Report: Derrick Rose may play in Game 3 vs Heat

Posted by jordanjayesanders on May 8, 2013
Posted in: Chicago Bulls, NBA. Tagged: , . 2 comments

The Chicago Bulls are grinding to keep their playoff hopes alive and they are doing so without a few key pieces. Starting small forward Luol Deng(illness), combo guard Kirk Hinrich(calf) and of course former MVP, star player and point guard Derrick Rose(knee).

It was reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports that Derrick Rose was officially done for the remainder of the playoffs. However, a new source has surfaced and it is indeed a shocking one.

HoopsWorld.com’s Alex Kennedy writes that

Word out of Chicago is that Rose may suit up for Game 3, which will be played this Friday. Suiting up doesn’t guarantee that Rose will play, but being in uniform on the bench rather than donning a suit would be a step forward for the 24-year-old. Nothing has been confirmed at this point, but it’s a possibility.

The Bulls have shown they can win without their former 1st overall pick in 2008. They held off the Brooklyn Nets in 7 games despite being up 3-1. They just defeated the defending world champions on their home court, a first since the Bulls swept the Heat in the 2007 playoffs.

If the Bulls come back to Chicago for Games 3 and 4 up 2-0 or show that they can keep close with the Heat, everyone will set their sights on Rose

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Jordan Jaye Sanders

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Rose “most likely out” for the postseason

Posted by jordanjayesanders on April 20, 2013
Posted in: Chicago Bulls, NBA. Tagged: , . 1 comment

Every Chicago Bull fan has been awaiting to see Derrick Rose play. Sadly, they’ll most likely have to wait until the 2013-14 season as he is most likely out for the postseason.

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Rose, who tore his ACL in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, has not played a game all year long despite being medically cleared on March 9th.

“He’s most likely out but you never know,” Thibodeau said. “The playoffs are stretched out, too, so you have to factor that in. So who knows another week from now where he is? You always want to leave that possibility open.”

However, if he was ready, Thibodeau stated that he would not hesitate to put in the former MVP in the lineup

“That’d be fine, whenever he can come back, he comes back.”

There is no question that the former 1st overall pick will be back next season, but a lot of Bull fans are now questioning his heart and desire to play. In several promotions during the course of the season, in which it was titled “The Return” based on his rehabilitation progress

So pretty much the hype was all for nothing. That has got to sting. Maybe its the comments from his older brother Reggie that got into his head. On the other hand, why risk another injury coming back? Why would he risk the possibility of re-tearing his ACL?

There’s a lot of why factors. The Bulls right now would love to have him back but after going 45-37 with still being one of the league’s top defensive teams, why risk it?

If the Bulls advance to the Semifinals, there could be a ton of talk about him returning. Is it because most likely they’ll face the defending champion Miami Heat if they advance? We’ll have to wait and see.

Jordan Jaye Sanders

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X-Knicks return!! Will the ‘top-up’ pay off in the Playoffs

Posted by brentkitchin on April 19, 2013
Posted in: NBA, New York Knicks. Tagged: , , , , , . 1 comment

With the Knicks injury concerns throughout the 2012/13 season being well documented it has been made clear that perhaps being the oldest team in NBA history may not have paid off. The recent and relatively unexpected retirement of Rasheed Wallace as well as the recent departure of Kurt Thomas has given the Knicks organisation room to ‘top-up’ and that is exactly what they have done.

Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler, Kenyon Martin, Marcus Camby as well as the previously mentioned and recently released Rasheed Wallace and Kurt Thomas are all Knicks big men who have been out of action in the lead up to the playoffs, which has obviously become a concern for the Knicks.

Recently acquired Quentin Richardson and Earl Barron have both spent time in the NBA at different organisations and both have somewhat of a reputation within the league. As well as this, both haveexperience as a New York Knick.

