Pumpin' Gas into the USC OffenseKevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesSo much for Lane Kiffin's bold prediction that Alshon Jeffery will be pumping gas after going to South Carolina. More like pumping out touchdowns at the NFL level. While the Gamecock headlines mostly read about freshman sensationDallas Cowboys jersey
Marcus Lattimore, Stephen Garcia, or the never-ending drama with Spurrier and backup Connor Shaw, Alshon Jeffery is quietly putting together one of the finest receiving campaigns in the history of South Carolina football. For those of you that do not know any better, you will say "So what; it is only South Carolina!". South Carolina has had its fair share of great wide receivers. Kenny McKinley (R.I.P.) finished third in the SEC for all-time receptions and owns almost every South Carolina receiving record. Sidney Rice is a bona fide NFL star and is GREATLY missed by Brett Favre. Troy Williamson made a mockery of opposing defenses when he played, emerging as the NCAA's biggest deep threat for years, and Sterling Sharpe is an NFL legend. Alshon is currently a true sophomore, which make his statistics even more amazing. He is also playing on a team that runs more than it passes and is suffering a seemingly never ending QB controversy. (On a side note, Stephen Garcia is currently 19th in college football in passing efficiency Denver Broncos jersey
and has thrown five touchdowns to two interceptions, while completing a high percentage of his passes. Not sure WHY there is a controversy, but that is a story for another day.)Look at these stats, and think about the situation he is in. He has 27 catches for 492 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 18.5 yards per catch and 124.5 yards per game. His touchdowns are lower because the Gamecocks hand the ball to Lattimore when they get close, but the rest of his stats are truly amazing. He leads college football in receiving yards, and is third in yards per game. He does this on a running team. It is truly amazing. Currently, his career stats are 73 receptions for 1,261 yards and eight touchdowns. This is through roughly 17 games. Five of those games were spent as a backup. So in a technicality, he has only fully played in 12 games as a starter. His 6'4", 233 pound frame screams NFL. He has also destroyed most corners. While he is no blazer, his hands and size make him potentially the most dangerous wide receiving threat in college football. He has been compared to the likes of Terrell Owens and Randy Moss minus the attitude. He is always the last one out of practice and always stays to catch extra balls from the coaches. He claims that since it worked for him in high school, it will work for him in Detroit Lions
college. He has never been in any sort of trouble while at the university. Those who have seen him play have come to respect him. Auburn fans (even though South Carolina lost) were amazed at his ability. Comments from fans were along the lines of, "You guys have a beast out there at wide receiver." The argument could be made that he is the best in college football. I would buy that.
2011年1月24日星期一
2011年1月22日星期六
22 Jan 11 Oklahoma Sooners Report Card for Air Force Game
The Oklahoma Sooners are a very different team this year. They have managed to stay relatively healthy, along with winning close games that they would have lost a year ago. However, these close games that the Sooners have won, against Utah State and now Air Force, are games that really shouldn't have been as close as they were. But for now, a win is a win and the Sooners are 3-0 after a 27-24 victory over Air Force yesterday at Owen Field. The Sooners jumped out to a 27-10 fourth quarter lead before allowing Air Force to score twice and make a ball game of it again. Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
couple of late first downs iced the game for Oklahoma, but fans still left the stadium wondering what the true identity of this Sooner team is. This week is a tough one to grade because Air Force is a quality team and runs a very interesting offense. The triple-option is not something that you see everyday and it caused some problems for the Sooners throughout the game. Fortunately, the Sooners contained it enough to get the win. Here are this week's scores. Quarterback: B-Landry Jones is the epitome of this identity crisis the Sooners are in. After a romp over Florida State in which Jones looked every bit the Heisman candidate, Jones came back down to earth with a very modest game. While Jones didn't make mistakes that cost the Sooners the game, he didn't make a ton of plays either and was off the mark a lot, particularly in the first half. It seems that Jones doesn't have the confidence in himself to put the ball on the money against a good defense. He also needs to learn when to get rid of the ball and stop trying to make a play that isn't there. That's cost Oklahoma several sacks this year. There is no doubt that Jones is a better quarterback than last year, but he still has a long way to go. Running Backs: B+For the second straight week, Oklahoma failed to establish a really consistent running attack, rushing for 113 yards on 34 attempts. DeMarco Murray had a big day for the Sooners, with 26 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns, but no one else really did anything. Mossis Madu only got three carries and Jones was sacked a couple of times, but did have a couple of nifty scampers early in the game. Murray has proven his mettle at being able to carry the ball a lot during games. However, Oklahoma needs to work harder at establishing the running game, or defenses will begin to sit back more on the pass.Wide Receivers: A-A lot could've happened had Jones been more on target with some of his passes, but overall, this unit did a great job of making plays and then fighting for yards after the catch. Ryan Broyles had another great game with 10 catches for 116 yards, but no touchdowns. Murray caught Jones' only touchdown pass of the day on a screen pass that put the Sooners up 17 in the fourth. There were a couple of drops in the unit, but they stepped up and made plays against a very good Air Force secondary. Their performance was encouraging, to say the least.Offensive Line: B-Like many parts of OU's performance on Saturday, the offensive line wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. The line did a good job of giving Jones time to throw the football, but struggled at picking up blitzes from time to time. Another problem was the fact that Sooners averaged less than four yards a carry on the ground for the second straight week. Against an obviously smaller and less athletic defensive front, the O-line should have been able to have their way with the Falcons, especially as the game wore on. Things did improve on the ground later in the game as Murray began to pick up nice chunks of yards, but it should have been a lot better than what it was. Still, like Jones, there is no doubt this unit has improved a lot since last year and is continuing to get better.Defensive Line: CAir Force's most consistently successful play came on fullback dives right up the middle. The Falcon offensive line was able to push Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
the tackles off the ball and pick up five yards pretty much all day long. That's inexcusable for a talented Oklahoma front. The defensive ends did a solid job of sticking to their gaps and staying disciplined on sweeps, but they too were burned at times by the speed and deception of the triple option offense. Linebackers: BThe linebackers did a good job of closing to the football and making stops before the play got out of hand. Consistency on that was a bit of an issue, but not too terrible. It's hard to gauge a defense's performance against such a tough offense. Overall, the linebackers did a good job of closing down and making plays when they needed to be made. Many missed tackles though, but that was the case for the whole defense, not just this unit. Secondary: COnce again, the secondary was burned constantly. Quarterback Tim Jefferson completed 8-of-14 passes against the Sooner secondary with almost every single pass being nothing more than some form of a slant over the middle. The Sooners were always caught behind the receiver giving Jefferson a nice window to deliver the football. The corners and safeties have to become more aggressive at defending the pass. Ten yard cushions are plain crazy to give up when you have a 3rd-and-7 situation. That's just not smart football. Special Teams: AJimmy Stevens took over the placekicking duties for injured Patrick O'Hara, who sat out the game with a muscle strain, and performed extremely well, making all three extra points and both field goals. Stevens is a very solid kicker, especially within 40 yards, so it was good to see him get on the field and perform well. Tress Way had another solid day punting the football, averaging 50 yards a boot on his four punts. Overall, Oklahoma did not play a bad game yesterday. They moved the ball fairly effectively on offense and made stops on defense as well. Like Utah State however, they seemed to mentally check out a bit once they established a 27-10 lead in the fourth quarter. These mental lapses have got to stop if Oklahoma is going to continue to win Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
football games.The Sooners hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Cincinnati next week. It should provide a good test for the Sooners who did not perform well on the road at all last year and will be looking to shed that label very quickly.
couple of late first downs iced the game for Oklahoma, but fans still left the stadium wondering what the true identity of this Sooner team is. This week is a tough one to grade because Air Force is a quality team and runs a very interesting offense. The triple-option is not something that you see everyday and it caused some problems for the Sooners throughout the game. Fortunately, the Sooners contained it enough to get the win. Here are this week's scores. Quarterback: B-Landry Jones is the epitome of this identity crisis the Sooners are in. After a romp over Florida State in which Jones looked every bit the Heisman candidate, Jones came back down to earth with a very modest game. While Jones didn't make mistakes that cost the Sooners the game, he didn't make a ton of plays either and was off the mark a lot, particularly in the first half. It seems that Jones doesn't have the confidence in himself to put the ball on the money against a good defense. He also needs to learn when to get rid of the ball and stop trying to make a play that isn't there. That's cost Oklahoma several sacks this year. There is no doubt that Jones is a better quarterback than last year, but he still has a long way to go. Running Backs: B+For the second straight week, Oklahoma failed to establish a really consistent running attack, rushing for 113 yards on 34 attempts. DeMarco Murray had a big day for the Sooners, with 26 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns, but no one else really did anything. Mossis Madu only got three carries and Jones was sacked a couple of times, but did have a couple of nifty scampers early in the game. Murray has proven his mettle at being able to carry the ball a lot during games. However, Oklahoma needs to work harder at establishing the running game, or defenses will begin to sit back more on the pass.Wide Receivers: A-A lot could've happened had Jones been more on target with some of his passes, but overall, this unit did a great job of making plays and then fighting for yards after the catch. Ryan Broyles had another great game with 10 catches for 116 yards, but no touchdowns. Murray caught Jones' only touchdown pass of the day on a screen pass that put the Sooners up 17 in the fourth. There were a couple of drops in the unit, but they stepped up and made plays against a very good Air Force secondary. Their performance was encouraging, to say the least.Offensive Line: B-Like many parts of OU's performance on Saturday, the offensive line wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. The line did a good job of giving Jones time to throw the football, but struggled at picking up blitzes from time to time. Another problem was the fact that Sooners averaged less than four yards a carry on the ground for the second straight week. Against an obviously smaller and less athletic defensive front, the O-line should have been able to have their way with the Falcons, especially as the game wore on. Things did improve on the ground later in the game as Murray began to pick up nice chunks of yards, but it should have been a lot better than what it was. Still, like Jones, there is no doubt this unit has improved a lot since last year and is continuing to get better.Defensive Line: CAir Force's most consistently successful play came on fullback dives right up the middle. The Falcon offensive line was able to push Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
the tackles off the ball and pick up five yards pretty much all day long. That's inexcusable for a talented Oklahoma front. The defensive ends did a solid job of sticking to their gaps and staying disciplined on sweeps, but they too were burned at times by the speed and deception of the triple option offense. Linebackers: BThe linebackers did a good job of closing to the football and making stops before the play got out of hand. Consistency on that was a bit of an issue, but not too terrible. It's hard to gauge a defense's performance against such a tough offense. Overall, the linebackers did a good job of closing down and making plays when they needed to be made. Many missed tackles though, but that was the case for the whole defense, not just this unit. Secondary: COnce again, the secondary was burned constantly. Quarterback Tim Jefferson completed 8-of-14 passes against the Sooner secondary with almost every single pass being nothing more than some form of a slant over the middle. The Sooners were always caught behind the receiver giving Jefferson a nice window to deliver the football. The corners and safeties have to become more aggressive at defending the pass. Ten yard cushions are plain crazy to give up when you have a 3rd-and-7 situation. That's just not smart football. Special Teams: AJimmy Stevens took over the placekicking duties for injured Patrick O'Hara, who sat out the game with a muscle strain, and performed extremely well, making all three extra points and both field goals. Stevens is a very solid kicker, especially within 40 yards, so it was good to see him get on the field and perform well. Tress Way had another solid day punting the football, averaging 50 yards a boot on his four punts. Overall, Oklahoma did not play a bad game yesterday. They moved the ball fairly effectively on offense and made stops on defense as well. Like Utah State however, they seemed to mentally check out a bit once they established a 27-10 lead in the fourth quarter. These mental lapses have got to stop if Oklahoma is going to continue to win Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
football games.The Sooners hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to Cincinnati next week. It should provide a good test for the Sooners who did not perform well on the road at all last year and will be looking to shed that label very quickly.
2011年1月18日星期二
18 Jan 11 Houston's Double Injury at Quarterback Could Be Just What SMU Needs
Houston quarterback Case Keenum suffered a season ending injury Saturday against UCLA.Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesInjuries arenexactly the thing a sports fan should hope for.Sure, I hoped Barry Bonds would get a career ending injury before he broke either Mark McGwire70 home runs in a season or Hank Aaroncareer home Cincinnati Bengals jersey
run record. And when a guy on the court, ice, field, or turf is just kicking your team around you silently hope that something will happen to him and give your team a chance.Last season the SMU Mustangs were seemingly headed for another year without a bowl game. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell had underachieved in head coach June Jones offense and was having issues throwing the ball to the right team. Then it happened, in Houston, Mitchell went down with an injury. That brought in, freshman at the time, Kyle Padron. He didnlook like anything special in the rest of the game against Houston, but what he showed after that game kept Mitchell on the bench and eventually transferring to another school.This season the Mustangs could benefit from another quarterback injury in Houston. This time it isnto an SMU player, itto two Cougars.One week after suffering a mild concussion trying to make a tackle after an interception, once Heisman candidate Case Keenum did it again. He threw an interception, went to make a tackle and this time tore his ACL and is done for the season. Cleveland Browns jersey
But thatok, Houston has a backup by the name of Cotton Turner, heno Keenum but still capable of running a potent Cougar offense. Only one problem, he broke his collar bone, also out for the season. The Cougars went into the game against UCLA with a No. 23 ranking and a Heisman candidate. They left with a loss, dropping out of the top 25, and a third-string, freshman quarterback leading them.There was so much hype, so much hope and so much reverence surrounding Houston when the season started. They were going to win Conference USA West, again, they were going to send Keenum to New York for a chance at a trophy and they were going to compete with TCU and Boise State as BCS busters.Now some of that has moved into SMUcamp. Will Padron be talked about for the Heisman? Probably not. Will the Mustangs sniff a BCS game? No. But SMU has a solid shot to dominate the west in C-USA and possibly host the conference championship game in December.Now the Mustangs do still have to win the games they are supposed to; Rice, Tulsa, Tulane, and they have to get past UTEP and still beat Houston. And the Cougars have games against Tulane, Mississippi State and Rice to get third to first string freshman quarterback Terrence Broadway integrated in the offense and comfortable playing the position at the college level.There is little doubt that Broadway is a capable, talented quarterback, and that he has the ability to be a great quarterback. But for now the Mustangs hope he has some growing pains over the next couple of games culminating on Dallas Cowboys jersey
Oct. 23 at Ford Stadium.Everyone has heard that one mantrash is another mantreasure, as one door closes another one opens and one manmisfortune is anotherfortune. All the Mustangs are hoping for is a win against Houston and a chance at the conference championship. And with Keenum and Turner out of the picture itlooking like they could be well on their way.
