PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
-Albert Einstein
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NBA:
Eight teams facing tough decisions as cutdown deadline looms
Five NBA teams that could surprise
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/10/25/surprise-nba-teams/73284448/
Bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season
http://newsok.com/thunder-roundtable-bold-predictions-for-the-upcoming-nba-season/article/5455944
Ranking top 40 centers for 2015-16
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/fantasy-hoops-ranking-top-40-centers-for-2015-16/
Does the preseason Matter?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/head-to-head-does-the-preseason-matter/
NBA power rankings: Finalists at top until they get knocked off
Chuck Hayes to coach if not picked up by NBA team
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/chuck-hayes-to-coach-if-not-picked-up-by-nba-team/
N.B.A. game of the week: New Orleans at Golden State
Greg Oden suffers hand injury in China after strong debut
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13964684/greg-oden-hand-injury-china
Basketball’s best free-throw shooter isn’t in the NBA
http://www.wsj.com/articles/basketballs-best-free-throw-shooter-isnt-in-the-nba-1445790601?alg=y
NBA “looking in to” Derek Fisher, Matt Barnes dust up
http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/10/25/nba-is-looking-in-to-derek-fisher-matt-barnes-dust-up/
NBA owner reflects on a changing landscape
http://www.wsj.com/articles/nba-owner-reflects-on-a-changing-landscape-1445824928
NBA Cheerleaders’ new rallying cry: better pay
Craig Sager’s return to the sidelines covering the NBA for TNT
http://www.si.com/more-sports/2015/10/25/craig-sager-tnt-nba-cancer-stephanie-ready
NCAA:
John Calipari and Kentucky are biggest contributors to NBA
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nba/la-sp-nba-college-talent-20151025-story.html
Harvard, UConn stars can’t quite graduate to NBA
FLIP SAUNDERS:
Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders dies of cancer at age 60
Flip Saunders, who led Timberwolves’ ascent, dies at 60
Flip Saunders’ humanity and decency are his most enduring qualities
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg reflects on mentor Flip Saunders
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-coach-fred-hoiberg-reflects-mentor-flip-saunders
Not a better guy in the NBA than Flip Saunders: Mary Schmitt Boyer
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/not_a_better_guy_in_the_nba_th.html – incart_river
Ainge releases statement regarding death of Saunders
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/ainge-releases-statement-regarding-death-saunders
Utah Jazz notes: NBA, Jazz mourn death of Flip Saunders
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3098036-155/utah-jazz-notes-nba-jazz-mourn
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle on Flip Saunders’ death
Pistons, current and former, grieve Saunders’ death
Flip Saunders lived, breathed basketball
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/25/flip-saunders/74599100/
Flip Saunders always had Gophers in his heart, even if he wasn’t their coach
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29022551/flip-saunders-always-had-gophers-his-heart-even
Flip Saunder’s death touches other Minnesota teams
http://www.twincities.com/wild/ci_29022472/flip-saunders-death-touches-other-minnesota-teams
Timberwolves’ Flip Saunders remembered for strength, compassion
From LeBron James to Tyus Jones, Flip Saunders tributes pour in
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29022149/timberwolves-flip-saunders-touched-so-many-lives
Flip Saunders’ death prompts outpouring of grief and memories
For Flip Saunders, a rich and varied basketball life
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29020674/flip-saunders-rich-and-varied-basketball-life
Blazers’ Stotts on Saunders: He was ‘a terrific person and the NBA is going to miss him
Kevin Garnett, NBA mourn death of Flip Saunders
http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/post/_/id/13969163/kevin-garnett-nba-mourn-death-flip-saunders
76ERS:
Sixers’ season already off to a bad start
Stauskas uncertain for Sixers opener
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151026_Stauskas_uncertain_for_Sixers_opener.html
Sixers’ reputation with agents could hurt them
BUCKS:
Greg Monroe at center of attention for Bucks
BULLS:
Derrick Rose to play in Bulls’ season opener
http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/13970066/derrick-rose-chicago-bulls-play-season-opener
Derrick Rose showing the speed Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg is looking for
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bulls-bits-gibson-rose-20151025-story.html
Derrick Rose will play vs. Cleveland, but for how long?
