Wednesday, October 31, 2012
ProBasketballTalk on NBCSports.com
NBA: http://t.co/fsYLzH9s - @CP3 surveys the defense & buries the jumper at @LAClippers practice in Beijing. #ChinaGames
6 Reasons to Be Confident/Worried As Sacramento Kings Begin NBA Season
Expectations for the Sacramento Kings are finally starting to become more positive. After missing the playoffs for years, fans are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. And believe me, it's been a very long and a very dark tunnel.
But despite expectations being raised, there's still uncertainty surrounding this team. So, until we actually see it on the court, it's difficult to gauge how much progress has been made. How are players developing? What type of influence will the coaching staff have? How will the new players mesh with the ones already here? Those are all questions for the Kings entering the season.
As we head into the 2012-13 season, here are six reasons to be confident or worried about the Sacramento Kings.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1390885-reason-to-be-worried-its-an-inexperienced-team
Balanced Mavericks -- without Nowitzki -- upend revamped Lakers
Source: http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=7813086c1c70e21b4c9ade755f077e3c
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Hurricane won't postpone Knicks-Nets opener
The highly anticipated regular-season opener between the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks scheduled for Thursday night at the Nets' $1 billion Barclays center will be played as scheduled, despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.
NBA: Head Coaches with Most to Prove Going into 2012-13 Season
The 2012-13 NBA season is an opportunity for many head coaches to prove just how valuable they are to their franchises. If they fail to do so, they will likely be jobless soon enough.
Some of these coaches’ teams are bottom-feeders in the league, while others are playoff teams who have big-time expectations. These coaches are under massive pressure to live up to such expectations because their jobs depend on it.
Each of these coaches are in a different situation, but one constant remains the same. They each have a lot to prove this season if they want to save their current situation.
Anthony Davis' Debut
Source: http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2012/10/30/20121029-anthony-davis-preview.nba/index.html
Monday, October 29, 2012
Thunder pick up option on Jackson
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/10/29/thunder-jackson.ap/index.html?rss=true
Fantasy Insider: Start/Sit Bigs
Toronto Raptors: Why They Should Sign Recently Released Terrence Williams
Terrence Williams has been lost in the NBA since his time with the New Jersey Nets. Once a highly heralded young player, he has lost his "up-and-coming" tag and it seems most teams are okay with letting him walk.
Case in point, as the Detroit Pistons released the young swingman on October 25th.
Still only 25 years old, Williams could definitely still help a team, and I think that team should be the Toronto Raptors.
Maybe I am biased towards Williams as he was a key cog in helping me win my 2009 Fantasy Basketball Title, but the numbers do not lie. Williams can be a key presence for the Raptors and I think he could add an element at the 2 and 3 positions that the Raptors are lacking.
Strengths
Williams is a combo guard who can also play small forward. That being said, he has definitely been successful running the team as a point-forward. He is a stat filler and can be quite the source of triple-doubles given the right opportunity.
The only time he received consistent minutes was during March and April of his rookie campaign (2009-2010). During these two months he averaged 14 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists. Not too bad as a rookie.
Since that time he has been passed through Houston, Sacramento and Detroit. In none of these situations did he really get a shot at some substantial minutes.
For a team that ranked near the bottom in most offensive categories, Williams could be an excellent weapon to have on the bench.
Fit With the Raptors
Yes, the Raptors have Demar DeRozan, Terrence Ross and Landry Fields manning the wings. However, Williams brings that ball handling and distribution element that these three do not have.
Moreover, Williams can slash to the rim, rebound and spark the offense on the bench in a much different way than either Ross or Fields. He can be a main option, the floor general or a banger on the glass. He would be a great option to help lead the second unit with Calderon.
To have someone who can handle the ball when Lowry or Calderon are on the bench is vital. It is also a great security blanket in case something happens to either of the point guards. I don’t want another Gary Forbes experiment again.
No one can ever have enough Swiss army knives in their arsenal.
Terrence Williams will be cheap, he will be hungry and he will be exactly what the Raptors need on their bench this season.
Get at me on Twitter @the__ste (double underscore) for fantasy advice, fantasy articles, NBA coverage, news and discussion, as well as anything else I find awesome.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Preseason Rookie Plays
Source: http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2012/10/28/20121028-rookies-preseason.nba/index.html
Will James Harden Trade Allow Houston Rockets to Join NBA's Elite Teams?
The Houston Rockets have traded some of their long-term flexibility for victories this season.
They snagged James Harden and will sign him to an extension before next week’s deadline. In the process, Houston had to give up Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and a couple first-round picks.
The Rockets had been looking for a star player, trying to put together a package for Dwight Howard all summer. Instead, they essentially filled their 2012 cap room with Harden, Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, Royce White and Terrence Jones.
