PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no use being a damn fool about it.”
-W.C. Fields
================================
BA:
2016 NBA free agency could dominate this season in an ugly way
The NBA’s next generation prepares to get schooled
6 NBA teams that may surprise this year
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/6-nba-teams-that-may-surprise-you-this-year/
Fall Forecast: Projected NBA standings
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13980821/projected-standings-2015-16
10 hidden gems who will emerge this season
Every team’s chances of winning the title http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2583049-nba-championship-odds-2015-16-every-teams-chances-of-winning-the-title
2015-16 NBA power rankings: Season tipoff edition
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2582942-2015-16-nba-power-rankings-season-kick-off-edition
NBA Expert Picks, Best Bets: All in on Thunder, Clippers to cover
NBA Power Rankings: Warriors begin their quest to repeat
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/nba-power-rankings-warriors-begin-their-quest-repeat
USA Today’s predictions for the 2015-16 NBA season
Cavaliers headline an improving Eastern Conference
West still wild, while Cavaliers standout in East
http://www.oregonlive.com/nba/index.ssf/2015/10/nba_preview_west_still_wild_wh.html – incart_river
Did the NBA preseason change our minds about anything?
http://www.sbnation.com/2015/10/27/9620204/nba-2015-season-preview-predictions-second-guessing
Which early-entry players made NBA opening day rosters?
Which schools have the most players on NBA opening day rosters?
Catch up on Canadian players
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/canada-rising/nba-canadians-1.3291009
Amid gun violence, basketball uniforms flash orange patches of protest
911 calls released in John Henson racial profiling incident
NBA Cheerleader Files Lawsuit Against Basketball Team for Alleged Low Pay
LAMAR ODOM:
Kobe Bryant opens up about long-time friend Lamar Odom
Kobe Bryant: It’s amazing to see Lamar Odom doing so well
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/27/lamar-odom-kobe-bryant-los-angeles-lakers
Lamar Odom surrounded by high security at L.A. hospital
FLIP SAUNDERS:
Craig Sager interview, Flip Saunders death reaction
76ERS:
This Sixers team looks like Hinkie’s worst yet
What to expect of the 2015-16 Sixers
Sixers set to tip off Noel-Okafor era
Stauskas feels good, hopes to play
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Stauskas-feel-good-hopes-to-play.html
Hinkie lovers, haters both have skewed views of Sixers
BUCKS:
Jason Kidd seeks balance between offense, defense
Bucks forced to shuffle lineup for opener
Preview: Bucks vs. Knicks
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/preview-bucks-vs-knicks-b99603569z1-337788031.html
Summer catches Greg Monroe, Robin Lopez set to face off
Bucks confirm new arena will not open until 2018
3 reasons: why to believe; why to worry
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/337786591.html
Ranking the Bucks players, 1-15
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/ranking-the-bucks-players-1-15-b99603571z1-337786381.html
BULLS:
Behind 19 points from Nikola Mirotic, Bulls down the Cavs in Fred Hoiberg’s debut
Bulls hold on for opening-night win against rival Cavaliers
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-hold-opening-night-win-against-rival-cavaliers
Bulls rotation of bigs pays dividends in opener
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-rotation-bigs-pays-dividends-opener
Bulls unveil new offense, but finish off Cavaliers with defense
Rotation in crunch time likely to be a work in progress for quite awhile
In matchup against King James with President Obama on hand, Hoiberg avoids pressure
Derrick Rose, Like Chicago Bulls’ Offense, Is a Work-in-Progress
Bulls’ Joakim Noah accepting of bench role: ‘I want to win
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-joakim-noah-accepting-bench-role-i-want-win
Bulls Prediction: Season will end in May instead of June
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-prediction-season-will-end-may-instead-june
President Obama takes in Bulls-Cavs, optimistic about Bulls’ chances
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/president-obama-takes-bulls-cavs-optimistic-about-bulls-chances
President Barack Obama: ‘I’m glad my Bulls are over in the East’
CAVALIERS:
Cavaliers lose a close one to Bulls, 97-95
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/cleveland_cavaliers_14.html – incart_big-photo
Kevin Love steps up late and David Blatt sticks to plan in Cavaliers opener
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/kevin_love_steps_up_late_and_d.html – incart_river
Cavaliers show they have plenty of work to do
http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/1247/cavs-show-they-have-plenty-of-work-to-do
James and Cavaliers were good, not quite presidential in opening loss
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/cavaliers_bulls_lebron_james_b.html – incart_river
LeBron, Cavs fine with results of ‘first test’ against Bulls
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/lebron-cavs-fine-results-first-test-against-bulls
Cavaliers’ LeBron James proves he’s ready to go
