Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/_Ju7HCFk6-0/1
Friday, August 31, 2012
Cardinals' Whisenhunt finally picks starting QB
If Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt could've chosen Option C to be his starting quarterback, he would've.
NBA: RT @nbacares: .@SpecialOlympics clinic gets underway in Johannesburg... #BWBAfrica http://t.co/RwP7zeOp
NBA: RT @nbacares: .@SpecialOlympics clinic gets underway in Johannesburg... #BWBAfrica http://t.co/RwP7zeOp
Thursday, August 30, 2012
NBA: Chris Mullin teams up with "Vaccines for Teens" to help families take their best shot at health! http://t.co/hazTprLL
NBA: Chris Mullin teams up with "Vaccines for Teens" to help families take their best shot at health! http://t.co/hazTprLL
Triano returning to coach Canada's national team
Jay Triano is returning to coach Canada's men's basketball team.
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/08/23/triano-coach-canada-team.ap/index.html?rss=true
Summer Forecast: Team Turmoil
Which team will take the biggest tumble in 2012-13? Our panelists make their predictions.Source: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8303109/2012-nba-summer-forecast-team-turmoil
Sonoma frustrates Foyt but Vollmer brightens up his day
The Go-Pro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma weekend was pretty frustrating for Mike Conway and my ABC Supply race team.
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/Wk2yUNSOMU0/1
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
NBA Rumors: Is Adding Michael Redd the Right Call for the Chicago Bulls?
According to a report from Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio, Michael Redd has drawn interest from multiple teams across the NBA, the Chicago Bulls being one of them (via Sulia.com).
But is it the right call for Chicago? Let’s investigate.
With Derrick Rose, the Bulls desperately need another scoring option, as they’re No. 18 in the NBA in scoring without a dynamic outside shooter.
Without Derrick Rose, the Bulls fundamentally require another scoring option, as the top scorers are Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer with no real set-up guy.
Either way, the Bulls feature minimal scoring threats. They recently signed Marco Belinelli and Nate Robinson to play backup shooting guard and backup point/shooting guard, respectively. Belinelli averaged 12 points per game, while Robinson offered 11 off the bench for Golden State. The latter is a crafty energizer that can adequately back up Kirk Hinrich.
Both shoot fairly well from beyond the arc, but neither provides a significant punch offensively. The other problem is that Richard Hamilton, the man ahead of them on the depth chart, shoots roughly the same percentage. Chicago is actively shopping the 34-year-old and his $5 million deal, but no takers have materialized.
So, does bringing in a 33-year-old, who has come off repeated injury-shorted seasons (left knee) that have limited to him to just 112 games over the past four years, make any sense?
Redd’s class-act demeanor notwithstanding, all conventional logic points to no.
Both Redd and Hamilton have lost more than a step and will never again fulfill an adequate scoring role in their mid-30s. Out of all four, Redd also shot the lowest percentage overall in 2011.
His player efficiency rating (PER) of 14 percent was higher than Rip’s and Belinelli’s, but still lower than Robinson’s.
What’s for certain is that the defensive-minded Chicago Bulls cannot rely on any individual currently on their roster to carry the offensive load. Only as a collective group can they sufficiently get by in Rose’s absence—defensive prowess being their backbone.
Incorporating Michael Redd and his 8.2 points per game into the mix does not significantly improve the Bulls, either.
They must keep scouring the market for a younger, game-changing type scorer.
Derrick Rose just can’t come back quickly enough, can he?
Follow me on Twitter @jlevitt16
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
NFL players set to strike over referee lockout?
The NFLPA executive director calls the referee lockout "absurd."
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/BCrmIZSiujc/1
Hall of Famer Don Nelson thrilled to be retired
Don Nelson never knew just how much he would love retirement. In the Maui plantation town of Paia, he is far from the pressures of the fast-paced NBA lifestyle in which he thrived for more than three decades to become the game's all-time winningest coach.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
U.S. sends hoop players, coaches to Myanmar
The U.S. has appointed an ambassador to Myanmar and helped bring in American businessmen keen on doing business in the rapidly reforming Southeast Asian nation. Now, Washington is sending professional basketball players and coaches in a bid to boost cultuSource: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8304113/us-sends-hoop-players-coaches-myanmar
Dwight Howard's Top 10 Plays
See what's to come in LA from Dwight Howard's Top 10 plays from the 2011-12 NBA season.