run record. And when a guy on the court, ice, field, or turf is just kicking your team around you silently hope that something will happen to him and give your team a chance.Last season the SMU Mustangs were seemingly headed for another year without a bowl game. Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell had underachieved in head coach June Jones offense and was having issues throwing the ball to the right team. Then it happened, in Houston, Mitchell went down with an injury. That brought in, freshman at the time, Kyle Padron. He didnlook like anything special in the rest of the game against Houston, but what he showed after that game kept Mitchell on the bench and eventually transferring to another school.This season the Mustangs could benefit from another quarterback injury in Houston. This time it isnto an SMU player, itto two Cougars.One week after suffering a mild concussion trying to make a tackle after an interception, once Heisman candidate Case Keenum did it again. He threw an interception, went to make a tackle and this time tore his ACL and is done for the season. Cleveland Browns jersey
But thatok, Houston has a backup by the name of Cotton Turner, heno Keenum but still capable of running a potent Cougar offense. Only one problem, he broke his collar bone, also out for the season. The Cougars went into the game against UCLA with a No. 23 ranking and a Heisman candidate. They left with a loss, dropping out of the top 25, and a third-string, freshman quarterback leading them.There was so much hype, so much hope and so much reverence surrounding Houston when the season started. They were going to win Conference USA West, again, they were going to send Keenum to New York for a chance at a trophy and they were going to compete with TCU and Boise State as BCS busters.Now some of that has moved into SMUcamp. Will Padron be talked about for the Heisman? Probably not. Will the Mustangs sniff a BCS game? No. But SMU has a solid shot to dominate the west in C-USA and possibly host the conference championship game in December.Now the Mustangs do still have to win the games they are supposed to; Rice, Tulsa, Tulane, and they have to get past UTEP and still beat Houston. And the Cougars have games against Tulane, Mississippi State and Rice to get third to first string freshman quarterback Terrence Broadway integrated in the offense and comfortable playing the position at the college level.There is little doubt that Broadway is a capable, talented quarterback, and that he has the ability to be a great quarterback. But for now the Mustangs hope he has some growing pains over the next couple of games culminating on Dallas Cowboys jersey
Oct. 23 at Ford Stadium.Everyone has heard that one mantrash is another mantreasure, as one door closes another one opens and one manmisfortune is anotherfortune. All the Mustangs are hoping for is a win against Houston and a chance at the conference championship. And with Keenum and Turner out of the picture itlooking like they could be well on their way.
2011年1月15日星期六
15 Jan 11 St. Louis Rams will play on new surface in 2006
The St. Louis Rams plan on playing on a new surface next year at their home stadium. The Edward Jones Dome will have FieldTurf installed in 2005 and a new long-term convertible system in place by 2006. This newer surface can be picked up in parts and moved easily to accommodate non-football events.The New Orleans Saints jersey
Rams have played on an artificial grass carpet laid over concrete since 1995. Players on the team have groused about the lack of cushion on the playing surface. However, FieldTurf has been likened to playing on natural grass.The St. Louis County and Convention and Visitors Commission leases the stadium to the Rams. The commission previously had concerns about the dome's ability to hold conventions and trade shows with the newer surface. (0) The St. Louis Rams signed cornerback Michael Hawthorne to a 1 year deal. The free agent is coming off his best statistical season.The 6'3", 204 lbs. Hawthorne played in 16 games for the first time in his career during 2004. He recorded 49 tackles, 7 deflected passes, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries for the Green Bay Packers. The former Purdue Boilermaker joined the NFL in 2000 with the New Orleans Saints. In 2003, he became a Packer. Hawthorne has totaled 150 tackles, 3 interceptions, 13 deflected passes, and 3 fumble recoveries in 58 career games. (0) The St. Louis Rams came to terms on a 1 year contract with cornerback Terry Fair. Because of injuries, Fair has not seen action on the football field since 2002.He last appeared with the Carolina Panthers in 2002. Fair participated in 3 contests that season. He then missed the entire 2003 campaign for the Panthers. After joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004, Fair was cut in the summer and again did not play in any games. The 5'9", 184 lbs. Fair is a product of the University of Tennessee. He has played for the Detroit Lions (1998-2001), the Panthers (2002-2003), and the Steelers (2004). In 55 career games, he has accumulated 212 tackles, 7 interceptions (including 2 returned for touchdowns), and 30 pass deflections.In other team news, the Rams acquired veteran CB Corey Ivy. (0) The St. Louis Rams New York Giants jersey
have decided to train at their home facility, breaking the teams tradition of practicing Western Illinois University.After moving to St. Louis, the Rams staged their initial training camp in 1995 at Maryville University in their hometown. The past 9 years, they've held workouts at Macomb, Illinois. Many teams have chosen recently to remain near home to train. Last season 12 of the 32 teams trained at their own facility, while several others practice at sites close to their home base. (0)
Rams have played on an artificial grass carpet laid over concrete since 1995. Players on the team have groused about the lack of cushion on the playing surface. However, FieldTurf has been likened to playing on natural grass.The St. Louis County and Convention and Visitors Commission leases the stadium to the Rams. The commission previously had concerns about the dome's ability to hold conventions and trade shows with the newer surface. (0) The St. Louis Rams signed cornerback Michael Hawthorne to a 1 year deal. The free agent is coming off his best statistical season.The 6'3", 204 lbs. Hawthorne played in 16 games for the first time in his career during 2004. He recorded 49 tackles, 7 deflected passes, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries for the Green Bay Packers. The former Purdue Boilermaker joined the NFL in 2000 with the New Orleans Saints. In 2003, he became a Packer. Hawthorne has totaled 150 tackles, 3 interceptions, 13 deflected passes, and 3 fumble recoveries in 58 career games. (0) The St. Louis Rams came to terms on a 1 year contract with cornerback Terry Fair. Because of injuries, Fair has not seen action on the football field since 2002.He last appeared with the Carolina Panthers in 2002. Fair participated in 3 contests that season. He then missed the entire 2003 campaign for the Panthers. After joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004, Fair was cut in the summer and again did not play in any games. The 5'9", 184 lbs. Fair is a product of the University of Tennessee. He has played for the Detroit Lions (1998-2001), the Panthers (2002-2003), and the Steelers (2004). In 55 career games, he has accumulated 212 tackles, 7 interceptions (including 2 returned for touchdowns), and 30 pass deflections.In other team news, the Rams acquired veteran CB Corey Ivy. (0) The St. Louis Rams New York Giants jersey
have decided to train at their home facility, breaking the teams tradition of practicing Western Illinois University.After moving to St. Louis, the Rams staged their initial training camp in 1995 at Maryville University in their hometown. The past 9 years, they've held workouts at Macomb, Illinois. Many teams have chosen recently to remain near home to train. Last season 12 of the 32 teams trained at their own facility, while several others practice at sites close to their home base. (0)
2011年1月13日星期四
14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks Defense "Big Gains" Commentary
Forget the breaks and sprains that sideline Seattle's offensive superstars. Fans should be concerned with the Seahawks' defensive players: They might be relatively healthy, but they can't seem to catch anybody. Chester Taylor's 95-yard run for a touchdown in Sunday's game was the longest run against the 'Hawks since Willie Washington Redskins jersey
Parker's 75-yard scamper in Super Bowl XL. And if those were the only two long touchdowns against Seattle's defense in 2006, that would be damaging enough.But they aren't. Another loss -- a 37-6 defeat to Chicago in Week 4 -- also featured some embarrassingly long gains. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian burned Seattle for a 46-yard reception in the first quarter (when the game was still close), and followed it up with a 40-yard touchdown catch in the third (when it wasn't). A team without its playmakers on offense can't afford to give up big plays on defense. Even in victory, the offense has covered for defensive miscues. The Seattle Seahawks slipped past the Rams in Week 6, but had to overcome a 67-yard Torry Holt touchdown reception to do it. Their 21-10 win over hapless Arizona in Week 2 was impressive, except when they gave up a 40-yard touchdown to receiver Bryant Johnson. It was Johnson's only reception in the game, the Cardinals' longest gain of the afternoon and their only touchdown in the contest. When opponents hit the Seahawks for long gains, they usually make them pay. And if the offense isn't equipped to pay them back, the win-loss ledger is going to suffer.The ailing offense will grab headlines, but the team needs to start paying attention to its defensive struggles immediately. Beginning with Kansas City on Sunday, the Seahawks face a string of winnable games against teams with big-play ability. Larry Johnson and Randy Moss are scheduled to line up against Seattle's defense before a Nov. 12 rematch against Holt and the Rams. In order for the Seahawks to come out ahead in those three games, they'll need to contain opposing playmakers and give their offense a chance to find its footing. And with division-rival St. Louis tied with the 'Hawks at 4-2, there's little room for error. Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
After those contests, there's a good chance that Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will finally be in the starting lineup together. But neither of those guys play defense. Until the team figures out how to prevent big gains, Seattle's struggles won't end when its best players get healthy. Weekly Seattle Seahawks analysis
Parker's 75-yard scamper in Super Bowl XL. And if those were the only two long touchdowns against Seattle's defense in 2006, that would be damaging enough.But they aren't. Another loss -- a 37-6 defeat to Chicago in Week 4 -- also featured some embarrassingly long gains. Wide receiver Bernard Berrian burned Seattle for a 46-yard reception in the first quarter (when the game was still close), and followed it up with a 40-yard touchdown catch in the third (when it wasn't). A team without its playmakers on offense can't afford to give up big plays on defense. Even in victory, the offense has covered for defensive miscues. The Seattle Seahawks slipped past the Rams in Week 6, but had to overcome a 67-yard Torry Holt touchdown reception to do it. Their 21-10 win over hapless Arizona in Week 2 was impressive, except when they gave up a 40-yard touchdown to receiver Bryant Johnson. It was Johnson's only reception in the game, the Cardinals' longest gain of the afternoon and their only touchdown in the contest. When opponents hit the Seahawks for long gains, they usually make them pay. And if the offense isn't equipped to pay them back, the win-loss ledger is going to suffer.The ailing offense will grab headlines, but the team needs to start paying attention to its defensive struggles immediately. Beginning with Kansas City on Sunday, the Seahawks face a string of winnable games against teams with big-play ability. Larry Johnson and Randy Moss are scheduled to line up against Seattle's defense before a Nov. 12 rematch against Holt and the Rams. In order for the Seahawks to come out ahead in those three games, they'll need to contain opposing playmakers and give their offense a chance to find its footing. And with division-rival St. Louis tied with the 'Hawks at 4-2, there's little room for error. Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
After those contests, there's a good chance that Matt Hasselbeck and Shaun Alexander will finally be in the starting lineup together. But neither of those guys play defense. Until the team figures out how to prevent big gains, Seattle's struggles won't end when its best players get healthy. Weekly Seattle Seahawks analysis
2011年1月12日星期三
They already have the rights to SEC Football and basketball and have been aggressive in purchasing programming
Their afternoon programming to compete with other station news programs includes top hits such as Family Guy , The Simpsons , and Two and a Half Men .Theyre also looking to expand their local news presence and are operated by the Sun-Sentinel , a local Miami newspaper (both are owned by Tribune Company, who has a similar arrangement in Chicago to the local TV station-local cable news net idea for South Florida that Im posting).Theyve already launched a morning show that has seen its rough patches but improves on its ratings daily, and with the backing of Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
the Sun-Sentinel could most likely run a 24-hour news station using up-and-coming talent that are fresh from graduation from FIU or UM to possiblyin the futurepromote into the big leagues (which in their case would be a 10 PM newscast).Plus, other than SEC football and basketball, there are no other sports programming from any networks (CW doesn have the rights to any sports coverage) and weekend programming mainly consists of re-runs and movies (and since the CW doesn program on Sunday nights, the occasional Sunday night Heat or Panthers game could find its way onto SFL schedule.).This seems way too perfect not to work, especially since Tribune has experience with their local stations airing local sports teams games (WPIX in New York with Mets, Rangers, and Knicks; WGN in Chicago with the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks).As for the other partners, well, let go with the CW affiliates in both markets: WTVX in West Palm Beach, which has no plans for a newscast but would sure welcome one either produced by WSFL but geared towards West Palm Beach (or even an hour-long newscast simulcast to both CW stations done in Ft. Lauderdale servicing both markets since Ft. Lauderdale is in the middle of both.).And for the Ft. Myers-Naples area, since their CW affiliate Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
WXCW had a newscast produced by CBS affiliate WINK, both stations could contribute and be a member of this loose network, with WINK getting some Marlins, Heat, and Panthers games in the Friday-Saturday-Sunday timeslots that theyd normally air anyways that don interfere with CBS Network programming, plus the money theyd save on their sports bureau.Of course youre thinking this wouldn work, as the station would mainly give out Marlins and Heat propaganda.Not the case.It would be independent of the two organizations, but owned under the same corporate umbrella. The reporting would have to be fair and not abused with negative attacks and editorials about departing free agents or players they want to trade (not at least without a dissenting opinion).The revenues theyd bring in with advertising and their partnerships with these stations would be enough to give the Marlins plenty of money to spend, as well as give the Heat more than enough to cover any luxury tax payments theyd have to make.Of course, all of this is just a pipe dream, but a great idea none the less. If Im the Marlins and Heat and this offer was proposed to me, Id take it in a cocaine heartbeat.What are the chances of this happening?We probably would never see it, but if anyone reads this that can make things Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
happen and get things done, they might want to forward the link to this blog in an e-mail to Mr. Mickey Arison and Mr. Jeffrey Loria, that way at least theyll waste money hiring consultants to tell them exactly what Im saying they should do and telling them for free.And if it does happen, Mr. Arison, Mr. Loria, and their consultants can take all of the credit.This article is also featured onThe Professor's World of Miscellanea
the Sun-Sentinel could most likely run a 24-hour news station using up-and-coming talent that are fresh from graduation from FIU or UM to possiblyin the futurepromote into the big leagues (which in their case would be a 10 PM newscast).Plus, other than SEC football and basketball, there are no other sports programming from any networks (CW doesn have the rights to any sports coverage) and weekend programming mainly consists of re-runs and movies (and since the CW doesn program on Sunday nights, the occasional Sunday night Heat or Panthers game could find its way onto SFL schedule.).This seems way too perfect not to work, especially since Tribune has experience with their local stations airing local sports teams games (WPIX in New York with Mets, Rangers, and Knicks; WGN in Chicago with the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks).As for the other partners, well, let go with the CW affiliates in both markets: WTVX in West Palm Beach, which has no plans for a newscast but would sure welcome one either produced by WSFL but geared towards West Palm Beach (or even an hour-long newscast simulcast to both CW stations done in Ft. Lauderdale servicing both markets since Ft. Lauderdale is in the middle of both.).And for the Ft. Myers-Naples area, since their CW affiliate Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
