Source: http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/01/13/bruski/related
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
NBA: The @LAClippers' @blakegriffin & @CP3 speak to the media following today's practice in Beijing. #ChinaGames http://t.co/580jCn92
NBA: The @LAClippers' @blakegriffin & @CP3 speak to the media following today's practice in Beijing. #ChinaGames http://t.co/580jCn92
Knicks beat Hornets
Carmelo Anthony snapped out of a slow start by scoring 18 of his 27 points in the second quarter, and New York ended a season-high, three-game losing streak with a 100-87 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday.
Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50449701/ns/sports-nba/
Melo's big second quarter helps Knicks end skid
Carmelo Anthony scored 18 of his 27 points in the second quarter, and the Knicks ended their three-game skid with a 100-87 win over the Hornets on Sunday.
Source: http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400278269
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Skid Snapped
Dwight Howard's return from a shoulder injury immediately paid dividends to a depleted Lakers' frontcourt, and helped them beat the Cavs 113-93 to end a six-game losing streak.
Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/gameflash/2013/01/13/32673/#recap?xid=si_nba
Lakers News: Potential Return of L.A. Big Men Will Help Slumping Lakers
The skidding Los Angeles Lakers could get some relief soon as both Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol are likely set to return in the near future.
The Lakers’ medical staff will reportedly re-evaluate the two ailing big men prior to the team’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles.
Gasol (concussion) and Howard (torn labrum, right shoulder) have missed the team’s last three games, and L.A. has lost each of those contests.
Another report by McMenamin labeled both Howard and Gasol as game-time decisions for the Sunday clash against Cleveland.
The Lakers have also lost three straight games prior to their big men's injuries, too.
The combined six-game losing streak has put them five games out of playoff contention and prompted some negativity from team legend Magic Johnson.
“It’s over for my Lakers. No playoffs, no nothing,” Johnson said on ESPN’s NBA studio show, according to Daniel Buerge of LakersNation.com.
While Johnson’s sentiment is shared by many fans, it’s a little too early for doom and gloom.
Regardless, negativity is at an all-high in the City of Angels. Even diehard celebrity enthusiast Jack Nicholson walked out on his team during their Staples Center spanking by the Oklahoma City Thunder on Jan. 11.
Even with Gasol and Howard back on the court, the problems aren’t going to be fixed overnight. The team still has some kinks to work out in the way the players distribute the basketball offensively.
Let’s not even get started on their defensive woes.
Point guard Steve Nash isn’t entirely optimistic that having the two back will help the team initially. He told McMenamin that it’s tough to operate with both Howard and Gasol on the court:
The fact of the matter, it's tough to get inside to him when Dwight and him are on the floor together. To Pau's credit, he can stretch the floor more than Dwight and he's more of a playmaker, so sometimes he's going to find himself on the perimeter.
One thing is certain: A blowout like the one the Thunder laid on the Lakers is not acceptable, and the team desperately needs its top two big men back in the lineup.
L.A. would still benefit from having its best bigs back despite Nash’s skepticism and the team’s struggles this season.
If Mike D’Antoni needs to change his scheme to accommodate his big men and Nash’s needs, then he needs to do that.
But having them back on the court, in any capacity, will be an improvement over the recent struggles we’ve seen in their absence.
That’s for sure.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
NBA: http://t.co/xojWcLQg - Practice is a wrap for @JCrossover & the @LAClippers in Beijing. #ChinaGames
NBA: http://t.co/xojWcLQg - Practice is a wrap for @JCrossover & the @LAClippers in Beijing. #ChinaGames
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Watch Dwyane Wade Set LeBron James Up for Picture-Perfect Oop
In the middle of their dominant first quarter over the Sacramento Kings, the Miami Heat saw their big superstars collaborate on an eye-popping alley-oop in the midst of their 28-17 first quarter.
It wasn't the first time we've seen the tandem hook up, and it's definitely not going to be the last, but this was surely one of the best we've seen from the two of them.
Not only did Mario Chalmers initiate the play with an improbable save, but the majority of the team was involved, as an outlet pass from Chis Bosh got the whole thing going.
The result was filthy.
Might be one of top-10 in game dunks I've ever seen. LeBron from Wade. Wow.
— Michael Wallace (@WallaceNBA_ESPN) January 13, 2013
It's like LeBron was trying to think of the nastiest possible thing he could do.
— Ethan J. Skolnick (@EthanJSkolnick) January 13, 2013
LeBron mad. LeBron no like loss to pun Blazers. LeBron smash Kings. LeBron strongest there is.