A ton of new pieces for coach Kevin McHale to put in place, but does this new core raise Houston into the NBA’s elite?
It’s a tough question to answer, with so many unknowns expected to contribute to this squad. We have yet to see Lin play a large sample size of NBA games playing starter’s minutes. Ditto for Asik, who’s expected to be the Rockets' defensive anchor.
Hoopsworld's Alex Kennedy notes the Rockets' inexperience:
Jeremy Lin, James Harden and Omer Asik are the cornerstones of the Rockets. A lot of potential, but they've started a combined 34 games.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) October 28, 2012
The most telling stat from this trade is that the Rockets' oldest contributing player is Asik, at 26 years old. Besides him, the Rockets' cast stands at 23 years or younger.
If you believe in the ideology that experience breeds winning, give the Rockets a few more years. On the other hand, look at Harden’s old team, the OKC Thunder. They took those clichés about experience and stampeded all over them like a pack of bulls.
Much of the Rockets' success, it seems, will fall on their newest acquisition, but how Harden adjusts from being the third-best offensive player on the team to the No. 1 option?
“The Beard” plays a lot like Manu Ginobili, who has been scoring points and winning games in San Antonio for an entire career.
Yahoo! Sports Marc J. Spears has Harden scoring a boatload of points in a Rockets uniform:
Could @jharden13 lead the @nba in scoring with Rockets?
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) October 28, 2012
Then again, Ginobili always had Tim Duncan and Tony Parker by his side. Are Lin and Asik comparable? Harden wishes.
The Rockets are not short on role players, full of pick-and-pop partners in Chandler Parsons, Patrick Patterson and Marcus Morris. If Harden and Lin step into superstar roles, they’ll have a bunch of viable parts to fill in the rest. Their pick-and-roll game could be especially deadly with both stars at the controls.
Plus, the Rockets' draft picks will have to come in and make plays right away. Royce White and Terrence Jones both certainly have the tools to contribute from day one and be more than just complementary players.
If Harden, Lin and Asik can increase their production in bigger roles, proving that they were held back by their former teams, the Rockets can compete in the playoff hunt.
The term "elite," though, may be wishful thinking. They will need a ton of “Beardsanity” to make that leap.
Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow NBA news and commentary from him on Twitter @TheRealShiek
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Tim Lincecum shines for Giants in reliever role
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/FiBrsTTrtH4/
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Giants use three pitchers to shutout Tigers again, go up 3-0 in World Series
Source: http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=4b2ddfca7a43935f13a6acd238bcd315
NBA: #Countdown to #KiaTipOff12: 20 days! Spread the word!
2012 NBA.com Fantasy Draft
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/10/26/nba-com-fantasy-draft-results/index.html?rss=true
Video: How big is the buzz in Brooklyn?
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21134540/vp/49561705#49561705
Friday, October 26, 2012
Dwight Howard: Breaking Down Season Impact of New Lakers' Center
The Dwight Howard saga was the story of the NBA offseason. Now, the Los Angeles Lakers addition is about to be the biggest story of the regular season.
Recently, NBA.com held a survey asking all 30 general managers various questions about players and coaches around the league. Howard was named the acquisition that will make the biggest impact with 70 percent of the vote.
This is unsurprising, especially considering the same GMs also named him the best center (with all but two votes), the best defender and third behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant among players to build a new team around.
There is no denying the talent. The big man is a force in the paint, and it has helped him win three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He has been on the All-NBA first team in each of the five years. In his career, he is averaging 18.4 points and an amazing 13 rebounds per game.
However, his stat line is likely to look a little different this year.
Howard was able to finish each year with impressive stats mainly due to the fact he was the dominant force on his teams. He led Orlando in shot attempts per game in each of the last two years and only recently received support in rebounding. From his rookie year until the 2010-11 season, no teammate averaged more than six rebounds per game.
On the Lakers, the center's point total is likely to go down with Kobe Bryant taking precedent on the court. Steve Nash and Pau Gasol will also take more shots than Howard's usual teammates. Additionally, Gasol has averaged three-straight double-double seasons and will cut into the rebounding numbers.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, the box score will not be indicative of Howard's impact this season.
Defensively, he not only shut down the opposing team's frontcourt but many guards as well. Howard averages 2.2 blocks per game and affects many more shots with intimidation alone.
Players that are used to getting points by driving into the lane and finishing at the rim will have to find a better option. In the clip below, Ray Allen thinks he has a clear look at the basket, only to have the shot swatted into the stands. This likely altered the veteran's plans for the rest of the game.
Bryant, Gasol and Metta World Peace are already good on-ball defenders, but they can all be even more aggressive with a safety net behind them like Howard.
