The United States Men’s National Team fought valiantly in losing 2-1 in extra time in Tuesday’s 2014 World Cup match against Belgium in the round of 16. Goalkeeper Tim Howard was amazing, amassing 16 saves. Yet, his near superhuman effort wasn’t enough. Meanwhile, back in the states, NBA free agency is underway. The Cleveland Cavaliers made waves by announcing that they had secured the future of their point guard, Kyrie Irving, by reaching an agreement on a five-year, $90 million max-contract
It’s always a good thing to see NBA players and athletes in general give back to a good cause. While many of them are living comfortable lives, those that choose to spend their money or time for the benefit of others show a level of selflessness that transcends their on court contributions. NBA veteran Drew Gooden has long been an advocate for community service, and is the founder of the self titled Drew Gooden Foundation. In addition to his own organization
Lance Stephenson is a free agent enigma and a polarizing topic amongst league executives. Stephenson, a tantalizing talent who led the league in triple-doubles (5), showed signs of immaturity during the playoffs with his antics toward LeBron James, leaving several executives split on his free agency value. The general consensus is Stephenson could command a yearly salary ranging from the $5.3 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception to as high as $10 million. The mid-level exception indicates concern over Stephenson’s maturity level, while the $10
Typically, there is an amazing tweet to talk about. However, this may be the exception to the rule. The folks at Bleacher Report took it upon themselves to put together an animated NBA adaptation of the hit HBO show, Game of Thrones. The ease with which the characters of the show—which is based on George R.R. Martin’s A Sword of Ice and Fire books—can be replaced with NBA teams and athletes is uncanny. The Miami Heat, being the two-time reigning champions are
The Brooklyn Nets sent a message to the Toronto Raptors and Drake. Brooklyn let Toronto know the “dinosaurs” aren’t extinct yet and trolled Drake unlike anyone has ever before. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce turned the clock back to their collective Boston Celtics heydays. Joe Johnson continued to be the offensive catalyst from the wing by drawing double-teams and scoring at will when isolated. Deron Williams responded to heavy criticism by overcoming an ankle injury and playing like a $100 million franchise
Adidas announced a contract extension with Portland Trail Blazers All-Star point guard Damian Lillard Monday. The deal, as reported by many news outlets, could be worth up to $100 million plus incentives. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Darren Rovell reported the $100 million potential of the deal. The deal, which can extend to 10 years, could be worth up to $100 million including incentives and options … It’s believed to be the largest shoe deal since Derrick Rose signed a 13-year deal in 2012 that could
Believe it or not, there’s someone out there who doesn’t think the Indiana Pacers are coming apart at the seams. “Everybody goes through this,” Spurs guard Tony Parker said last week after San Antonio manhandled Indiana, 103-77, on the Pacers’ home court. “I’m not worried about them. They’ll still make it to the Eastern Conference finals and they’ll still play Miami.” Parker is somewhat right. From time to time, every championship contender has a stretch during a season where they look ordinary.
The Nets and Bulls are on course for a potential rematch of last year’s first-round playoff series. Is this the ideal scenario for Brooklyn? As they say in the borough, “Fuhgeddaboudit!” It’s been a frigid winter in Brooklyn, and a trip to the “Windy City” could dampen any hopes of the Nets springing ahead to the next round. [Read more…]