Of the eight teams that reached the Western Conference playoffs last season, six of them had at least one player among the NBA’s top-20 in win shares. The two playoff teams that did not have a player among the top 20 were Memphis, with stars Marc Gasol, Mike Conley and Zach Randolph, and San Antonio, who boasts the famed star quartet of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard. Obtaining, maintaining and sustaining a roster with All-Star level talent
The Memphis Grizzlies begin the 2014-15 season with high hopes. With the core in place and an exceptionally deep bench, making a return to the Western Conference finals – or further – is the goal. Last season, the injury bug bit the Grizzlies. Multiple key players missed extended time, and the Grizzlies couldn’t separate themselves in the West as a result. Ending the season contemplating what could have been is unpleasant, and it’s a situation the Grizzlies don’t care to find themselves
After successfully winning the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the United States Men’s National Team has all the cause in the world to celebrate. [Read more…]
As the fury of NBA free agency slowly dies down as we approach the dog days of August — the dreadfully slow period of the NBA offseason — we’re left with a few big names standing. One of which is Eric Beldsoe, the standout guard for the Phoenix Suns who has had a difficult time navigating restricted free agency. He and his agent, Rich Paul (LeBron’s agent and close friend), have been miles apart on negotiations with the Suns front office. The
As reported earlier in the week by Chris Sheridan, LeBron James is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Standing by his source, all signs indicate that it is not a matter of it, but when James is ready to share his decision with the public. While the rest of us were eagerly anticipating a formal announcement all day, the four time MVP tended to his own affairs. As the host of the LeBron James Skills Academy, James was in attendance at the basketball
BROOKLYN — One season after the Jason Kidd experiment failed in bizarre fashion, the Brooklyn Nets introduced the man the franchise should have hired in the first place. Lionel Hollins isn’t here for power struggles, whether they be with staff members, GM Billy King or ownership. He’s here to coach. “I’m a basketball coach,” Hollins said. “I don’t want to do Billy’s job. I don’t want to do anybody else’s job in the organization but the one that I’m hired to do
Free agency began at midnight Eastern time today, and the rumors and reports will come in like an avalanche on the Internet and social media. But how much guaranteed money does your team actually have on its books for next season? You can find out in this trusty little chart right here: [Read more…]
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES 2015-16 Offseason Additions: F Matt Barnes, C Brandan Wright 2015 Draft Picks: F Jarell Martin, G Andrew Harrison Draft Picks Coming: 2016 second round (Toronto); 2016 second round (Boston); 2018 second round (Charlotte); 2019 first round (LA Clippers, protected 1-14); 2019 second round (Brooklyn); TBA second round (Miami); TBA second round (Miami) Draft Picks Going: 2016 first round (to Denver, protected 1-5, 15-30); 2016 second round (to Dallas); 2017 second round (to Oklahoma City, 31-35); 2019 first round (to Boston, 1-12) Cap Exceptions: None Trade Exceptions: Jon Leuer ($970,000,