Denver Nuggets Halftime with Vanilla Ice
Friday, February 27th, 2009NuggetsTV asked:
Denver Nuggets Halftime with Vanilla Ice
EVAN
Archive for February, 2009
The Minnesota Timberwolves Continue Their Hunt For an NBA Championship
Friday, February 27th, 2009
Rick Grantham asked:
Do some sports teams’ names stump you? Oftentimes, we hear a team’s name over and over again, without knowing for certain, what it is. For instance, there is the Minnesota Timberwolves. We know that timber includes trees that produce wood for building houses and furniture. We know that wolves are wild mammals. Are Timberwolves wolves that live in forests?
Actually, a timberwolf is another name for the grey wolf. A distant relative of the domestic dog, timberwolves indeed live in forests. However, they also reside in other areas such as mountains, grasslands, and even urban regions. A “name the team” contest named the Minnesota Timberwolves as such, as the name defeated the other finalist, “Polars.” “Timberwolves” is quite appropriate, considering that more timberwolves live in Minnesota than in any of the other continental U.S. states. Here are some interesting wolf facts:
? Wolves are the biggest wild canine
? Wolves have 42 teeth
? Wolves’ jaws can create up to 1,500 pounds-per-square-inch of pressure
? Wolves’ liter sizes range from 4-7 pups
Two decades after professional basketball had left Minnesota, the state welcomed the Timberwolves as an expansion team. The Lakers and two ABA teams had formerly called Minnesota home. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves lost their franchise opener of the 1989-1990 season, to the Seattle Supersonics: 106-94. Unfortunately, the season’s final result was also unfavorable, with the Timberwolves earning a 22-60 record.
However, as time progressed, the Timberwolves grew from pups to full-grown canines. During the 2003-2004 season, they achieved their most success. Key players included Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Spreewell. At the end of the season, the Timberwolves had earned a 58-24 record (.707 winning percentage). This was the franchise’s top record ever, and the best Western Conference record that year.
In the playoffs, the Timberwolves pounced on the Denver Nuggets as if they were chicken nuggets, winning the series easily (4-1). The Timberwolves then outlasted the Sacramento Kings in the next round of the playoffs (4-3). Unfortunately, the Timberwolves then faced the mighty Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals. The Lakers were simply too potent and too experienced in the playoffs. They defeated the Timberwolves relatively easily (4-2).
Unquestionably, Kevin Garnett has been the Timberwolves’ most significant player during the franchise’s short history. The Timberwolves picked Garnett as the fifth overall selection during the 1995 NBA draft. Then in 2004, Garnett captured the MVP award of the NBA. Garnett was the first player in over two decades that an NBA team directly drafted from high school, into the NBA. In addition to leading the Timberwolves to the NBA Finals in 2004, Garnett won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics (2000), and won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics (2008).
The Minnesota Timberwolves have brought basketball back to Minnesota. Though they are a young team, they have advanced to within two games of the NBA Finals. Use Minnesota Timberwolves merchandise to cheer on the team as they hunt for their first NBA Championship!
ISRAEL
Do some sports teams’ names stump you? Oftentimes, we hear a team’s name over and over again, without knowing for certain, what it is. For instance, there is the Minnesota Timberwolves. We know that timber includes trees that produce wood for building houses and furniture. We know that wolves are wild mammals. Are Timberwolves wolves that live in forests?