WXCW had a newscast produced by CBS affiliate WINK, both stations could contribute and be a member of this loose network, with WINK getting some Marlins, Heat, and Panthers games in the Friday-Saturday-Sunday timeslots that theyd normally air anyways that don interfere with CBS Network programming, plus the money theyd save on their sports bureau.Of course youre thinking this wouldn work, as the station would mainly give out Marlins and Heat propaganda.Not the case.It would be independent of the two organizations, but owned under the same corporate umbrella. The reporting would have to be fair and not abused with negative attacks and editorials about departing free agents or players they want to trade (not at least without a dissenting opinion).The revenues theyd bring in with advertising and their partnerships with these stations would be enough to give the Marlins plenty of money to spend, as well as give the Heat more than enough to cover any luxury tax payments theyd have to make.Of course, all of this is just a pipe dream, but a great idea none the less. If Im the Marlins and Heat and this offer was proposed to me, Id take it in a cocaine heartbeat.What are the chances of this happening?We probably would never see it, but if anyone reads this that can make things Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
happen and get things done, they might want to forward the link to this blog in an e-mail to Mr. Mickey Arison and Mr. Jeffrey Loria, that way at least theyll waste money hiring consultants to tell them exactly what Im saying they should do and telling them for free.And if it does happen, Mr. Arison, Mr. Loria, and their consultants can take all of the credit.This article is also featured onThe Professor's World of Miscellanea
12 Jan 11 Gilbert Arenas' One-Year Suspension the Right Move
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesThe NBA finally decided what to do with Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas and Jarvaris Crittenton locker room gun ordeal. For those who have been living in a cave or under a rock, here is a little back story before I get into whether the NBA did the right thing.This whole Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
dispute began on Dec. 19, 2009, when Arenas and Crittenton got into an argument on the team plane over a gambling debt. The debt, which has been reported as high as $60,000, was owed to Crittenton by Arenas.Three days later, on Dec. 21 in the Wizards' locker room, Arenas laid out four guns (unloaded) on a chair in front of Crittenton locker with a note that said "choose one." Arenas supposedly brought the guns to the arena to get them out of his home after the birth of his daughter.What happened in the locker room has been disputed by nearly everyone involved. From the number of guns Arenas had (he says he stored three guns), to the story that Crittenton pulled his own gun and loaded a round in the chamber, and finally to the story that both players pulled guns and aimed at each other.While we will never know what truly happened in the locker room, we do know that Arenas has admitted to bringing guns to the arena. All the guns were stored in a lock box unloaded and without ammunition.On Christmas Eve, it was reported that the NBA was investigating the locker room incident. Shortly after the new year, Washington, D.C. police began to investigate the incident.Arenas was suspend indefinitely by NBA commissioner David Stern on Jan. 5, 2010. The night after Arenas made a shooting six-gun gesture during pregame introductions the night before.On Jan. 15, Arenas pled guilty in District of Columbia Superior Court to a felony weapons possession charge. Arenas now must wait until March 26 to find out his fate during sentencing.Crittenton, who has not played a single minute this season, pled guilty on Jan. 25 to a misdemeanor gun possession charge. He was given one year of unsupervised probation.Today, Jan. 27, Stern reached a decision as to what to do with Arenas and Crittenton. He has decided to suspend both players for the rest of this NBA season.In a statement released by Stern, he said, "The issue here is not about the legal ownership and possession of guns, either in one's home or elsewhere. It is about possession of guns in the NBA workplace, which will not be tolerated.The question now that Stern has made his ruling is did he make the right ruling. Here is a look at one professional athlete who has been in legal trouble recently with guns.The closest case to that of Arenas would have to be that of New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. The NFL star is now in prison for taking a loaded gun into a night club and shooting himself in the thigh.Burress was suspended for the 2009-10 while he awaited trial. However, he later pled guilty and is currently serving a two-year jail sentence. Most believe that Burress will be reinstated by the NFL when his jail term is over.In all, Burress has so far been suspended for 20 regular season NFL games: the fourReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
final regular season games of the 2008-09 season and the whole 2009-10 season.Now, back to the suspension of Arenas and Crittenton by the NBA today. Many thought at least Arenas should receive a two-year to lifetime suspension.First of all, I agree with the suspension for the rest of this season by Stern. There was no need to make the suspension any longer, especially since Arenas could miss more time if he is sentenced to a long jail term.Arenas could receive as little as probation or a suspended sentence to as much as five years in prison. If he gets any jail time, it is likely that he will stay suspended until his jail time is served.Those who believe that Arenas should be suspended longer than a year or receive a lifetime ban are just plain wrong. There are big differences in the Burress and Arenas cases.First of all, Arenas did not have a loaded gun. Yes, he did have a gun, but unless you are going to pistol whip someone, an unloaded gun cannot do much damage.Secondly, unlike the Burress case, no one was hurt when Arenas brought his guns into the locker room. Burress shot himself when his gun slipped down his pants, and he tried to grab it before it fell out his pants when he shot himself in the thigh.Finally, neither Crittenton nor Arenas tried to hide what they did. Both were, as far as we know, upfront with both the NBA and police. Burress got teammate Antonio Pierce to hide his gun, and Arenas turned his into the police.While David Stern needed to come down hard on Arenas and Crittenton for bringing guns to a NBA arena, it was not necessary to throw both or one out of the league forever or longer than a year.What both Arenas and Crittenton did was wrong and no one should bring guns to their place of work. Yes, they should have been punished. Still, no one was hurt in this whole affair.No one should be punished for what might or could have happened. Otherwise, everyone in the country should be punished for the things they have done but no one was hurt.People break the law every day and are not caught, like speeding, not wearing a seat belt, etc., and unless they hurt someone, most get into little or no trouble.Arenas was wrong for bringing a gun, but he did not hurt himself or Crittenton. There never was a shot fired by either player, and we know that Arenas never had any bullets to fire.It can be debated whether Crittenton had a gun or he even chambered a round. But we cannot start punishing people for what we cannot prove.If anyone had been shot, I am sure the suspensions would have been longer, but for the information Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
we have, a year is the right punishment. Anyone who wants more is just trying to over-punish these players for either who they are, dislike guns, or are a victim of gun violence.In a world where we already overreact to everything, we have to remember no one was hurt here, and both players have said it was a misguided attempt at humor. While the joke was wrong, the players did not hurt each other or fire their guns.
dispute began on Dec. 19, 2009, when Arenas and Crittenton got into an argument on the team plane over a gambling debt. The debt, which has been reported as high as $60,000, was owed to Crittenton by Arenas.Three days later, on Dec. 21 in the Wizards' locker room, Arenas laid out four guns (unloaded) on a chair in front of Crittenton locker with a note that said "choose one." Arenas supposedly brought the guns to the arena to get them out of his home after the birth of his daughter.What happened in the locker room has been disputed by nearly everyone involved. From the number of guns Arenas had (he says he stored three guns), to the story that Crittenton pulled his own gun and loaded a round in the chamber, and finally to the story that both players pulled guns and aimed at each other.While we will never know what truly happened in the locker room, we do know that Arenas has admitted to bringing guns to the arena. All the guns were stored in a lock box unloaded and without ammunition.On Christmas Eve, it was reported that the NBA was investigating the locker room incident. Shortly after the new year, Washington, D.C. police began to investigate the incident.Arenas was suspend indefinitely by NBA commissioner David Stern on Jan. 5, 2010. The night after Arenas made a shooting six-gun gesture during pregame introductions the night before.On Jan. 15, Arenas pled guilty in District of Columbia Superior Court to a felony weapons possession charge. Arenas now must wait until March 26 to find out his fate during sentencing.Crittenton, who has not played a single minute this season, pled guilty on Jan. 25 to a misdemeanor gun possession charge. He was given one year of unsupervised probation.Today, Jan. 27, Stern reached a decision as to what to do with Arenas and Crittenton. He has decided to suspend both players for the rest of this NBA season.In a statement released by Stern, he said, "The issue here is not about the legal ownership and possession of guns, either in one's home or elsewhere. It is about possession of guns in the NBA workplace, which will not be tolerated.The question now that Stern has made his ruling is did he make the right ruling. Here is a look at one professional athlete who has been in legal trouble recently with guns.The closest case to that of Arenas would have to be that of New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. The NFL star is now in prison for taking a loaded gun into a night club and shooting himself in the thigh.Burress was suspended for the 2009-10 while he awaited trial. However, he later pled guilty and is currently serving a two-year jail sentence. Most believe that Burress will be reinstated by the NFL when his jail term is over.In all, Burress has so far been suspended for 20 regular season NFL games: the fourReebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
final regular season games of the 2008-09 season and the whole 2009-10 season.Now, back to the suspension of Arenas and Crittenton by the NBA today. Many thought at least Arenas should receive a two-year to lifetime suspension.First of all, I agree with the suspension for the rest of this season by Stern. There was no need to make the suspension any longer, especially since Arenas could miss more time if he is sentenced to a long jail term.Arenas could receive as little as probation or a suspended sentence to as much as five years in prison. If he gets any jail time, it is likely that he will stay suspended until his jail time is served.Those who believe that Arenas should be suspended longer than a year or receive a lifetime ban are just plain wrong. There are big differences in the Burress and Arenas cases.First of all, Arenas did not have a loaded gun. Yes, he did have a gun, but unless you are going to pistol whip someone, an unloaded gun cannot do much damage.Secondly, unlike the Burress case, no one was hurt when Arenas brought his guns into the locker room. Burress shot himself when his gun slipped down his pants, and he tried to grab it before it fell out his pants when he shot himself in the thigh.Finally, neither Crittenton nor Arenas tried to hide what they did. Both were, as far as we know, upfront with both the NBA and police. Burress got teammate Antonio Pierce to hide his gun, and Arenas turned his into the police.While David Stern needed to come down hard on Arenas and Crittenton for bringing guns to a NBA arena, it was not necessary to throw both or one out of the league forever or longer than a year.What both Arenas and Crittenton did was wrong and no one should bring guns to their place of work. Yes, they should have been punished. Still, no one was hurt in this whole affair.No one should be punished for what might or could have happened. Otherwise, everyone in the country should be punished for the things they have done but no one was hurt.People break the law every day and are not caught, like speeding, not wearing a seat belt, etc., and unless they hurt someone, most get into little or no trouble.Arenas was wrong for bringing a gun, but he did not hurt himself or Crittenton. There never was a shot fired by either player, and we know that Arenas never had any bullets to fire.It can be debated whether Crittenton had a gun or he even chambered a round. But we cannot start punishing people for what we cannot prove.If anyone had been shot, I am sure the suspensions would have been longer, but for the information Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
we have, a year is the right punishment. Anyone who wants more is just trying to over-punish these players for either who they are, dislike guns, or are a victim of gun violence.In a world where we already overreact to everything, we have to remember no one was hurt here, and both players have said it was a misguided attempt at humor. While the joke was wrong, the players did not hurt each other or fire their guns.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 NBA Trade Deadline Lives Up To Its Promise for a Change
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesA week ago, if you weren't expecting a flurry of transactions to occur before this year's trade deadline, no one could really blame you.In years past, especially in recent memory, trade rumors fly back and forth for the weeks leading up to the deadline, only to see mid-level talents like Shawn Marion and Jermaine O'Neal be the best two players traded.Skeptics of the NBA trade deadline: This was the year to remember why you fell in love with the whole circus in the first place.As I'm writing this, it's about four hours after the trade Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
deadline has passed. There's at least one team in the league that I hardly recognize (Washington Wizards); two teams that appear to be landslide winners (Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers), and a number more (L.A. Clippers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings) that have positioned themselves to be major players in the upcoming mega-free agent class this summer.Half of the 30 teams in the league were involved in some sort of trade in the past week. The Wizards and Mavericks kicked the madness off on Saturday with a seven player swap including Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and Josh Howard; the Blazers kept it going with the Clippers on Tuesday by sending Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake to L.A. for Marcus Camby, and all trade hell broke loose yesterday, as the clock inched closer to the 3 p.m. Thursday deadline.Rumors were abound of the Cavaliers acquiring All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire from the Suns, with officials saying they'd be surprised if it didn't happen on Tuesday afternoon, as the teams returned from the All-Star break. And fans of every franchise in the NBA realized that this trade deadline certainly didn't seem typical, as the Cavs would reportedly send back Zydrunas Ilgauskas' expiring contract and second-year forward J.J. Hickson in return for the starting center for the West's All-Star team . (Yes, that had to be italicized, to emphasize the imbalance of talent for the two sides).As I said, all hell broke loose on Wednesday, with news breaking Wednesday afternoon that the Wizards had completed their firesale by trading Antawn Jamison to the Cavs in a three-team deal that cemented the Cavs' spot as favorite in the East. Cleveland sent a whole bunch of expiring contracts, and their first round pick (which, in all likelihood, will be No. 29 or 30), for a two-time All-Star that fits their desire for a "stretch 4."By this point, there should have been alarms going off for every lottery team's fanbase:WARNING...Teams tanking left and right...ship your best player to a contender for cap space immediately or risk Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
losing your hold on a high draft pick.The Knicks, Rockets, and Kings pulled off the headline deal on Thursday , with Tracy McGrady going to the Knicks, Kevin Martin heading to the Rockets, and the Kings landing Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey, and Larry Hughes' $13 million expiring contract.When it was all said and done, 16 teams had completed transactions of some sort, either positioning themselves for the players or setting themselves up for invaluable cap relief.And that cuts to the real reason why this trade deadline featured so much action, while trade deadlines of years past faded in and out without much fanfare:Money, money, money.The NBA warned teams in the offseason that for only the second time since the salary cap was implemented in the 1983-84 season, it would be dropping next season. Teams hedging the luxury tax line will likely be millions over the cap for next season.For teams like the Wizards, that meant a slash-and-burn was in order ASAP (and if they waive Ilgauskas, they willl have succeeded getting under the cap). For teams like the Jazz, Clippers, Knicks, Bulls, and Kings, they started jockeying for free agency already; the Bulls traded to the two teams directly below them in the playoff race, as if to wave the white flag on the season before they even qualify for the playoffs.But when the clock tolled three on Thursday, it became clear that some of the transactions that occurred in the past week was one of the more seminal weeks in recent NBA history, as teams made the most profound now-or-later decision they've had to Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
make in years.I'm glad that unlike 2007, when ESPN's Bill Simmons said the NBA must stand for "No BallsAssociation" after the trade deadline, that teams made moves this year.Sure, it means that the current CBA is completely 'effed, as SI's Iam Thomsen pointed out in his analysis of the Jamison trade.And yes, the Bobcats did nearly just trade D.J. Augustin for T.J. Ford .But if nothing else, the deals in this past week gives new meaning to the NBA's slogan of "Where Anything Happens."