Mo Williams surprise bright spot in Cavaliers’ opening loss to Bulls
Owner Dan Gilbert: ‘Cavs are in a great place, miles to go before we sleep’
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/owner_dan_gilbert_cavs_are_in.html – incart_river
CELTICS:
Months later, Olynyk will serve suspension for opener
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/months-later-olynyk-will-serve-suspension-opener
On The Parquet: Shooting the breeze about new Celtics season
David Lee brings winning attitude to Celtics
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/27/celtics/8hNQvwaJvkOLIdKC0pJBlO/story.html
Newcomers Lee, Johnson great fits on Celtics
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/newcomers-lee-johnson-great-fits-celtics
Celtics’ Marcus Smart welcomes challenge of NBA’s best
Celtics: Three ups, three downs
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/celtics_three_ups_three_downs
Basketball IQ may help Celtics court success
Brad Stevens sets steady beat for Celtics
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/brad_stevens_sets_steady_beat_for_celtics
Celts ready for home opener
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/celtics_notebook_celts_ready_for_home_opener
Celts still need a leading man
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/borges_celts_still_need_a_leading_man
Defense the key to continued improvement in 2015-16
Celtics’ rookies have already made an impact
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/preview-boston-celtics-rookies-have-already-made-an-impact
CLIPPERS:
After wild off-season, DeAndre Jordan ready to help Clippers to a big year
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-20151028-story.html
NBA scouts question Clippers’ approach
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-clippers-scouts-20151027-story.html
Best Clippers roster will require best from Doc Rivers
Up next for Clippers: at Sacramento, Wednesday night
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-tonight-20151028-story.html
Clippers will have their hands full in Sacramento
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/la-clippers-will-have-their-hands-full-in-sacramento
Lance Stephenson will probably start over Paul Pierce in Clippers’ opener
Doc Rivers made a point of changing Clippers’ road mentality last season
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-doc-rivers-20151027-story.html
GRIZZLIES:
Veteran Grizzlies say with age comes an edge
Fifteen years on, Griz delivering on civic dream
Time to feed the bears
HAWKS:
Atlanta Hawks Drop Season Opener, 106-94 to Pistons
http://atlallday.com/2015/10/27/atlanta-hawks-drop-season-opener-106-94-to-pistons/
Five observations from Hawks’ 106-94 loss to Pistons
http://atlantahawks.blog.ajc.com/2015/10/27/five-observations-from-hawks-106-94-loss-to-pistons/
Budenholzer can coach but can he build champion?
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/budenholzer-can-coach-but-can-he-build-champion/nn9zW/
HEAT:
Heat are strong, deep, talented – and lacking a superstar
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-hyde-heat-season-preview-1028-20151027-column.html
Lottery failure fuels Heat, with opportunity for redemption at hand
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-uidonis-haslem-s102715-story.html
Whiteside wants fouls down so minutes can go up
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-hassan-whiteside-s102715-story.html
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, in Year 8, getting to know his latest challenge
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article41647569.html
Heat begins season motivated to return to the top
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article41643783.html
Preview: Hornets at Heat, 7:30 p.m. wednesday
HORNETS:
Hornets will improve, but not enough to make playoffs
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article41537715.html
Nic Batum’s wish for the Charlotte Hornets: Play ‘the beautiful game’
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article41541693.html
Wednesday’s matchup to watch: Chris Bosh vs. Hornets’ power forwards
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/article41544702.html
Hornets acquire 20th NBA D-League team
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/27/charlotte-hornets-acquire-20th-nba-d-league-team
JAZZ:
Starting lineup? Snyder, staff will decide sometime before opening tip
Ready or not, the NBA season is here for the Jazz
Offseason over, team eager to find out who they are
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3107195-155/utah-jazz-notes-offseason-over-team
Jazz will make the playoffs in 2015-16
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3106973-155/monson-jazz-will-make-the-playoffs
Stockton joins coaching ranks
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3106744-155/stockton-joins-coaching-ranks
John Stockton named assistant coach for Montana State women’s basketball team
Don’t expect Stockton to give his second-best as a college coach
Jazz will rely on defense to survive difficult opening schedule
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3104694-155/utah-jazz-will-rely-on-defense
Preseason power rankings: Where do the Jazz land?