Actually, a timberwolf is another name for the grey wolf. A distant relative of the domestic dog, timberwolves indeed live in forests. However, they also reside in other areas such as mountains, grasslands, and even urban regions. A “name the team” contest named the Minnesota Timberwolves as such, as the name defeated the other finalist, “Polars.” “Timberwolves” is quite appropriate, considering that more timberwolves live in Minnesota than in any of the other continental U.S. states. Here are some interesting wolf facts:
? Wolves are the biggest wild canine
? Wolves have 42 teeth
? Wolves’ jaws can create up to 1,500 pounds-per-square-inch of pressure
___________________________________________________________________
? Wolves’ liter sizes range from 4-7 pups
Two decades after professional basketball had left Minnesota, the state welcomed the Timberwolves as an expansion team. The Lakers and two ABA teams had formerly called Minnesota home. Unfortunately, the Timberwolves lost their franchise opener of the 1989-1990 season, to the Seattle Supersonics: 106-94. Unfortunately, the season’s final result was also unfavorable, with the Timberwolves earning a 22-60 record.
However, as time progressed, the Timberwolves grew from pups to full-grown canines. During the 2003-2004 season, they achieved their most success. Key players included Kevin Garnett, Sam Cassell, and Latrell Spreewell. At the end of the season, the Timberwolves had earned a 58-24 record (.707 winning percentage). This was the franchise’s top record ever, and the best Western Conference record that year.
In the playoffs, the Timberwolves pounced on the Denver Nuggets as if they were chicken nuggets, winning the series easily (4-1). The Timberwolves then outlasted the Sacramento Kings in the next round of the playoffs (4-3). Unfortunately, the Timberwolves then faced the mighty Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference finals. The Lakers were simply too potent and too experienced in the playoffs. They defeated the Timberwolves relatively easily (4-2).
Unquestionably, Kevin Garnett has been the Timberwolves’ most significant player during the franchise’s short history. The Timberwolves picked Garnett as the fifth overall selection during the 1995 NBA draft. Then in 2004, Garnett captured the MVP award of the NBA. Garnett was the first player in over two decades that an NBA team directly drafted from high school, into the NBA. In addition to leading the Timberwolves to the NBA Finals in 2004, Garnett won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics (2000), and won an NBA title with the Boston Celtics (2008).
The Minnesota Timberwolves have brought basketball back to Minnesota. Though they are a young team, they have advanced to within two games of the NBA Finals. Use Minnesota Timberwolves merchandise to cheer on the team as they hunt for their first NBA Championship!
ISRAEL
Anthony Carter Feature
Monday, February 23rd, 2009NuggetsMania asked:
Nuggets guard Anthony Carter shares his life story on Nuggets Fast Break.
TY
Carmelo Anthony Mix
Sunday, February 22nd, 2009Azballler1000 asked:
Mix #4 Carmelo Anthony Senver Nuggets Basketball Freestyle
RON
[Nx^] Carmelo Anthony - Moving Forward
Friday, February 20th, 2009Airsim15 asked:
A mix about all the pain carmelo anthony has gone through. Special thanks to: Carmelo Anthony- Rising Empire [Tu5k15] Carmelo Anthony- C Walker [Domino]
LUCIANO
Greatest Nba Team of All-time!
Thursday, February 19th, 2009
Blazermaniac asked:
In the fall of 1976, when I was one the cusp of my 8th birthday, I had a sports awakening. Suddenly, the concept of professional sports became a reality to me. The Portland Trail Blazers were (and, sadly, still are) the only major professional sports organization in the state of Oregon. I loved to play basketball and so following the Blazers became a passion for me. I was with them almost from training camp when they let Moses Malone go because the new coaching staff, led by Dr. Jack Ramsay, felt like he didn’t fit in with their team concept.
From the outset, the Blazers played impressively. They started Bill Walton at center, Maurice Lucas at power forward, Bobby Gross at small forward, Lionel Hollins at shooting guard, and Dave Twardzik at the point. Their bench consisted of veterans Larry Steele, Lloyd Neal, Corky Calhoun, and Herm Gilliam as well as young guns Wally Walker, Johnny Davis, and Robin Jones.
Walton, then in his prime with his red hair in a pony tail or surrounded by a headband, was the best passing center of all-time. His defensive rebounds and outlet passes to the quick guards Twardzik and Davis were legendary. He led the league in rebounds and blocked shots that year. Leading scorer Maurice Lucas was my favorite player because of his bruising style. Later Karl Malone would remind me of a higher scoring version of Lucas. He was the Enforcer!