deadline has passed. There's at least one team in the league that I hardly recognize (Washington Wizards); two teams that appear to be landslide winners (Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers), and a number more (L.A. Clippers, New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings) that have positioned themselves to be major players in the upcoming mega-free agent class this summer.Half of the 30 teams in the league were involved in some sort of trade in the past week. The Wizards and Mavericks kicked the madness off on Saturday with a seven player swap including Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and Josh Howard; the Blazers kept it going with the Clippers on Tuesday by sending Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake to L.A. for Marcus Camby, and all trade hell broke loose yesterday, as the clock inched closer to the 3 p.m. Thursday deadline.Rumors were abound of the Cavaliers acquiring All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire from the Suns, with officials saying they'd be surprised if it didn't happen on Tuesday afternoon, as the teams returned from the All-Star break. And fans of every franchise in the NBA realized that this trade deadline certainly didn't seem typical, as the Cavs would reportedly send back Zydrunas Ilgauskas' expiring contract and second-year forward J.J. Hickson in return for the starting center for the West's All-Star team . (Yes, that had to be italicized, to emphasize the imbalance of talent for the two sides).As I said, all hell broke loose on Wednesday, with news breaking Wednesday afternoon that the Wizards had completed their firesale by trading Antawn Jamison to the Cavs in a three-team deal that cemented the Cavs' spot as favorite in the East. Cleveland sent a whole bunch of expiring contracts, and their first round pick (which, in all likelihood, will be No. 29 or 30), for a two-time All-Star that fits their desire for a "stretch 4."By this point, there should have been alarms going off for every lottery team's fanbase:WARNING...Teams tanking left and right...ship your best player to a contender for cap space immediately or risk Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
losing your hold on a high draft pick.The Knicks, Rockets, and Kings pulled off the headline deal on Thursday , with Tracy McGrady going to the Knicks, Kevin Martin heading to the Rockets, and the Kings landing Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey, and Larry Hughes' $13 million expiring contract.When it was all said and done, 16 teams had completed transactions of some sort, either positioning themselves for the players or setting themselves up for invaluable cap relief.And that cuts to the real reason why this trade deadline featured so much action, while trade deadlines of years past faded in and out without much fanfare:Money, money, money.The NBA warned teams in the offseason that for only the second time since the salary cap was implemented in the 1983-84 season, it would be dropping next season. Teams hedging the luxury tax line will likely be millions over the cap for next season.For teams like the Wizards, that meant a slash-and-burn was in order ASAP (and if they waive Ilgauskas, they willl have succeeded getting under the cap). For teams like the Jazz, Clippers, Knicks, Bulls, and Kings, they started jockeying for free agency already; the Bulls traded to the two teams directly below them in the playoff race, as if to wave the white flag on the season before they even qualify for the playoffs.But when the clock tolled three on Thursday, it became clear that some of the transactions that occurred in the past week was one of the more seminal weeks in recent NBA history, as teams made the most profound now-or-later decision they've had to Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
make in years.I'm glad that unlike 2007, when ESPN's Bill Simmons said the NBA must stand for "No BallsAssociation" after the trade deadline, that teams made moves this year.Sure, it means that the current CBA is completely 'effed, as SI's Iam Thomsen pointed out in his analysis of the Jamison trade.And yes, the Bobcats did nearly just trade D.J. Augustin for T.J. Ford .But if nothing else, the deals in this past week gives new meaning to the NBA's slogan of "Where Anything Happens."
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 Magic Make Huge Mistake Against Hornets: Misuse Vince Carter Once Again!
Harry How/Getty Images About three weeks ago Vince Carter delivered one of his most impressive offensive performances in the past five years. He scored 48 points against a pretty good Hornets team. Nobody saw this coming from Vince, but he proved that he still had something left in the tank. Now 3 weeks later the Magic San Diego Chargers jersey
face the Hornets once again. This time the Hornets don't have their best player in Chris Paul. Should be an easy win for the Magic right? That's the way it seemed for three quarters of this game. The Magic kept going down low to Dwight Howard and everything seemed to be going as planned. Then the fourth quarter began and the Magic fell apart. All of the sudden Dwight Howard started having trouble with Aaron Gray and David West couldn't miss a shot. So what do the Magic do? They decide to go to their so called go-to-guy Vince Carter. There is only one problem. Carter barely touched the ball the entire second half. This could've happened against some other team, but against the Hornets Vince should've had the ball from the start. The guys dropped 48 earlier in the month on the same team! Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and even J.J. Redick were chucking up long distance jumpers even when it became obvious that the lead was slipping away from the Magic. Vince started getting the ball outside the three point line with close to 4 minutes left in the game. His shot obviously wasn't there and the Magic went on to lose the game. Is it Carter's fault that he couldn't make his shots or is it his teammates fault for not getting the ball to him earlier in the quarter? Back in the summer when The Magic aquired Carter they stated that they got him to be their closer, they promised that the ball would be in his hands when it was time to make a play at the end of the game. Vince is still a very dependable closer but a coach can't expect him to make all San Francisco 49ers jersey
his shots at the end of the game when he first touches the ball with four minutes to go. Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and even J.J. Redick are all capable shooters, but none of them are closers like Carter. So if the Magic want Vince to win games for them, they need to get him involved early in the fourth quarter or they won't be playing, never mind winning once June comes around.
face the Hornets once again. This time the Hornets don't have their best player in Chris Paul. Should be an easy win for the Magic right? That's the way it seemed for three quarters of this game. The Magic kept going down low to Dwight Howard and everything seemed to be going as planned. Then the fourth quarter began and the Magic fell apart. All of the sudden Dwight Howard started having trouble with Aaron Gray and David West couldn't miss a shot. So what do the Magic do? They decide to go to their so called go-to-guy Vince Carter. There is only one problem. Carter barely touched the ball the entire second half. This could've happened against some other team, but against the Hornets Vince should've had the ball from the start. The guys dropped 48 earlier in the month on the same team! Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and even J.J. Redick were chucking up long distance jumpers even when it became obvious that the lead was slipping away from the Magic. Vince started getting the ball outside the three point line with close to 4 minutes left in the game. His shot obviously wasn't there and the Magic went on to lose the game. Is it Carter's fault that he couldn't make his shots or is it his teammates fault for not getting the ball to him earlier in the quarter? Back in the summer when The Magic aquired Carter they stated that they got him to be their closer, they promised that the ball would be in his hands when it was time to make a play at the end of the game. Vince is still a very dependable closer but a coach can't expect him to make all San Francisco 49ers jersey
his shots at the end of the game when he first touches the ball with four minutes to go. Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and even J.J. Redick are all capable shooters, but none of them are closers like Carter. So if the Magic want Vince to win games for them, they need to get him involved early in the fourth quarter or they won't be playing, never mind winning once June comes around.
9 Jan 11 Magic Make Huge Mistake Against Hornets: Misuse Vince Carter Once Again!
Harry How/Getty Images About three weeks ago Vince Carter delivered one of his most impressive offensive performances in the past five years. He scored 48 points against a pretty good Hornets team. Nobody saw this coming from Vince, but he proved that he still had something left in the tank. Now 3 weeks later the Magic San Diego Chargers jersey
face the Hornets once again. This time the Hornets don't have their best player in Chris Paul. Should be an easy win for the Magic right? That's the way it seemed for three quarters of this game. The Magic kept going down low to Dwight Howard and everything seemed to be going as planned. Then the fourth quarter began and the Magic fell apart. All of the sudden Dwight Howard started having trouble with Aaron Gray and David West couldn't miss a shot. So what do the Magic do? They decide to go to their so called go-to-guy Vince Carter. There is only one problem. Carter barely touched the ball the entire second half. This could've happened against some other team, but against the Hornets Vince should've had the ball from the start. The guys dropped 48 earlier in the month on the same team! Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and even J.J. Redick were chucking up long distance jumpers even when it became obvious that the lead was slipping away from the Magic. Vince started getting the ball outside the three point line with close to 4 minutes left in the game. His shot obviously wasn't there and the Magic went on to lose the game. Is it Carter's fault that he couldn't make his shots or is it his teammates fault for not getting the ball to him earlier in the quarter? Back in the summer when The Magic aquired Carter they stated that they got him to be their closer, they promised that the ball would be in his hands when it was time to make a play at the end of the game. Vince is still a very dependable closer but a coach can't expect him to make all San Francisco 49ers jersey
his shots at the end of the game when he first touches the ball with four minutes to go. Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and even J.J. Redick are all capable shooters, but none of them are closers like Carter. So if the Magic want Vince to win games for them, they need to get him involved early in the fourth quarter or they won't be playing, never mind winning once June comes around.
face the Hornets once again. This time the Hornets don't have their best player in Chris Paul. Should be an easy win for the Magic right? That's the way it seemed for three quarters of this game. The Magic kept going down low to Dwight Howard and everything seemed to be going as planned. Then the fourth quarter began and the Magic fell apart. All of the sudden Dwight Howard started having trouble with Aaron Gray and David West couldn't miss a shot. So what do the Magic do? They decide to go to their so called go-to-guy Vince Carter. There is only one problem. Carter barely touched the ball the entire second half. This could've happened against some other team, but against the Hornets Vince should've had the ball from the start. The guys dropped 48 earlier in the month on the same team! Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and even J.J. Redick were chucking up long distance jumpers even when it became obvious that the lead was slipping away from the Magic. Vince started getting the ball outside the three point line with close to 4 minutes left in the game. His shot obviously wasn't there and the Magic went on to lose the game. Is it Carter's fault that he couldn't make his shots or is it his teammates fault for not getting the ball to him earlier in the quarter? Back in the summer when The Magic aquired Carter they stated that they got him to be their closer, they promised that the ball would be in his hands when it was time to make a play at the end of the game. Vince is still a very dependable closer but a coach can't expect him to make all San Francisco 49ers jersey
his shots at the end of the game when he first touches the ball with four minutes to go. Guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis, and even J.J. Redick are all capable shooters, but none of them are closers like Carter. So if the Magic want Vince to win games for them, they need to get him involved early in the fourth quarter or they won't be playing, never mind winning once June comes around.
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Fantasy Basketball Box Score Breakouts: March 15, 2010
Jim McIsaac/Getty ImagesHere a look at some fantasy basketball players that blew up the box score last night.Toney Douglas, New York KnicksDouglas turned in another good performance with 20 points, seven assists, and three steals. The Knicks rotation can change in an instant, but forSt. Louis Rams jersey
now roll with him.Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ersJrue did not disappoint in his cushy matchup with the Knicks. He had 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.Willie Green, Philadelphia 76ers Green numbers (17 points) were another example of Knicks inflation.Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons Maxiell keeps chugging along. He had another double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds).Michael Finley, Boston Celtics Finley had 15 points for the C. He not getting enough burn to matter.Johan Petro, Denver Nuggets Petro had his second double-double in three games. If you need rebounding in deep daily leagues, Petro could help.Mike Miller, Washington Wizards Miller had 14 points and 10 rebounds. His numbers won wow you, but he useful in daily leagues.Sundiata Gaines, Utah Jazz Gaines had 15 points against the Wizards. Overlook this line.Chris Hunter, Golden State Warriors Hunter had 22 points and seven rebounds against the Lakers. Their rotation is crazy. Anthony Morrow and C.J. Watson appear to be on the outs. Reggie Williams had a decent run and played just four minutes. Hunter big game came out of nowhere.Morris Peterson, New Orleans Hornets Mo Pete had 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists against the Clippers. He averaging 10.2 points and 5.0 rebounds. DeAndre Jordan, Los Tennessee Titans jersey
Angeles Clippers Jordan had 11 points and 11 rebounds. He picked up his play a bit, but is still not a real solid player.Travis Outlaw, Los Angeles Clippers Outlaw had 13 points and seven rebounds. He averaging 15.3 points in his last three games. Originally published at LestersLegends.com .
now roll with him.Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ersJrue did not disappoint in his cushy matchup with the Knicks. He had 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.Willie Green, Philadelphia 76ers Green numbers (17 points) were another example of Knicks inflation.Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons Maxiell keeps chugging along. He had another double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds).Michael Finley, Boston Celtics Finley had 15 points for the C. He not getting enough burn to matter.Johan Petro, Denver Nuggets Petro had his second double-double in three games. If you need rebounding in deep daily leagues, Petro could help.Mike Miller, Washington Wizards Miller had 14 points and 10 rebounds. His numbers won wow you, but he useful in daily leagues.Sundiata Gaines, Utah Jazz Gaines had 15 points against the Wizards. Overlook this line.Chris Hunter, Golden State Warriors Hunter had 22 points and seven rebounds against the Lakers. Their rotation is crazy. Anthony Morrow and C.J. Watson appear to be on the outs. Reggie Williams had a decent run and played just four minutes. Hunter big game came out of nowhere.Morris Peterson, New Orleans Hornets Mo Pete had 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists against the Clippers. He averaging 10.2 points and 5.0 rebounds. DeAndre Jordan, Los Tennessee Titans jersey
Angeles Clippers Jordan had 11 points and 11 rebounds. He picked up his play a bit, but is still not a real solid player.Travis Outlaw, Los Angeles Clippers Outlaw had 13 points and seven rebounds. He averaging 15.3 points in his last three games. Originally published at LestersLegends.com .