Source: http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2012/08/24/20120815_howard_2012_top10.nba/index.html
U.S. sends hoop players, coaches to Myanmar
The U.S. has appointed an ambassador to Myanmar and helped bring in American businessmen keen on doing business in the rapidly reforming Southeast Asian nation. Now, Washington is sending professional basketball players and coaches in a bid to boost cultuSource: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8304113/us-sends-hoop-players-coaches-myanmar
Monday, August 27, 2012
Video: PBT Extra: Can Heat repeat? Will Kobe lead LA?
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21134540/vp/48771749#48771749
NBA: Come meet @DwyaneWade & get signed copy of his new book "A Father First" - 9/4 at the @NBAStore in NYC. http://t.co/Er198owo
NBA: Come meet @DwyaneWade & get signed copy of his new book "A Father First" - 9/4 at the @NBAStore in NYC. http://t.co/Er198owo
NBA: Yesterday, NBA vet Eduardo Najera was introduced as head coach of the @nbadleague's @TexasLegendsNBA! http://t.co/6pnPN1pp
NBA: Yesterday, NBA vet Eduardo Najera was introduced as head coach of the @nbadleague's @TexasLegendsNBA! http://t.co/6pnPN1pp
Sunday, August 26, 2012
President Obama fundraises with help from Jordan, other NBA stars
President Barack Obama sees the presidential contest as a clutch moment in his favorite sporting moment -- the fourth quarter of a taut basketball game.
Kobe (68 points) puts on show for China crowd
Eight days after he helped lead the U.S. to Olympic basketball gold, Kobe Bryant put on a dazzling show in China in dropping 68 points in 15 minutes at a charity exhibition game.
NBA Rumors: Sacramento Kings Organization Would Flourish in Virginia Beach
Instead of fighting with the city of Sacramento for funding on a new arena, and the Golden State Warriors for the title of third most popular team in California, the Kings should move to Virginia Beach.
Phillip Newswanger and Bill Cresenzo of Inside Business are reporting that the Maloof family (owners of the Kings) are meeting with representatives from Comcast this week. The two parties will be discussing a potential move to Virginia Beach.
I'm not trying to make enemies with Kings fans. If I were a resident of the great city of Sacramento I'd be rolling my eyes right now. But from a business standpoint, a move makes sense.
The Kings will never be major team in the state of California. Even in the glory years of the early 2000s the Kings didn't get the respect they deserved.
The Maloof family would be bringing their franchise to an untapped NBA market. The Kings (if they kept the name) would not only be the new thing, but from a professional basketball standpoint, they would be the only thing in the state.
As a franchise on the east coast, and in a favorable climate, they could become an attractive spot for free agents.
Sacramento obviously has California weather in its favor, but the state belongs to the Lakers—and now the Clippers. The latter has proven that gaining some relevance isn't impossible, but without finding Blake Griffin, the Clippers would still be bottom-feeders.
Griffin's arrival and his subsequent impact lead to the Clippers success and acquisitions over the last two years. The Kings could try and land a player with Blake's ability and charisma, but that is obviously not an easy thing to do.
The Kings aren't going to land in Virginia and suddenly get the best out of Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins. They aren't going to automatically win every draft lottery they're entered into, but the move would represent a new start.
At this point, I think that is what the franchise needs.
Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay on YouTube and Twitter for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports video games
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Dwight Howard's Top 10 Plays
See what's to come in LA from Dwight Howard's Top 10 plays from the 2011-12 NBA season.
Source: http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2012/08/24/20120815_howard_2012_top10.nba/index.html
Celtics re-sign forward Jeff Green
The Boston Celtics have re-signed forward Jeff Green.
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/08/22/celtics-resign-jeff-green.ap/index.html?rss=true
Clippers' Paul has successful surgery on thumb
Los Angeles Clippers All-Star point guard Chris Paul had successful surgery this morning to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb, the team announced today.
NBA: Many NBA players are keeping busy hosting youth camps this off-season... like @KyrieIrving of the @Cavs: http://t.co/bgeOIDX7
NBA: Many NBA players are keeping busy hosting youth camps this off-season... like @KyrieIrving of the @Cavs: http://t.co/bgeOIDX7
Friday, August 24, 2012
Is There Any Eastern Conference Team That Can Challenge Miami Heat?
Check out the Vegas Eastern Conference odds if you will. Notice anything?
What should become immediately apparent is that the Miami Heat have an overwhelming advantage over any rival. If you want to bet on the Heat winning the East, you have 4/7 odds. In other words, you must pay seven dollars to win four back on top of it if you're picking Miami against the field.