Bobby Gross had a solid mid-range jumper and the backcourt of Hollins and Twardzik was not particularly flashy, but they were scrappy defenders and not afraid to go after loose balls. Larry Steele was the veteran ’sixth man’. He was the longest-tenured Blazer at the time and had led the league in steals a few years before (I believe it was the first year the stat was recorded) and was an excellent defender with a solid outside shot. Herm Gilliam was the wily vet who could enter the game and calm things down when the young Blazers were threatening to self-destruct. Rookie Johnny Davis came along as the year progressed and kept up the intensity that the starting five would initiate.
In the frontcourt, Neal backed up both Lucas and Walton. He was a banger and was good for some solid rebounding and defense. He was injured part of the year and this gave Jones a chance to play in his rookie season. Veteran Corky Calhoun came from the Lakers and had experience to offer at the small forward position. Walker was a rookie, I believe, out of Virginia and was important to the Blazers because he brought in the female fans with his feathered Andy Gibb hair.
The regular season for the Blazers was nothing special. Yes they finished with their franchise-best record of 48 or 49 wins, but the Los Angeles Lakers were the team to beat in the West that year. The playoffs began for the Blazers in a best-of-three series against Chicago. The Bulls were in the Western Conference then. After disposing of the Bulls in three hard-fought games, the Denver Nuggets, fresh out of the ABA, beckoned. Dan Issel, David Thompson and the Nuggets were formidable foes. Ramsay’s decision to use Davis more in the backcourt because of his quickness paid off as the Blazers won the best-of-seven series in six games.
Next up - the Lakers. This had to be one of the most under-rated upsets in NBA history as Portland stomped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers in four straight games. Then they had to wait several days to learn who their opponent would be in the NBA Finals.
The Philadelphia 76ers dared to face the history-making Blazers. They had Dr. J, George McGinnis, Lloyd (not yet World B.) Free, Doug Collins, and Chocolate Thunder himself, Darryl Dawkins. Portland was given little chance against the star-laden Sixers. But after Erving, Free, and finally McGinnis missed potential game-tying jumpers the ball was swatted to mid-court by Walton and Davis ran the clock out for a 109-107 Game 6 victory that crowned the Portland Trail Blazers the 1976-77 NBA Champions. That was the first year that Oueen’s ‘We Are the Champions’ was used for a champion’s theme song.
The next year was better for the Blazers in the regular season but Walton went down with an injury and the Blazers never recovered. But Blazermania and ‘Rip City’ had begun! Why is this team the best ever? Because they were the champs the year I ‘discovered’ hoops and I learned from them the meaning of ‘team’ play. Each one of them checked their egos at the door and sacrificed themselves for the good of the team. No other team since then has exhibited such successfully unselfish behavior. They were a team brought together for a purpose and they accomplished what they set out to do in training camp when Coach Ramsay started camp with a timed mile run that built team camaraderie.
As it turns out, 1977 was a pivotal year for me in establishing my favorite teams in the three major sports. I followed the Denver Broncos (my hometown) as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl in January and finished the year by rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they lost to the Reggie Jackson-led New York Yankees in the World Series. But in between the two, a champion arose that conquered by submitting to one another’s strengths for the good of the team like no other team had before or has since. Thirty one years later, Blazermania lives on because of their accomplishments.
PETE
In the fall of 1976, when I was one the cusp of my 8th birthday, I had a sports awakening. Suddenly, the concept of professional sports became a reality to me. The Portland Trail Blazers were (and, sadly, still are) the only major professional sports organization in the state of Oregon. I loved to play basketball and so following the Blazers became a passion for me. I was with them almost from training camp when they let Moses Malone go because the new coaching staff, led by Dr. Jack Ramsay, felt like he didn’t fit in with their team concept.