http://www.deseretnews.com/top/3443/0/NBA-preseason-power-rankings-Where-do-the-Jazz-land.html
KINGS:
Vlade Divac’s Kings creation put to the test
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ailene-voisin/article41646651.html
As season begins, DeMarcus Cousins says Kings ‘could surprise a lot of people’
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article41645403.html
Cousins sees ‘two roads’ for revamped squad
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/kings-notes-cousins-sees-two-roads-revamped-squad
Predictions: Playoff drought ends in state capital
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/hams-nba-predictions-playoff-drought-ends-state-capital
KNICKS:
Knicks focus on fresh start on eve of opener
Derek Fisher more comfortable in second season as Knicks coach
Jason Kidd: Bucks made a run at Knicks’ Robin Lopez
http://nypost.com/2015/10/27/jason-kidd-bucks-made-a-run-at-knicks-robin-lopez/
Carmelo Anthony using last season’s negativity to motivate him
New-look Knicks, Carmelo launch season vs. Bucks
http://nypost.com/2015/10/27/new-look-knicks-carmelo-launch-season-vs-bucks/
Carmelo Anthony’s new Knicks role defies his worst reputation
http://nypost.com/2015/10/27/carmelo-anthonys-new-knicks-role-defies-his-worst-reputation/
The Knicks’ advice for Kristaps Porzingis before his NBA debut
http://nypost.com/2015/10/27/the-knicks-advice-for-kristaps-porzingis-before-his-nba-debut/
Inside the Knicks heading into 2015-16 NBA season
LAKERS:
Up next for Lakers: Wednesday vs. Minnesota
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-tonight-20151028-story.html
Kobe Bryant starts his 20th season surrounded by new-era Lakers players
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-kobe-20151028-story.html
How will Kobe Bryant fare in his 20th NBA season?
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/how-will-kobe-bryant-fare-in-his-20th-nba-season
Lakers’ Byron Scott still unsure if D’Angelo Russell starts in season opener
NBA scouts offer opinions about Lakers
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-scouts-20151027-story.html
Byron Scott may continue to experiment with a Brandon Bass/Ryan Kelly frontcourt
Can Jordan Clarkson’s legs carry Lakers forward?
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151027/whicker-can-jordan-clarksons-legs-carry-lakers-forward
Here’s what the Lakers’ design for 127th Rose Parade looks like
MAGIC:
Season ahead is a referendum on the Orlando Magic’s nucleus
Magic’s playoff plan difficult but possible
Evan Fournier is trying not to think about a possible contract extension
Hezonja Eager for First NBA Regular Season Game
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/hezonja-eager-first-regular-season-game
Oladipo: “Nothing in This League is Given to You”
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/oladipo-nothing-league-given-you
MAVERICKS:
Mavericks Gameday: Dallas at Phoenix Suns
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article41639055.html
Mavericks’ season opener in Phoenix features exciting point guard battle
Mavericks trying to close book on disappointing summer as 2015-16 season starts
Can the Mavs get healthy? Can they win rebounding battles? The main story lines
Nowitzki on Mavericks limping into season: ‘Better now than a month from now’
Rick Carlisle coy about contract talks; Deron Williams adjusting to new offense
Mavericks coach Carlisle won’t talk about a new contract even on his birthday
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article41626509.html
10 reasons to be optimistic about the Mavericks’ season
Nowitzki stole the show at Dallas Mavericks’ Halloween party
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article41587575.html
Mark Cuban, Michael Jordan on advisory board for sports data provider
NETS:
Young Nets to get tested right away as NBA season opens
Nets have playoffs on their minds, not on their lips
Meet the 2015-16 Nets
Nets’ Wayne Ellington still healing and growing after his father’s murder
NUGGETS:
Emmanuel Mudiay set to embark on pro learning curve
http://www.denverpost.com/kiszla/ci_29032268/mudiay-set-embark-pro-learning-curve
A look at the 2015-16 Denver Nuggets roster
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29030293/look-at-2015-16-denver-nuggets-roster
Denver Nuggets 2015-16 season simulations in NBA 2K16, NBA Live 16
http://www.denverpost.com/knowthis/ci_29030233/denver-nuggets-2015-16-season-simulations-nba-2k16
PACERS:
This is not the same Ian Mahinmi
Ellis, George duo has potential for Pacers
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/10/27/ini-1027-pacers-georgeellis-duo/74677046/
Myles Turner questionable for Pacers opener with ankle injury
PELICANS:
Pelicans lose to Golden State Warriors, 111-95, in opener
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_8.html – incart_river
Anthony Davis unable to shine after drawing Warriors’ defenders attention
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/anthony_davis_unable_to_shine.html – incart_river
Anthony Davis starts season with ugly shooting performance in Pelicans’ loss
Jrue Holiday held out from playing in opener vs. Warriors
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/jrue_holiday_held_out_from_pla.html – incart_river
Alvin Gentry receives his championship ring in front of cheering Warriors crowd
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/alvin_gentry_receives_his_cham.html – incart_river
Pelicans’ Dante Cunningham clears concussion test
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_dante_cun_1.html – incart_river
How many games will the Pelicans win this season?
