04:00Derrick Rose = Best Player in the League? In an interview courtesy of CNN International, Derrick Rose gave us answers to our most frequently asked questions about his injury, his return, and much more.<br />
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<br />
Apparently, Derrick Rose thinks he's the best player in the league. I don't know if it's just me, but I wouldn't put my money on a player just coming from an ACL tear, to be the best player in the league. Rose hasn't even played an NBA game since, so as far as the "best player in the league" claims go, he still has to prove himself on the court.<br />
<br />
Fans around the world are now saying that the Bulls are now possible Eastern Conference contenders now that they have a healthy Rose back. Well, I'm not exactly sure that's correct. The Bulls played great last season without Derrick, posting a 45-37 record for the fifth seed in the East, a few spots behind Brooklyn, Indiana and New York. As we've seen in Denver over the past few seasons, a team doesn't always have to have a superstar in order to be successful. And that's where the problem is. We just don't know how the Bulls are going to adapt to having Rose back. There could be chemistry problems, and the players (notably Luol Deng and Jimmy Butler) who helped fill the gaping hole in the team after Rose's injury, would have the ball in their hands a lot less, with Rose back. Because remember, even before the injury, Derrick Rose was a scoring point guard, without a pass-first mentality.<br />
<br />
So comment in the section below and let us know what you think. Is Derrick Rose the best player in the league. Are the Bulls Eastern Conference contenders with him back?<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-70983387294250450452013-07-19T15:02:00.002-04:002013-07-19T15:02:41.619-04:00Cavaliers officially sign Andrew Bynum for $24 Million In the post-Lebron era, the Cavaliers are doing an excellent job rebuilding their team, and recruiting young talent. Thanks to their unprecedented 'luck' (conspiracy theory?) in the past 3 drafts, the Cavs have been able to build a nucleus of Kyrie Irving, Dion Waiters and Tristan Thompson. Now, with their recent first overall pick in the 2013 Draft in Anthony Bennett, things are looking exceedingly bright for Cleveland. Now, with the signing off Andrew Bynum, the Cavs are looking to hopefully add some frontcourt action into the mix.<br />
<br />
Bynum, who was sidelined this entire past season with the 76ers because of injuries to both of his knees, will now have to prove that he can still play with the elite talent that he competed with before the injuries. The 2 year, $24 million contract was finalized on Friday, at the team's suburban training facility. Bynum is only guaranteed $6 million this year, although he could earn an additional $6 million by achieving performance incentives. Cleveland also has a $12 million team option for Bynum's second season. <br />
<br />
By signing Bynum, the Cavs really have nothing to lose. If things go awry, the Cavaliers will still have Tyler Zeller, Anderson Varejao, and Tristan Thompson as fail-safes. Plus, I truly believe Bynum will return determined to play harder and improve his game, after all the criticism he's received over the past year and a half. I also believe that having a true big man in the middle will benefit the Cavaliers offense as a whole, allowing them to play more pick and roll sets, as well as some inside-out action. Lastly, Bynum will give the Cavaliers more depth in the frontcourt, an advantage they could use against teams like the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors, and the 76ers, teams the Cavs would need to outplay in order to make the playoffs next year.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-88245686184557215082013-07-18T18:16:00.004-04:002013-07-18T18:16:52.686-04:00Can the New Look Nets Win it All? <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Today, the basketball gods smiled on the Nets," team owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in a statement</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">.</span><br />
<br />
It's official. The Brooklyn Nets have finally made the jump from Eastern Conference stragglers to Eastern Conference contenders. With the blockbuster trade that would send Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry to the Nets in exchange for Gerald Wallace, MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, and a bunch of future first and second round picks going to the Celtics being approved and finalized, the 2013-2014 Brooklyn Nets roster looks like it could contend for a championship next spring.<br />
<br />
A starting line-up of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez would give the other elite teams around the league a force to reckon with. With Jason Terry coming off the bench, along with Shaun Livingston<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Andrei Kirilenko</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">, R</span>eggie Evans<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"> and Andray Blatche, the Nets will have considerable depth at almost every position, an advantage they could use against teams like the NY Knicks, the Bulls and the Clippers out West. The increase of veteran talent on this roster will also help Jason Kidd, who will start his first season as the head coach of the Nets, after retiring earlier this year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 17px;">But, these new high profile additions will send the Brooklyn Nets </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">approximately </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">$29,519,400</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> above the luxury tax threshold, which will result in roughly </span></span><b style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">$82,957,437.25 </b><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">in estimated luxury taxes for billionaire owner, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Mikhail Prohkorov (not that he seems to care).