From the outset, the Blazers played impressively. They started Bill Walton at center, Maurice Lucas at power forward, Bobby Gross at small forward, Lionel Hollins at shooting guard, and Dave Twardzik at the point. Their bench consisted of veterans Larry Steele, Lloyd Neal, Corky Calhoun, and Herm Gilliam as well as young guns Wally Walker, Johnny Davis, and Robin Jones.
Walton, then in his prime with his red hair in a pony tail or surrounded by a headband, was the best passing center of all-time. His defensive rebounds and outlet passes to the quick guards Twardzik and Davis were legendary. He led the league in rebounds and blocked shots that year. Leading scorer Maurice Lucas was my favorite player because of his bruising style. Later Karl Malone would remind me of a higher scoring version of Lucas. He was the Enforcer!
Bobby Gross had a solid mid-range jumper and the backcourt of Hollins and Twardzik was not particularly flashy, but they were scrappy defenders and not afraid to go after loose balls. Larry Steele was the veteran ’sixth man’. He was the longest-tenured Blazer at the time and had led the league in steals a few years before (I believe it was the first year the stat was recorded) and was an excellent defender with a solid outside shot. Herm Gilliam was the wily vet who could enter the game and calm things down when the young Blazers were threatening to self-destruct. Rookie Johnny Davis came along as the year progressed and kept up the intensity that the starting five would initiate.
In the frontcourt, Neal backed up both Lucas and Walton. He was a banger and was good for some solid rebounding and defense. He was injured part of the year and this gave Jones a chance to play in his rookie season. Veteran Corky Calhoun came from the Lakers and had experience to offer at the small forward position. Walker was a rookie, I believe, out of Virginia and was important to the Blazers because he brought in the female fans with his feathered Andy Gibb hair.
The regular season for the Blazers was nothing special. Yes they finished with their franchise-best record of 48 or 49 wins, but the Los Angeles Lakers were the team to beat in the West that year. The playoffs began for the Blazers in a best-of-three series against Chicago. The Bulls were in the Western Conference then. After disposing of the Bulls in three hard-fought games, the Denver Nuggets, fresh out of the ABA, beckoned. Dan Issel, David Thompson and the Nuggets were formidable foes. Ramsay’s decision to use Davis more in the backcourt because of his quickness paid off as the Blazers won the best-of-seven series in six games.
Next up - the Lakers. This had to be one of the most under-rated upsets in NBA history as Portland stomped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Lakers in four straight games. Then they had to wait several days to learn who their opponent would be in the NBA Finals.
The Philadelphia 76ers dared to face the history-making Blazers. They had Dr. J, George McGinnis, Lloyd (not yet World B.) Free, Doug Collins, and Chocolate Thunder himself, Darryl Dawkins. Portland was given little chance against the star-laden Sixers. But after Erving, Free, and finally McGinnis missed potential game-tying jumpers the ball was swatted to mid-court by Walton and Davis ran the clock out for a 109-107 Game 6 victory that crowned the Portland Trail Blazers the 1976-77 NBA Champions. That was the first year that Oueen’s ‘We Are the Champions’ was used for a champion’s theme song.
The next year was better for the Blazers in the regular season but Walton went down with an injury and the Blazers never recovered. But Blazermania and ‘Rip City’ had begun! Why is this team the best ever? Because they were the champs the year I ‘discovered’ hoops and I learned from them the meaning of ‘team’ play. Each one of them checked their egos at the door and sacrificed themselves for the good of the team. No other team since then has exhibited such successfully unselfish behavior. They were a team brought together for a purpose and they accomplished what they set out to do in training camp when Coach Ramsay started camp with a timed mile run that built team camaraderie.
