As many predicted, there was no shortage of trades at the 2015 NBA draft. There just weren’t any big ones. We were all hoping for a blockbuster like DeMarcus Cousins to the Los Angeles Lakers or the Toronto Raptors detonating their roster. Instead, we may have to wait for the powderkeg of Kings training camp, when George Karl first asks Cousins to show harder on a pick-and-roll. We even would have settled for a team such as the Celtics or Hawks taking
BROOKLYN — It’s incredible how a building’s mood can change so drastically every five minutes. From the roaring approval for Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell to the acidic, vitriol for the Knicks’ pick of Kristaps Porzingis, nothing satisfies a sports fan’s need for instant gratification like reacting to an NBA draft pick. But there were great moments behind the scenes that you could not see. A proud multi-generational basketball family sharing a special moment in a back room. A fashion statement that added to
Elsewhere on this site, veteran NBA experts are breaking down the real-life winners (and losers) of last night’s NBA draft. Here in the fantasy corner, it’s never too early to plan for next season. All rookies have a learning curve. Some need extra time — third-year players can be undervalued in Roto and Head-to-Head drafts. From our perspective, opportunity matters most. Minutes, touches, fit with the system and depth of the organization are all factors. While there won’t be any Daily Fantasy Sports action on pro
Fresh off a no-hitter that was almost perfect, Max Scherzer $14000 was somehow even better the start before. In the DraftKings scoring system, his 16-K 1-hitter earned 60.1 points, 6.4 more than the no-no. [Read more…]
BROOKLYN – As usual, the NBA Draft was filled with boos and oohs from the crowd. D’Angelo Russell drew the biggest ovation when he was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Subsequently, Kristaps Porzingis eventually drew the ire of the crowd when he was selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak had high praise for Russell. “We think his upside is unlimited, and we didn’t feel that for all the players we were considering,”
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — I am not going to sit here and tell you that Phil Jackson made a mistake in taking Latvian toothpick Kristaps Porzingis with the fourth pick of the 2015 NBA draft. Jackson was in the press room at 8:20 p.m. Thursday night comparing the kid to Pau Gasol, and Jackson is a better judge of talent than I am. He gets paid $12 million of Jim Dolan’s money each season to make these decisions, to “preside.” But I will
With the NBA draft just about to begin, GMs are working the phones frantically to explore all avenues of improving their clubs, including trades and creating cap space. The latest news appears to be the Los Angeles Lakers choosing at 2 between Duke’s Jahlil Okafor and Ohio State’s D’Angelo Russell. As I reported in Mock 6.0.1, my sources revealed that the Lakers front office voted Russell over Okafor when polled by Mitch Kupchak. It sounds doubtful that a deal for DeMarcus Cousins will happen tonight,
11. Indiana Pacers – Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State The decision is down to Payne, Johnson, and Trey Lyles here, according to sources. With Johnson off the board it’s a no-brainer for Indy. The Pacers lack a dominant point guard, and with Paul George returning next season, having a dynamic lead guard to handle the ball and put George in easier scoring positions makes sense. Payne is lethal off the pick-and-roll, and is a solid shooter with great court vision who doesn’t ignore getting