Sunday, June 17, 2018

Philadelphia 76ers Trying to Acquire Top-5 Pick

Former Cleveland Cavaliers' general manager David Griffin recently appeared on Sirius XM NBA Radio's show and dropped this draft news pertaining to Philadelphia:
“Philly is very much looking to move up to get somebody they think will go in the top 5."
Griffin has been linked to Philadelphia's open GM position. The position has been open after burner accounts were linked to the team's president of basketball operations, Bryan Colangelo. Colangelo denied it, but the phone numbers were linked to his wife's phone. Brett Brown has been serving as interim GM in addition to maintaining his head coaching duties. This stands to be a credible source given that Griffin is still a candidate to be hired by the organization.

WHO IS THE TARGET? 

The Sixers have an NBA-high 6 draft picks heading into the draft. Picks #10, #26, #38, #39, #56, and #60.

Here are the 6 players most projected to be selected in the top-5:

Deandre Ayton

  • The center out of Arizona is likely to be the #1 pick after averaging 20.1 points and 11.6 rebounds while leading the Wildcats to the Pac-12 title. Legitimate questions about his defense, but he looks like he will be a star on the other end of the court.
  • NOT a Philadelphia target with Joel Embiid locked in at the 5. Phoenix is not looking to deal the #1 pick and sounds committed to drafting Ayton.


Luka Doncic

  • The 6'6" European sensation has been heralded as good enough to go #1 over the past few months, but concerns about his athleticism and inability to workout for teams (currently participating in the ACB playoffs) have dropped his stock. Likely still a top 5 pick.
  • POSSIBLY the target. The SF with a nice shot, solid handle, and excellent court vision could be the next European NBA star and could be a great fit next to Simmons and Embiid.


Jaren Jackson Jr.

  • The 6'11" big man out of Michigan State has been projected to be a PF/C in the NBA. Jackson did not put up the same flashy stats that Ayton and Bagley produced in college, but the big man has immense potential as a floor-spacing big man with outstanding defensive attributes. Averaging just 21.8 minutes, Jackson averaged 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 3.2 fouls per game. These numbers may look modest but averaging 3.0 blocks, 51.3% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc, and 79.7% from the free throw line show that Jackson is an elite shot blocker with a sweet shooting stroke.
  • POSSIBLY the target. Jackson would space the floor on offense for Embiid to work down low, just like Saric and Ilyasova did this past season. On defense, Jackson and Embiid would terrify opponents that attacked the paint.


Marvin Bagley III

  • Bagley is another prospect that has a legitimate argument for going #1 overall. The 6'11" PF/C out of Duke, put up 21.0 points and 11.1 rebounds as a star freshman. Shooting a stellar 61.4% from the field and 39.7% from 3, Bagley was dominant on the offensive end but his .9 blocks disappointed on the defensive end for someone who was so physically dominant.
  • UNLIKELY he is the target. Bagley will likely be a 15-20ppg guy immediately, but he may be best suited at C in the modern NBA. Embiid is Philly's franchise C and the overlap in their games may not mesh as well as some of the other prospects.


Mo Bamba

  • Bamba made headlines with his NBA combine record 7'10" wingspan. The 7'1 PF/C didn't stop impressing there, as he reportedly wowed the Chicago Bulls with a 3/4 court sprint faster than NBA All-Star guards. His time was faster than Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Kemba Walker, James Harden, Dwayne Wade, and Victor Oladipo posted in their pre-draft workouts. The 10.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game predict a defensive menace in the NBA, but expect the hardworking big man to continue to improve the range on his jumper and produce near his 12.9 points per game in his rookie year. Bamba has the physical gifts to be more dominant than Rudy Gobert on defense, and potentially be a #1 or #2 option on offense. A good guy with no character issues and another Texas product destined to be a star in the league.
  • UNLIKELY to be the target. Bamba has as much upside as anyone in this draft, but he doesn't seem to be a good fit next to Embiid. Bamba and Embiid both excel as centers. Bamba could do much better than Bagley could guarding power forwards on the defensive end, but lacks the shooting yet to play next to Embiid on offense.


Michael Porter Jr.

  • Porter left high school looking like a future #1 pick. His collegiate career at Missouri didn't last long though, as he suffered a major back injury (L3-L4 microdiscectomy) in the first 2 minutes of his first game. He recovered to play 2 final games with Missouri, but lacked the explosiveness that made him the dominant player he was in high school. The 6'10" former McDonald's All-American was a dominant point-forward in high school and projected to go head to head with NBA superstar wings. A recent hip injury (muscle spasms potentially related to back injury) and concerns about the recovery are still leaving teams wary of drafting Porter.
  • SB Nation has this phenomenal piece on MPJ's injury. Of note:
  • "Using PER as a baseline, the study found that a patient won’t return to his typical level of play until his second season following surgery."
  • POSSIBLY the target. Because Porter's injury kept him sidelined for most of the NCAA season, there is naturally a lot of concern about the severity of the injury. He had herniated discs but the procedure was short and never left him bed-ridden from the day it was performed. To some extent, it has been blown out of proportions, but it is hard to know what other issues could stem from the back injury. If he regains his form, he could be the best player in the draft and a dominant combo forward. Philadelphia didn't back away from taking Embiid after his injuries, so they may view MPJ as a risk worth taking. He could start immediately at the 3 or 4 for a team looking to make the next step and be a crucial go-to scorer.


