The NBA draft is Thursday and the rumor mill is churning faster than ever. Expect that trend to continue in the coming days. I’ve outlined the top rising draft stocks and the fallout for the New York Knicks after landing the fourth overall pick. I’ve also written profile stories on Kristaps Porzingis and Myles Turner. With that in mind, I joined Atlanta’s “The Game” on 92.9 FM with host John Fricke to discuss the top of the draft, sleepers, top foreign players, which player the
Kristaps Porzingis has become the trendy name among NBA executives since dominating at his ASM Sports workout a week ago. “I think there is a strong chance he lands in the top four picks,” one Eastern Conference general manager told SheridanHoops. “The Lakers, Knicks and 76ers are all possible options. He has the length and athleticism of Andrei Kirilenko and stroke and footwork like Dirk Nowitzki. He will be the best prospect in this draft while also having the best upside.”
The gambling life ain’t easy, folks — which is where today’s tale begins. But by the time you get to the end of today’s column, hopefully you’ll be amused by my personal adventures and enlightened by my leaguewide analysis. We are at the quarter-pole of the NBA season, and trends have emerged. First, to truly appreciate what it means to gamble on the NBA on a daily basis, you had to experience what it was like to bet on the Philadelphia 76ers
As expected, the Minnesota Timberwolves have picked up the fourth year options on Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams contract’s, the team announced today. It’s been speculated the third year players would both be picked up to avoid unnecessary bidding wars with another team once they hit free agency. Rubio, who’s career is finally on track, was excited about the news. “@Twolves_PR: #Twolves officially announce the team has picked up fourth year options for @rickyrubio9 and @RealDwill7” yessir!!!!! — Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) October 26, 2013 Everything
With the NBA season win total over/unders coming out earlier this week at the Las Vegas Hilton (LVH) in Las Vegas, here is a chart of those odds, the team wins from last year and the percentage changes between the two: [Read more…]
Minnesota center Nikola Pekovic was a key cog in the Timberwolves ability to remain competitive in Kevin Love’s absence last year. He posted an average of 18 points and 10 rebounds per 36 minutes during the 2012-13 season. Going into the offseason, retaining his services was among the top priorities for GM Flip Saunders and the Wolves’ front office. A month later, Pekovic remains unsigned. Though both sides have yet to agree on the financial aspects of a new deal, Saunders remains hopefully
Restricted free agent center Nikola Pekovic. Nearly two weeks into free agency, the pool of available high-end talent has dwindled. Among the available, unsigned free agents is center Nikola Pekovic. Pekovic is a quality big man who fits the player personnel and works well within Rick Adelman’s system in Minnesota. However, the two sides have yet to agree to a new contract. Timberwolves sharp-shooter Chase Budinger is among the contingent who are awaiting a resolution. [Read more…]
// Best Performance of the Night: Rajon Rondo- 18 Pts, 11 Reb, 14 Ast Worst Performance of the Night: Rudy Gay- 2-12 FG, 5 Pts, 3 Reb