Saturday, November 20, 2010

Hornets and Raptors exchange players in Trade

HoopsHype and Sport24 report that the NBA cleared a trade between the New Orleans Hornets and the Toronto Raptors.

In that deal, the Hornets would sent Peja Stojakovic and Jerryd Bayless to the Raptors and the Raptors would sent Jarret Jack, David Anderson and Marcus Banks to the Hornets.

Brandon Jennings would play overseas

In a statement to the possible lockout that could occur next season, Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks said, he would like to return to Europe in that case. After his high school time, he went to Rome, Italy for 1 year instead of going to an NCAA college.
Cap master Larry Coon told hoopsworld, that Jennings aim, such as the aim of plenty of other NBA athletes, might never be realized.
Every NBA player that decides to play for a european team, has to be cleared by the FIBA, via a letter of clearence. And since the FIBA and NBA have a very bad relationship with one another, this could stand in its way.
Even though it could give the game of basketball overseas a huge boost - in attendance and skill - the FIBA will play all its options during a possible lockout.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Iverson receiving warm welcome in Istanbul

Allen Iverson has not played a game yet, but he is already a superstar and a hero in Turkey. He is getting the excitement, respect and cheering that he probably missed for a while during his on and off struggles in the last 6 months.
First he received a special introduction (comparisons were made to the Heat-trio-introduction) just for him:


Then days later during a soccer match of Besiktas, the whole stadium started to chant his name:


He was expected to play last weekend but decided not to, because he did not feel 100 percent ready. Expect him to start tomorrow in the Eurocup for his first game away from the NBA against a Serbian team Hemofarm Vrsac with their own almost NBA player from this years Draft class (Jerome Jordan - Knicks have the rights for him).

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Kevin Love´s historic night

In last nights win over the Knicks, Minnesotas Forward Kevin Love played a historic performance, grabbing 31 rebounds and scoring 31 points. 15 of those 31 came just in the third quarter! He seemed to be all over the paint and just proved why he should be on every fantasy basketball roster and why he should be regarded as one of the top 5 rebounders in the league!
Not only were his 31 rebounds a franchise record, but it was the first 30-30 game since Moses Malone did it in 1982.
"My dad always said if you can't get close enough to the basket throw it up there and get the rebound like Moses Malone."- said Kevin Love after the game referring to the fact, that Malone was the last one with such a game.

Check out his great performance:


Courtesy of the video by nba.com

Friday, November 12, 2010

Early Rookie Watch

Here are my Top 5 Rookies so far early in to the season.

1. John Wall - Washington Wizards
So far he is excelling all the expectations. Double-Doubles and last Night even a Triple-Double. He is getting 40 minutes per game and paying it back with 19.3 ppg. His great speed with and without the ball is giving him great advantages in the open court, that he was able to use in great fashion so far. It has been a long time since there has been a confident and leading rookie like that. It also shows in his 10.2 Assissts per game, that lift up the numbers for guys like Al Thornton who are benefiting from his great dishes. The only thing he needs to work on are his Turnovers. Sure, the longer you carry the ball overall in a game, the more you are going to lose it, still needs to protect the ball a little bit more!

2.Blake Griffin - Los Angeles Clippers
He is using his second chance Rookie opportunity and is looking completely healthy. Showing great athleticism and moves in the paint. Hinting great potential to become a dominant force under the basket in the future. Also getting a lot of minutes (35.5), scoring well 16.5 ppg and leading the Rookies in Rebounds with 10 per game.

3.DeMarcus Cousins - Sacramento Kings
Probably one of the toughest guys in this draft class. He shines with  his great heart and also with his ability to grab Rebounds every night (5.9 per game). He is scoring well (11.1 ppg) in just about 20 minutes per game. If he wants to get more playing time in this Sacramento Line-Up, he will have to limit his personal Fouls (Leading Rookies with 4.3 per game)!

