PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“If you want to be a doormat you have to lay yourself down first.”
-Oscar Wilde
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NBA:
NBA success is game of managing expectations
For NBA refs, it’s a whole new ballgame
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160226_For_NBA_refs__it_s_a_whole_new_ballgame.html
LeBron, Durant, NBA stars deserve organizational say, but how much?
Why doesn’t the NBA have more black general managers?
http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/02/25/why-doesnt-the-nba-have-more-black-general-managers/
Luke Walton as a head coach? No guarantee for Knicks, Lakers or anyone else
Former NBA star Jay Vincent is out of prison and working at a burger joint
JOE JOHNSON WAIVED:
Nets waive former All-Star guard Johnson
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14844941/brooklyn-nets-waive-former-all-star-guard-joe-johnson
Report: Several teams ‘in pursuit’ of Joe Johnson
Hawks, Johnson have mutual interest in reunion
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-johnson-have-mutual-interest-in-reunion/nqYCP/
Hawks dumped Joe Johnson, now they want him back?
http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-dumped-joe-johnson-now-they-want-him-back/nqYFZ/
Cavs targeting Johnson after Nets waive him Thursday
NBA DRAFT:
From Istanbul to Iowa: Alex Stepheson’s long journey to NBA
http://galencentral.com/2016/02/25/from-istanbul-to-iowa-alex-stephesons-long-journey-to-the-nba/
76ERS:
How does Colangelo size up 76ers?
All-Star break no fix for the Sixers
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160226_All-Star_break_no_fix_for_the_Sixers.html
Sixers’ owner’s firm’s fund faces ‘junk’ ratings
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Sixers-owners-hedge-fund-downgraded-by-SP.html
Does Sixers owner Josh Harris even care?
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pattisonave/Does-Sixers-owner-Josh-Harris-even-care.html
BUCKS:
Jae Crowder leads Celtics past Bucks
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-at-celtics-b99676710z1-370198271.html
Kidd’s lineup change has picked up the pace
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/370133591.html
BULLS:
The Mike Dunleavy Effect not only helping out Doug McDermott, but the entire Bulls roster
The return of Derrick Rose needs to happen on defense, too
http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1350232/derrick-rose-better-arent-bulls
Occasional rests by Rose a welcome sight in many ways
Bulls’ winning streak underscored by better ball movement
E’Twaun Moore adds closer role to his expanding resume
CAVALIERS:
Channing Frye ‘just trying to fit in’ with Cavs
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/channing-frye-just-trying-to-fit-in-with-cavaliers/
How Channing Frye became a 3-point shooter
Mo Williams to miss the next two games with ailing knee
LeBron makes strange comment about Stevie Wonder and chemistry
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/02/lebron_james_anderson_varejao_1.html
CELTICS:
Celtics kick off homestand with 112-107 win vs. Bucks
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/cs-kick-homestand-112-107-win-vs-bucks
Crowder makes impact despite racking up fouls early
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/crowder-makes-impact-despite-racking-fouls-early
Brad Stevens: Elite NBA coach
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/brad-stevens-bostons-safest-asset/
Stevens goes undercover to surprise Celtics fans
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stevens-goes-undercover-surprise-celtics-fans
CLIPPERS:
Chris Paul will play against Sacramento despite his latest injuries
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20160226-story.html
Breaking down Clippers’ stunning loss to Nuggets
GRIZZLIES:
Brandan Wright finding his footing
http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/After-Brandan-Wright-finding-his-footing-370116551.html
HAWKS:
Splitter undergoes successful surgery on right hip
HEAT:
The polarizing talents of Hassan Whiteside
http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/25/hassan-whiteside-miami-heat-dwyane-wade-chris-bosh-nba-free-agency
Wade supporting Bosh every step of the way
Josh Richardson shines in test against NBA’s best
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article62498387.html
Riley says Bosh still evaluating medical options
HORNETS:
Hornets’ Zeller returns home to Indiana, where passion for basketball abounds
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article62519362.html
JAZZ:
Jazz fall 96-78 to Spurs
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3582846-155/live-blog-utah-jazz-fall-96-78
Late-game calls not going Jazz’s way
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3583141-155/nba-late-game-calls-not-going-utah
Playing time no longer guaranteed, Trey Burke feels pressure to perform
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3583078-155/utah-jazz-playing-time-no-longer
Jazz are learning hard lessons
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3575823-155/monson-utah-jazz-are-learning-hard
KINGS:
Kings’ Willie Cauley-Stein gaining confidence, ‘playing free’
http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article62562822.html
KNICKS:
Rambis has Knicks scrimmaging more, calls team ‘immature’
Porzingis: I wouldn’t want to lose Carmelo
Carmelo denies blocking trade to Celtics
Celtics asked Carmelo’s people, not Knicks, about trade clause
http://nypost.com/2016/02/25/celtics-bypassed-knicks-asked-carmelos-people-about-trade/