There seems to be a distinct drop-off in prospects after these 6 players, with Trae Young, Wendall Carter Jr., Mikal Bridges, Collin Sexton, and Kevin Knox being some of the prospects seen outside the top-6 in most NBA mock drafts.

The most likely Philadephia target is Luka Doncic, Jaren Jackson Jr., or Michael Porter Jr.

Philadephia has some negotiating to do with the Sacramento Kings, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, or Dallas Mavericks to acquire a top-5 pick by Thursday.

Fortunately, Memphis appears to be open for business:



The NBA draft starts at 7pm ET on Thursday, June 21.
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Thursday, June 14, 2018

Anthony Davis To The Golden State Warriors?

Adding an MVP in their prime to a 73-win team can really make you think anything is possible.


Somehow, the Warriors remain in the Anthony Davis sweepstakes after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the finals.

The obvious question that Golden State fans, Joe Lacob, and NBA fans hoping for more competitive balance are asking:

Can the Golden State Warriors really add Anthony Davis to a core of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green?

In the next 2 years? That's nearly impossible.

In 2 years they would have to let Draymond Green and/or Klay Thompson walk to have enough salary cap to offer Davis near a maximum contract.

As far as trading for him now?

Golden State is a luxury tax team and so their incoming trade salaries can be up to 125% of the outgoing salary, plus $100,000 (per cbafaq.com). The 2017-18 salaries are the numbers used through June transactions; July is the start of the next NBA season and starts factoring in the 2018-19 salaries.

Without factoring the unlikely possibility of Golden State signing-and-trading one of their end of the bench guys to a nearly mid-level deal to facilitate the trade, the Warriors would need to deal at least Andre Igoudala and Shaun Livingston to have enough outgoing salary.

Shaun Livingston and Andre Igoudala are not getting you Anthony Davis.

But, wait! Do the Warriors have young players or draft picks to sweeten the deal?

YOUNG PLAYERS

Unfortunately for Oakland, the only young players are Jordan Bell, Patrick McCaw, and Kevin Looney.

Looney will be a free agent and likely gone because the Warriors can only offer the unrestricted free agent a starting salary of $2.2 million after turning down his team option.

McCaw has shown glimpses but has only averaged 4.0 points per game and does not have much trade value.

Bell had a good season and would be the only legitimate young player to send out in a deal for Davis.

PICKS

With Golden State so good, there is not substantial value of a first-round pick that is destined to be the 28-30th pick.

The Ted Stepien rule prohibits trading future 1st round picks in consecutive years if there is any chance the team will be left without a pick for 2 consecutive years in the future. So they could trade 2018, 2020, and 2022 (and add up to 2024) before the draft or make the pick and then trade the draft rights and 2019, 2021, and 2023 (also could add 2025).

The earliest they can currently include a 2nd round pick is 2021. With those likely being between the 58-60th pick, they have little trade value.

BEST NON-STAR DEAL

The best that the Warriors could offer would likely be Andre Igoudala, Shaun Livingston, Jordan Bell, select 2018 draft pick for Pelicans, unprotected 2019 1st round pick, 2021 unprotected 1st round pick, unprotected 2023 1st round pick, and unprotected 2025 1st round pick.

Two aging veterans, a young player on an expiring contract, and several late first round and second round picks are still not going to be good enough for a 25 year-old MVP candidate who could directly be traded for the #1 pick in the draft.



However, if you watch the above clip from CBS Sports, you can see why a deal around Draymond Green or Klay Thompson could be a legitimate option.

After winning 3 rings, is there any chance that 2 All-Stars will sacrifice $80 million each for early extensions after watching Steph Curry and Kevin Durant get max deals?

Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will have their last shot at what could be a maximum contract- they are not going to leave money on the table.

Draymond Green has already made this public, as Chris Haynes of ESPN recently reported:
According to league sources, Green will turn the extension down when it's offered. That's because if he earns MVP, Defensive Player of the Year or All-NBA Team honors next season, he will be eligible for a super-max contract of five years, $226 million.
No one anticipated Green being in such a lucrative position coming out of Michigan State. But if he achieves one of those incentives, will the Warriors be willing to pay a 30-year-old (in March 2020) Green that much? Or would Lacob let him walk or try to trade him if Bell shows he's capable of filling Green's role?
Sources say Green is not expected to take a pay cut on the next go-around. But the team's glue guy and architect said he isn't worried about his next contract negotiation.

