The NBA is currently mid-stage in one of its follow-the-leader transitions. This era has been in process for several years. Previously it was called position-less basketball; today we’re calling it small ball. [Read more…]
Most NBA players train year-round to be able to stay at the highest level in terms of physical ability, maintain strength and to help avoid injuries. You can always tell that some players go just a bit harder than others, though, by seeing their overall physical shape. Although a simple case of genetics plays a factor with some, players at the NBA level can mostly get in tip-top shape if they deem it necessary. Take Kyle Lowry, for example. The stocky point guard has
It takes a lot to make the NBA playoffs if you are in the Western Conference. The West is the grown-up table of the NBA. It has had at least one team finish above .500 and miss the postseason every year since 2007. There will be some shuffling in the West’s playoff picture this season. But who is in the frame, and who gets cropped out? And has any team improved enough to topple the defending champion Golden State Warriors? The staff of
When it comes to getting into altercations, Matt Barnes is probably atop the list among NBA players and to a lesser extent, Serge Ibaka. Not surprisingly, things heated up quickly when Barnes – who has tangled with Ibaka in the past – was asked to discuss his issue with the power forward during his appearance on ESPN’s Sportstation on Tuesday, saying he would fight Ibaka right now and claiming that he thinks he is tough but isn’t. Ibaka may or may not have seen
There is a procedure for determining the MVP. Ballots are e-mailed to 126 media members who cover the NBA on a regular basis, and they are due back at the league office the day after the season ends. The league then tallies the votes and decides when to announce the winner. That, folks, is a procedure. Which brings us to proper use of the word “procedure,” and how it relates to the media’s coverage of the NBA. Specifically, the Oklahoma City media
Let’s get something out of the way here. Russell Westbrook is awesome. Westbrook is one of the game’s top five players, and I’ve felt that way for a couple of years. He may not be a better conventional point guard than Chris Paul or Tony Parker or Stephen Curry. But if any of those guys even dream about being a better player than Westbrook, they better wake up and get back to reality. I also love watching Westbrook play. I cannot recall
Hope you were able to navigate all those late lineup changes and turn a profit at DraftKings on a low-scoring Saturday full of surprises. The Hawks rested four players and still won in Miami — Coach Bud learned a lot from Coach Pop over the years. [Read more…]
There’a a dandy doubleheader in the NBA tonight and a $1,000 Freeroll for our readers. Click that link to enter; the top 225 finishers will win cash and first place is worth $100. It’s money for nothing! [Read more…]