As it turns out, 1977 was a pivotal year for me in establishing my favorite teams in the three major sports. I followed the Denver Broncos (my hometown) as they lost to the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl in January and finished the year by rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers as they lost to the Reggie Jackson-led New York Yankees in the World Series. But in between the two, a champion arose that conquered by submitting to one another’s strengths for the good of the team like no other team had before or has since. Thirty one years later, Blazermania lives on because of their accomplishments.
PETE
Denver Nuggets pictures mix
Monday, February 16th, 2009rootsas asked:
I made it for fun… because i don’t have videos
CALVIN
Stoudamire Deciding to Join New Team
Monday, February 16th, 2009
Ally White asked:
Stoudamire’s contract with the Grizzlies has come to a close, but is not an assurance that Damon Stoudamire will join the Boston Celtics this Thursday. That is since the San Antonio Spurs changed the things by being interested in the player.
Some ESPN.com sources stated the Spurs will try to sign the 12- year expert as soon as he becomes detached from the Memphis Grizzlies. Buyout talks during the day on Monday concluded in the evening and Damon Stoudamire will legitimately be available on Tuesday after 10am.
“I’m keeping it all suspenseful,” Stoudamire said on Monday evening when reached on his cell phone. “I’m trying to get it all figured out, trying to see what’s best for myself and my family.”
Damon Stoudamire can’t sign with anybody for at least 48 hours until he is given the ok. Some media resources have stated he was really considered strongly about signing with the Celtics. But if the Celtics offer to Stoudamire is not what he expects he will probably look for another option; and it is likely some other teams will rapidly appear in the race to get Stoudamire for their team.
Besides the San Antonio Spurs, there are other teams interested in the player, the Orlando Magic has made their interest public to get Stoudamire. Some additional teams interested are the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns, although the Raptors are not a feasible option as has been reported.
Actuality, ESPN.com has indicated the Raptors did have a deal prepared early in the season to get Stoudamire, but they decided otherwise.
Damon Stoudamire appear to be a good fit for the Celtics, team that has not got a true point guard backing up besides Rajon Rondo. However; some sources said the owner of the Clippers Donald Sterling has stopped the trading of another player — Cassell as he still trusts the Clippers are competent of making it to the playoffs.
Mostly in the next 24 or 48 hours the Celtics will decide if they will hire Stoudamire or if they decide to make a dangerous move of waiting optimistically to get Cassell or somebody else. “We appreciate the consummate professionalism and love for the game which Damon exhibited in Memphis,” Chris Wallace, Grizzlies vice president of basketball operations and general manager, said in a prepared statement. “The entire organization wishes him the best and hopes that he realizes his wish to join a championship contending team.”
TRAVIS
Stoudamire’s contract with the Grizzlies has come to a close, but is not an assurance that Damon Stoudamire will join the Boston Celtics this Thursday. That is since the San Antonio Spurs changed the things by being interested in the player.
Some ESPN.com sources stated the Spurs will try to sign the 12- year expert as soon as he becomes detached from the Memphis Grizzlies. Buyout talks during the day on Monday concluded in the evening and Damon Stoudamire will legitimately be available on Tuesday after 10am.
“I’m keeping it all suspenseful,” Stoudamire said on Monday evening when reached on his cell phone. “I’m trying to get it all figured out, trying to see what’s best for myself and my family.”
Damon Stoudamire can’t sign with anybody for at least 48 hours until he is given the ok. Some media resources have stated he was really considered strongly about signing with the Celtics. But if the Celtics offer to Stoudamire is not what he expects he will probably look for another option; and it is likely some other teams will rapidly appear in the race to get Stoudamire for their team.
Besides the San Antonio Spurs, there are other teams interested in the player, the Orlando Magic has made their interest public to get Stoudamire. Some additional teams interested are the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns, although the Raptors are not a feasible option as has been reported.
Actuality, ESPN.com has indicated the Raptors did have a deal prepared early in the season to get Stoudamire, but they decided otherwise.