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/hoiberg-derrick-rose-will-play-vs-cleveland-how-long
A look from the outside: Bulls don’t need Derrick Rose to be the MVP
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1044816/look-outside-bulls-dont-need-derrick-rose-mvp
Joakim Noah on new role off the bench: ‘Good for our team’
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-joakim-noah-bulls-20151025-story.html
Experimentation could add value to Fred Hoiberg’s Bulls depth chart
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/experimentation-could-add-value-fred-hoibergs-bulls-depth-chart
Bulls season preview: Roster breakdown
Which Chicago team will next win a title?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/ct-chicago-team-predictions-spt-1026-20151025-story.html
CAVALIERS:
LeBron James practices for first time since injection
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13969864/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-returns-practice
LeBron James practiced fully Sunday, inching toward playing in Cavaliers’ season opener
LeBron James and Cavs don’t want to lose again
Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson will play Tuesday in season opener against Bulls
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/cleveland_cavaliers_forward_tr_7.html – incart_river
CELTICS:
Danny’s in good place
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/danny_s_in_good_place
Potential Celtics starting five has been successful
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/potential-celtics-starting-five-has-been-successful
Kelly Olynyk confident going into season
Brian Scalabrine joins Comcast SportsNet full time
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/25/cnotes/S8rpont867YsACopcxuaoJ/story.html
CLIPPERS:
Clippers are getting an early lesson in how ‘The Truth’ works
Luc Mbah a Moute is happy for chance with Clippers after Kings let him go
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-20151026-story.html
Matt Barnes says his comments regarding Doc Rivers were ‘twisted’
GRIZZLIES:
Joerger wants Griz to survive first 25 games
HAWKS:
Hawks Finalize Roster, Prepare for Start of Regular Season
http://atlallday.com/2015/10/25/atlanta-hawks-finalize-roster-prepare-for-start-of-regular-season/
Hawks wrap up preseason, here is what we learned
HEAT:
With new players, Miami Heat now seeks new identity
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article41400276.html
Will Heat’s chill with 3-point shooting lead to a nuclear winter?
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-three-pointers-s102415-story.html
Wade says Heat have to distill talent into winning formula
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-dwyane-wade-s102515-story.html
HORNETS:
Charlotte Hornets choose Greensboro for Development League franchise
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article41379882.html
JAZZ:
Jazz add to roster with D-League in mind
http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3100911-155/jazz-add-to-roster-with-d-league
Jazz backup center Jeff Withey has been a pleasant surprise so far
Jazz sign a pair of guards for Idaho Stampede
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639913/Utah-Jazz-sign-a-pair-of-guards-for-Idaho-Stampede.html
KINGS:
Can volatile personalities blend?