4.Derrick Favors - New Jersey Nets
He is slowly adapting to the NBA game and coach Avery Johnson is using him and his minutes wisely. Game after game he improved in his open court and post game. He knows how to score (8.8ppg) abut his best attribute is the work on the glass (7.3 per game) and his ability to get second chance points. Expect his playing time to go up frequently as soon as he gets more comfortable with Johnson´s gameplan (20 minutes per game).

5.Landry Fields - New York Knicks
One of the surprising Rookies - so far. He won the starting Shooting Guard Spot for the first few games over Wilson Chandler. Already in Summer League he hinted, that he would probably be the best 2nd Round Pick from this years draft. Playing efficient (8.9ppg) , quick and versatile, a great fit for D´Antonis ofense. D´Antoni likes his good shot selection (56% from the field) and his good rebounding (5.30) for a guy who plays at the two.
But you will have to wait and see if he can continue to play at this pace and if his minutes stay up as soon as Kelenna Azubuike gets back (25 minutes per game) .



Monday, November 8, 2010

Lakers Rookies could be in D-League soon

Phil Jackson said on Sunday that he would like Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter earn more experience in the D-League. Ebanks and Caracter both showed off their potential and already had playing time under Jackson, but do not seem to be ready for the Lakers game yet. Both also impressed critics during the summer league, especially Caracter with his fearless game in the paint. It will probably take until Andrew Bynum gets back from his injury, in the meantime Caracter will still get some minutes as a role player. After that the two should spent the remainder of the season developing the in the D-League.

“I’m hitting the gym late at night, trying to understand the offense and making the most of each 15 seconds or 15 miintues I get,” Caracter said.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Dorell Wright breaking out

He is 24 years old and in his 6th season. A NBA veteran, in his Miami days not more than a role player. Averaging 6.6pts in 204 career games. Probably the best thing that ever happened in his career, was his move to Golden State this summer.His numbers are literally exploding, he is becoming a fantasy owners dream and he is lifting the Warriors´ Offensive oriented game up.
In his first 4 games he 20.5 pts in 50% shooting and unbelievable 54.5% from three point territory. In yesterdays win over Memphis he even knocked down 7 of them. No doubt why he is getting that many minutes, while also rebounding and sharing the ball.
If you are a Fantasy owner, pick him up as long as he is out there!

Rodney Stuckey refuses to play

It happened in yesterdays loss to Atlanta, when coach John Kuester called in Stuckey in the third quarter and he refused to play. DeJuan Summers went in to the game instead.
The team is now 0-5 and rumours that they are breaking apart does not seem like a rumour anymore. A big trading block, financial uncertainties and beefs with the coach are just a few examples.
Recently Tayshaun Prince, who is usually a very laid back guy, had a heated argument with Kuester. Now Stuckey is going one step further.
Kuester did not comment on it and Stuckey only said : "It is what it is."
Do not expect a lot, but more drama from the Pistons locker room this season.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Pistons looking for a big man

The Pistons defensive end has been struggling. Not since yesterday. It has been a long time since Ben Wallace dominated the paint, blocking shots left and right. Ben Wallace is on Detroits Roster, but he is getting older and his game is not the same. Jason Maxiell and Charlie Villanueva can play some defense aswell, but nothing that could stop a high caliber offensive squad. There has been no improvement for a while now under the glass.
That is going to be the reason why the Pistons are desperately seeking a trade to get a quality big men. The two top names mentioned are Chris Kaman and Josh Smith. Kaman could be a good fit, but its doubtful that the Clippers will give away there big men who is starting to flourish with Rookie Blake Griffin. They will probably let go of Tayshaun Prince or Richard Hamilton, who were already included in rumours during the summer.
Josh Smith would be another probable candidate. The Hawks will have to eye their players salaries and whether they can afford so many well played guys. Bringing in a round pick and one or two guys from Michigan might give them some breathing room towards the luxury tax in the future. The Pistons are set, they are only waiting for a response.