Remember back in 2010, when Kenny Smith boldly claimed that Kevin Durant would be the best basketball player in the NBA in three years? It sounded pretty crazy then, mostly because of the guy that just won Sportsman of the Year, along with just about everything else you could possibly win over the past calendar year as a basketball player. What separated LeBron James from Durant back then was his ability to create for others on offense, something the Thunder forward had
Now that we are about a month into the NBA season, are you disappointed in the performance of a player or two on your favorite team? Take a number and get in line. There are dozens of players who are not coming close to meeting expectations this season. And when you factor in their salaries and how much they limit their team’s financial flexibility, it can be downright infuriating. [Read more…]
On Sunday, the NBA started an hour before the NFL with the New York Knicks hosting the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks were coming off their first loss of the season Friday at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. They made sure that wasn’t going to happen again, outclassing the Pacers in an 88-76 victory. [Read more…]
If you are a Lakers fan, you are going to enjoy today’s news because there will be plenty to read about, from Kobe Bryant’s role on the new team, Dwight Howard’s injury status, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s statue, what Steve Nash does to be such a great shooter and more. Also, see what Rajon Rondo wants to remembered as when his career is over, and why Mario Chalmers doesn’t think Rondo is the best point guard in the league: How great does Rajon
Although the current Olympic team won’t cause quite the eruption of the Dream Team in 1992, fans in Barcelona will be quite enthusiastic when Team USA plays exhibition games Sunday against Argentina and Tuesday against Spain. The difference in focus and expectations from 1992, however, are profound. International fans were mesmerized by the Dream Team and couldn’t get enough of their American basketball idols. But never in their wildest dreams did anyone from another country think their team would beat the
No, this U.S. team isn’t as good as the Dream Team, or even the 2008 team, which five of them played on. Not that there’s any way of demonstrating it, not even the press’s fave, asking Dream Teamers and awaiting the laughter. Of course, the Dreamers had a huge edge, aside from all those centers and power forwards the 2012ers are so light on. The Dreamers were famous. Leaving out out the incomparable Michael Jordan, the 2012ers’ Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant
LAS VEGAS — As the years go by, reminders of advancing age increase, and no one who has reached adulthood is spared. When asked about one of those events Monday, U.S. Olympic basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski – who is at the retirement age of 65 – said, “I try not to think about it.” If the person who conceived the term “time flies” wanted to make different age groups feel older, he or she could point out: 1. How painful it has been
Larry Bird stepped down as president of the Indiana Pacers today, announcing his decision at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where there was no shortage of smiles and laughter and jokes and platitudes. Boy, folks have a short memory nowadays. Or too long of one. Yes, the Pacers and Bird enjoyed a renaissance this season. The team reached the Eastern Conference semifinals and Bird was named Executive of the Year. It’s interesting how one solid season from an NBA legend obscured a track record