QUENTIN RICHARDSON

Richardson is a 33 year old 6’6 small forward, however his versatility and defensive aggression has, at times allowed him to play multiple positions. Over his career with the LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic Richardson averaged 10.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 1.5apg while shooting at .397 from the field and .355 from the three point line.

richardson knicks

 

EARL BARRON

Barron is a 31 year old 7ft 2450 pound Center who knows how to rebound the ball and also has a reasonable baby jump shot! Over his career with the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors and the Washington Wizards he averaged 4.9ppg and 3.7rpg, however it should be noted that in his last season with the Knicks (09-10) Jones averaged 11.7ppg and 11 rpg which, after his recent return to New York bringing and 18 rebound performance may just mean that this guy loves being a Knick. Some may scoff at the idea but Raymond Felton is a perfect example of a player who flourishes in the New York Lime Light.

Earl-Barron knicks

 

Now although each of these players are over the age of 30, unfortunately Barron has no playoff experience within the NBA and has actually only spent 6 years in the league. Richardson on the other hand has been to the playoffs four times and has managed to average 8.5ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.2 apg and 0.9 stlpg which is a great sign for the Knicks with the upcoming playoff run.

Now the ultimate question, will the top-ups pay off?

well considering that realistically both Richardson and Barron are on the Knicks roster to fill a void and complete the bench then yes I believe they will pay off. It is not a reasonale expectation to expect these guys to come in and to on a huge role within the Knicks roster, also if the Knicks get healthy guys back in the mix then the new recruits will most likely not see any court time. If that does not occur the Knicks now have two experienced guys who know how to play their role and do it well.

Time will tell how deep the Knicks playoff aspirations run but one thing is for sure with the depth and talent the Knicks have they are sure to intimidate any team they come up against.

Brent Kitchin

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JR Smith – The Best 2.8 Million Dollars the Knicks have ever spent

Posted by brentkitchin on March 28, 2013
Posted in: NBA, New York Knicks. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

JR Smith ended the 2011/12 season as an unrestricted free agent and after considering his options and offers, ultimately decided to stay with the New York Knicks!

“I have decided to re-sign with the Knicks. I just felt that, despite my other options, New York is the best situation for me, coach (Mike) Woodson showed a lot of faith and trust in me last season, as did (Knicks owner) Mr. (James) Dolan and the organization. My teammates are great to play with and New York fans are the best. I can’t wait to get started.” – reported ESPNNewYork.com

Now speculation arose about the circumstances of Smiths signing with the Knicks and rumors circulated that perhaps the exciting and athletic shooting guard may not have received the offer sheets he was expecting. It is well known that JR Smith is a shoot first, think later type of guy that can shoot you in to a game or in some cases out of a game and after his sub-par 2011/12 season it is obvious to many why he may not have been pursued by a majority of franchises.

JR Dunk

That aside, JR Smith is one of the most athletic, offensively gifted 2 guards in the league and his ability to make an impact of the bench is well noted by many, he is a proven scorer and has shown that he has the ability to make and take game winning shots (with 2 buzzer beaters to his name already this season).

With this in mind lets take a look at JR Smiths statistics over the 2012/13 season thus far

MPG PPG FG% 3pt% FT% RPG APG STLPG
33.4 17.1 .408 .347 .771 5.1 2.8 1.3

Now JR Smiths contract consists of a two year deal, the first paying him 2.8 million dollars and the second as a player option. JR is an integral part of this current Knicks roster, however prior to the season he stated his disappointment over not receiving the starting 2 guard spot and only time will tell if he has accepted his role as the Knicks ever-ready sixth man and also if he chooses to stay a Knick or chase a bigger, more appealing contract.

One thing is for sure, right here and now in the 2012/13 season JR Smith is certainly in the running for sixth man of the year and there is no escaping the fact that he will be an integral part of the Knicks playoff run.

Brent Kitchin

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Knicks went shopping, K-Mart had it all!!

Posted by brentkitchin on March 25, 2013
Posted in: NBA, New York Knicks. Tagged: , , , . 3 comments

The New York Knicks were a team struggling through injuries, poor form, lack of confidence and a general lack of energy on both ends of the floor.