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">As to whether the Nets will be able win it all next season, they would have to go through the Miami Heat in order to get to the Finals, a daunting task that would result in a playoff series that </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">hypothetically, could go either way. And let's say the Nets do somehow make it to the Finals. A match-up against either the Spurs or the Thunder (the two teams mostly likely to make it to the Finals in the West), would provide yet another daunting challenge. As I've said before in other articles, it's very hard to predict what'll happen in the NBA, there's just too much uncertainty. For all we know, the team could start off on the wrong foot, and not make the playoffs altogether. And we've seen with the last year's Lakers that what looks great on paper doesn't necessarily transfer into playoff success. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-50425357672928936312013-07-17T23:45:00.002-04:002013-07-17T23:45:59.612-04:00Lakers Dreaming Big for 2014 Free AgencyThere have been so many star players that have played for the illustrious Laker organization over the years. Kareem Abdul Jabbar, James Worthy, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'neal, Pau Gasol, and lastly, Dwight Howard. But now that Howard's signed with the Houston Rockets, what happens next? <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The formation of the NBA's next superteam. A dynasty that would rule the league for the next 5 to 6 years. You know what I'm getting to... a Los Angeles Lakers Big 3. Of whom, you ask? Kobe Bryant, Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony. </div>
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<div>
This outlandish idea that was first started by a few analysts at ESPNLosAngeles, has continued to garner interest league-wide. Just from watching the Lakers this past season, it's become obvious that Kobe Bryant won't be able to lead them to a title all by himself; he'll need some help. And who else better to recruit than two of the league's best players in James and 'Melo? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
James and 'Melo, the headliners of next year's free agent class, would not have to take significant pay cuts in order to make this a possibility because the Lakers have cleared a large portion of their cap space, although neither James nor 'Melo have commented on this theory of sorts. As much as I'd love to see this actually happen, the possibility of Bryant, James, and Carmelo playing together in Los Angeles in 2014 is extremely slim.</div>
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<div>
Lebron James has a legacy to protect. Jumping around from team to team to chase championships won't exactly be the way James will want people to remember him. If Miami remains successful and achieves a 3-peat, Lebron won't have any reason to switch teams. Although, it things go awry in Miami, Cleveland and Los Angeles would be the next best logical destinations. Going back to Cleveland and winning a championship for the fan base there would practically be a dream come true for Cavaliers fans. Meanwhile, joining Kobe and Carmelo in LA would somewhat tarnish his legacy, but could produce a few more champions titles. </div>
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On the other hand, Carmelo, who has not yet won an NBA championship, could be easier to recruit, if the Knicks are not successful next season. Carmelo has a good relationship with Kobe, dating back to their Olympic gold medal journeys in 2008 and 2012, in Beijing and London, respectively. And as mentioned before, the Lakes have already cleared significant cap space, perhaps in anticipation of the 2014 free agent frenzy. The Lakers' recent amnesty of Metta World Peace will save roughly $16 million in future tax payments, money they could use to pay player salaries in the upcoming seasons.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The Lakers are getting ready, but whether this "superteam" can be formed, may not necessarily be up to them. For now, we'll just have to wait and see what happens next season. There are many factors to consider, from Kobe coming back from his injury, to Miami's championship success, to Carmelo's satisfaction playing in NYC. There's so much uncertainty as to what will happen in 2014, and whether or not this epic superteam can become a reality. But we do know one thing. The Lakers sure are dreaming big. </div>
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Feel free to comment down below to give your opinion on this potential superteam. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-57622573314846430492013-07-16T10:40:00.001-04:002013-07-16T10:40:07.227-04:00Howard signs with Rockets. Dwightmare Over? <span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Dwightmare is over. General managers, owners and fans of the NBA can finally wake up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dwight Howard has officially chosen to sign with the Houston Rockets after a tumultuous season with the Los Angeles Lakers, which ended in an early playoff exit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yahoo!'s Adrian Wojnarowski provides details on Howard's contract:</span></div>
<span style="color: #373737; font-family: 'Droid Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 24px;">"Dwight Howard's four-year, $88 million maximum contract agreement with the Houston Rockets will include an early termination option after the 2015-16 season and a 15 percent trade kicker", league sources told Yahoo! Sports.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This means that in 2016, Dwight will have the option of opting out and becoming a free agent again, or signing a new five year, maximum contract deal with the Rockets, which would probably be the last of his career. If Howard is traded before his contract expires</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> he will be paid 15 percent of the money left on his deal because of the kicker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that we have that established, let's get to the main point. Is the Dwightmare over?