Damon Stoudamire appear to be a good fit for the Celtics, team that has not got a true point guard backing up besides Rajon Rondo. However; some sources said the owner of the Clippers Donald Sterling has stopped the trading of another player — Cassell as he still trusts the Clippers are competent of making it to the playoffs.
Mostly in the next 24 or 48 hours the Celtics will decide if they will hire Stoudamire or if they decide to make a dangerous move of waiting optimistically to get Cassell or somebody else. “We appreciate the consummate professionalism and love for the game which Damon exhibited in Memphis,” Chris Wallace, Grizzlies vice president of basketball operations and general manager, said in a prepared statement. “The entire organization wishes him the best and hopes that he realizes his wish to join a championship contending team.”
TRAVIS
Deadline Deals for the Nba Trade Deadline
Thursday, February 12th, 2009
Marcus Robbins asked:
19 of the NBA’s 30 teams made trades last season in February. In all, 43 players changed uniforms moving around from team-to-team, division-to-division, and conference-to-conference. Although this season hasn’t had as much moves, their has still been just as much talk as last season, keeping ALL fans ears open from each team. There probably won’t be as many players moving this season, but there are sure to be several big moves changing teams identities from different perspectives. I’m going to give you several teams that need, and are looking to trade in the next month. I will also give you 10 players likely to be moved. Please leave a comment of your opinion, rate it, and if you really enjoyed it please nominate it.
Top 10 players to be moved in the upcoming month.
10.Earl Watson: Watson is the kind of player who will appeal to a contender looking for experience during the stretch run. Russell Westbrook is breaking out of his shell and is emerging as the starter. Watson is sick of playing with rebuilding teams. Several teams that may be interested in Watson are the Celtics, Nuggets, and the Hawks.
9.Wally Szczerbiak: Wally is currently under a 13 million dollar contract. This makes him appealing to teams looking for salary cap relief. He hasn’t been getting as much time since in Cleveland, and he still has the three point touch shooting it 37% from the 3-point line this season. IF Cleveland is looking for a trade, Wally is likely a centerpiece to be used in one.
8.Nick Collison/Chris Wilcox: I definitely see one of these two leaving OKC in the next month. Oklahoma just has far too many forwards. If Oklahoma is looking to get something for one of these two, Collison would probably be the better one to let go. Wilcox is a very underrated 10/10 type of player. Either one of these big man would be a good fit to a franchise as both are good young hustle players.
7.Ramon Sessions: Sessions has played well for the Bucks, but Luke Ridnour is the No. 1 point guard. Sessions is the backup and Milwaukee does not want to give him a new contract this summer that is worth starter’s money — perhaps as much as $5-6 million a year. He’s only 22, so he could very easily improve and become a face in a franchise. He’d be perfect to observe and learn on for another year or so with a veteran PG right by his side. He could find these circumstances in Denver, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
6.Mike Conley Jr.: Memphis’ Mike Conley Jr. is a former No. 4 overall pick. But he has lost the starting job to Kyle Lowry, a late first-rounder in 2006 who has helped the Grizzlies become more competitive as the season has progressed. Conley is available because Lowry has outplayed him, but his trade value remains high because of his potential and a relatively palatable contract. I don’t see Conley so focused on contending for a championship yet, but instead just getting minutes.
5.David Lee: Forward David Lee will attract interest, as his stats have sky-rocketed since D’Antoni has put his offensive system in. The Knicks might be willing to let him go, since he’s due for a high-cost contract extension, the Knicks may have to give him up if they still hope to get Lebron in 2010. Averaging 15 points a night and 10 boards, New York would certainly like to receive something for giving him up.
4.Carlos Boozer: Boozer has been a man of much trade talk this season. Before any real offers pour in, Utah and teams interested would like to see Boozer back on the court. Boozer did play well in the six weeks he played this season, averaging 20 points and 11 boards per game. Among those games, he only played 2 with Deron Williams. How he comes off his injury will determine his fate.