2010年12月30日星期四
30 Dec 10 Hot, Tight, Sticky-Wet Lady West (NBA Western Conference)
Just when I was about to go on my annual "The NBA Regular Season is Too Long" rant, I metaphorically take a peek up the wide-open skirt of the Western Conference. If the Western Conference were a lady, you'd have to agree that she's hot, tight, and replete with action. She's also sticky-dripping wet...with the raunchy sweat of playoff-seed jockeying. With five or six games left (depending on the teams) in the regular season, there's all of eight games separating the No. 1 seed and the No. 8 seed. For all intents purposes, the stumbling Washington Redskins jersey
Lakers have the No. 1 seed wrapped, but while all eight playoff slots are filled, not one of them is officially locked, seeding-wise. Even better evidencing how close the Western race is...there are only three games separating the No. 2 seed and the No. 8 seed. Four teams (Dallas, Denver, Utah Phoenix) are currently tied for second place. Three teams (OKC, San Antonio, and Portland) sit within a game and a half of each other for seeds six-eight.If any of these teams, not wearing purple gold, so much as sneeze...much less, bend-over...during this next week and a half, they could find themselves having dropped three or four...or SIX places. Even the Lakers had better not cough too loudly or too many more times or they could find themselves in second place. This conference is not only tight and hot, they're overall playing or have played good basketball. Contrarily, the Lakers have been sleep-walking since the All-Star break, but they still sport a .714 winning percentagethe second best in the NBA. The Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Suns and Mavs both just came off double-digit win streaks.Even the currently eighth-seeded Blazers carry a .610 winning percentage. If the Blazers were in the Eastern Conference with that record, they'd be in fifth place. Compare and contrast that with the current eighth seed in the East, the Raptors, who are playing .500 ball...and they or whoever winds up as the eighth playoff seed could go in at under .500 (i.e. The gutsy but lowly Bulls lurk just a game back at .487). Greg Popovitch, admitted before the game against the Lakers on Sunday that his Spurs and (he believes) all six of the other playoff-bound Western teams were trying to avoid facing The Lakers in the first round. Some might argue, however, given the play of the Lakers lately, the objective instead should be to Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
fall into/stay in the eighth playoff seed so they could face The Lolli-GAGGING Lakers
Lakers have the No. 1 seed wrapped, but while all eight playoff slots are filled, not one of them is officially locked, seeding-wise. Even better evidencing how close the Western race is...there are only three games separating the No. 2 seed and the No. 8 seed. Four teams (Dallas, Denver, Utah Phoenix) are currently tied for second place. Three teams (OKC, San Antonio, and Portland) sit within a game and a half of each other for seeds six-eight.If any of these teams, not wearing purple gold, so much as sneeze...much less, bend-over...during this next week and a half, they could find themselves having dropped three or four...or SIX places. Even the Lakers had better not cough too loudly or too many more times or they could find themselves in second place. This conference is not only tight and hot, they're overall playing or have played good basketball. Contrarily, the Lakers have been sleep-walking since the All-Star break, but they still sport a .714 winning percentagethe second best in the NBA. The Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Suns and Mavs both just came off double-digit win streaks.Even the currently eighth-seeded Blazers carry a .610 winning percentage. If the Blazers were in the Eastern Conference with that record, they'd be in fifth place. Compare and contrast that with the current eighth seed in the East, the Raptors, who are playing .500 ball...and they or whoever winds up as the eighth playoff seed could go in at under .500 (i.e. The gutsy but lowly Bulls lurk just a game back at .487). Greg Popovitch, admitted before the game against the Lakers on Sunday that his Spurs and (he believes) all six of the other playoff-bound Western teams were trying to avoid facing The Lakers in the first round. Some might argue, however, given the play of the Lakers lately, the objective instead should be to Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
fall into/stay in the eighth playoff seed so they could face The Lolli-GAGGING Lakers
2010年12月29日星期三
29 Dec 10 One NBA Star Considering Retirement?
Nick Laham/Getty ImagesNew York: Reporters were informed Wednesday that Tracy McGrady might retire. The former Western Conference All-Star reportedWednesday that if he does not regain his form from the past, he might have to end his career. McGrady has only played in 65 games Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
within the last two seasons due to major injuries and micro fracture surgery on his knee. Tracy averaged just over eight points a game during this short season.McGrady was traded from the Houston Rockets to the New York Knicks in a 3-way blockbusterdeal that included the Sacramento Kings.The swingman for the Knicks will become a free agent this summer. The question is who will take him? I donthink manyteams would want to invest in a injured Tracy McGrady but, here are the top 3teams thatmighthavean interest inT-Mac this summer.1) New York Knicks: McGrady already said he would love totake less money to return to New York ifhe would play alongside ofoneof the league bestplayers. Well we all know the Knicks have the money to bring in a superstarintotheir organization so, why not bring in T-Mac if he is able to regain the skills the all-star once had.I believe New Yorkwould be the perfectfit fora healthy McGrady.2) Chicago Bulls: Bulls would be a perfect fit for McGrady. T-Mac playing alongside Derrick Rose? Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
This would make one hell of a team for Chicago.Who knows who else they will pick up but even just Rose, Noah and T-Mac, that a playoff team already.3) New Jersey Nets:Even though the Nets have plenty of cap room, theydon have many players on the roster for next year. I believe theNets might sign McGrady late in the summer to fill the roster. He would be a very good 6th man for them. I see a bright future in Newark. -Matthew Cohen 15 Staten Island, New York
within the last two seasons due to major injuries and micro fracture surgery on his knee. Tracy averaged just over eight points a game during this short season.McGrady was traded from the Houston Rockets to the New York Knicks in a 3-way blockbusterdeal that included the Sacramento Kings.The swingman for the Knicks will become a free agent this summer. The question is who will take him? I donthink manyteams would want to invest in a injured Tracy McGrady but, here are the top 3teams thatmighthavean interest inT-Mac this summer.1) New York Knicks: McGrady already said he would love totake less money to return to New York ifhe would play alongside ofoneof the league bestplayers. Well we all know the Knicks have the money to bring in a superstarintotheir organization so, why not bring in T-Mac if he is able to regain the skills the all-star once had.I believe New Yorkwould be the perfectfit fora healthy McGrady.2) Chicago Bulls: Bulls would be a perfect fit for McGrady. T-Mac playing alongside Derrick Rose? Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
This would make one hell of a team for Chicago.Who knows who else they will pick up but even just Rose, Noah and T-Mac, that a playoff team already.3) New Jersey Nets:Even though the Nets have plenty of cap room, theydon have many players on the roster for next year. I believe theNets might sign McGrady late in the summer to fill the roster. He would be a very good 6th man for them. I see a bright future in Newark. -Matthew Cohen 15 Staten Island, New York
2010年12月28日星期二
28 Dec 10 More Flopping Than Skill? How The NBA Has Changed Throughout The Years
As NBA teams continue their quest through the 2010 NBA playoffs, one can't help but notice how much the game has changed.NBA games have turned into a battle of who can draw the foul. Underlying this concept is the "flop."The "art" of flopping has been around since basketball's existence, but has undoubtedly become more prevalent in the past 20 years.Manu Ginobili, Reggie Miller, Robert Horry, Dennis Rodman, Vlade Divac, Raja Bell, and many other notable players have contributed to the flop's emergence.The flop is defined as a player's Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
ability to draw a foul upon the opposing team with a dramatic, over-acted fall, trip, lunge, jump, leap, etc.In layman's terms, it is dramatic acting designed to deceive an official.Notice the word acting. To incorporate this term with basketball is to go against basketball's foundation that NBA players are in the league because of their skill and not their acting ability.So here's the question: Do NBA players focus more on the flop, and drawing fake fouls, than they do on their actual talents?There is no right answer to this question, as not all players flop, but it is safe to say that the majority of them practice it. Some players have it down to an art.These players are here for a reason: they have extraordinary basketball skills. Why not use these offensive and defensive gifts instead of flopping?Watching these grown men get a little nudge from an opponent, and then fly across the floor with limbs flailing in the air, is as comical as it is sad.As if the dramatic performance weren't enough, players often complain to the officials, like little children, if they did not get the call.Complaining over something they knew they acted out. Very mature.The theatrics are used on both sides of the ball. Offensive players purposely lean into an opponent, throw up a shot, and use their acting skills to draw a foul. Defensive players try to draw charges in an over-dramatic fall.Many people view the officials as instigators of flopping. They call fouls that were raised from clearly seen flops. This may hold true in many circumstances, but the players Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
are at fault.Rasheed Wallace voiced his opinion on flopping after the Pistons' loss to the Celtics in Game Five of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.Wallace stated that the Celtics were "flopping all over the floor" and the officials were falling for it. He furthered with "that [expletive] ain't basketball. It's all [expletive] entertainment" and the officials should have known that.Wallace had it right, this isn't basketball. Entertainment should come from the players' ability to play the game, not from their sub-par acting.The National Basketball Association is not blind to these unsportsmanlike behaviors. In 1997, they added the four-foot dotted line area underneath the basket in hopes of eliminating defensive flops. Any flops that occurred within the dotted off area were charged as blocking fouls or no-calls.On March 28, 2008, the NBA also announced that player who displayed an excessive use of flopping would be subject to fines and even suspensions for repeat offenders. Although this sounds nice, it hasn't been very effective.In the end, there is no logical answer for the NBA in regards to flopping. They could add a new rule in which the player is penalized during the game for a so-called flop, but how would the officials differentiate what is and what is not a flop? The Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
rule would not solve the issue.The only way to eliminate flopping is for the players to play real basketball.Steal the ball from a defender, block a shot, or use fancy footwork instead of trying to draw a charge. Make a couple of difficult shots instead of trying to get to the foul line.Let's bring the skill part back into basketball.
ability to draw a foul upon the opposing team with a dramatic, over-acted fall, trip, lunge, jump, leap, etc.In layman's terms, it is dramatic acting designed to deceive an official.Notice the word acting. To incorporate this term with basketball is to go against basketball's foundation that NBA players are in the league because of their skill and not their acting ability.So here's the question: Do NBA players focus more on the flop, and drawing fake fouls, than they do on their actual talents?There is no right answer to this question, as not all players flop, but it is safe to say that the majority of them practice it. Some players have it down to an art.These players are here for a reason: they have extraordinary basketball skills. Why not use these offensive and defensive gifts instead of flopping?Watching these grown men get a little nudge from an opponent, and then fly across the floor with limbs flailing in the air, is as comical as it is sad.As if the dramatic performance weren't enough, players often complain to the officials, like little children, if they did not get the call.Complaining over something they knew they acted out. Very mature.The theatrics are used on both sides of the ball. Offensive players purposely lean into an opponent, throw up a shot, and use their acting skills to draw a foul. Defensive players try to draw charges in an over-dramatic fall.Many people view the officials as instigators of flopping. They call fouls that were raised from clearly seen flops. This may hold true in many circumstances, but the players Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
are at fault.Rasheed Wallace voiced his opinion on flopping after the Pistons' loss to the Celtics in Game Five of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.Wallace stated that the Celtics were "flopping all over the floor" and the officials were falling for it. He furthered with "that [expletive] ain't basketball. It's all [expletive] entertainment" and the officials should have known that.Wallace had it right, this isn't basketball. Entertainment should come from the players' ability to play the game, not from their sub-par acting.The National Basketball Association is not blind to these unsportsmanlike behaviors. In 1997, they added the four-foot dotted line area underneath the basket in hopes of eliminating defensive flops. Any flops that occurred within the dotted off area were charged as blocking fouls or no-calls.On March 28, 2008, the NBA also announced that player who displayed an excessive use of flopping would be subject to fines and even suspensions for repeat offenders. Although this sounds nice, it hasn't been very effective.In the end, there is no logical answer for the NBA in regards to flopping. They could add a new rule in which the player is penalized during the game for a so-called flop, but how would the officials differentiate what is and what is not a flop? The Reebok Pittsburg Steelers #83 Heath Miller Realtree camo Jersey
rule would not solve the issue.The only way to eliminate flopping is for the players to play real basketball.Steal the ball from a defender, block a shot, or use fancy footwork instead of trying to draw a charge. Make a couple of difficult shots instead of trying to get to the foul line.Let's bring the skill part back into basketball.
