We all know what the Philadelphia 76ers are doing. Call it whatever you want – tanking, rebuilding, deconstructing, hoarding – the 76ers are openly, unabashedly and intentionally sinking to the bottom of the NBA, because GM Sam Hinkie has convinced ownership that is the fastest way to get back to the top. Hinkie has constructed a roster that is inherently non-competitive. The Sixers have the fewest first-round picks and the most undrafted free agents of any team. Their highest-paid player makes $6.6
Rookie Rankings, Week 4: Parker Keeps Things in Perspective
When Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker learned he had won Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for November, he wasn’t planning any celebrations. “It’s all good and dandy,” said Parker, who averaged 12.2 points and 5.9 rebounds for the surprisingly competitive Bucks. “I’m not trying to be disrespectful or ungrateful, but it’s only one month. “It’s just because I’m insecure, that’s all. … That’s the honest truth. You may not be able to brag about the same things a month (later).” Parker’s honesty
Rookie Rankings, Week 3: Wiggins Making a Push on Parker
There was a bit of NBA history made in the Milwaukee-Minnesota game Wednesday. The matchup was billed as the first meeting between Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker, the top two picks in the 2014 draft. But for the first time, four teenagers played in the same game. The Bucks had Parker and second-year forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Timberwolves had Wiggins and fellow rookie Zach LaVine. Not only did all four teenyboppers play, they all started. And not only did they all
Rookie Rankings, Week 1: Will Elfrid Payton Wreck the Ferrari?
This is the third season of Rookie Rankings at SheridanHoops. In each of the first two seasons, a highly trusting coach has given a point guard the keys to the Ferrari and these instructions: “Try not to wreck the thing, OK, kid?” Two years ago, it was Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, who became the first rookie to lead the NBA in minutes played since Elvin Hayes in 1970. Last year, it was Michael Carter-Williams of the tanking rebuilding Philadelphia
Fantasy Spin: Huge Payoffs Tonight at DraftKings
Thanks, Mamba. West coast games start at this old man’s bedtime. While I slept, Kobe Bryant scored 55.75 fantasy points, Markieff Morris added 45.5 and Isaiah Thomas 45.75 to boost my total to 299.5, a personal best for this young season. The lineup I recommended in yesterday’s Spin paid off in six contests: $73.50 in cash and a free $27 ticket to the huge event tonight! [Read more…]
Five Things To Watch: Orlando Magic
Despite the Orlando Magic becoming a better and deeper squad this offseason, a playoff push in the 2014-15 campaign still seems a step too far, even in the weaker Eastern Conference. GM Rob Hennigan has done a good job of moving on from Dwight Howard, creating a manageable payroll and rebuilding the Magic with young, exciting and athletic players. Orlando has 10 players on their rookie contracts, several of whom have already established themselves as legitimate NBA players. For now, those players
Magic Hand the Keys to Rookie Point Guard Elfrid Payton
No disrespect to Andrew Wiggins, who can fly like a young Tracy McGrady and defend like a future Scottie Pippen. No disrespect to Jabari Parker, who can score like Carmelo Anthony and is our pick to win Rookie of the Year next season. And nothing against Julius Randle, Marcus Smart, Aaron Gordon, or any of the other mega-prospects who will likely be lighting up the league for the next 10 years. But Orlando Magic point guard Elfrid Payton is the coolest player in
2014 NBA Draft Trades Analysis
When it comes to trades, the 2014 NBA draft hasn’t been quite as nuts as last year. Nevertheless, there have been a handful of deals. Here’s a breakdown: Philadelphia 76ers trade Elfrid Payton to Orlando Magic for Dario Saric, 2015 second-round pick and 2017 first-round pick. Philadelphia didn’t need another point guard with Michael Carter-Williams entrenched at the position, and the Sixers are all about assets. Injured Joel Embiid went third and now Dario Saric will be in Turkey for the next two seasons.