On offense, the center should be able to provide as much as Andrew Bynum last season if not more. He keeps pressure off the other scorers, and when he gets the ball, he can finish as well as anyone in the NBA.
Los Angeles has an incredibly accomplished starting lineup, as well as some solid depth in Antawn Jamison and Jodie Meeks. The key to success will be finding a way to gel as a team. On the court, that should not be a problem.
Howard has not had any issues deferring shots to teammates throughout his career, and he has never played with anyone as talented as Bryant. The other offseason addition, Nash, is one of the best point guards of all time and knows how to spread the ball around and keep everyone happy on offense.
While the preseason has not gone according to plan with an 0-8 record, the slate gets wiped clean in the regular season. At that point, the Lakers will be a scary opponent.
It might be too much to expect a championship in the first season this new talent. Still, this team is definitely one of the top contenders to raise the trophy at the end of the year.
As for Howard, his decreased stats should not prevent him from being selected to yet another All-NBA first team and entering the MVP discussion. He will not win, but he will prove to be an incredibly important addition as Los Angeles attempts to win yet another title in its storied history.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Dallas Mavericks Suspend Delonte West Indefinitely for Detrimental Conduct
The off-court troubles of Dallas Mavericks' guard Delonte West continue. On Thursday, the team announced it was suspending West indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team.
A timetable wasn't initially set when West's suspension was announced. ESPN Dallas' Tim McMahon reported that the suspension was due to a postgame outburst in a preseason game last week. West had only scored two points and had two assists in 16 minutes of action.
Today, Earl K. Seed of Mavs.com took to Twitter to break the news of the suspension's length:
Delonte West's suspension is indefinite.
— Earl K. Sneed (@EKS_MavsNBA) October 25, 2012
West, who suffers from bipolar disorder, has endured multiple trials and tribulations off the court throughout his career, and this situation won't help matters. The eight-year veteran wasn't able to pursue any basketball opportunities during last year's lockout due to being on probation for a weapons-related arrest.
A lengthy feature by Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News revealed that West had indeed been sleeping in his car and in the Mavs' locker room at the start of the 2011-12 season because he was broke.
Once the indefinite status of the suspension broke, West went on another tirade, this time on Twitter.
Warning: Some of the following language is inappropriate.
That my name showin up in any fashion in a negative light is the worst thing that can happen.everything Ived worked towards out d window
— Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012
Just ask u to talk with me....I'm a grown man...that's not above logic and reason...Before u go to the papers wit false information.
— Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012
If I'm not what u lookin 4 ....That's fine...just dont kick me in my ass on the way out the door....I didn't do anything to deserve that...
— Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012
I love the city of Dallas..I love playin in the NBA...no I'm not off my meds...no I ain't on no bipolar trip...this real people lives..
— Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012
And it just ain't right..imma leave it at that..no ill will towards no one...I'm just sittin here across from the arena wit tear in my eyes
— Delonte West (@CharleeRedz13) October 25, 2012
In a story from Thursday by McMahon, West claimed he was the scapegoat for a post-game locker room dispute from last night that didn't even involve him:
There was an argument between two teammates in the locker room last night that didn't involve me. Somehow I'm being blamed for it. I had nothing to do with it. I don't know what's going on.
West proved to be a serviceable player last season, averaging 9.6 points and 3.2 assists per game in 44 games. Having just re-signed with the team this summer, it looked as though West had refortified his job security.
Unfortunately for both West and the Mavs, this latest bump in the road may indicate otherwise.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Kobe could miss season opener with foot injury
Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown said Wednesday night that there is "question" Lakers guard Kobe Bryant will recover from a foot injury in time to play in next Tuesday night's season opener against the Dallas Mavericks.
Dwight Howard and the Top 4 NBA Stories Heading into 2012-13 Season
There are five riveting NBA narratives heading into the NBA 2012-2013 regular season that should have fans on the edge of their couches, shaking with anticipation.
A few of those stories, though, may need some rehabilitation to renew fan fascination. Consider this list as a re-vision tour; an opportunity to look at well-worn, off-season stories with a new pair of lenses (3-D glasses to be specific).
These stories will be big. And here's why:
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
New York Islanders will move to Barclays Center
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/TRCzZ18qdP8/
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics: 7 Bold Predictions for the Season-Opening Clash
The Miami Heat’s rivalry with the Boston Celtics is no secret and has grown deeper with competitive hatred towards each other for many years.
This was exaggerated with Miami’s addition of Chris Bosh and LeBron James to form the ‘Big 3,’ and further solidified as possibly the biggest rivalry in the NBA when Ray Allen left the Boston Celtics for a 50 percent pay cut to join the Miami Heat, causing Kevin Garnett to delete Ray’s number from his phone.