At the time of the 2013 trade deadline it was widely supported by fans as well as NBA analysts that if the Knicks were to become a legitimate Championship contender, changes needed to be made! Many rumors circulated, surrounding Amare Stoudemire, Steve Novak and many more, however nobody expected what the trade deadline would bring to the New York Knicks.

The Knicks traded their best perimeter defender (Ronnie Brewer) for what can be basically described as a nothing pick to the OKC Thunder, which in turn created a spot on the roster for a potential free agent.

Now before going on it must be said that the Knicks were struggling for depth in their front court, with injuries to both veteran big men, Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace.

So free agency was explored and the spot was filled with the 35 year old, 6’9, 240 pound Kenyon Martin. After a slow start as a New York Knicks Martin has worked his was not only in to the rotation but in to the starting five.

K-Mart

With the unforseen injury to Amare Stoudemire as well as the previously mentioned veteran Knicks, K-Mart took up the opportunity presented to him and after two consecutive 10 day contracts the Knicks signed him for the remainder of the season. Also helping Martins cause was the multitude of injuries bothering Tyson Chandler, which in turn has caused him to miss the last six games.

In Martins previous five games for the Knicks he has averaged

MPG

PPG

FG%

RPG

BLKPG

28

12.2

.692

7.8

1.0

Now Martins value to the Knicks far exceeds anything which is measured by statistics, defensive ability and/or versatility, as well as the ability to finish around the rim. His fellow team mates have spoken about his vocal contribution on the defensive end and Knicks head coach Mike Woodson has been impressed with what he has seen.

“He’s so active around the rim offensively in terms of put-backs, he was always a good pick and roll player who could catch in traffic and finish in traffic” “he’s getting the offensive put-backs, running the floor, he’s a major plus for our ball club” – Mike Woodson

“Just a lot of energy, he’s starting to get his legs back under him” “his energy is incredible, what he brings to the game defensively is incredible and what he’s doing offensively is just extra points for us” – Carmelo Anthony

Now Martin himself has commented on his recent impact on the Knicks and his desire to play continue playing NBA basketball in the future.

“I’m just getting my legs up under me, the better shape you’re in the better you can play, my team mates have been doing a great job of finding me, im picking my spots, there probably not going to run plays for me but im just picking my spots.”

“I’m playing for now and im playing for beyond now, I just don’t want this to be it, If its going to be here next year which i would love for it to be then so be it, I would love that. I just want people to know i can still play basketball at a high level and i wasnt the number one pick for no reason, I didn’t stick around for 12 years for nothing.”

Brent Kitchin

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‘BTB’ Presents Living Legends: Kobe Bryant

Posted by jordanjayesanders on March 19, 2013
Posted in: LA Lakers, NBA. Tagged: , . Leave a Comment

The game is on the line. Your team needs a bucket to win or send the game into overtime. When in doubt, there is always one man you can count on to send you into an extra 5 minutes or win you the game. This man has been known to be a killer time and time again and his name is Kobe Bryant.

NBA

A lot of people consider him the 2nd greatest basketball player of all time right behind his idol Michael Jordan. He certainly has the resume that will induct him into the Hall Of Fame down the road. Here is a list of his accomplishments in his 17 year career in which he was spent with one team, the Los Angeles Lakers:

Career highlights and awards

He is also a memeber of the United States men’s national basketball squad that won 2 Summer Olympic Gold Medals in 2008 and 2012 and was a member of the US team that won the FIBA Americas Championship at Las Vegas in 2007. He also has won 5 ESPY Awards and he won the Sporting News NBA Athlete of the Decade(2000′s) and the TNT Player Of The Decade(2000′s).