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) January 13, 2013
My favorite part about the entire thing is that it was the perfect chance for Miami's commentating team to show off how much of a caricature they are of hometown announcers.
They've got everything, silly catch phrases, terrific, out-of-place accents, a short-term memory (it'll be a long time before these two top the full-court alley-oop) and just a fun sense of whimsy for everything going on. Those two get a bad rap.
It's times like these when it's hard for your run-of-the-mill Heat naysayer to continue to say nay.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Green Dunk
Chris Paul steals the ball and gives to willie Green for the jam.
Source: http://www.nba.com/video/games/clippers/2013/01/12/0021200541-orl-lac-play1.nba/index.html
Rivers says KG didn't talk about Melo's wife
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers said Thursday morning that forward Kevin Garnett did not make the remarks he has been rumored to have made about Carmelo Anthony's wife during Monday's game.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Stealing and Dunking
Kyrie Irving comes up with the steal and sends it to Tristan Thompson for the slam.
Source: http://www.nba.com/video/games/nuggets/2013/01/11/0021200538-cle-den-play1.nba/index.html
Miami Heat: Could the Heat Land James McAdoo in the Draft?
The Miami Heat's struggles on the glass this season have been difficult to watch. While the addition of Jarvis Varnado, and the potential signing of Chris Andersen, gives Miami fans some hope for this year, team management needs to look to the future to ultimately repair this loophole in their otherwise stellar system. The addition of North Carolina forward James McAdoo could certainly assist in that department.
As some of you may remember, Heat president Pat Riley decided to trade Miami's pick from the 2012 draft to Philadelphia, in exchange for the Sixers' upcoming pick in the 2013 draft. Many questioned the deal at first but in typical Riley fashion, it seems it will work out in the Heat's favor.
As you would expect, the pick's position in the draft is dependent on Philadelphia's win-loss record. It currently resides at 15-22, four games back from the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff rankings. The pick is lottery-protected through to 2015, which means that should Philadelphia rank among the non-playoff teams when the season closes, it keeps ownership of the pick.
The draft lottery is the 14 NBA teams that did not make the playoffs, and the Sixers are on the cusp of such a placing, projected to pick at No. 11.
If the team does make the playoffs, the Heat would obtain that pick and could choose as high as 15th in the draft. It is through this that Miami could add Tar Heels forward McAdoo. He is projected to go as high as 13th by Hoops World, and as low was 16th by Draft Express. The 6'9" forward can play both positions, but isn't as quick on his feet as most wing players. In addition to this, McAdoo doesn't possess a long-range jumper and is better suited closer to the basket.
He doesn't have a spectacular leaping ability but is quick off his feet, making McAdoo a great second-jumper. This means that should his first attempt to score or secure a rebound fail, he is able to raise up again swiftly without needing to explode to the ball.
McAdoo's physicality and 7'1" wingspan makes up for his slightly undersized frame, giving him the opportunity to muscle inside for rebounds, close-range shots and drawing contact. McAdoo needs to develop a consistent post game, but can still score down-low based on pure ability rather than skill.
He bears much resemblance to Udonis Haslem in his prime, albeit with more potential. McAdoo would be a great fit as a member of the Miami Heat, not only because of his distant relation to Heat assistant coach and Hall of Fame forward Bob McAdoo, as his play style and strengths are all components that would slide seamlessly into the Miami system.
It may be a questionable outcome when the draft arrives, but if the Heat are lucky enough, and the Sixers are unlucky enough, Miami could add a fantastic young player to bolster its play inside, now and for the future.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1479842-miami-heat-could-the-heat-land-james-mcadoo-in-the-draft
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Goran Dragic Rips Phoenix Suns Teammates, Says They "Don't Care"
Life can't be easy as a Phoenix Suns fan in 2012-13.
Sure, the team might throw a few fleeting glimpses of excitement along the way, but a loss feels inevitable before the opening tipoff is thrown.
Apparently playing with the Suns is an even worse feeling—for certain Phoenix players, that is.
Following the club's 87-79 defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics, the Suns have now embarked on their third four-plus-game losing streak of the young season. They've dropped 10 of their past 11 games, and been on the losing end in each of their last 11 games outside of Arizona.
And according to Goran Dragic, there's a disastrous feeling of apathy swirling through the team's locker room.
He told the Arizona Republic's Paul Coro that his teammates "don't care" about the club's performance.
"Right now, we're not together as a team," he said.
The term culture gets thrown out a lot in sports. Whether or not winning begets a strong culture or vice versa (or, in this case, whether the losing is to be blamed on bad attitudes or the attitudes blamed on the losing) is still up for debate.