Carmelo’s Catch-22 legacy may be too late to save
http://nypost.com/2016/02/25/carmelo-anthonys-catch-22-legacy-may-be-too-late-to-save/
LAKERS:
Lakers looking forward to a month full of home games
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20160226-story.html
Vince Carter served as source of motivation for Kobe
Byron Scott insists Lakers aren’t tanking
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160224/byron-scott-insists-la-lakers-arent-tanking
MAGIC:
Magic fall to Warriors 130-114 as Curry scores 51 points
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-warriors-game-0226-20160225-story.html
Curry puts on show for Jameis Winston and Magic fans
Magic have must respect for Curry
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/magic-have-much-respect-stephen-curry
MAVERICKS:
Mavs have painted themselves in a do-or-die corner, and there’s only one way out
Mavs must pay attention to details
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article62575487.html
How Durant rated David Lee’s first game with Mavs
NETS:
Nets top the Suns in a battle of lowly teams
NUGGETS:
Nuggets eye sweep of two-game road trip
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29562693/denver-nuggets-eye-sweep-two-game-road-trip
PACERS:
Paul George, Pacers no longer chase after referees
PELICANS:
Davis, reserves lead Pelicans past Thunder, 123-119
http://newsok.com/davis-reserves-lead-pelicans-past-thunder-123-119/article/feed/973013
How Holiday makes Pelicans’ offense go
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14838724/jrue-holiday-unsung-catalyst-new-orleans-pelicans
Despite Davis’ big game vs. Thunder, Chris Webber says Pelicans not going to playoffs
PISTONS:
Pistons’ Bullock and teammates enjoy his big night
Pistons sign Justin Harper to 10-day deal
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/pistons-sign-justin-harper-to-ten-day-deal/
RAPTORS:
The biggest game of the Raptors’ season
http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/02/25/the-biggest-game-no-57-of-the-raptors-season.html
Tilt against Cavs not measuring stick
http://www.torontosun.com/2016/02/25/tilt-against-cavaliers-not-measuring-stick-game-for-raptors
ROCKETS:
Harden pours in 46 as Rockets win after trailing by 21
Rockets CEO dismisses claims of meddling by Harden
Beverley, Blazers’ Lillard renew spirited matchup
Harden, Howard must man up and lead
Report: Harden wanted McHale fired, Dwight traded
Rockets’ coach: ‘We’re not worried about the playoff race’
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/rockets-coach-not-worried-about-other-teams-or-playoff-race/
SPURS:
Leonard scores 29 as Spurs defeat Jazz 96-78
http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828747
Back in lineup, Spurs’ Leonard seeks to regain groove
How body analytics turned Kawhi Leonard into an MVP candidate
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14763202/how-biometrics-turned-kawhi-leonard-star
Yesterday, Duncan finishes with 0 points for 2nd time ever
Cousins: Spurs are almost like the perfect team
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/cousins-spurs-are-almost-like-the-perfect-team/
SUNS:
Suns fall to Nets for 13th consecutive loss
John Jenkins’ prayer answered by Suns
NBA Draft’s top 5 prospects in play for Suns
Suns GM says trading Thomas to Celtics was a mistake
THUNDER:
Westbrook’s 44 not enough to counter Thunder’s faulty 3-point defense in loss to Pelicans
The five worst defensive errors in OKC’s loss to the Pelicans
Monty Williams and family still on the minds of NBA community
TIMBERWOLVES:
T-Wolves finalize buyout with Miller
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14844641/minnesota-timberwolves-finalize-buyout-andre-miller
Report: T-Wolves won’t pursue, but ‘open’ to Martin buyout
Taylor: Deal to sell portion of Wolves at a ‘standstill’
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Trail Blazers’ win streak ends as Harden scores 46
http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/trail-blazers-win-streak-ends-james-harden-scores-46
Lillard, Blazers making NBA history
Young Blazers following Damian Lillard’s lead to surprising heights
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14841512/portland-trail-blazers-new-formula-success
Blazers: Best bandwagon in the NBA
Bonzi Wells’ reflects on time in Portland and his biggest regret
http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/bonzi-wells-reflects-time-portland-and-his-biggest-regret
WARRIORS:
Curry’s magic show in Orlando leaves NBA world in awe
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/rewind-currys-magic-show-orlando-leaves-nba-world-awe
Curry sets NBA record for consecutive games with 3-pointer
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/curry-sets-nba-record-consecutive-games-3-pointer
Vegas favors Warriors to break Bulls’ record
In Miami, Warriors face facts about ‘dynasty’ talk
Stephen Jackson thinks ‘We Believe’ team would beat current Warriors
Oscar Robertson thinks NBA coaches are fools for not stopping Curry
http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4696276-stephen-curry-oscar-robertson-defense-warriors
Curry and Green are having a Jordan-and-Pippen kind of year
Livingston provides unique flavor to Warriors’ attack
WIZARDS:
Wizards sign free-agent forward J.J. Hickson
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14844811/washington-wizards-sign-forward-jj-hickson
More than enough blame to go around in Wizards’ latest debacle
A larger role with Wizards could be in store for Anderson
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 daily NBA content service at www.allball365.com.