That is where it gets tricky for Golden State. The NBA has no hard cap on spending, but the financial burden of keeping a team above the luxury tax makes it an incredibly difficult pill to swallow, even for a championship team.

Will Joe Lacob be willing to pay his 4 stars each well over $30 million/yr? The team would still have to pay for a minimum of 8 more roster holds. Financially, it merits looking into other avenues to improve the team and save money. The financial burden would be equivalent to paying for 2-3 teams salaries.

STILL POSSIBLE?

For all that Draymond Green and Klay Thompson bring to the team, neither are on par with the younger and significantly more talented Anthony Davis.

If there is going to be a deal for Anthony Davis, then Green and/or Thompson will be involved.

The financial burdens will still exist for the Warriors if they trade only 1 of the players for Anthony Davis. The team would be even better if they could manage to trade Green or Thompson, Igoudala, and first round picks. However, that offer may be bested by Danny Ainge in Boston(Kyrie Irving, young assets, and picks) or other teams willing to gut their roster for the franchise building block.

That is why they should seriously consider trading both of them for Anthony Davis.

PULL THE TRIGGER

"Davis would have to want out, and then the Warriors would have to meet New Orleans' trade price," Kawakami explained. "That would almost certainly have to include either Klay Thompson or Draymond Green or potentially both."

A package of Draymond Green and Klay Thompson would be the absolute best offer that the New Orleans Pelicans could hope for.

This deal would lock in a bright future for a franchise that has struggled to maintain success. Pairing Green and Thompson with All-Defensive 1st team Jrue Holiday would be a match made in heaven and an opportunity for them to build their own "superteam" outside of California. They can grow as players outside of the shadow of Curry and Durant and build their own legacy. Add in Nikola Mirotic and potentially bring back Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins.

A starting 5 of Rondo, Holiday, Thompson, Green, and Cousins would be a championship contender. Mirotic, Solomon Hill, Cheick Diallo, Darius Miller, and an MLE player would round out the bench.

Golden State would have 3 of the best 5 players in the NBA on one team in their prime. Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis can all have max contracts and continue to carry a team for the next 5 years until Durant mulls retirement. Over the next few years they can continue to add talent and Davis can contribute for the next decade to the dynasty, continuing for years after Curry and Durant retire. New Orleans would send E'Twaun Moore to start at SG and a 1st round pick to give the Warriors another piece to flip in trades.

Warriors start Curry, Moore, Igoudala, Durant, and Davis. Bell, McCaw, Livingston, and other veterans fill out the bench.

THE PACKAGE

GSW: Draymond Green, Klay Thompson

NOP: Anthony Davis, E'Twaun Moore, 2019 unprotected 1st round pick

 VERDICT

It is highly unlikely that the Warriors would trade 2 important parts of their championship team; trading for Anthony Davis would give the Warriors a younger future MVP building block, clear up financial concerns of Thompson and Durant, and bring together the best trio in the history of the NBA.



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Friday, February 23, 2018

Jimmy Butler Injures Knee; Blame Thibs?

After apparently not playing in the All-Star game for rest, Minnesota Timberwolves' star Jimmy Butler went down with what looked to be a non-contact, right knee injury.

Butler had been bumped by Nene before going down, but the injury appeared to be unrelated to that.



This is a tough break for Minnesota, who has had their best season since 2003-04.

Jimmy Butler was averaging 22.4 points, 5.0 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game at 47.6% from field, 35.8% from 3, and 86.5% free throw shooting.

Butler was acquired over the offseason from Chicago, where he previously thrived under coach Tom Thibodeau. The star SG/SF has made a tremendous impact for Minnesota, who currently sit at 4th in the Western Conference at 36-26. 

With the Western Conference a tight race from the 3rd to 9th seed, the Timberwolves could quickly drop down the standings. Just 3 games separates the 3rd place Spurs and 9th place Clippers, and Minnesota could see themselves drop below the 4th seed and lose playoff homecourt advantage- or potentially even drop out of the playoffs. 

It didn't take long for fans and the media to turn on coach Tom Thibodeau.




Thibodeau has been criticized for playing his starters extended minutes, with Jimmy Butler leading the NBA in minutes per game at 37.3.

Derrick Rose, Zach Lavine, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and now Jimmy Butler, have had major injuries while playing heavy minutes under coach Tom Thibodeau.




While there is some hope about severity; Kristaps Porzingis had similar hopes before being diagnosed with his ACL injury as well.

Butler suffered the knee injury after just 25 minutes of play, in the first game back in over a week.

UPDATE:




If Butler undergoes surgery Monday, he could be available 4 weeks later on March 26 vs Memphis.

