BROOKLYN – The Nets beat the 76ers 95-92 on Sunday, and Avery Johnson made some desperate changes to his team’s rotation in order to save his job. After losing the last three games and eight of their previous 10, Johnson decided changes needed to be made. He used the two days of practice after the loss to the Knicks to make those adjustments, notably removing Kris Humphries from the rotation. By doing so, not only is Johnson already abandoning a system that
With Amare Stoudemire due back any day now for the New York Knicks, there has been plenty of chatter about what his return may do for the chemistry of the best team in the Eastern Conference. Even before the long awaited return, the issue of whether the power forward can fit in with Carmelo Anthony has constantly been questioned by the media and fans alike, with good reason. The two simply have yet to prove that they can both be highly productive
What has gotten into the abilities of the once-great Deron Williams? This is a guy that was once touted as the best point guard in the league during his tenure as a Jazz. Clearly, that sentiment was still strong over this past summer when he was heavily pursued by teams, before the coveted guard chose to sign with the Brooklyn Nets for nearly $100 million. Is it a simple case of a lack of effort for the guard, who has been handsomely paid?
The Los Angeles Clippers are Brooklyn Nets have always been treated like second-class citizens by NBA fans in their respective areas. The Clippers have long been the humorous alternative to the Lakers, while the Nets – whether in New Jersey or their new home – have been the running joke alongside the New York Knicks. [Read more…]
Gerald Wallace got dressed, rubbed some lotion on his body, put his rosary beads around his neck and looked down for a few moments before speaking with reporters after Wednesday night’s loss. “You’ve guarded Melo for three games now,” I said. “What do you have to say about the way he’s playing?” “I don’t want to talk about Melo,” Wallace said. OK, then. [Read more…]
Here are this morning’s top NBA news stories: “NBA to change All-Star ballot. eliminating center,” by David Aldridge from NBA.com “Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak sees his window of opportunity,” by Mark Medina from the Los Angeles Daily News “Jennings isn’t worried about contract situation,” by Greg Woelfel from the Racine Journal-Times “Raja Bell’s agent disputes report claiming he said trade being pursued,” by Jody Genessy from the Deseret News “Jerome Jordan making case to stay with Grizzlies,” by Ronald Tillery from the Memphis Commercial Appeal “Gilbert Arenas near deal
It’s always intriguing to read the minds of general managers of the NBA: they are the ones who produce the teams we watch, afterall. NBA.com’s annual GM Survey was released on Monday and predictably, the Heat and LeBron James were on top of many of the winning categories. Along the way, though, you’ll find some interesting – if not somewhat funny (see “Who will win the 2012-2013 MVP” section) – votes that went to places you may or may not expect.
It seemed more like an inevitability than a possibility when news about the status of Dirk Nowitzki’s knee broke out earlier in the preseason. There was swelling in his knee, and the German hinted at the possibility of surgery if the condition did not improve. Unfortunately, the swelling continued, forcing Nowitzki to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday. The procedure will sideline him for about six weeks. Chris Bernucca has the details of the situation. Playing without the heart of the team