Source: http://scores.nbcsports.msnbc.com/nba/scoreboard.asp
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
Team will relocate from Nassau County to Brooklyn, starting in the 2015-16 season
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?
Is Dirk Nowitzki's run as an All-Star coming to an end? Will stars from Los Angeles and New York dominate the rosters? Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney deliver their All-Star predictions.
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
The NFL will consider dropping the Pro Bowl if the level of play doesn't improve, Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday night.
Source: http://feeds.cbssports.com/click.phdo?i=0a2a18ff1fe296fc8743ad9c21cd6d0f
Kobe skips Lakers practice to rest ailing foot
Kobe Bryant has skipped the Los Angeles Lakers' practice to rest his aching right 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
Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire is expected to miss the start of the regular season and be out two to three weeks because of an injured left knee.
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
Dwight Howard is set to make his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers in a preseason game against Sacramento on Sunday night.
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
Tom Brady and the Patriots went into overtime with the Jets but hung for a 29-26 victory.
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)
New Orleans wideout twists and turns his way through Buccaneers for unforgettable score.
Source: http://rssfeeds.usatoday.com/~r/UsatodaycomSports-TopStories/~3/z_aIWwMnP2g/
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