In case you didn’t notice, the transition into a new era for the San Antonio Spurs hit a milestone of sorts this past weekend. For the first time in 1,360 career games, Tim Duncan did not score. Coming off a three-game absence – one for rest and two due to knee soreness – the no-brainer Hall of Famer played just 13 minutes Saturday, missing all three of his shots and failing to get to the line. And it was no coincidence that in
It would seem that the NBA levies punishment on its athletes and allows its owners to act with impunity. At least, that is what Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes would have you believe, after explaining in lengthy detail the circumstances for his most recent $25,000 dollar fine. At minimum, the picture he paints is certainly one of inequality showcasing the disparity between the level of professionalism expected of the league’s athletes and its owners, in this case Phoenix Suns owner
One of the common complaints about the NBA – and a somewhat legitimate one at that – is that there are only a half-dozen teams or so that can truly win the championship. Think about it: Who do you have winning it all this season? Chances are it’s one of the “Fab Five” – Cleveland, Chicago, San Antonio, Oklahoma City or the Los Angeles Clippers. And you’re not off base, either. One of those teams is my pick – our staff’s
The return of LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers has been lauded enough in terms of the impact that it means for the franchise for the upcoming NBA season. What has been lost in this is exactly how much this means for the Northeast Ohio community, specifically that in his hometown of Akron, OH. [Read more…]
With much of the national discourse centering on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, the reality of the matter is that a lifetime ban and a $2.5 million fine is the limit to what NBA commissioner Adam Silver is capable of doing. The rest falls on the shoulders of 29 team owners, as they—according to the NBA’s Constitution and By-Laws—must vote with a 3/4’s majority to force the sale of the team. Players, media pundits and people all across the nation
Alvin Gentry became the fourth coach to fail to make it to the All-Star break as he mutually agreed Friday to part with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns did not immediately name a replacement – and really don’t have to. They don’t play again until Wednesday at Sacramento, giving the new coach several days to acclimate himself. A release from the Suns said an interim will be named in the next 24 to 48 hours. [Read more…]