3.Raymond Felton: Charlotte point guard Raymond Felton is a likely target of several suitors. Felton was the No. 5 pick in the 2005 draft, taken just behind Utah’s Deron Williams and New Orleans’ Chris Paul. While he is not considered in their class at this stage of his career, he has been effective. One problem, Charlotte coach Larry Brown likes rookie point guard D.J. Augustin, who now looks like the Bobcats’ long-term quarterback. That could make Felton a valuable chip in the poker game leading up to the deadline, since Charlotte could use more size and perimeter shooting.
2.Shawn Marion: The Heat would like to trade small forward Shawn Marion, and his $17 million expiring could interest some teams. The Heat have a few too many forwards jockeying for playing time. Marion is currently involved in some trade talks with the #1 player on my list. They are likely to finalize a trade once the number one player is healthy.
1. Jermaine O’Neal: In Toronto, the Raptors are “very motivated” to trade veteran center Jermaine O’Neal. The improvement of young power forward Andrea Bargnani has made O’Neal expendable. Toronto wants to play Chris Bosh inside and Bargnani on the perimeter — like the Jazz do with Carlos Boozer and Memo Okur. With O’Neal in the game and playing on the low post, Bosh ends up away from the basket, where he is less effective. Bosh and O’Neal just seem to get in each other’s way. Marion could play the Small Forward position, much like he did in Phoenix where he had most of his success. Jermaine can play the Center spot in Miami giving the other forwards more playing time, including rookie Michael Beasley.
Honorable mentions: Eddy Curry (New York), Channing Frye (Portland), Raef LaFrentz (Portland), Corey Maggette (Golden State), Rashad McCants (Minnesota), Andres Nocioni (Chicago), Josh Howard (Dallas), and Brad Miller (Sacramento)
Now for several teams that I think truly need a trade to get back in the mix within their division.
3. Toronto Raptors- Need another jump shooter. They have the physical presence and good point guard, but are lacking that one sharp shooter to compliment Chris Bosh, and relieve him of double-teams. Man like Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, and Rudy ***.
2. Dallas Mavericks- Need Big man. Dampier is aging and Dirk Nowitzki is more of a shooting forward than physical forward. In order to keep up with inside monsters like Ming, Duncan, Gasol/Bynum, Shaq/Stoudamire they need a trade. Man like Tyson Chandler, Samuel Dalembart, and Marcus Camby.
1. Boston Celtics- They’re missing out on there 6th man. James Posey is proving to be a bigger asset last year than earlier believed. They need a big time 6th man with experience and leadership. Man like Marquis Daniels, Trevor Ariza, and Ronnie Brewer.
QUINTON
19 of the NBA’s 30 teams made trades last season in February. In all, 43 players changed uniforms moving around from team-to-team, division-to-division, and conference-to-conference. Although this season hasn’t had as much moves, their has still been just as much talk as last season, keeping ALL fans ears open from each team. There probably won’t be as many players moving this season, but there are sure to be several big moves changing teams identities from different perspectives. I’m going to give you several teams that need, and are looking to trade in the next month. I will also give you 10 players likely to be moved. Please leave a comment of your opinion, rate it, and if you really enjoyed it please nominate it.
Top 10 players to be moved in the upcoming month.
10.Earl Watson: Watson is the kind of player who will appeal to a contender looking for experience during the stretch run. Russell Westbrook is breaking out of his shell and is emerging as the starter. Watson is sick of playing with rebuilding teams. Several teams that may be interested in Watson are the Celtics, Nuggets, and the Hawks.
9.Wally Szczerbiak: Wally is currently under a 13 million dollar contract. This makes him appealing to teams looking for salary cap relief. He hasn’t been getting as much time since in Cleveland, and he still has the three point touch shooting it 37% from the 3-point line this season. IF Cleveland is looking for a trade, Wally is likely a centerpiece to be used in one.
