The Atlanta Hawks have played six games already! Boy, did that fly by. For the most part, things have panned out roughly how you would expect over the first week of NBA action. The Rockets were slow out of the gate, and although they will bounce back and be fine, they really cannot afford to be leaving any cheese on the table in a brutal Western Conference. Those three early losses could potentially come back to haunt them in April, when they are
I like the Detroit Pistons and the Sacramento Kings as upstarts in the East and West. I also think the Milwaukee Bucks are going to be the funnest team to watch develop … but I am not alone in that opinion. I am not on the Jahlil Okafor for MVP bandwagon. Other are, but I think it’ll be Stanley Johnson of Detroit (if the Pistons make the playoffs) or Emmanuel Mudiay of the Denver Nuggets for ROY. As far as MVP, it
In 2014-15, the Detroit Pistons’ season broke down into three key sample sizes: 1. Pre-Josh Smith buyout (Oct. 29-Dec. 22). Detroit went 5-23, was 28th in offensive rating (97.6) and 24th in defensive rating (105.8). 2. Post-Josh Smith buyout, pre-Brandon Jennings injury (Dec. 23-Feb. 19). Detroit did a virtual 180, going 16-10 with the sixth-ranked offensive rating (106.4) while improving their defensive rating to middle-of-the-pack status (15th, 101.9). 3. Post-Reggie Jackson acquisition (Feb. 20-April 15). The Pistons closed the season 11-17 and regressed to the mean
Every year, unexpected players break out and teams exceed expectations. This year will be no different. So, here’s a strategic look and which players and coaches are the next in line to shock the experts and achieve more than was thought possible. [Read more…]
The 2014-15 Pistons had a rollercoaster season to say the least. It was marked by several substantial points that served to strengthen or weaken the team. [Read more…]
When the NBA’s incoming rookie class got together last month for rookie orientation, they were polled about a number of things — including which of them would be named the Rookie of the Year. The winner was Stanley Johnson, who went with the No. 8 overall pick to the Detroit Pistons. What are the Pistons getting from the PAC-10 Player of the Year out of Arizona who won four consecutive state titles at Mater Dei H.S. in California before doing his one-and-done?
Day 3 of our midsummer report card distribution process brings us to the Central Division, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and owner Dan Gilbert, whose company, Quicken Loans, will soon be offering 24 percent mortgage rates in order to cover the boss’ luxury tax bill. Just kidding. We think. It has been a busy summer for the former top pizza deliveryman in Detroit. After watching his team lose to the Golden State Warriors in Games 4, 5 and 6 to surrender the
In recent editions of the Three-Man Weave, we have looked at the best and worst moves made by teams in each conference. But nothing operates exclusively at extremes, including the NBA. Many teams made moves that were not among the best or worst of the offseason. In this edition of the Weave, we take a look at three specific teams in the Eastern Conference and whether or not their moves were good or bad ones that will help their long-term outlook. 1. The