2010年12月27日星期一
27 Dec 10 I Speak Prematurely: Lakers-Boston Celtics in an Epic Theater for the Ages
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesBefore the NBA season comes to a closure, the people obsessed with sports are anxiously ready to see an epic showdown among two franchises with bad blood, andwishing to badmouth each other in a physical clash. This has been an uninteresting postseason of ills and very little excitement, besieged with all the uncertainty and uncompetitive series that lasted fewer than six games. So save the best for last in the NBA Finals, a contest that will last approximately seven games, based on all the talent and poise each teamReebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
presents. The world gazes at Kobe Bryant, arguably the preeminent shooting guard of this age, despite that he was teased previously in a Los Angeles Times photo for wearing a headband, bow tie, and a top hat, becoming the latest model in humiliating photos. The world also stares at the Boston Celtics, a reviving franchise with three aging star players finding ways to survive and outlast opponents by playing unstoppable defense and enduring the improbable pursuit. As of recently, the tradition and mystique has gradually resounded Celtic Pride, and the Celtics has endured the probable thoughts of winning its second championship in three seasons, en route to capturing its 18th championship possibly against the archrivals. It would be interesting to see if the Lakers can beat the Celtics, avenging and erasing the devastating loss in the Finals two years ago. To this day, the Lakers still have a bitter and ill-naturedpsyche after the series ended badly in adisheartening 131-92 loss in Game Six at Boston.Now, two years later, the Lakers have a personal vendetta against its archenemies, dating back to the 60s era when Wilt Chamberlain feuded with Bill Russell, then the 80s era when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird engendered the spotlight on the hardwood with non-stop, thrilling masterpieces. So now, in a modern generation, one of the greatest rivalries in sports lives on. Every now and then, the Lakers-Celtics battle ascends eternal rivalries, upon gazing at the physical bouts and feuds between a pair of franchises with much animosity. It fair to assume that the captivating scuffles and competitive series creates a dislikable sequence, and when the two encounter each other for an eye-popping matchup, the world stares at the Lakers-Celtics. Either way, for some, it good versus evil or evil versus good, whichever teamfans prefer. But it clear evidence that the Lakers are resentful over the way it ended, after they were humiliated and finished the season miserably, seeking revenge to remove the misery of a dreadful ending amid a winnable series. Two years ago, Boston, a long-time nemesis, dismantled Los Angeles in the entire series, winning in a lopsided fashion by out-playing, out-hustling, and out-coaching the Lakers. In a sluggish postseason, Bryant is verified as the toughest and greatest basketball player of a modern generation, enduring injuries and severe pain in all parts of his body. From a bad knee to a fractured index finger to back spasms and tweaked ankle, he has withstood a variety of pain, but isportrayed as thesterling finisher in the game. He a rare athlete nowadays, compared to the legendary great Michael Jordan, becoming a facilitator and the fiercest scorer in the game. Even though he hampered with injuries, he still dazzles and scores 30 to 40 points, leading the Lakers to a 2-0 lead against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. As it stands, he aiming at a second consecutive NBA championship for his fifth ring and would ease closer towards validating a superlative legacy, one shy of Jordan in the rings category. Perhaps in this era hell become one of the most decorated players in the league, but will also transcend popularity as he currently has the topReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
selling jersey among NBA stars. It always good to beat the archrivals, especially when it contributes to adding another championship banner andtie the Celtics for the most titles in league history and reach a peekby winning it all. In what has the makings of an epic theater, the Lakers and Celtics are both top-level franchises, assembled with depth, willpower, firepower, and talent to ignite a heavyweight war. Truth is, this will only become bloodier in a few weeks, with one of these teams suffering mortals. But it unknown which team poses as the villainous and deadliness enemy, when all of us will finally see an infatuating rematch. It simple to predict that it will be the Lakers and Celtics in a collision course at the finals. This brings us to believe thatit willgo down as one of the most compelling series in sports, all while watching if the aging Celtics can outlast and compete against the younger Lakers or if the invigorated Celtics can obstruct the Kobe Show with constant double-teaming or defending the four-time champ of facilitating. But now, Boston is playing like an unbeatable force that can win another championship and toy with the minds of the Lakers, just as Phil Jacksonmocks opponents with his physiological mind games. This time, the Celtics may get the last laugh, especially if the Lakers enter the series sluggish and unalarmed, then the Big Three devours Team Hollywood like a JV high school team without enough talent or self-motivation. By now, theyve learned their lesson after getting defaced and belittled by the fans and media for a casual and unconscious performance in the finals two years ago. With much doubt, the Celtics weren even considered to advance to the finals this year, based on Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen's agingbodies breaking down mentally and physically. When skeptics dismissed the Celtics of returning back to championship form and were labeled as the oldest and slowest team, all people clearly forgot that they had depth, size, and experience, which is seen in the Eastern Conference Finals as Boston isn a match for the Orlando Magic. Months ago, the Celtics weren even in conversation of sustaining triumph, but there were speculations of early retirement for Garnett and Doc Rivers was consideringon takinghiatus to spend time with his kids. But make no mistake, if the Celtics win again, hell be given a long-term contract and Garnett will play for a few more years. We can argue about whether the Lakers can beat the Celtics, two teams overachieving and endeared for uplifting the souls within a spectacular sport. But the Lakers consist of the Kobe Show, airing nightly at Staples Center. He admired as a finisher, clutch superstar, an unstoppable shooter, and as the greatest player since Jordan retired and left his throne. With the supporting cast and contributions of the eccentric and weirdo Ron Artest finally making shots, the size and athleticism of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum and theReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
resurgence of Lamar Odom, the Lakers are unbeatable, but understand that Boston will not surrender without a fight.My inclination is that the Lakers-Celtics is a final all basketball loyalist wishes to witness. Obviously, that the way it should turn out in the end. And if the Lakers win, it would be a shot of redemption, but if the Celtics win, it would be a proven theory that they weren so old after all.Either way, prepare for a bloody skirmish.It where amazing happens, remember
presents. The world gazes at Kobe Bryant, arguably the preeminent shooting guard of this age, despite that he was teased previously in a Los Angeles Times photo for wearing a headband, bow tie, and a top hat, becoming the latest model in humiliating photos. The world also stares at the Boston Celtics, a reviving franchise with three aging star players finding ways to survive and outlast opponents by playing unstoppable defense and enduring the improbable pursuit. As of recently, the tradition and mystique has gradually resounded Celtic Pride, and the Celtics has endured the probable thoughts of winning its second championship in three seasons, en route to capturing its 18th championship possibly against the archrivals. It would be interesting to see if the Lakers can beat the Celtics, avenging and erasing the devastating loss in the Finals two years ago. To this day, the Lakers still have a bitter and ill-naturedpsyche after the series ended badly in adisheartening 131-92 loss in Game Six at Boston.Now, two years later, the Lakers have a personal vendetta against its archenemies, dating back to the 60s era when Wilt Chamberlain feuded with Bill Russell, then the 80s era when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird engendered the spotlight on the hardwood with non-stop, thrilling masterpieces. So now, in a modern generation, one of the greatest rivalries in sports lives on. Every now and then, the Lakers-Celtics battle ascends eternal rivalries, upon gazing at the physical bouts and feuds between a pair of franchises with much animosity. It fair to assume that the captivating scuffles and competitive series creates a dislikable sequence, and when the two encounter each other for an eye-popping matchup, the world stares at the Lakers-Celtics. Either way, for some, it good versus evil or evil versus good, whichever teamfans prefer. But it clear evidence that the Lakers are resentful over the way it ended, after they were humiliated and finished the season miserably, seeking revenge to remove the misery of a dreadful ending amid a winnable series. Two years ago, Boston, a long-time nemesis, dismantled Los Angeles in the entire series, winning in a lopsided fashion by out-playing, out-hustling, and out-coaching the Lakers. In a sluggish postseason, Bryant is verified as the toughest and greatest basketball player of a modern generation, enduring injuries and severe pain in all parts of his body. From a bad knee to a fractured index finger to back spasms and tweaked ankle, he has withstood a variety of pain, but isportrayed as thesterling finisher in the game. He a rare athlete nowadays, compared to the legendary great Michael Jordan, becoming a facilitator and the fiercest scorer in the game. Even though he hampered with injuries, he still dazzles and scores 30 to 40 points, leading the Lakers to a 2-0 lead against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. As it stands, he aiming at a second consecutive NBA championship for his fifth ring and would ease closer towards validating a superlative legacy, one shy of Jordan in the rings category. Perhaps in this era hell become one of the most decorated players in the league, but will also transcend popularity as he currently has the topReebok New Orleans Saints #9 Drew Brees Realtree camo Jersey
selling jersey among NBA stars. It always good to beat the archrivals, especially when it contributes to adding another championship banner andtie the Celtics for the most titles in league history and reach a peekby winning it all. In what has the makings of an epic theater, the Lakers and Celtics are both top-level franchises, assembled with depth, willpower, firepower, and talent to ignite a heavyweight war. Truth is, this will only become bloodier in a few weeks, with one of these teams suffering mortals. But it unknown which team poses as the villainous and deadliness enemy, when all of us will finally see an infatuating rematch. It simple to predict that it will be the Lakers and Celtics in a collision course at the finals. This brings us to believe thatit willgo down as one of the most compelling series in sports, all while watching if the aging Celtics can outlast and compete against the younger Lakers or if the invigorated Celtics can obstruct the Kobe Show with constant double-teaming or defending the four-time champ of facilitating. But now, Boston is playing like an unbeatable force that can win another championship and toy with the minds of the Lakers, just as Phil Jacksonmocks opponents with his physiological mind games. This time, the Celtics may get the last laugh, especially if the Lakers enter the series sluggish and unalarmed, then the Big Three devours Team Hollywood like a JV high school team without enough talent or self-motivation. By now, theyve learned their lesson after getting defaced and belittled by the fans and media for a casual and unconscious performance in the finals two years ago. With much doubt, the Celtics weren even considered to advance to the finals this year, based on Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen's agingbodies breaking down mentally and physically. When skeptics dismissed the Celtics of returning back to championship form and were labeled as the oldest and slowest team, all people clearly forgot that they had depth, size, and experience, which is seen in the Eastern Conference Finals as Boston isn a match for the Orlando Magic. Months ago, the Celtics weren even in conversation of sustaining triumph, but there were speculations of early retirement for Garnett and Doc Rivers was consideringon takinghiatus to spend time with his kids. But make no mistake, if the Celtics win again, hell be given a long-term contract and Garnett will play for a few more years. We can argue about whether the Lakers can beat the Celtics, two teams overachieving and endeared for uplifting the souls within a spectacular sport. But the Lakers consist of the Kobe Show, airing nightly at Staples Center. He admired as a finisher, clutch superstar, an unstoppable shooter, and as the greatest player since Jordan retired and left his throne. With the supporting cast and contributions of the eccentric and weirdo Ron Artest finally making shots, the size and athleticism of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum and theReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
resurgence of Lamar Odom, the Lakers are unbeatable, but understand that Boston will not surrender without a fight.My inclination is that the Lakers-Celtics is a final all basketball loyalist wishes to witness. Obviously, that the way it should turn out in the end. And if the Lakers win, it would be a shot of redemption, but if the Celtics win, it would be a proven theory that they weren so old after all.Either way, prepare for a bloody skirmish.It where amazing happens, remember
2010年12月26日星期日
26 Dec 10 Hey Lakers' Fans, Don't Celebrate Just Yet...
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesMost Lakers fans are thinking that they have a walkway to their back to back rings. But, the biggest challenge has yet to come. The Phoenix Suns gave them quite a sweat, but Ron Artest bailed out the Lakers with a clutch shot, and Kobe closed them out in Game Six.The Boston Celtics have Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
upset the two best teams in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. Now, they are looking stronger than ever and arguably better because of Rajon Rondo's improvement since their last title run.So what? The Lakers have a much better team and it should be an easy ring, right? Wrong. The Boston Celtics have been playing the underdog for the whole playoffs, with the exception of the first-round. Nobody thought they could take out Cleveland, nobody thought they could take out the undefeated Magic. But they did. And now they are looking better than ever.The biggest liability for the Lakers is the point guard spot. Steve Nash completely exposed the Lakers point guards, and look for Rajon Rondo to do the same. Nash is probably the better point guard, but Rondo has much more weapons to help him out. The Celtics' bench has been playing great, and will cause problems for the Lakers.How can they stop Kobe? Well, at times Kobe has looked unstoppable, but there have been times where he's been not that great. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
They have to just get a body on him and make him give up the ball.Rebounding will be another huge key, but look for the tough Celtics' defense to frustrate LA.Lakers' fans, I know you are cocky and overconfident, but just wait until the series is over before the celebrations please.
upset the two best teams in the league, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic. Now, they are looking stronger than ever and arguably better because of Rajon Rondo's improvement since their last title run.So what? The Lakers have a much better team and it should be an easy ring, right? Wrong. The Boston Celtics have been playing the underdog for the whole playoffs, with the exception of the first-round. Nobody thought they could take out Cleveland, nobody thought they could take out the undefeated Magic. But they did. And now they are looking better than ever.The biggest liability for the Lakers is the point guard spot. Steve Nash completely exposed the Lakers point guards, and look for Rajon Rondo to do the same. Nash is probably the better point guard, but Rondo has much more weapons to help him out. The Celtics' bench has been playing great, and will cause problems for the Lakers.How can they stop Kobe? Well, at times Kobe has looked unstoppable, but there have been times where he's been not that great. Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
They have to just get a body on him and make him give up the ball.Rebounding will be another huge key, but look for the tough Celtics' defense to frustrate LA.Lakers' fans, I know you are cocky and overconfident, but just wait until the series is over before the celebrations please.
