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…]
With a quarter of the season already completed, we are starting to get a feel for the identity of most teams. There is still plenty of basketball left to play with plenty of questions about many teams, but if you were wondering if the Toronto Raptors or the Cleveland Cavaliers could potentially make the playoffs before the start of this season, those thoughts are probably no longer there, given the struggles of those respective teams. Although there is a general picture painted
The best team flying under the radar has two rookies in its starting lineup. But it’s not the Charlotte Bobcats. It is missing its oft-injured big man. But it’s not the Philadelphia 76ers. It has All-Star candidates at point guard and power forward. But it’s not the Los Angeles Clippers. It is an original NBA franchise that has not won a title since the 1970s. But it’s not the New York Knicks. [Read more…]
Was the chance to play with Pau Gasol one of the primary reasons for Nash’s decision to become a Laker in the offseason? According to Ric Bucher’s source (more on that below), that appears to be the case and if so, the rumors of the Lakers having a desire to acquire Ryan Anderson becomes a moot point. The question is, does Nash still feel the same way after seeing how much Gasol has struggled up to this point of the season? Before sitting
Maybe the Heat were overconfident, or wanted to give the D.C. fans a thrill. They didn’t turn up the defensive intensity until the fourth quarter, when their shots didn’t fall. [Read more…]