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/how_many_games_will_the_pelica_2.html – incart_river
Tyreke Evans underwent surgery last week to remove bone chips in his right knee
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/tyreke_evans_underwent_surgery.html – incart_river
PISTONS:
Detroit 106, Atlanta 94: Pistons open season with win
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/27/detroit-pistons-atlanta-hawks/74667652/
Detroit 106, Atlanta 94: Why the Pistons won
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/28/detroit-pistons-atlanta-hawks/74725634/
Pistons’ early observations: Marcus Morris, KCP stand out
Pistons react to their shock Hawks win on opening night
http://national.suntimes.com/nba/7/72/2014145/pistons-quotes-beat-hawks-nba-opening-night
Pistons’ Morris going cold turkey with social media
RAPTORS:
The Raptors and the road still to be taken
Game Day: Pacers at Raptors
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/10/27/game-day-indiana-pacers-at-toronto-raptors.html
Raptors opening night roster: Player by player breakdown
Raptors coach Dwane Casey craves consistency, consistent rotation
New-look Raptors more versatile heading into season
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/27/new-look-raptors-more-versatile-heading-into-season
Top 5 questions on Raptors this season
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/27/top-5-questions-on-raptors-this-season
What’s new at Air Canada Centre for Raptors fans this season
ROCKETS:
Opening-night buzz comes with greater expectations for Rockets
Rockets ready for opener but know it’s a long season
http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/10/rockets-ready-for-opener-but-know-its-a-long-season/
SPURS:
Spurs amped for first day of Aldridge era
Does LaMarcus Aldridge addition make Spurs the team to beat?
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29030179/does-aldridge-addition-make-spurs-team-beat
Spurs at Thunder preview
http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Nation-Spurs-at-Thunder-preview-6593804.php
Spurs’ Bonner ready for reunion with college coach
Fans prepare for most highly anticipated season in Spurs history
SUNS:
Jeff Hornacek, Suns look to regain lost status
Suns aim to start season well for momentum
Chandler meets former team in season opener
THUNDER:
The highly anticipated return of Kevin Durant excites everyone but KD himself
Billy Donovan undecided on starters, inactives ahead of Spurs
http://newsok.com/billy-donovan-undecided-on-starters-inactives-ahead-of-spurs/article/5456403
Russell Westbrook reflects on visit to Stillwater crash victims
http://newsok.com/russell-westbrook-reflects-on-visit-to-stillwater-crash-victims/article/5456391
TIMBERWOLVES:
Timberwolves: After shocking loss, team eager to focus on opener
NBA season predictions: No, they don’t think the Timberwolves will be any good
Timberwolves unveil memorial patch for Flip Saunders
http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29029008/timberwolves-unveil-memorial-patch-flip-saunders
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Blazers vs. Pelicans: Game preview
Trail Blazers opening day should be a local holiday
New-look Trail Blazers offer a ‘fresh start’ and ‘golden opportunity’
Trail Blazers ‘ready to go’ after productive preseason
Meyers Leonard in ‘love’ with Portland and Trail Blazers, but not focused on extension talks
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/10/meyers_leonard.html – incart_river
WARRIORS:
Curry scores 40 as Warriors cruise to Opening Night win
Curry, Warriors crush Pelicans in opener
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/instant-replay-curry-warriors-crush-pelicans-opener
Bogut takes blow to head, exits Warriors opener early
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/bogut-takes-blow-head-exits-warriors-opener-early
Warriors’ opening night: Rings, bling and other things
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-opening-night-Rings-bling-and-other-6594714.php
Warriors coach Steve Kerr: ‘It’s killing me not to be out there’
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-coach-Steve-Kerr-It-s-killing-me-6594681.php
Disappointed Kerr ‘improving,’ but return date still unknown
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/disappointed-kerr-improving-return-date-still-unknown
Fish out of water Walton redefining himself as head coach
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/fish-out-water-walton-redefining-himself-head-coach
Warriors, Barnes table contract extension talks
Warriors GM Bob Myers: Harrison Barnes contract talks suspended
Why not Stephen Curry as the NBA’s best?
http://espn.go.com/blog/golden-state-warriors/post/_/id/752/why-not-stephen-curry-as-the-nbas-best
Bogut put championship ring on his middle finger as a shot at his critics
Inside the making of the Warriors’ championship rings
WIZARDS:
Another winning season could get Wizards off ‘back of the bus’ and onto national radar
The revamped offense’s effect on the bench
Experts see Wizards finishing anywhere from second to sixth in the East
The revamped offense’s effect on the starting lineup
This free chicken video is all you need to get pumped for the Wizards season
John Wall is cutting gummy bears from his diet
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.