DeMarcus Cousins and Kings can go far – without the scowl
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/andy-furillo/article41406156.html
Kings Positional Breakdown: Small Forward
http://www.nba.com/kings/blog/kings-positional-breakdown-small-forward
KNICKS:
First Mets, then Knicks? Carmelo Anthony sees similarities
http://nypost.com/2015/10/26/first-mets-then-knicks-carmelo-anthony-sees-similarities/
Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony sees similarities with Mets World Series team
Knicks position-by-position breakdown for 2015-16 season
Knicks’ Afflalo coming to grips with actual injury timeline
http://nypost.com/2015/10/26/knicks-afflalo-coming-to-grips-with-actual-injury-timeline/
Robin Lopez proud to bring hair-raising defense to Knicks
LAKERS:
Kobe Bryant’s back at Lakers practice, fired up
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-20151026-story.html
Lakers to pay either Metta World Peace or Jabari Brown two days of salary
NBA experts mixed on Kobe Bryant, Lakers’ playoff chances
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151025/nba-experts-mixed-on-kobe-bryant-lakers-playoff-chances
Lakers’ depth chart breakdown: Analyzing the 2015-16 roster
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151025/lakers-depth-chart-breakdown-analyzing-the-2015-16-roster
Byron Scott believes Russell, Randle and Clarkson could become All-Stars
Lakers coach Byron Scott, old school as he might be, shows he’s willing to adjust
No Hollywood ending as Bryant embarks on 20th NBA season
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/no-hollywood-ending-bryant-embarks-20th-nba-season-220215046–nba.html
Kobe Bryant creates ‘The 81 Hour Challenge’ for fans
http://national.suntimes.com/national-sports/7/72/1997833/kobe-bryant-creates-81-hour-challenge-fans
MAGIC:
Elfrid Payton participates in non-contact drills Sunday
Magic Exercise Team Options on Gordon, Napier, Oladipo and Payton
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/magic-exercise-team-options-gordon-napier-oladipo-and-payton
Fournier Eligible for Contact Extension; Deadline Oct. 31
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/fournier-eligible-contact-extension-deadline-oct.-31
MAVERICKS:
Is Deron Williams the floor general who can lead the Mavs to the playoffs?
Mavericks not given much of a chance to be in West elite
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article41409966.html
NETS:
Joe Johnson likes what Nets have done, but not sure how … or if … it will work out
Nets’ five must-watch games this season
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-key-games-watch-season-article-1.2410575
NUGGETS:
Coach Malone’s first camp finishes with net gains
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29019203/coach-malones-first-camp-finishes-net-gains
PELICANS:
Pelicans will be better but that might not be enough in wild West
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/pelicans_will_be_better_but_th.html – incart_river
Alvin Gentry says Golden State’s Steve Kerr not coaching puts a damper on opening night
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/alvin_gentry_says_golden_state.html – incart_river
Pelicans are considering signing guard Ish Smith
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_are_consi.html – incart_river
PISTONS:
Pistons exercise Bullock’s $2.3M option for 2016-17
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/25/detroit-pistons-reggie-bullock/74588966/
Pistons pick up options on Caldwell-Pope, Bullock
http://newsok.com/pistons-pick-up-options-on-caldwell-pope-bullock/article/feed/909954
Steve Blake tabbed Pistons’ backup PG over Spencer Dinwiddie
Stanley Johnson already drawing rookie-of-the-year buzz
RAPTORS:
Raptors’ Patterson has to play his way back
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/25/raptors-patterson-has-to-play-his-way-back
New-look Raptors hoping for better defensive effort with retooled roster
ROCKETS:
Pat Beverley anxious to get season underway
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/pat-beverley-anxious-to-get-season-underway/
SPURS:
West enjoyed Spurs tie long before he signed with club
Butler proves to be good enough
The Making of LaMarcus: Spurs’ offseason coup has Dallas roots
Popovich pulls in Aldridge, and it’s a start
LaMarcus Aldridge’s Sacrifice
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-sunday-lamarcus-aldridges-challenge/
SUNS:
Suns waive center Henry Sims, reduce roster to 14
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/suns_waive_center_henry_sims_reduce_roster_to_14
Outside looking in again?
THUNDER:
Just like Scott Brooks, Billy Donovan likes Andre Roberson in the lineup
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Best 5 road trips to see Portland Trail Blazers away from home during 2015-16 season
WARRIORS:
Warriors will begin title defense with key figure missing
Assortment of riches at center
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-2015-16-preview-assortment-riches-center
Forwards better on court than on paper
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-2015-16-preview-forwards-better-court-paper
Warriors, Curry face challenge of being NBA’s biggest target
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-curry-face-challenge-being-nbas-biggest-target
Defending champ Warriors top deep field of contenders
What does a lousy preseason mean for the Golden State Warriors?
WIZARDS:
Wizards must balance contract years with high expectations
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.