He also owns numerous Laker franchise records such as

  • Most seasons played with 17
  • Most playoff seasons played with 15
  • Career points with 31,297(and counting)
  • Career playoff points with 5,640
  • Most points in a game with 81 against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006
  • Most Points in one half with 55 against the Toronto Raptors on January 22, 2006
  • Points in 1 quarter with 30, 4th highest in league history and the best for a 3rd quarter(done twice)
  • Most consecutive free throws with 62(January 11-22, 2006)
  • Career leader in steals with 1,810(and counting)

It wasn’t all glits and glamour for the Black Mamba. Despite being consistently in the playoffs year in and year out, he has had a few bumps in the road towards his legendary stature. Then again, which legends haven’t been there and done that? Lets take a look at how his journey began to where it is now

Born on August 23rd, 1978 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the youngest and only son of former NBA 1st round pick and former WNBA Head Coach Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. His father played 9 seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, the San Diego Clippers and the Houston Rockets. In 606 career games, his father averaged 8.7 PPG and 4 RPG.

In 1984 when Kobe was 6, the family moved to Italy after his father signed a deal with AMG Sebastiani Rieti. In 1991 when Kobe was 13, Joe retired and the family moved back to the United States. Upon returning, Bryant would enroll at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia. Starting all 4 years on the varsity squad, the bumps began here.

In his freshman year, he had an outstanding season but the team mustered an abysmal 4-20 record. Over the course of his next 3 years, the Aces turned it around winning 77 of 90 games, with Bryant playing all 5 positions. In his junior season, he averaged over 30 points per game and 10 rebounds per game and was named the Pennsylvania Player of the Year.

Colleges such as Duke, North Carolina, Villanova and Michigan all began a run to recruit him. However, when Kevin Garnett went in the 1st round of the 1995 NBA Draft, he strongly considered going pro after his senior year. In his senior year, Bryant led the Aces to their 1st state championship in over 50 years. He left Lower Merion as their all time scorer with 2,883 points.

He received many awards including the Naismith High School Player of the Year, Gatorade Men’s National Basketball Player of the Year, a McDonald’s All-American, and a USA Today All-USA First Team Player honors. He then decided to pass up on college ball and head towards the NBA.

He was the first guard taken ever out of high school. Many speculated that the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick, would select him but they made a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers that sent that pick to them in which the Lakers used it on him.

With Shaquille O’Neal just signing with the team in the offseason, the Lakers looked towards the duo to lead them into the future. For the first 3 seasons, the team was a playoff contender but would be swept in the ’98 Western Conference Finals and the first round of the ’99 playoffs. However, fortunes changed as Phil Jackson would be named the new head coach in the offseason.

NBA

With the Triangle Offense, the Lakers led by the duo of Shaq and Kobe claimed 3 championships in the next 3 years. In the 3rd championship season, he gained a reputation of being a clutch shooter. This was proven in the 2009-2010 season as he had 6 game winning shots.

He may not have the best clutch shooting which he is shooting under 30%, but that stat is not to be taken lightly. If anyone needed a player to provide them a spark down the stretch, the first person to everyone’s mind is Kobe Bryant. What really makes him dangerous is ball handling ability and the way he uses it to create space for the shot or a pass to a wide open teammate.

Even double teaming, sometimes triple teaming him won’t stop him from creating a play that would give the Lakers a lead or a win. Even with his age coming on, he still is one of the fastest players when driving to the lane. Would you want to be in his way coming at 100 MPH to the hoop? I sure as heck wouldn’t!

He proved it recently against the Boston Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals, as he scored 10 of his 23 points in Game 7 that saw the Lakers comeback down 13 points to win his 5th title. The year before, the Lakers dominated the Orlando Magic in 5 games to claim his 4th championship. For his efforts, he was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player back to back years.

While his quest for his 6th ring is slowly diminishing, there is no doubt that he will do whatever it takes to claim it. Even when he leaves the NBA, he will always be considered one of the game’s greatest players. Controversy aside, you have to be aware of how dangerous he is, especially when the game is on the line.