Ray Allen said it: “The NBA knows how to work it. This is reality TV,” in regards to the Heat being scheduled to play the Celtics on opening night in Miami, when the Heat will have their second banner raised and their championship rings presented to them in front of the Celtics team.
If the fire has already been lit, this moment will douse the Celtics, and we will be provided with one of the most intense games in recent NBA history.
Here are seven bold predictions for the NBA’s opening night at American Airlines Arena.
All-Star Predictions: Will Dirk, Love make team?
Source: http://nba.si.com/2012/10/23/nba-all-star-questions-preseason-kevin-love-dirk-nowitzki#?xid=si_nba
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Portland Trail Blazers: What to Look for in Preseason Finale Against Jazz
The Portland Trail Blazers finish their preseason schedule on Thursday, when they visit the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena at 6 p.m. PT.
The Trail Blazers are 3-3 in the preseason after Monday's impressive 120-114 victory over the Jazz at the Rose Garden.
Portland didn't score 120 points in a game all of last season.
Blazer fans know the emergence of point guard Damian Lillard. All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge looks like he's in midseason form as he enters his second year as the franchise player.
There are, however, several other storylines to follow with the regular season fast approaching on Halloween night, when they host the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nicolas Batum's continued emergence
Batum had his breakout game Monday against Utah with 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 5-of-8 from the three-point line.
The France native showed versatility in his game, shooting off the dribble, driving to the hoop and curling off screens to open up opportunities to score. Batum is averaging 14.2 points and 2.3 assists—each would be career-highs if he kept it up.
He got the big contract this past summer. His numbers have improved each season.
If he can average 15 points, six rebounds and four assists per game, that would go a long way toward the 23-year-old's development into a legit No. 3 option behind Aldridge and Lillard.
Who's the backup point guard?
Nolan Smith was a first-round pick a year ago, but he seems to be falling out of favor after logging zero minutes on Monday (via Joe Freeman of The Oregonian).
Ronnie Price was brought in as a free agent to provide stability, but he is dealing with an ankle injury.
The one surprise is training camp invitee Coby Karl, the son of head coach George Karl. Karl has logged the backup point guard minutes behind Lillard and has looked impressive in running the team the past couple games.
He has certainly deserved a second look, but with the Blazers' roster at 15, one player would need to be cut.
The one player in jeopardy could be Sasha Pavlovic.
Improvement offensively
Fans were heavily critical of former coach Nate McMillan's offense.
It was too stagnant. It was too predictable. It wasn't exciting.
We all heard those cries.
In came head coach Terry Stotts, who was known as an offensive guru (via Jason Quick of The Oregonian). I think fans would agree, the offense so far has improved dramatically compared to the last few years.
The Blazers shot 80 percent in the first quarter on Monday and about 70 percent in the first half. Players are allowed to free flow within the offense with movement off the ball, which was missed uner McMillan's more structured sets.
While those shooting percentages won't last all season, a quicker tempo will yield some more exciting plays and games this year.
The Blazers have always been a great home team, with one of the best home-court advantages in the NBA, as they play with energy and enthusiasm.
The big question, like always, is if that can be translated on the road.
Backup bigs
The Blazers bench has been much maligned.
Do they even have any depth?
Jared Jeffries, Meyers Leonard and Joel Freeland have provided quality minutes behind the starters Aldridge and J.J. Hickson.
Leonard and Freeland, first-year pros in the NBA, have shown flashes of brilliance.
Leonard is an athletic big man, who can run the floor and block shots, while Freeland is not afraid of contact down low and can even hit the outside jumper.
Their development to provide depth along the frontline will be huge toward the team's success.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Goodell says NFL will consider dropping Pro Bowl
Source: http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=0a2a18ff1fe296fc8743ad9c21cd6d0f
Kobe skips Lakers practice to rest ailing foot
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/10/22/kobe-sits-out-of-practice.ap/index.html?rss=true
Monday, October 22, 2012
Knicks' Stoudemire to miss 2-3 weeks with knee injury
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/10/21/knicks-stoudemire-out.ap/index.html?rss=true
PBT: Can Kobe cope with not getting touches?
Source: http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/15/nba-season-preview-l-a-lakers/related/
Lakers: Dwight Howard set for preseason debut
Source: http://www.nba.com/2012/news/10/21/lakers-dwight-howard-to-debut.ap/index.html?rss=true
Tom Brady, Patriots need overtime to squeak by Jets
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/ULInDx7povU/
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Saints' Joseph Morgan scores TD with Jackie Chan-like effort (GIF)
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/z_aIWwMnP2g/