2010年12月25日星期六
25 Dec 10 NBA Predictions: Can Dirk Nowitzki Get a Ring in 2011?
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThe year is 2006, Dirk Nowitzki's fourth seeded Mavericks are ahead two games to none against the second seeded Miami Heat. All they have to do is win twoof the next five games and they will be crowned NBA Champions.We all know the end to that story...Miami goes on to win New Orleans Saints jersey
the remaining four playoff games to come back from a 0-2 deficit and win the title. The heroics of a young gentleman by the name of Dwyane Wade left Dallas fans biting their nails as the series approached its ending.The Dallas Mavericks have not returned to the NBA Finals since then. In fact, they have had a run of unsuccessful playoff experiences(i.e. eighth seeded Golden State takes down top-seeded Dallas in first round upset)in their years since becoming the closest team ever to winning an NBA title.But the question remains, will Dirk Nowitzki ever get a ring?We cannot be certain, but one of the greatest foreign players in NBA history (and one of the most dynamic and unique skill-sets the game has seen) will certainly continue his quest for one.Alongside many NBA fans itching to get the 2010-2011 season under way, the people in Dallas share the same optimism.This offseason Dallas made a deal with the Charlotte Bobcats that sent Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, Eduardo Najera, and cash considerations to North Carolina in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca.Let's take a look at what that does for their depth chart:PG: Jason Kidd -- Rodrigue Beaubois -- J.J. BareaSG: Caron Butler -- Jason TerrySF: Shawn Marion -- DeShawn StevensonPF: Dirk Nowitzki -- Shawn MarionC: Tyson Chandler -- Brendan HaywoodDallas is one of the only teams that can say that they start four former All-Stars, to begin wi th. As you can see, they have a strong, athletic tandem at center able to matchup with any big man in the league.Their depth in the guard slots is also impressive. One of the top sixth men in the league, Jason Terry, is accompanied by young talents Beaubois and Barea.On paper, this team is as good as any other team in the NBA. But how do they compete for a title? Getting by the defending champions (LAL) and the preseason favorites (Miami) will be necessary, but they cannot overlook the other tasks along the way.Let's assume they take care of business in the regular season as usual with another 50-plus win season. Let's ignore seeding in the playoffs because in the Western Conference, the eighth seed (and beyond) may be just as good as the team seeded second.In the first round, say Dallas draws an opponent of New York Giants jersey
the Phoenix/San Antonio/Oklahoma City tier. All first-round games are going to be tough outings.But not only is this Dallas roster talented, it has experience. In fact, they hold the player with the most playoff games played without an NBA title: Jason Kidd. So not only is Nowitzki on a quest, but so are his teammates.Not to take assumptions too seriously, but for the sake of plausibility, assume Dallas gets by their round one opponent exploiting the team's weaknesses and taking advantage of their own assets. Blah blah blah.Round two, say they get an opponent of the Utah/Denver/Houston tier. This series is likely to require all seven games which they are allotted. It would not be a surprise for Dallas to lose in the second round in the tough Western Conference, it would just feel...well...redundant.So they come out with a chance to compete for a bid to the Finals. Up to this point, every task to Dallas has been reasonable andattainable. But a seven-game series with the Los Angeles Lakers presents a more daunting obstacle. So how do they stack up?Jason Kidd-- Derek FisherCaron Butler -- Kobe BryantShawn Marion -- Ron Artest (depending on which Shawn Marion andwhich Ron Artest shows up)Dirk Nowitzki -- Pau Gasol(debatable matchup, as good a debate as Kobe/DWade)Tyson Chandler -- Andrew Bynum*bold faced type denotes player favored in matchupOn paper (boy, does that sound redundant), Dallas has the ability to play with the Lakers. And in a seven-game series, you never know what could happen but it's likely to come down to the wire.Let's take a look at their potential obstacle in the finals: Miami HeatRematch of '06 Finals, Nowitzki and his new Mavericks have the motivation to play this series with confidence. Again, I like Jason Kidd in the point guard matchup with whoever the Heat decide to start. I like Wade/LeBron in the shooting guard and small forward slots, respectfully. Nowitzki takes the cake over Bosh nine times out of 10, and Chandler stacks up well against New York Jets jersey
Ilgauskas/Anthony.The year is 2011, five years have passed and now Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade meet in the NBA Finals again, both with resurgent teams seeking eminence. The end to this story we do not yet know...In reality, the Dallas Mavericks are well-equipped for a title run in 2011, there are just a couple steep mountains to climb to be able to get there.
the remaining four playoff games to come back from a 0-2 deficit and win the title. The heroics of a young gentleman by the name of Dwyane Wade left Dallas fans biting their nails as the series approached its ending.The Dallas Mavericks have not returned to the NBA Finals since then. In fact, they have had a run of unsuccessful playoff experiences(i.e. eighth seeded Golden State takes down top-seeded Dallas in first round upset)in their years since becoming the closest team ever to winning an NBA title.But the question remains, will Dirk Nowitzki ever get a ring?We cannot be certain, but one of the greatest foreign players in NBA history (and one of the most dynamic and unique skill-sets the game has seen) will certainly continue his quest for one.Alongside many NBA fans itching to get the 2010-2011 season under way, the people in Dallas share the same optimism.This offseason Dallas made a deal with the Charlotte Bobcats that sent Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll, Eduardo Najera, and cash considerations to North Carolina in exchange for Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca.Let's take a look at what that does for their depth chart:PG: Jason Kidd -- Rodrigue Beaubois -- J.J. BareaSG: Caron Butler -- Jason TerrySF: Shawn Marion -- DeShawn StevensonPF: Dirk Nowitzki -- Shawn MarionC: Tyson Chandler -- Brendan HaywoodDallas is one of the only teams that can say that they start four former All-Stars, to begin wi th. As you can see, they have a strong, athletic tandem at center able to matchup with any big man in the league.Their depth in the guard slots is also impressive. One of the top sixth men in the league, Jason Terry, is accompanied by young talents Beaubois and Barea.On paper, this team is as good as any other team in the NBA. But how do they compete for a title? Getting by the defending champions (LAL) and the preseason favorites (Miami) will be necessary, but they cannot overlook the other tasks along the way.Let's assume they take care of business in the regular season as usual with another 50-plus win season. Let's ignore seeding in the playoffs because in the Western Conference, the eighth seed (and beyond) may be just as good as the team seeded second.In the first round, say Dallas draws an opponent of New York Giants jersey
the Phoenix/San Antonio/Oklahoma City tier. All first-round games are going to be tough outings.But not only is this Dallas roster talented, it has experience. In fact, they hold the player with the most playoff games played without an NBA title: Jason Kidd. So not only is Nowitzki on a quest, but so are his teammates.Not to take assumptions too seriously, but for the sake of plausibility, assume Dallas gets by their round one opponent exploiting the team's weaknesses and taking advantage of their own assets. Blah blah blah.Round two, say they get an opponent of the Utah/Denver/Houston tier. This series is likely to require all seven games which they are allotted. It would not be a surprise for Dallas to lose in the second round in the tough Western Conference, it would just feel...well...redundant.So they come out with a chance to compete for a bid to the Finals. Up to this point, every task to Dallas has been reasonable andattainable. But a seven-game series with the Los Angeles Lakers presents a more daunting obstacle. So how do they stack up?Jason Kidd-- Derek FisherCaron Butler -- Kobe BryantShawn Marion -- Ron Artest (depending on which Shawn Marion andwhich Ron Artest shows up)Dirk Nowitzki -- Pau Gasol(debatable matchup, as good a debate as Kobe/DWade)Tyson Chandler -- Andrew Bynum*bold faced type denotes player favored in matchupOn paper (boy, does that sound redundant), Dallas has the ability to play with the Lakers. And in a seven-game series, you never know what could happen but it's likely to come down to the wire.Let's take a look at their potential obstacle in the finals: Miami HeatRematch of '06 Finals, Nowitzki and his new Mavericks have the motivation to play this series with confidence. Again, I like Jason Kidd in the point guard matchup with whoever the Heat decide to start. I like Wade/LeBron in the shooting guard and small forward slots, respectfully. Nowitzki takes the cake over Bosh nine times out of 10, and Chandler stacks up well against New York Jets jersey
Ilgauskas/Anthony.The year is 2011, five years have passed and now Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade meet in the NBA Finals again, both with resurgent teams seeking eminence. The end to this story we do not yet know...In reality, the Dallas Mavericks are well-equipped for a title run in 2011, there are just a couple steep mountains to climb to be able to get there.
2010年12月24日星期五
24 Dec 10 The Chicago Bulls 6th Pre-Season Game: An Analysis
Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesThe Orlando Magic handed the Chicago Bulls their most lopsided preseason loss in a 107- 67 rout that was marked a Bulls team that had little answers for the Magic’s offense. While a Bulls win against the Magic was unlikely, given that there starting power forward Carlos Boozer continued to be missed in the lineup due to injury compared to a relatively healthy Magic team, what seemed most apparent is that the team had little in the tank and it was evident from the opening tip off. Throughout the game, Bulls players almost universally shot poorly. After coming off a closely contested loss against the Dallas Mavericks, which probably drained the Bulls both emotionally and physically, the team reportedly flew into Orlando at 4am the next morning Houston Texans jersey
for their same day confrontation with Orlando. Regardless, there were some factors throughout the game that fatigued or not perhaps could have been managed better.The Bulls defense allowed perimeter scoring from Orlando to open up an early lead that the Bulls could not recover. As was exemplified in the Dallas game prior, the Bulls may have been better off utilizing a zone defense which was used effectively against the Bulls by the Mavericks. While the Bulls may have chosen not to do so against Orlando for fear of Dwight Howard beating them on inside feeds, given the back to back schedule, the Bulls might have considered going with a slower tempo game to conserve energy and challenge Howard to beat them. Orlando spread the floor so much that Bulls players were running around after balls and getting even more tired doing so. The lack of energy for the Bulls was pronounced as many players were late rotating to defensive assignments. On one play, Magic backup center Marcin Gortat got behind the Bulls defense for an easy score which was somewhat of a repeat of lapses seen in previous games. Towards the end of the third quarter, Orlando was almost scoring at will. On offense, while the Bulls got many good looks; execution was a problem. The Bulls bench players came into the game early and played heavy minutes.While hard to see, the Bulls did have some bright spots in the game and can hopefully utilize that as a learning experience that can lead to the team adding another dimension to their game. The Bulls were actually able to execute their offense, again, it seemed as though it was more a matter of converting as opposed to giving themselves opportunities to score, as the Bulls shot only 31% from the field. Also the projected bench players did provided solid post defense in the first half of the game as opposed to perimeter defense which was what put them in a deep hole by the end of the half. There was also still good hustle by the Bulls on defense, even if with less energy, it continues to be an improvement over last year. They were able to force turnovers.As for individual play, most of the team shot the ball poorly except for Derrick Rose who scored the only points for the starting lineup in the first half. Rose finished with seven points in limited minutes. C. J. Watson was perhaps the only Bull who had a good game providing the only real somewhat consistent offensive effort. Watson had a nice drive and layup to end the Indianapolis Colts jersey
first quarter. He also contributed on the defensive end especially late in the first quarter which led to a forced turnover and he took a hard charge at the beginning of the third quarter. He ended the game with 13 points and 4 assists. Luol Deng had a long night not connecting with his shots. He only found a bit of success driving to the hole and drawing fouls. James Johnson also struggled connecting but he ended the game with 10 points and 5 rebounds. There were some offensive successes that were somewhat effective, what was unclear is why they were not fully utilized. An area where the Bulls may refocus their effort includes the ability of several of their players to drive the ball. What the Bulls can build on is that on the occasions they took the ball strong to the basket, they found some pay dirt, getting to the foul line and even converting three point plays. Thus far the Bulls have seemed like a one dimensional team (although in fairness that is partly the result of injuries to key players). However, if the limited scoring was successful when they put the ball on the floor then it may make sense to explore using that more often. Some of these flashes of small victories came when Joakim Noah drove to the basket and drew a third personal on Dwight Howard; Ronnie Brewer driving to the rim got him to the free throw line; Luol Deng who struggled all night converted on a three point play on a drive in the third quarter and even Roger Powell’s drive and dunk at the end of the game provided a nice symbolic “refuse to quit” moment for the team. The Bulls seemed more consistent driving to the rim, which should be a message to the team to make this a more permanent part to their offensive repertoire. Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
While this loss to the Magic is embarrassing more so in a emblematic way, the Magic may have also provided the blueprint for how the Bulls can be successful, by mixing up their offensive sets and utilizing the additional talents of their players, specifically their ability to penetrate a defense which we have not seen much of thus far. This may be an instance where coaching should work to make the Bulls more than the one dimensional team they have been thus far in the preseason.For the game, I would grade the Bulls defense a C+, and the offense a C, coaching a B and the team overall a C.
for their same day confrontation with Orlando. Regardless, there were some factors throughout the game that fatigued or not perhaps could have been managed better.The Bulls defense allowed perimeter scoring from Orlando to open up an early lead that the Bulls could not recover. As was exemplified in the Dallas game prior, the Bulls may have been better off utilizing a zone defense which was used effectively against the Bulls by the Mavericks. While the Bulls may have chosen not to do so against Orlando for fear of Dwight Howard beating them on inside feeds, given the back to back schedule, the Bulls might have considered going with a slower tempo game to conserve energy and challenge Howard to beat them. Orlando spread the floor so much that Bulls players were running around after balls and getting even more tired doing so. The lack of energy for the Bulls was pronounced as many players were late rotating to defensive assignments. On one play, Magic backup center Marcin Gortat got behind the Bulls defense for an easy score which was somewhat of a repeat of lapses seen in previous games. Towards the end of the third quarter, Orlando was almost scoring at will. On offense, while the Bulls got many good looks; execution was a problem. The Bulls bench players came into the game early and played heavy minutes.While hard to see, the Bulls did have some bright spots in the game and can hopefully utilize that as a learning experience that can lead to the team adding another dimension to their game. The Bulls were actually able to execute their offense, again, it seemed as though it was more a matter of converting as opposed to giving themselves opportunities to score, as the Bulls shot only 31% from the field. Also the projected bench players did provided solid post defense in the first half of the game as opposed to perimeter defense which was what put them in a deep hole by the end of the half. There was also still good hustle by the Bulls on defense, even if with less energy, it continues to be an improvement over last year. They were able to force turnovers.As for individual play, most of the team shot the ball poorly except for Derrick Rose who scored the only points for the starting lineup in the first half. Rose finished with seven points in limited minutes. C. J. Watson was perhaps the only Bull who had a good game providing the only real somewhat consistent offensive effort. Watson had a nice drive and layup to end the Indianapolis Colts jersey
first quarter. He also contributed on the defensive end especially late in the first quarter which led to a forced turnover and he took a hard charge at the beginning of the third quarter. He ended the game with 13 points and 4 assists. Luol Deng had a long night not connecting with his shots. He only found a bit of success driving to the hole and drawing fouls. James Johnson also struggled connecting but he ended the game with 10 points and 5 rebounds. There were some offensive successes that were somewhat effective, what was unclear is why they were not fully utilized. An area where the Bulls may refocus their effort includes the ability of several of their players to drive the ball. What the Bulls can build on is that on the occasions they took the ball strong to the basket, they found some pay dirt, getting to the foul line and even converting three point plays. Thus far the Bulls have seemed like a one dimensional team (although in fairness that is partly the result of injuries to key players). However, if the limited scoring was successful when they put the ball on the floor then it may make sense to explore using that more often. Some of these flashes of small victories came when Joakim Noah drove to the basket and drew a third personal on Dwight Howard; Ronnie Brewer driving to the rim got him to the free throw line; Luol Deng who struggled all night converted on a three point play on a drive in the third quarter and even Roger Powell’s drive and dunk at the end of the game provided a nice symbolic “refuse to quit” moment for the team. The Bulls seemed more consistent driving to the rim, which should be a message to the team to make this a more permanent part to their offensive repertoire. Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
While this loss to the Magic is embarrassing more so in a emblematic way, the Magic may have also provided the blueprint for how the Bulls can be successful, by mixing up their offensive sets and utilizing the additional talents of their players, specifically their ability to penetrate a defense which we have not seen much of thus far. This may be an instance where coaching should work to make the Bulls more than the one dimensional team they have been thus far in the preseason.For the game, I would grade the Bulls defense a C+, and the offense a C, coaching a B and the team overall a C.