Butler would miss 12 games from a 4 week recovery, returning for the final 8 games.

If Butler has to miss 6 weeks, he would return April 9th vs Memphis. That would be the next to last game for Minnesota. Butler would miss 18 games in that case.

In a tough Western Conference, 12 games could be enough for Minnesota to slide out of the playoffs. 18 games or more could be a death blow to the franchise's hopes of competing in the playoffs.
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Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Brandon Rush Joins Portland Trail Blazers On 10-day Contract

Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted Monday night that the Portland Trail blazers had signed veteran SG/SF Brandon Rush to a 10-Day contract.


The 6-6 guard/forward is a 32 year-old out of Kansas, taken 13th overall in the 2008 NBA draft by Portland. He was promptly traded to the Indiana Pacers for Jerryd Bayless on draft night.

Rush has played 9 seasons in the NBA, but has not played in the 2017-2018 regular season. The previous 9 seasons have been spent with Indiana, Golden State, Utah, and most recently the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2016-2017 season.

In 2016-2017, Rush averaged 4.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 47 games (33 starts). Known for his 3-point shooting, he averaged 38.6% from 3 last year and has a career average of 40.2%.

Currently, the Trail Blazers rotation includes 3 players who are shooting a higher percentage from 3-point range than Rush did last year. McCollum at 42.1%, Aminu at 39.4%, and Napier at 40.3%.


It is unclear whether Rush will see any playing time in a crowded backcourt that already features Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Shabazz Napier, and Pat Connaughton at the PG and SG positions. Rush may be looking at minutes at SF, where Moe Harkless and Evan Turner remain mediocre options. With Portland coach Terry Stotts opting for a 3-guard lineup more often, perhaps Rush will see minutes off the bench as a shooter at the small forward position.

After moving Noah Vonleh to the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline, the Portland Trail Blazers can sign Brandon Rush and still narrowly avoid paying the luxury tax.

If signed Tuesday, the 10-day contract would see him potentially suit up through March 1st. That would leave Rush available to play against Utah, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Minnesota. He could be re-signed to a second 10-day contract.
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Monday, February 19, 2018

LeBron James wins All-Star game MVP, Trade Deadline

Two weeks ago it looked like NBA superstar LeBron James might just be mortal after all. With the superstar facing an impending free agency and tasked with an aging roster, it looked like James' streak of 7 consecutive NBA finals would come to an end. With limited trade chips and the face of the franchise rumored to be looking to leave again this summer, the Cavaliers and LeBron James were looking vulnerable in the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference.

How much can hope really change in 2 weeks?

The surprise of the NBA trade deadline, the roster overhaul that Cleveland GM Koby Altman pulled was nothing short of a miracle for James.

Entering the NBA trade deadline, Cleveland's roster had 2 All-Star caliber players (Kevin Love, LeBron) and a bevy of selfish, overpaid, or washed-up players. Chemistry became an issue when reports came out that Isaiah Thomas had called out Kevin Love for leaving a game with illness, questioning the validity of his illness in a brutal loss. Thomas was recovering from illness, playing atrocious, and a new addition to the team. Calling out the 2nd best player on the team who had helped Cleveland win its only championship in history, wasn't the smartest move.

Isaiah Thomas tried to settle the storm by publicly denying any beef with Love, but the damage was done. Later reports came out that Dwayne Wade had actually thrown the first shot at Love- another surprise considering Wade's new addition to the team as well. Jae Crowder had also been brought in by the Boston trade in the off-season but proved to be a poor fit in the Cavalier's offense. Derrick Rose was a distraction on and off the court as he battled injuries and mental stamina; Rose left the team on multiple occasions.

Cleveland cleaned out the players with personal agendas- shipping out Isaiah Thomas, Dwayne Wade, and Derrick Rose. Crowder, Channing Frye, and Shumpert were also shipped out in an effort to get younger, athletic, and productive players.

A roster overhaul without giving up the coveted 2018 Brooklyn Nets pick? Impressive.

Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr., Rodney Hood, and George Hill are quality additions that immediately proved their worth in consecutive wins following the trade. With 2 more roster spots, the Cavs will likely be able to add a solid veteran contributor from the buyout market.

The trade deadline was a clear win for LeBron and the Cavs, but the All-Star weekend was the cherry on top.

Despite injuries to LeBron's All-Star team (Wall, Porzingis, Love, Cousins), Team LeBron rallied past Team Stephen for the 148-145 win. LeBron put up the clear-cut best numbers of the game, producing 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Winning All-Star MVP for the 3rd time (2006, 2008) was impressive for a 33 year-old future Hall of Famer who continues to deny Father Time.

The game was just a reminder that LeBron James isn't moving aside for the young guys just yet, with his 15th season as strong as ever.

Two weeks ago it looked like LeBron was stuck on a washed up team with an uncertain future.