Whether its making a bucket when it matters, making a stop on defense or creating a play for the win, Kobe Bryant will always have these essential skills. This black mamba has already left its mark in the NBA world as a legend, but until he calls it quits, he will continue to go as a living legend

Jordan Jaye Sanders

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Are The Knicks Down For The Count

Posted by brentkitchin on March 18, 2013
Posted in: NBA, New York Knicks. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

NBA: Chicago Bulls at New York KnicksThe New York Knicks started the season as an impressive veteran team with a lot of upside and no real weaknesses, going 21-9 in the month of November and December before then falling to a record of 13-11 in the month of January and February. Now with a current record of 38 and 26 many would argue that it is not time to reach for the panic stations just yet, but lets take a closer look at things.

The Knicks are currently on a 4 game losing streak, in fact they are currently facing a record of 4-6 over the month of March and things are not looking to improve for them any time soon.

Now since the beginning of the 2012/13 season the Knicks have preached two things

  1. Take it one game at a time
  2. We must win our division

Now if the Knicks truly are taking the season one game at a time then by all accounts they should be able to turn this ‘slump’ around and rectify what is quickly becoming a disastrous month of basketball. Looking ahead,it is certainly possible for the Knicks to turn the month of March in to a winning one, with games against the Utah Jazz, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors (x2), Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Bobcats winnable games are fast approaching the Knicks.

Now winning the Atlantic Division is another matter all together, the Knicks are currently 1 game ahead of the Nets and 2.5 games ahead of the Celtics. Both teams are playing great basketball, with what look to be favourable schedules. Both the Nets and Celtics are strongly competing with the Knicks for the top spot of the Atlantic Division. If the Knicks can rectify their current slump and put some wins together then they are in a position to not only win the division, but take out the second place of the Eastern Conference (behind the Miami Heat).

Injuries have plagued the Knicks this season and they are currently without their, as some may call it ’Big 3′.

  • Tyson Chandler is suffering a left knee contusion, which he suffered in Wednesdays game versus the Nuggets, as well as what is reported as being a strained neck. The previously mentioned injuries have caused him to miss the Knicks two previous games versus the Blazers and the Clippers, he is currently listed as day-to-day.
  • Carmelo Anthony had fluid drained from his right knee on Thursday after suffering what the Knicks have listed as a ‘right knee injury’. Anthony has missed five of his last seven games for the Knicks and is currently listed as day-to-day.
  • Amare Stoudemire is again side lined with knee issues, this time having his right knee ‘cleaned out’ which will result in a six-week recovery and should see him returning at some stage in the first round of the playoffs.

To go along with all of this, the recent come back king Rasheed Wallace has undergone surgery on his fractured left metatarsal (foot). Similarly to Stoudemire, Wallace is scheduled to return for the first round of the playoffs, however the veterans fitness will become an issue for the Knicks.

The Knicks are still a top 10 ranked team in terms of efficiency on the offensive end of the floor, although have slipped to 16th place on the defensive end (according to Hollinger Stats of ESPN.com) and Stats don’t lie, however neither does recent form and in 2 of the Knicks last 4 games they have allowed their opposition to score over 100 points. As well as this they have struggled to score the ball with field goal percentages of 27.4%, 43%, 43.9% and 35.8% over their last four games.

Now free agency still interests the Knicks, in fact Knicks head coach Mike Woodson has stated that he will be sitting down after their current 5 game road trip with Knicks GM, Glen Grunwald to discuss their options. According to Newsdays Al Iannazzone, Woodson has been quoted as stating that “I think we have till the later part of March to make some decisions”. Now according to various media outlets the Knicks have been reported as having an interest in Delonte West, and on all accounts they are ‘tracking’ his progress.

All of that aside, some serious questions still face the Knicks,

Are they down for the count? will they slip down the conference standings? is their age starting to show?

Well these are all questions that only the playoffs will allow us to answer, but the Knicks have every chance to find some form, get healthy and make a strong push in the 2013 NBA playoffs. Being a veteran team, the Knicks will not lay down and let this season get away from them but health is a serious concern.

Brent Kitchin

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