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
SH Blog: Reactions to the Rudy Gay trade; Deron Williams on track to return soon
Leave it to the NBA’s reigning Executive of the Year to upstage Kobe Bryant’s return. Going into the Raptors’ game with the Lakers in the Staples Center, all the buzz was (rightfully) on Black Mamba’s return from a torn Achilles, but with the Raps shedding Rudy Gay’s contract, it seems like Kobe’s return has been kind of pushed to a side burner for now. Not the back burner, but it’s not all that’s getting talked about. [Read more…]
Evening News: Gortat traded to Wizards, Lowry to wear splint on finger; Hinrich cleared to play
In today’s NBA news other than the big Wizards-Suns trade, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry will be forced to wear a splint on his left ring finger for about 6 weeks, and Bulls backup point guard Kirk Hinrich has been cleared to return from his concussion. [Read more…]
Abrams: Eastern Conference Finals Betting Preview
LeBron James and the Miami Heat are now closing in on not their first, not their second, but their third consecutive NBA Finals appearance, where they will be looking for their second ring with “The Big Three.” But before we can punch Miami’s ticket to the Finals, the Heat still have four games left to win against an Indiana Pacers team they’ve lost 2 out of 3 against this season. [Read more…]
Fantasy Spin: Tuesday Jan. 3
Highlight Performances: Andrew Bynum, LA– Talent has never been the question for Bynum, but more of a matter of health. Bynum looks incredibly improved following his 4-game suspension, and continued posting monster numbers Tuesday night with his 21 point/22 reb. double-double. When healthy, Bynum’s upside is through the roof, and his production should continue as long as his knees hold up. Kobe Bryant, LA– Sticking to the Lakers, Bryant also had a huge night, scoring 37 points and nearly a triple double