Not anymore.
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Jimmy Butler skips All-Star game; fine coming?

Sunday night featured one of the most competitive NBA All-Star games in recent history, but one of the NBA's best players didn't play- by choice.

Despite being one of the NBA's best 2-way players, the key to Minnesota's best winning percentage since the 2003-2004 season decided to sit out of the All-Star game.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have posted a 39.6% winning percentage over 29 seasons, but currently sit at 59.0% and proud owners of the 4th seed in the Western Conference at 36-25.

Sitting just one game behind the San Antonio Spurs for 3rd place in the West, it would make sense for Butler to take the All-Star weekend easy so that he can have enough in the tank to propel the Wolves to homecourt advantage. This was the rationale that Butler gave himself, when citing how important this season was to him. It seems odd to request to completely sit out the game when even the Spurs allowed LaMarcus Aldridge to play some (a franchise known for resting players).

However, many fans and media members have been quick to point out that the game being in Los Angeles and Butler not feeling well can hardly be viewed as a coincidence.

Whether Butler didn't play because he was incredibly hungover from a night out in Los Angeles or he chose to sit for the minimal injury risk- it is very unusual for a player to completely skip a game without injuries. Even Joel Embiid managed to play significant minutes in the game.


We'll see if the league opts to fine Butler for not playing.

For now, it remains an interesting wrinkle from a stellar All-Star game.
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Saturday, February 15, 2014

Sprite Slam Dunk: Preview

   Arguably the most anticipated contest of all of All-Star weekend, this game is featuring the biggest names in decades to conclude the Saturday events. All-Stars Damian Lillard, John Wall, and Paul George have made this such an anticipated event this year. Returning champion Terrence Ross has had a great season of late too and it will be very difficult for any of the other contestants to beat his acrobatic high flying dunks that he hasn't been shy to show off in games. Just how long has it been since there were so many stars in the contest? Via NBA.com:
This marks the first time in 26 years that three All-Stars are competing in the Sprite Slam Dunk. In the 1988 competition in Chicago, All-Stars Clyde Drexler, Michael Jordan, and Dominique Wilkins squared off, with Jordan claiming the crown in front of the hometown fans.
  Here are the teams:
Eastern Conference: Paul George (Indiana Pacers), Terrence Ross (Toronto Raptors), John Wall (Washington Wizards)
Western Conference: Harrison Barnes (Golden State Warriors), Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers), Ben McLemore (Sacramento Kings)
   The format for this game has changed this year into a team competition too, and here's the details of the controversial change from NBA.com:
This year's event will feature the participants competing as a team -- three players representing the Eastern Conference and three players representing the Western Conference -- in an above-the-rim two-round format. In a significant first in the event's history, the competition will tip off with a Freestyle Round where the dunkers for each conference will have 90 seconds to showcase as many dunks as they want. At the conclusion of the Freestyle Round, the panel of judges will then choose a winner by voting "East" or "West." The winning conference will earn the advantage of deciding whether its dunkers will dunk first or second in the head-to-head battles that take place in the Battle Round.
The Battle Round will feature head-to-head matchups pitting East dunkers vs. West dunkers, with the judges choosing a winner for each battle. Upon losing a head-to-head battle, that dunker is then eliminated from the competition. The first team to win three battles will win the competition and be crowned 2014 Sprite Slam Dunk champions. Complete rules for the 2014 Sprite Slam Dunk and State Farm All-Star Saturday Night can be found on mediacentral.nba.com.
After the competition, fans will also have the opportunity to vote for the player of their choice as "Dunker of the Night" through SMS, Twitter, NBA.com and the NBA GameTime app.

  Personally I don't like the change and think they should have stayed with the classic format. It just feels like they're trying to make this a kids game, where there aren't as many "losers". The "winner" is the team so the individual best dunker won't actually be recognized as the sole champ, an idea I don't like and others have questioned as well.   Expectations/Predictions:
   For the West team to win this they're going to have to be extremely creative as they haven't showcased the athletic throw downs during games that the East constantly has. Ross and George seem like the 2 best dunkers in the group from what they've shown before, but the West's dunkers aren't too shabby either. Lillard has competed in 2 previous events so his athleticism(while already questioned) will be put to the test while facing all these elite dunkers tonight. Hopefully cheesy props will be avoided and this year can help bring back the dunk contest and set up the contest for strong contestants for years to come. We'll just have to see tonight, tune into TNT or TNT Overtime to see how this all goes down.
   Thanks,
      Phillip
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Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout: Preview

