Rebuilding franchises conjure up a wide spectrum of emotions. They prompt hope for a brighter future, frustration that wins will likely be hard to come by in the immediate future and, sometimes, disappointment that tangible progress isn’t being seen quite quickly enough for increasingly rabid fan bases — specially in this instant gratfication digital era. Orlando is an interesting case study. The Magic have what seems like a decent enough young core in shooting guard Victor Oladipo, double-double machine Nikola Vucevic,
Rookie Rankings, Week 13: Hey Ricky, Throw the Kid the Ball
Everything you need to know about Andrew Wiggins became evident about a week ago. The league-worst Minnesota Timberwolves were hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were riding a winning streak. LeBron James, the NBA’s best player, was making his lone visit to the frozen tundra. And the game marked the return to Minnesota of Kevin Love, who was unable to lift the Timberwolves out of mediocrity before forcing a trade last summer. Love was dealt to Cleveland, and Wiggins – the top overall
Rookie Rankings, Week 12: Galloway Recalling Linsanity for Knicks
When you think of words to describe the New York Knicks’ season, “fun” isn’t among them. If you’re looking for words beginning with the letter F, “frightening” and “failure” come to mind. If you’re looking for three-letter words, “bad” certainly works. As for four-letter words, well, I’m sure Knicks fans have used them all. But fun? Well, that’s how Langston Galloway sees it. “I’m just out there having fun,” the rookie point guard said after Wednesday’s win over Oklahoma City. “Just trying to play
Rookie Rankings, Week 11: New International Rookie Game Format is Good Idea
The glorious history of NBA All-Star Weekend is littered with bad ideas. Remember 2-Ball? The Wheel of Fortune at the Slam Dunk Contest? The game uniforms that had different colors on the front and back, so you couldn’t tell which players were on which team? This week, however, the NBA announced a change to one of the All-Star Weekend events that is a really good idea. The Rising Stars will pit American players against international players. The Rising Stars has undergone several changes
Rookie Rankings, Week 6: Injuries Hurt Development, Too
When looking at the lottery picks of the 2014 NBA draft, it’s almost easier to list those who are healthy than those who are not. The torn ACL suffered this week by No. 2 pick Jabari Parker was devastating news for the Milwaukee Bucks, who have been surprisingly competitive throughout the first third of the season, currently 6th in the East, and appeared to have the Rookie of the Year favorite in their starting lineup. But Parker’s injury also continued a trend among the most
SH Blog: Cavs Blowout Hawks in Record-Setting Win, Kings Extend Rudy Gay
The Cleveland Cavaliers finally earned a huge victory on Saturday night over the Atlanta Hawks, who came in hot on a four-game winning streak. It was the first time this season the Cavs seemed to steamroll an opponent, which many say will be the first of many. In the 127-94 win, Cleveland set franchise records, including an NBA record. They were on fire from three-point range. And when I say fire, I mean it. [Read more…]
Five Things To Watch: Orlando Magic
Despite the Orlando Magic becoming a better and deeper squad this offseason, a playoff push in the 2014-15 campaign still seems a step too far, even in the weaker Eastern Conference. GM Rob Hennigan has done a good job of moving on from Dwight Howard, creating a manageable payroll and rebuilding the Magic with young, exciting and athletic players. Orlando has 10 players on their rookie contracts, several of whom have already established themselves as legitimate NBA players. For now, those players
Tweet of the Day: Derrick Rose Impresses At Team USA Practice
Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has spent an almost innumerable amount of time (years, months, weeks, days, hours…) focused on rehabilitation while sidelined with injuries. Finally, he is back. At least, that was the hope heading into Monday’s Team USA practice in Las Vegas. Sometimes, hope is all you have. Then, there are the bright spots where your hope is superseded by reality. This could be one of those times. Reaction from those who were at the practice seems to be quite