Chicago has the next highest odds at 9/2. If you're going with the Bulls, their victory turns two dollars into nine bucks. This is quite the gap between one and two, a much bigger chasm than exists in the West. In the other conference, the Lakers are 6/5, the Thunder are 9/4 and the Spurs are 6/1. That's quite a difference from the East, where one team is so heavily favored against the field.
I am in strong agreement with Las Vegas on this one: The Miami Heat should be favored against the Eastern field. Barring injury, it's difficult to see how they lose. The Celtics might tout the addition of the soon-to-be 35-year-old Jason Terry, and the Jared Sullinger draft pick. This appears to be a marginal improvement when a bigger boost is required to close the gap.
While you can say, "Boston was a game from beating the Heat," it's a deceiving way to frame that situation. The Celtics could handle a Boshless Miami. For all the deserved coverage LeBron James' spectacular Game 6 garnered, Bosh's return was essential in shutting down Boston's offensive attack. Before Chris Bosh returned to the lineup, a normally insipid Boston offense was finding much value in dumping it to KG down low.
Without Bosh, there was no real way for Miami to counter this. A tentative Bosh returned in Game 5, only playing 14 minutes. When CB4 got starter playing time, KG's efficiency took a bit of a nose dive. Garnett finished out Game 6 and Game 7 with a combined 26 points on 46 percent shooting. Boston was memorably blown out at home in Game 6, and the Heat never looked back from that point.
This is a long-winded way of saying that no, I don't think the Celtics can beat Miami (barring injury, of course). Considering that the Celtics are the archetypal "rival" for this Miami team, this does not bode well for the rest of the conference.
Given a chance to bet on one team to make it out of the East, I'd probably take the Hawks. But, this is merely because they have 50/1 odds. It's not as though I believe that a Horford-Smith combo will fell a triad of Hall of Famers.
Vegas seems to like (or at least not hate) the Bulls. But, they lost so much of a second unit that made Chicago special. I would rather not bet on Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer and an ACL-recovering Derrick Rose, thank you very much. The Bulls are a tantalizing possibility for next season, at least.
Some may point to Philadelphia because Andrew Bynum presents a Miami mismatch. Given how Bynum has fared against speedy double-teams, I'm not so sold on that possibility. Like Boston during the last playoffs, the Sixers would need a Bosh injury to be competitive.
Miami is alone at the team. Of course, as KG once famously intoned, "Anything is possible." But the Eastern conference presents such an unlikely "anything" when it comes to the Heat getting challenged.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
U.S. gymnast dents her Olympic gold medal
Gymnast Aly Raisman had a mishap with one of her gold medals.
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/JCRiUsXf7lE/1
Thursday, August 23, 2012
NBA: RT @PhoenixSuns: After putting on his Suns jersey at 2 a.m., rookie @KButter5 is learning what it feels like to be a Sun. http://t.co/4W ...
NBA: RT @PhoenixSuns: After putting on his Suns jersey at 2 a.m., rookie @KButter5 is learning what it feels like to be a Sun. http://t.co/4W ...
Wade: London part of 'amazing run' for LeBron
All LeBron James has done so far this year is win the NBA's MVP award for the third time, an NBA Finals MVP trophy to go along with that one, his elusive first championship and a second Olympic gold medal.
Jeter says Skip Bayless 'should be tested'
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter responded to Skip Bayless' comments insinuating that the 38-year old was using performance enhancing drugs. ...
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/JzHNRxUEXjk/1
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Report: Urlacher had Kobe's knee procedure
Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher reportedly underwent a knee procedure in Europe, which has not been approved in the U.S. by the FDA.
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/fGuAJK-w2jg/1
NBA Rooks: Bradley Beal
NBA Rooks takes a look at Wizards rookie Bradley Beal, who has been preparing for his entrance into the NBA since he was a young boy.
Source: http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/08/21/20120821_rooks_beal.nba/index.html
LeBron says he would like to play in '16 Olympics
AKRON, Ohio (AP) LeBron James wants to step inside the Olympic rings a fourth time.
Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/nba/08/19/lebron-olympics.ap/index.html?xid=si_nba
Jeremy Lin: Projecting Houston Rockets' PG's Season Averages in 2012-13
Houston Rockets' point guard Jeremy Lin brought New York to its collective feet last season, but what does he have in store for 2012-13?
Of course no one knows for sure what the future holds for Lin and the Rockets, but why not make some projections based on what we have seen already?
Here I will attempt to project Lin's scoring, assist and shooting numbers for this upcoming season (as a point guard Lin's presence in the rebounding department can be considered irrelevant).
Let's begin.