   The much anticipated Three-Point Shootout, with some of the best shooters in the competition from top to bottom in years. Not really much to say about this other than it should be a fun short event to watch. The event's simple, breakdown by NBA.com:
Five shooting stations will be set up around the three-point line, with four Official Spalding NBA game balls worth one point each and one Spalding NBA All-Star 2014 commemorative "money ball" worth two points at each location. New to this year's contest, each player will also be able to switch one of the five shooting locations to a full rack of five "money balls," each of which will be worth two points.
The contestants in this years event:
Eastern Conference: Arron Afflalo (Orlando), Bradley Beal (Washington), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), Joe Johnson (Brooklyn)
Western Conference: Marco Belinelli (San Antonio), Stephen Curry (Golden State), Damian Lillard (Portland), Kevin Love (Minnesota)
The winner from each Conference will face off in the championship round. Here's the incentives behind winning:
For the second consecutive year, the Eastern and Western conferences will compete during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night in an evening of challenges that will raise money for charity. NBA Cares and State Farm will make a joint donation of $500,000 as part of the event, with $100,000 awarded to each event's winning conference's charities and $25,000 going to the charities of the runner-up for each event. The Eastern Conference will be playing for the American Heart Association and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF while the Western Conference will compete for Teach for America and Wounded Warrior Project®. All-Stars Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and George, winner of the 2012-13 Kia NBA Most Improved Player Award, will serve as captains of the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. The charities were selected by George and Curry, the NBA, and State Farm.
Tune in to TNT or TNT Overtime to see who the champion will be, or expect it to be on Sportscenter and ESPN.com later tonight.
   Thanks,
      Phillip
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Taco Bell skills Challenge: Preview

   Highlighted by returning champion Damian Lillard, the Taco Bell skills challenge is a fun event that tests players shooting, passing, and quickness. This is a "Team event" with 2 players on 4 different teams. The teams will face off against the other in their Conference first and then the winners of each conference will face off to decide the champions. DeMar DeRozan is the next biggest name player as he was named to his first NBA All-Star game, and Victor Oladipo is the leader in the ROY race so he's a big name trying to raise his profile even more too.
   Breakdown of the teams via NBA.com:
Representing the Eastern Conference are DeRozan and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks on one team, and Michael Carter-Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers and Victor Oladipo of the Orlando Magic on the other.
Joining Lillard on one Western Conference team is Trey Burke of the Utah Jazz, while Reggie Jackson of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Goran Dragic of the Phoenix Suns comprise the other.
   Of course given this event is the Taco Bell skills challenge then there are donations involved related to Taco Bell too:
As part of this year's 2014 Taco Bell® Skills Challenge, four lucky teens will paired with the NBA participants. Through the Taco Bell Foundation for Teens, a total of $120,000 will be donated in support of educational scholarships and to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with the teen paired with the winning team receiving a $30,000 educational scholarship.
For the second consecutive year, the Eastern and Western conferences will compete during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night in an evening of challenges that will raise money for charity. NBA Cares and State Farm will make a joint donation of $500,000 as part of the event, with $100,000 awarded to each event's winning conference's charities and $25,000 going to the charities of the runner-up for each event. The Eastern Conference will be playing for the American Heart Association and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF while the Western Conference will compete for Teach for America and Wounded Warrior Project®. All-Stars Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and George, winner of the 2012-13 Kia NBA Most Improved Player Award, will serve as captains of the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. The charities were selected by George and Curry, the NBA, and State Farm.
   Predictions/Expectations:
   Well the first round is over as I write this(busy day), but I expect Damian Lillard and Trey Burke to take the championship round as both are competitive and Lillard wants to not just compete but do well and try to win all 5 events he is in and raise the Trailblazer's and his own national profile. A short event but fun to watch with real basic skills being put to the test. Watch the game on TNT or TNT Overtime on NBA.com, or check the highlights if you don't have time today.
   Thanks,
      Phillip
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Sears Shooting Stars: Preview

