For the first time in roughly two decades, the Eastern Conference is better than the Western Conference from top to bottom. Nine East teams are at .500 or better – nearly twice as many teams as last season, when sixth-seeded Milwaukee finished 41-41. And the East actually has a winning record against the West this season at 100-98 What changed so quickly from last season, when articles were written about how there was the greatest disparity in conference strength in recent memory? “I
After the Washington Wizards ended a season-high five-game losing streak Saturday with a 37-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Marcin Gortat wasn’t quite ready to declare that their earth was back on its axis. “At the end of the day, it was Brooklyn, so we can’t get really excited,” he said. There’s nothing like perspective. And Gortat is right: One win against a plodding, tired team is nothing to get excited about. What the Wizards should be is concerned. Prior to the win
Washington Wizards shooting guard Martell Webster is currently rehabbing from back surgery to correct a herniated disc in his lower back. Though he had a successful microdisectomy at the end of June, he likely will not return to action for at least another month. Webster, 27, as recently as an October article in the Washington Post, has made it clear that he does not intend to play beyond his current contract I know this game is probably not going to be the
It’s that time of year again … Halloween. That means kids are trick or treating in costumes, seeking hordes of sweets, and adults are enjoying dress-up costume parties. Such fun and festivities does not preclude NBA athletes. [Read more…]
It’s been a long, long time since the Washington Wizards were expected to be a top team in the Eastern Conference. But after defeating the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs for their first postseason series win in nine years, the Wizards are entering a season with high expectations. How high? Well, there is some talk that after last season’s 44-38 mark, the Wizards could win 50 games – which they haven’t done since the 1978-79 season. Here
A year can make an enormous difference in the perception of an NBA team. Last summer, the Washington Wizards had the same backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal but they were faced with immense pressure of having to make the playoffs to save the jobs of head coach Randy Wittman and general manager Ernie Grunfeld. Before the season began, Grunfeld made what many perceived as a panicky move and sent its first round pick to Phoenix for Marcin Gortat, who was
An American legend died. No, we’re not talking about someone from the NBA or even the professional sports industry. However, her—yes HER, impact has crossed all sorts of socio-economic barriers—racial; gender; lower-, middle- and upper-class. Her works, as a poet and author did not just bring her critical acclaim and recognition. Her work helped inspire and mold minds. Dr. Maya Angelou, who was born April 4, 1928, died in her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina early Wednesday. She was 86 years old. Her
The best thing about top overall pick Anthony Bennett’s tremendously disappointing rookie season is that it has provided cover for some tremendously disappointing seasons by other rookies. Namely, Otto Porter. Porter was taken third in the 2013 draft by the Washington Wizards and has been worse than Bennett. Much worse. Bennett is averaging 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting just 35 percent from the floor. Pedestrian numbers, for sure, and unacceptable for a top pick who is expected to contribute right away. But