Scoring
Lin averaged 14.6 points per game in 2011-12 with the Knicks, but only played in 35 games total. He also averaged just under 27 minutes per game for the season, which leads me to believe that he will score more with more court time in Houston.
2012-13 Projection: 16.2 PPG
Kevin Martin led the Rockets in scoring last season, averaging 17.1 points per game. Considering that there is no Carmelo Anthony or Amar'e Stoudemire in Houston, I would not be surprised if the man dominating the ball, Lin, led the team in scoring. Based on my 2012-13 projection, he will wind up leading the team, averaging just over 16 points per night.
Assists
Lin averaged 6.2 assists per game last season, but will have fewer stars to finish off his passes for points in Houston. As already mentioned, the Rockets lack the star power that the Knicks possess, and that will make assists harder to come by for Lin.
2012-13 Projection: 5.5 APG
With very little scoring options outside of Kevin Martin, Lin will take it upon himself to look to score more often this coming season with the Rockets. He'll still make passes and pick up assists of course, but at a much lower rate with a starless squad.
Shooting
Lin wasn't terrible shooting from the field or the free-throw line in 2011-12 with the Knicks, but he could have been a lot better in my estimation. He shot 44.6 percent from the field, shooting 5-of-11 from the field on the average night. However, Lin struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 32 percent of his long-range shots.
2012-13 Projection: 43.5 FG%, 34.0 3P% and 77.5 FT%
I expect Lin to be better from three-point distance with the Rockets this season as he is still improving on his range. On the other hand, I believe Lin will experience dips in his field goal and free-throw shooting. Although nothing major compared to his 2011-12 numbers, the drops will still be noticeable.
When the 2012-13 NBA season is all said and done, Lin will have had a decent year with the Houston Rockets. That's not to say that it will be worthy of $25 million or even be enough to lead Houston to the postseason. Still, Lin will be one of the league's better scoring point guards and a player on the upswing of his NBA career.
Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter All Year Long For More NBA Reaction and Analysis.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Missy Franklin takes photo of Olympic tattoo
Missy Franklin followed up on her pre-Olympic promise and got a tattoo of the Olympic rings.
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/wCYKKzG9kCg/1
Bayless: White fans will root for white QB
When discussing the Redskins' quarterback competition, Skip Bayless says "it's just human nature if you're white to root for the white guy."
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/a_o0qI0xsEs/1
Seau autopsy finds sleep-aid, no drugs of abuse
Friend and family told USA TODAY Sports in days after former NFL star's suicide that he didn't always use medication as directed.
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/DTUSXJ43mi4/1
Monday, August 20, 2012
LeBron James and the 10 Greatest Small Forwards in NBA History
The London 2012 Olympics emphasized the rise of small forwards the NBA has seen in the last decade. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony all played huge roles for Team USA and reminded the world how dominant small forwards can be.
To put what we recently saw in perspective, here is a list of the 10 greatest small forwards in NBA history. These rankings are based on an objective points system that accounts for offensive prowess, defensive prowess, team success and longevity.
Roger Clemens headed back to the mound
Roger Clemens, fresh off his acquittal on federal charges he lied to Congress, has signed a contract with the Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters.
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/CE89sOmve9E/1
Bogut encouraged by progress after ankle surgery
Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut fully expects to be in the lineup for the season opener on Oct. 31 at Phoenix after undergoing surgery this year on his troublesome ankle.
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/08/20/bogut-encouraged-after-ankle-surgery.ap/index.html?rss=true
Sunday, August 19, 2012
7 Current Under-the-Radar Names Who Will Be Next Big NBA Stars
When judging talent in the NBA, it's important to look at more than just the average statistics.
For example, mystery player A averaged 7.6 points and 1.3 assists per game his rookie season. He only started six games total and saw the court an average of 15.5 minutes per game.
On the outside, few would have ever predicted this player to be a star.
However, this is just what he turned out to be. This mystery player is none other than Kobe Bryant, a former under-the-radar name that quickly became one of the most recognized figures in all of sports.
While there may not be another Kobe hidden on an NBA roster right now, there are plenty of names the casual basketball fan would not recognize that could very well turn into stars with the right opportunity.
Here are seven lesser known NBA players just waiting to break out.
Bulls' Rose: '2 or 3 weeks' ahead of schedule
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is back on a basketball court as he rehabs from ACL surgery, and Rose said his recovery is two or three weeks ahead of schedule.
Warriors, Curry take stock of respective futures after pre-camp workout
The training camp essentially started Wednesday, a little less than seven weeks before real training camps open.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
CSN: Extra push helps Rose in ACL recovery
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