2010年12月23日星期四
Anyone who considers the comparison laughable did not watch Bonner drill seven consecutive treysin Oklahoma City a week ago
The Spurs owe that paramount road victory to second-half defense and his shooting.Lakers starting center Andrew Bynum has not played in a game since June 17, and when healthy, he can demolish pillow-soft frontlines by himself. The Hornets overcame uncertainty and a front office upheaval in speeding to an 11-1 record. Did anyone expect a lineup with Emeka Okafor, who looked washed up and disengagedat times last season, and Smith, Belinelli and Willie Green to win at a pace that portends more than 55 victories?The Nuggets limped into Houston Oct. 30with key big menChris Anderson and Kenyon Martin out until January. Harrington, who dropped 28 points, had been playing through discomfort and some minor injuries.The Rockets, much like the Portland Trail Blazers, could Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers 43 Troy Polamalu Realtree camo Jersey
compare their luck over the last five years to Hurley from the now defunct TV dramaLost. No matter how many times Morey seems to win the lottery in a trade or with a draft pick, the house keeps falling down just after his pants do. Forgive him if he feels like the emperor with no clothes or Clarice Starling battling a sicker, cruelerenemy than Hannibal Lecter.Beyond the caustic defense, other obvious issues have plagued this last-place outfit. Chase Budinger, the team's best spot-up shooter and dunker, is hitting just 15 percent of his three-pointers and has thrown it down just four times. He was scoreless Friday in his return from injury. What is it with the Rockets and left ankle sprains?Kyle Lowry established himself as one of the league's best change-of-pace point guards last season. He took charges and made remarkable hustle plays. Now, he's just taking bad shots and making 29 percent of them. Back spasms and similar ankle issues do not excuse his paltry selection.Fans groaned when referees removed his lateoff-balance trey and leaner in Wednesday's loss. Replays showed the ball was still in his hands when the shot clock expired and the red light appeared. Instead of berating blatant calls, the Rockets' faithfulshould have bemoaned an offense that could not muster better attempts.Good luck winning with those numbers.Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes can still administer brutish, intelligent and admirable defensive performances, but they still can't score with a pencil. Budinger would merit more praise Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
for thetime hespent working on defensive fundamentals if he was not abusing the rims. Then again, Raptors forwardLinas Kleiza beat him to a pulp and treated himlike a rag doll in Friday's loss. Courtney Lee's minute ration is not the only thing in fluctuation. His game alsocomes and goes. Adelman needs a lot more from Lee than he's getting.Jordan Hillhaslooked like a lost mountain climber in need of a Sherpa. Ishmael Smithhasheart and grit, not to mention superb court vision,but he would not have gone undrafted if he was destined to take over fourth quarters the way Rose did during the Bulls 18-0 spurt toopen Wednesday's final period. Brad Miller has given Adelman everything he could want as a role player who can pass and knock down uncontested jumpshots, butgiving himstarter's minutes exposes his flaws. His ability to protect the rim has not aged gracefully.Martin earns nine free throw attempts a game, a fabulous number on paper, but hecannot manufacture enough points when the pressure-packed moments arrive. If Kobe Bryant is the NBA's best looking bride in the clutch, Martin is its mostperplexing example of a bridesmaid posing as the wedding'sstar attraction.Heimpresses during the rehearsal dinner andinterlude, but when it comes time to walk down the aisle and say "I do," you might as well sing "Here comes the brick."Scola, who still has not located Harrington, gets by on effort much more than talent. He has been the best and most consistent Rocket thus far, and that is another problem. The best teams boast No. 1 options who can slack off and still rank asplus players. Scola would be nothing more than a benchwarming body if hiscompetitive juices did not fuel him so.Sheer talent beats depth in a head-to-head race. Morey thought he had assembled a roster with plenty of both. Instead, the guys with the finest physical gifts too often appear sluggish and disinterested, and the workhorses cannot jump any higher or move any quicker.Few in Houston, including this writer, ever imagined the Rockets would start 3-9. Now, many once jubilant fanswonder if the team will ever win again. Houston did not roar out of the gates when Brooks and Yao started. No one can expect the future re-additions to the lineup to transform this defense into an adequate one, especially when Yao's peak abilities following reconstructive foot surgery remain unknown.Brooks and Yao, 20 points-per-game scorers at their best, can help the offense late in Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
games, but can either approximate a superstar?So much for liftoff.The Rockets were supposed to fall into the NBA's abyss in the 2009-2010 campaign sans Yao's interior presence. They would take that 6-4 start in a heartbeat now.The atrociousdefense has beenthe worst of the myriadproblems. If they want to stop a painful slide tonight, they must first stop somebody on the Sunswith the game on the line.After that, all Morey and Adelman have to do is worry about everything else. Forget lift-off. Mere engine noise in Houston might pass for beautiful music these days.
compare their luck over the last five years to Hurley from the now defunct TV dramaLost. No matter how many times Morey seems to win the lottery in a trade or with a draft pick, the house keeps falling down just after his pants do. Forgive him if he feels like the emperor with no clothes or Clarice Starling battling a sicker, cruelerenemy than Hannibal Lecter.Beyond the caustic defense, other obvious issues have plagued this last-place outfit. Chase Budinger, the team's best spot-up shooter and dunker, is hitting just 15 percent of his three-pointers and has thrown it down just four times. He was scoreless Friday in his return from injury. What is it with the Rockets and left ankle sprains?Kyle Lowry established himself as one of the league's best change-of-pace point guards last season. He took charges and made remarkable hustle plays. Now, he's just taking bad shots and making 29 percent of them. Back spasms and similar ankle issues do not excuse his paltry selection.Fans groaned when referees removed his lateoff-balance trey and leaner in Wednesday's loss. Replays showed the ball was still in his hands when the shot clock expired and the red light appeared. Instead of berating blatant calls, the Rockets' faithfulshould have bemoaned an offense that could not muster better attempts.Good luck winning with those numbers.Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes can still administer brutish, intelligent and admirable defensive performances, but they still can't score with a pencil. Budinger would merit more praise Reebok Green Bay Packers 21 Charles Woodson Realtree camo Jersey
for thetime hespent working on defensive fundamentals if he was not abusing the rims. Then again, Raptors forwardLinas Kleiza beat him to a pulp and treated himlike a rag doll in Friday's loss. Courtney Lee's minute ration is not the only thing in fluctuation. His game alsocomes and goes. Adelman needs a lot more from Lee than he's getting.Jordan Hillhaslooked like a lost mountain climber in need of a Sherpa. Ishmael Smithhasheart and grit, not to mention superb court vision,but he would not have gone undrafted if he was destined to take over fourth quarters the way Rose did during the Bulls 18-0 spurt toopen Wednesday's final period. Brad Miller has given Adelman everything he could want as a role player who can pass and knock down uncontested jumpshots, butgiving himstarter's minutes exposes his flaws. His ability to protect the rim has not aged gracefully.Martin earns nine free throw attempts a game, a fabulous number on paper, but hecannot manufacture enough points when the pressure-packed moments arrive. If Kobe Bryant is the NBA's best looking bride in the clutch, Martin is its mostperplexing example of a bridesmaid posing as the wedding'sstar attraction.Heimpresses during the rehearsal dinner andinterlude, but when it comes time to walk down the aisle and say "I do," you might as well sing "Here comes the brick."Scola, who still has not located Harrington, gets by on effort much more than talent. He has been the best and most consistent Rocket thus far, and that is another problem. The best teams boast No. 1 options who can slack off and still rank asplus players. Scola would be nothing more than a benchwarming body if hiscompetitive juices did not fuel him so.Sheer talent beats depth in a head-to-head race. Morey thought he had assembled a roster with plenty of both. Instead, the guys with the finest physical gifts too often appear sluggish and disinterested, and the workhorses cannot jump any higher or move any quicker.Few in Houston, including this writer, ever imagined the Rockets would start 3-9. Now, many once jubilant fanswonder if the team will ever win again. Houston did not roar out of the gates when Brooks and Yao started. No one can expect the future re-additions to the lineup to transform this defense into an adequate one, especially when Yao's peak abilities following reconstructive foot surgery remain unknown.Brooks and Yao, 20 points-per-game scorers at their best, can help the offense late in Reebok Minnesota Vikings #84 Randy Moss Realtree camo Jersey
games, but can either approximate a superstar?So much for liftoff.The Rockets were supposed to fall into the NBA's abyss in the 2009-2010 campaign sans Yao's interior presence. They would take that 6-4 start in a heartbeat now.The atrociousdefense has beenthe worst of the myriadproblems. If they want to stop a painful slide tonight, they must first stop somebody on the Sunswith the game on the line.After that, all Morey and Adelman have to do is worry about everything else. Forget lift-off. Mere engine noise in Houston might pass for beautiful music these days.
2010年12月22日星期三
Fresh Link Tachos
Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesI've been trying to come up with a better name for a links post than the excellent "Pick and Scroll " in use by our man CHOBB (pronounced like "GOB ," ask him for details) over at Portland Roundball Society.In my impossible (?) quest I ended up using the name for Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
a particularly disgusting dish that tore up my digestive system for a week. Tachos are a menace and they must be stopped. I also love eating them, but am finding that they are rare outside of Portland. Minneapolis, you of all people should be on board with this.To those that entered our little free agent contest , you are playing for this spectacular prize:The three people who get the reference might smile a little. In a couple months nobody will understand it at all, but at least you will have a shirt to wear while working out, painting the house, or eating burritos. You can buy it on the cheap here . Thanks to Squirrelevant for setting that up.Now, here are some tachos:CHOBB got jobbed by a Danny Ferry imposter .Ben with a little context on Portland GM candidateKiki Vandeweghe . Dave tells us what to expect and look out for during summer league, yet I'm still somehow excited about the thing. I'll be in Las Vegas soaking up the Luke Schenscher. If you want to go see Fat Elvis contact me immediately.Coup walks us through his and Martell Webster's time together . Also, on principle I would like to remind you that Rip City Project owes a debt to Bust a Bucket that has yet to be paid. The juice is running boys.The genius blog DeceptivelyQuick has an exclusive with Jamaican National Team point guard and Finnish League superstar Akeem Scott.Super old by internet standards, but I hope you won't mind checking out this Billy Ray Bates story again.KneeJerkNBA has some thoughts on Rasheed WallaceKansas City Chiefs jersey
that are worth your time.Timberwolves fans are trying to be optimistic . If you want to feel better about Portland's situation all you have to do is spend some time over at TWolves Blog. I've been checking them out a lot lately.*****sethjonstn[at]gmailmy twitter
a particularly disgusting dish that tore up my digestive system for a week. Tachos are a menace and they must be stopped. I also love eating them, but am finding that they are rare outside of Portland. Minneapolis, you of all people should be on board with this.To those that entered our little free agent contest , you are playing for this spectacular prize:The three people who get the reference might smile a little. In a couple months nobody will understand it at all, but at least you will have a shirt to wear while working out, painting the house, or eating burritos. You can buy it on the cheap here . Thanks to Squirrelevant for setting that up.Now, here are some tachos:CHOBB got jobbed by a Danny Ferry imposter .Ben with a little context on Portland GM candidateKiki Vandeweghe . Dave tells us what to expect and look out for during summer league, yet I'm still somehow excited about the thing. I'll be in Las Vegas soaking up the Luke Schenscher. If you want to go see Fat Elvis contact me immediately.Coup walks us through his and Martell Webster's time together . Also, on principle I would like to remind you that Rip City Project owes a debt to Bust a Bucket that has yet to be paid. The juice is running boys.The genius blog DeceptivelyQuick has an exclusive with Jamaican National Team point guard and Finnish League superstar Akeem Scott.Super old by internet standards, but I hope you won't mind checking out this Billy Ray Bates story again.KneeJerkNBA has some thoughts on Rasheed WallaceKansas City Chiefs jersey
that are worth your time.Timberwolves fans are trying to be optimistic . If you want to feel better about Portland's situation all you have to do is spend some time over at TWolves Blog. I've been checking them out a lot lately.*****sethjonstn[at]gmailmy twitter
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