Here's a time-tested sports concept, though: a lack of talent always leads to losing.
And the Suns are in dire need of a massive talent upgrade.
With a paltry 12-25 record, Phoenix owns the fifth-worst winning percentage in the NBA (.324). They've lost just three fewer games than the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs have combined.
They don't score particularly well (96 points per game, 19th in the NBA), and certainly not well enough to mask their defensive shortcomings (opponents average 100.2 points per game, the sixth-most points allowed in the league).
The Suns front office recognizes the limitations of their current roster. It's the reason they offered New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon a max contract in the offseason. It's also the reason why they're currently engaged in trade talks with the Memphis Grizzlies for Rudy Gay (according to what league sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports).
The realization of their shortcomings won't make them any easier to solve, though.
They lack desirable trade commodities, thanks in large part for the organization's over-optimistic view in terms of its ability to withstand the departures of Steve Nash and Grant Hill. Plus, there's a less-than-impressive 2013 draft class for this lottery-destined team to analyze.
Phoenix center Marcin Gortat understands the state of the club but has no desire to abandon what he called a "sinking boat", (according to Comcast Sportsnet's Jessica Camerato).
Of course, that may have been the big man's proactive attempt to deflect any personal responsibility for the current state of the franchise (11.6 points in 31.8 minutes per game).
Unlike some other struggling clubs, the Suns don't even have Father Time on their side. Just 22 percent of their points this season have come from players below the age of 26.
There is no quick fix in store for the Suns.
That can't sit well with the fanbase, although it might be easier to stomach for some of the players on the roster if Dragic is speaking the truth.
All statistics used in this article are accurate as of 1/10/2013.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
New York Knicks: Predicting Final Regular Season Record
With 34 games gone in the 2012-13 NBA season, the New York Knicks have started 23-11. The record is good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference. The record is also good enough to shock much of the basketball world after the Knicks finished seventh in the conference last season.
The fast start happened for several reasons. Carmelo Anthony is playing like an MVP. J.R. Smith is playing like a Sixth Man of the Year. Tyson Chandler continues to be his usual outstanding self and Jason Kidd has risen to the challenge. Leading the league in turnovers forced and playing suffocating defense have hugely contributed as well.
However, reasons have started to pop up for many to believe the trend will end. The return of Amar'e Stoudemire causes many to doubt he and 'Melo can finally play together. Other reasons include injuries to key players such as Raymond Felton and the fact that this is the oldest squad in the history of the league. Rebounding has also been an issue.
With 48 games to go, it is extremely unlikely that the Knicks will fall out of the playoffs, but where will they finish by season's end?
DIVISION GAMES: Brooklyn Nets (January 21), Boston Celtics (January 24, March 26 and 31), Toronto Raptors (February 13 and 22, March 22, 23), Philadelphia 76ers (January 26 and February 24)
Of the 48 remaining showdowns on New York's schedule, 10 will be played against division rivals. New York has taken out Brooklyn each of the last two meetings with big performances from 'Melo and strong shooting. Brooklyn is still figuring it out, so expect a win at home for the Knicks. Against Boston, New York will look to avenge its series-opening loss, but the physical play of the Celtics combined with the the return of Rajon Rondo will make taking more than two of the three games very difficult.
Against the other two foes, the 76ers and the Raptors, New York will be heavily favored. Without Bynum, Philadelphia quite simply isn't nearly as dangerous as it was last season and the Raptors are still are sitting at the bottom of the division. However, we're talking about basketball, so there will be a slip-up or two for New York.
Projected Record: 7-3
NON-DIVISION CONFERENCE GAMES: Indiana Pacers (January 10, February 20 and April 14), Chicago Bulls (January 11 and April 11), Detroit Pistons (January 17, February 4 and March 6), Atlanta Hawks (January 27, April 3 and April 17), Orlando Magic (January 30 and March 20), Milwaukee Bucks (February 1 and April 5), Washington Wizards (February 6, March 1 and April 9), Miami Heat (March 3 and April 2), Cleveland Cavaliers (March 4 and April 12), Charlotte Bobcats (March 29 and April 13)
When the Knicks aren't playing against division rivals, they will be facing off against conference rivals in 24 of their last 38 games. In that mix is a very wide variety of matchups.
You have the Chicago Bulls who have now shaken up the Knicks twice. Their aggressive play, suffocating defense and imminent return of Derrick Rose will make it very difficult for New York to do better than split the series.