   One of the most overlooked events during All-Star weekend, the Sears Shooting Stars event is honestly one of the worst events and deserving of the low status it has. It's not an event that many players would care to be in, since it really doesn't have anything to do with individual recognition being earned. The game is comprised of 2 Eastern Conference teams and 2 Western Conference teams, with each team consisting of one current NBA player, one legend, and one WNBA player.
   Here's a pretty simple explanation of the event from NBA.com:
A two-round competition, the Sears Shooting Stars contest features four numbered shooting locations of increasing difficulty, with each team attempting to make all shots in numeric order in the fastest time. The first round features two teams from the same conference competing against each other to advance to the championship round where the best team from each conference will square off. The team that completes all four shots in the least amount of time in the championship round will be declared the winner and will win $100,000 for their conference's charities.
    Obviously the biggest part of this event is the $100,000 being donated to a conference's charity, as there really isn't any bragging rights that come from this game.
   So who are the contestants? Once again via NBA.com:
Two teams representing the Western Conference and two teams representing the Eastern Conference will compete in the 2014 Sears Shooting Stars. Joining Durant, the three-time NBA scoring champ (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12) on one Western Conference team are Hall of Famer Karl Malone and the No. 3 overall selection in the 2013 WNBA Draft, Skylar Diggins of the Tulsa Shock. Curry is joined on the second West team by his father, NBA Legend Dell Curry, and six-time WNBA All-Star Becky Hammon of the San Antonio Stars.
The East stand-ins for one team are Tim Hardaway Jr. from the New York Knicks, his father and NBA Legend, Tim Hardaway Sr., and 2013 WNBA Rookie of the Year Elena Della Donne. Two-time NBA champion Bosh is joined by Hall of Fame member Dominique Wilkins and three-time WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Swin Cash of the Chicago Sky.
   Predictions/Expectations:
   The most fun part of the night will likely be seeing how Steph Curry and Tim Hardaway Jr. do against their "Legend" fathers Dell Curry and Tim Hardaway Sr. The WNBA players are probably recognized by 1 percent of those who watch the event, but at least the Legends are good in this game. This game isn't going to be watched by many people as it really is very overlooked and is only of real interest to the 4 teams fans who have players in the game. Honestly I'm not going to watch this event, and this post is late and since the NBA events are so loosely scheduled today sometime after 5pm then who really knows how long it'll go to but the majority of you probably didn't care to watch it anyways. Save your time and check the highlights tonight, that's what I'll be doing. If you insist on watching it then check it out on TNT or TNT Overtime on NBA.com.
   Thanks,
      Phillip

 
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Friday, February 14, 2014

BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge: Preview

   An exhibition game that is always sure to have plenty of scoring, dunking, and little defense is fun to watch because it's an opportunity for the most talented Rookies and Sophomores to put on a show on national television and take advantage of the chance to spread their name. With the All-Star game generally featuring the best players who have propelled their teams to some of the best in the league, the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge features many players who were top picks(many of so still on below .500 teams-how their team got to draft them in the first place) or pleasant surprises who are not yet at an All-Star caliber level but who have shown promise or at least flashes of potential towards such accolades.
   Here's a quick review of the changes that have happened in recent years to this particular exhibition game, from the impeccably trusty internet source Wikipedia:
   "The Rookie Challenge, established in 1994, was originally competed by two randomly selected teams composed entirely of first-year players. This format was continued until 1996, when it was changed to pit rookie teams of both the Eastern and the Western Conference against each other. In 1999, the game was cancelled as a result of the NBA lockout. Since the 1998 rookie class did not compete that year, the game was revamped and featured a team of standout first-year players ('Rookies') against a team of standout second-year players ('Sophomores'). For 2012 and 2013, the format was changed to having two teams drafted by former NBA superstars Charles Barkley (Team Chuck) and Shaquille O'Neal (Team Shaq). In 2014, the two teams were drafted by Chris Webber (Team Webber) and Grant Hill (Team Hill). Unlike regular NBA games, the game was divided into two twenty-minute halves, similar to college basketball. The participating players were chosen by voting among the league's assistant coaches. In the game, players wear their respective regular team uniforms, except for 2009, in which players wore fan-designed jerseys. The head coaches of the two teams are the lead assistant coaches of the NBA All-Star Game coach. Starting in 2009, two active NBA players were added to the game coaching staffs. The format of the game and name was changed to the Rising Stars Challenge in 2012."
   Since I'm in a rush(heading to the gym to play some basketball myself), here's my expectations/predictions:
   Once again this game will be a very high scoring affair with little to no defense until the 4th quarter. Look for dunkers and 3 point shooters to rack up the most points(Davis, Oladipo, Lillard, Beal, Barnes, Drummond, Valanciunas). Lillard has been marketed a lot for this game, but since he has 3 events tomorrow then it's hard to know whether he'll be playing big minutes for the win or conserving energy for the real show tomorrow. MVP would most likely go to Davis or Lillard but since both are also playing in the All-Star game then they may be spending more time on the bench. Drummond isn't however, so if he can put his man-child body to work against the soft defense then he can take it should Davis and Lillard be limited. It's anybody's guess though since there are so many good young scorers in this game, should be a fun one. My bet is on the more talented Team Hill, but Team Webber has more physical/gritty players which may be able to compensate for a lack of 3 point shooting threats.
Tip off it 6 p.m. ET on TNT.
   Thanks,
      Phillip
Full teams Via NBA.com...
TEAM WEBBER
PlayerNBA TeamClassDraft PickYear
Anthony DavisNew OrleansSoph.No. 12012
Michael Carter-WilliamsPhiladelphiaRookieNo. 112013
Tim Hardaway Jr.New YorkRookieNo. 242013
Trey BurkeUtahRookieNo. 92013
Jared SullingerBostonSoph.No. 212012
Mason PlumleeBrooklynRookieNo. 222013
Victor OladipoOrlandoRookieNo. 22013
Steven AdamsOKCRookieNo. 122013
Kelly OlynykBostonRookieNo. 132013
TEAM HILL
PlayerNBA TeamClassDraft PickYear
Damian LillardPortlandSoph.No. 62012
Bradley BealWashingtonSoph.No. 32012
Andre DrummondDetroitSoph.No. 92012
Harrison BarnesGolden StateSoph.No. 72012
Terrence JonesHoustonSoph.No. 182012
Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukeeRookieNo. 152013
Jonas ValanciunasTorontoSoph.No. 52011
Dion WaitersClevelandSoph.No. 42012
Miles Plumlee**PhoenixSoph.No. 262012
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Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game: Preview