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At a first glance, Houston would seem the perfect fit for Howard. Pairing up with emerging star, James Harden, along with other up and coming players such as Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons, would create a young and talented nucleus that could possibly contend for a title next spring. This would allow Howard to play in a run-and-gun type of offense, something he's wanted to do for a while. Now, there are also reports that the Rockets are trying to hire former Houston Rockets legend, Hakeem Olajuwon, to their coaching staff. Imagine this. Olajuwon, one of the best low post players ever, working with Howard to improve his game everyday, maybe even adding a little "Dream Shake" action into it. Howard would literally be <i>unstoppable. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes, my answer is that the Dwightmare is indeed over, at least for the foreseeable future. And as long as Howard is happy doing what he's doing, I think that's all that matters to him (and of course, a few championship rings). </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5692082101528363717.post-22391455761849591502013-07-15T22:42:00.001-04:002013-07-15T22:42:19.736-04:00The Greatest Starting Line-Up. Ever. Every great basketball analyst has their opinions on the greatest NBA starting line-up of all-time. Whether you ask Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, David Aldridge or any of the other analysts that you see on TV, their versions of the greatest starting line-up of all time are probably similar, considering their knowledge of the game and the fact that many of these analysts were superstars in the NBA before they retired.<br />
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So now, here's my version of the greatest starting line-up of all time. Remember, this isn't a list of the greatest <u style="font-weight: bold;">players</u> necessarily, but the greatest starting line-up of all time. That means one player per position, starting with the point guard.<br />
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Point Guard (PG): Earvin "Magic" Johnson was simply a freak of nature. Not in a bad way, but in a basketball sense. I mean, when was the last time you saw a 6'8" point guard bringing up the ball? Magic had such a size advantage that it seemed unfair to have to defend him. Consider this. In the NBA today, Chris Paul is supposedly the best point guard in the league. Imagine Magic Johnson going up against Chris Paul. How are you supposed to defend a guy that has excellent court vision, a second to none basketball IQ, and is a full head taller than you?<br />
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Shooting Guard (SG): This is a hard decision. It's between Jordan and Kobe (although my mom is adamant that Jordan is better). I've always been a Kobe Bryant fan, but from a basketball standpoint, there's not much that differentiates them. No disrespect to Kobe, but Jordan is as every bit as good as him, except for the fact that Jordan has 6 championship titles, while Kobe has 5. If you look at both of their games, you'll notice that they almost look identical. Even the their championship celebrations are the same. They're both dynamic scorers, they're both team leaders, they're both clutch performers, and they've both become sports icons. I mean, when you think of professional basketball, you always think Jordan or Kobe (and maybe even Lebron, but we'll get to him later). So for this one, I'd say either one.<br />
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Small Forward (SF): Now, the choice for the greatest small forward of all time is a no-brainer, unlike the shooting guard. Lebron James. The heralded "King of Hoops" has come to take his throne atop the NBA kingdom. His undeniable talent has resulted in back-to-back NBA championships for the Miami Heat. Of course, this success was inevitable after James decided to join forces with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to play for the Heat, in a decision that fans and critics labeled "cowardly" and "unjustifiable" as the NBA's newest super-team was formed. With career averages of 27.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 6.9 APG, Lebron James will certainly go down in history as one of the best basketball players of all time.<br />
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Power Forward (PF): The Big Fundamental, Tim Duncan. Man, it seems like this guy has been in the league forever! And. indeed he has. The 37 year-old big man has led the San Antonio Spurs to 4 championship titles, with their recent championship run to the Finals, ending in a near title. He is also one of a few reasons the aging San Antonio Spurs roster has been able to remain competitive in the Western Conference. The 2-time MVP, 3-time Finals MVP, 14-time NBA All Star, 14-time All-NBA Defensive First Team, and sure-fire future NBA Hall of Famer, has much to be proud of.<br />
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Center (C): There have been so many great centers in league history from Wilt Chamberlain, to Bill Russell, to Shaquille O'neal, and to Kareem Abdul Jabbar. But you have to remember that most of these great centers played before rules like the 3-second violation and goaltending were established. For me, this decision comes down to personal preference. If you don't already know, my favorite player in NBA history is Hakeem Olajuwon, so I'll go with him. When I think of an elite center, I want a player that can lead the team in rebounds, score in the low post, and run the floor. Hakeem can do all of those things. With his signature "Dream Shake", and a plethora of other post moves, he became an unstoppable inside force. Not only that, his excellent footwork allows him to get into good positions for both defensive and offensive rebounds (for a career average of 11.1 RPG). To put the icing on the cake, during both of Houston's championship runs (94' and 95'), Hakeem was matched with two elite centers in back to back years in the NBA Finals. In 1994, Hakeem was matched against Patrick Ewing, while in 1995, Hakeem was matched against the rookie big man, Shaquille O'neal. Hakeem dominated both, leading to back-to-back NBA Championships for the Houston Rockets. Case closed. <br />
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And there you have it. Magic-Jordan/Kobe-Lebron-Duncan-Olajuwon. The greatest starting line-up. Ever.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549052557124956808noreply@blogger.com3