However, there are also showdowns against big teams New York has taken down already. The Miami Heat have now fallen to New York twice by a combined margin of 40 points, but as the season wears on New York will likely look to split the two remaining games against a team heating up to defend its title.
The Pacers have also already fallen to New York, but the rivalry will spice up in the remaining three games. Stoudemire will need to help Chandler inside if New York wants to take the series. Finally, the Bucks will look to avenge an earlier loss as well, but the return of Iman Shumpert will limit their much-needed guard play which will free up New York on offense.
When the Knicks face the Hawks twice late in the season, the two could very well be fighting for a top three seed. New York will need to spread the floor and get good interior play in order to stop Atlanta.
Fortunately for Knicks fans, there are also some games in there that will heavily favor them. The Pistons, Magic, Wizards, Cavaliers and Bobcats will all be looking to upset New York. As was the case with division games, New York will undoubtedly drop a couple of these, but the Knicks have been very good so far at taking care of business. Mediocre defenses simply can't stop Carmelo.
Projected Record: 15-9
NON-CONFERENCE GAMES: New Orleans Hornets (January 13), Sacramento Kings (February 2), Minnesota Timberwolves (February 8), Los Angeles Clippers (February 10 and March 17), Golden State Warriors (February 27 and March 11), Denver Nuggets (March 13), Portland Trailblazers (March 14), Utah Jazz (March 9 and March 17), Memphis Grizzlies (March 27), Oklahoma City Thunder (March 7 and April 7)
To round out their 82 games, New York will have 14 more games against teams playing in the Western Conference. Due to the nature of the league, there will once more be a wide range of teams on the schedule.
There are season-defining matchups against contenders such as the Thunder, the Clippers and the Grizzles. Memphis' physical play handed New York its first loss of the season, and the unreal talent present on the other two squads make them nearly unbeatable on paper. New York will have something to prove and has stepped up in big games so far, but taking more than two of these five games would already be a huge step up for New York based on the past few seasons.
Aside from facing the big contenders, New York has quite a few games in this bunch that will serve to determine if the Knicks are truly above the middle of the pack. The Nuggets, Timberwolves, Warriors, Jazz and Trail Blazers are all outside of the top four in the West, but they all present real challenges every night.
The Knicks have started the year at 9-7 against teams from the West, so they will need to step it up here. Carmelo will be himself, but shots need to fall from outside and turnovers need to be forced on defense. More importantly though, the big guys need to help Chandler out with rebounding.
Finally, the Knicks have games against the Hornets and Kings that they are expected to win. If you want to be taken seriously, you have to take care of business. Considering we're talking about only two games here, a loss would be unacceptable.
Projected Record: 7-7
FINAL REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 52-30
Needless to say, a huge improvement on last season and reason enough to bring hope of a title back to the Garden.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1478544-new-york-knicks-predicting-final-regular-season-record
Boston Celtics Rumors: Frontcourt Addition Must Be Higher Priority Than Rudy Gay
The Boston Celtics have reportedly had conversations with the Memphis Grizzlies about trading for star guard Rudy Gay, and while Gay would give the Celtics a strong scoring boost, Boston would be better served by adding to their frontcourt.
HOOPSWORLD's Alex Kennedy dishes on the Celtics' interest in Gay:
The Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics are among the teams that have had conversations with the Grizzlies about Gay, according to league sources.
Kennedy also adds that the Grizzlies aren't dangling Gay simply to get out from under his contract, which is substantial. According to Kennedy, "Gay is owed $17.8 million and $19.3 million over the next two seasons."
Still, the Grizzlies want value back for Gay, and considering we are talking about a player who is averaging 17.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this season, it will take a nice trade package to land him.
The natural thought is that the deal would have to involve Rajon Rondo—take Rondo out of the picture and the Celtics would have to reshape their entire offense. That is not going to help them this season.
This isn't the route the Celtics need to go. Boston has been determined to win now, and sending off a player, or players, that it would take to acquire Gay would leave the Celtics stuck in neutral for the present.
Instead of shipping out one of their centerpieces, the Celtics should look at throwing together a package of some of their bench players and target a big man who can board and play defense.
The Celtics are 30th in rebounds. For a defensive-minded team, this is a fatal flaw. Kevin Garnett leads the Celtics with seven rebounds a game. Rookie Jared Sullinger is second with 5.7. He is coming off a career-best 16 rebounds on Wednesday night, but he lacks the consistency the Celtics need, and he is not a strong defensive player.
Boston doesn't need a star. They need someone who allows them the flexibility to play a bigger lineup, and can give a boost to the interior defense.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
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