   If you like high flying dunks that get you yelling and jumping out of your seat so much you scare your dog, 3's raining everywhere like it's Portland, silky crossovers that make your jaw drop, and skills fine tuned with tens of thousands of hours of practice... then you better wait until Sunday, because this game isn't for you. The Celebrity All-Star game is full of people who either love basketball and/or the attention, these are by no means professional basketball players and most wouldn't be the best at your local gym. However, there are some talented players and the game is always fun to see how athletic some of these actors or comedians really are or at least to see what type of wild antics and hilarity that the 2-time MVP Kevin Hart will bring to the game.
   Since it is Valentines day, and this game isn't going to make you feel butterflies like a romantic date with a loved one might, then I recommend passing on it this time and saving that space on your DVR... but for the rest of us who've got no dates, no plans, and/or nothing better to do Friday evening, then sit back and tune into the game for a fun contest that'll beat picking your nose or scrolling through facebook reading all your friends depressing posts about being single or a victim of the world or witnessing on instagram friends ability to somehow take more selfies in a week than Narcissus himself could bare to take in a lifetime.
   Now for the list and breakdown of the players via NBA.com...
Two-time MVP Kevin Hart
Victoria's Secret model, actress and philanthropist Erin Heatherton
"America's Got Talent" host Nick Cannon
ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike" hosts Mike Golic and Mike Greenberg
Jesse Williams ("Grey's Anatomy")
Columbus Short ("Scandal")
Michael B. Jordan ("That Awkward Moment")
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
Three-time NBA Champion and ESPN NBA analyst Bruce Bowen
"E! News" anchor Terrence Jenkins
NBA TV's "NBA Inside Stuff presented by Samsung Galaxy" co-host Kristen Ledlow
ESPN anchor Stan Verrett
WNBA star Skylar Diggins of the Tulsa Shock
Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky
Expectations/Predictions:
   The favorite has got to be 2 time MVP Kevin Hart. With his success branching into film in the last year, his rising celebrity status will most likely seal the MVP once again since the award is given via fans votes. The actual best players in the game though? WNBA "stars" Skylar Diggins(8.5ppg) and Elena Delle Donne(15.0ppg). 5-time NBA All-Defensive First Team, 3-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and 3 time NBA champion Bruce Bowen. U.S. Secretary of Education, former Harvard team captain, and professional Australian basketball player from 1987-1991.
The game airs live on ESPN from Sprint Arena Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. ET.
   Thanks,
      Phillip
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Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Starting Fresh

   Sometimes it's just nice to get a fresh start, to give something another shot to do your best at even if the first time you weren't able to fulfill what you hoped. Surely this can be related to many different areas, but for me I am referring to the process of restarting this blog. Ever since the Trailblazers reeled off a 13 game winning streak being lead by the franchise "savior" Brandon Roy, I have become a die-hard NBA fan. I can't imagine there are too many kids who from 8th grade through high school would watch NBA summer league games to get a first look at the newest rookies and improved players instead of watching movies or playing videogames(of course those had to be fit in during the summer too though).
   Now I'm 18 and a freshman in college, and although I can't name every single player in the NBA like I could as a freshman in high school(yes every single player and top free agents, and yes that's over 450 names), I still have that love for basketball. Watching the Trailblazers exceed expectations, as LaMarcus Aldridge becomes one of the best Power Forwards in the game, has kept me addicted to this team after last seasons finish was rough. With the looming 2014 NBA Draft that has been hyped up for a couple years now, and a strong 2014 NBA Free Agency, then there are a lot of rumors that will be circulating around in the next week and a half leading to the always anticipated NBA trade deadline and my goal is to cover these major trades and rumors and break them down for those who aren't familiar with the players around the league on teams that aren't their favorite.
   I tried to start up this blog a couple years ago, but I could never find the time for this commitment with school and sports always filling my schedule. With a fresh start now, I hope to be able to start a blog that can be NBA fans first stop when they're looking for a breakdown of a trade or weekly power rankings. I'm hoping my occasional posts sharing my opinion about news or rumors that are circulating will be enjoyable for the readers and that there can be positive feedback(positive comments or sharing the post) when the reader enjoys the article or helpful advice if I miss a beat.
   Thanks,
      Phillip
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