8.Nick Collison/Chris Wilcox: I definitely see one of these two leaving OKC in the next month. Oklahoma just has far too many forwards. If Oklahoma is looking to get something for one of these two, Collison would probably be the better one to let go. Wilcox is a very underrated 10/10 type of player. Either one of these big man would be a good fit to a franchise as both are good young hustle players.
7.Ramon Sessions: Sessions has played well for the Bucks, but Luke Ridnour is the No. 1 point guard. Sessions is the backup and Milwaukee does not want to give him a new contract this summer that is worth starter’s money — perhaps as much as $5-6 million a year. He’s only 22, so he could very easily improve and become a face in a franchise. He’d be perfect to observe and learn on for another year or so with a veteran PG right by his side. He could find these circumstances in Denver, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
6.Mike Conley Jr.: Memphis’ Mike Conley Jr. is a former No. 4 overall pick. But he has lost the starting job to Kyle Lowry, a late first-rounder in 2006 who has helped the Grizzlies become more competitive as the season has progressed. Conley is available because Lowry has outplayed him, but his trade value remains high because of his potential and a relatively palatable contract. I don’t see Conley so focused on contending for a championship yet, but instead just getting minutes.
5.David Lee: Forward David Lee will attract interest, as his stats have sky-rocketed since D’Antoni has put his offensive system in. The Knicks might be willing to let him go, since he’s due for a high-cost contract extension, the Knicks may have to give him up if they still hope to get Lebron in 2010. Averaging 15 points a night and 10 boards, New York would certainly like to receive something for giving him up.
4.Carlos Boozer: Boozer has been a man of much trade talk this season. Before any real offers pour in, Utah and teams interested would like to see Boozer back on the court. Boozer did play well in the six weeks he played this season, averaging 20 points and 11 boards per game. Among those games, he only played 2 with Deron Williams. How he comes off his injury will determine his fate.
3.Raymond Felton: Charlotte point guard Raymond Felton is a likely target of several suitors. Felton was the No. 5 pick in the 2005 draft, taken just behind Utah’s Deron Williams and New Orleans’ Chris Paul. While he is not considered in their class at this stage of his career, he has been effective. One problem, Charlotte coach Larry Brown likes rookie point guard D.J. Augustin, who now looks like the Bobcats’ long-term quarterback. That could make Felton a valuable chip in the poker game leading up to the deadline, since Charlotte could use more size and perimeter shooting.
2.Shawn Marion: The Heat would like to trade small forward Shawn Marion, and his $17 million expiring could interest some teams. The Heat have a few too many forwards jockeying for playing time. Marion is currently involved in some trade talks with the #1 player on my list. They are likely to finalize a trade once the number one player is healthy.
1. Jermaine O’Neal: In Toronto, the Raptors are “very motivated” to trade veteran center Jermaine O’Neal. The improvement of young power forward Andrea Bargnani has made O’Neal expendable. Toronto wants to play Chris Bosh inside and Bargnani on the perimeter — like the Jazz do with Carlos Boozer and Memo Okur. With O’Neal in the game and playing on the low post, Bosh ends up away from the basket, where he is less effective. Bosh and O’Neal just seem to get in each other’s way. Marion could play the Small Forward position, much like he did in Phoenix where he had most of his success. Jermaine can play the Center spot in Miami giving the other forwards more playing time, including rookie Michael Beasley.
Honorable mentions: Eddy Curry (New York), Channing Frye (Portland), Raef LaFrentz (Portland), Corey Maggette (Golden State), Rashad McCants (Minnesota), Andres Nocioni (Chicago), Josh Howard (Dallas), and Brad Miller (Sacramento)
Now for several teams that I think truly need a trade to get back in the mix within their division.
3. Toronto Raptors- Need another jump shooter. They have the physical presence and good point guard, but are lacking that one sharp shooter to compliment Chris Bosh, and relieve him of double-teams. Man like Jason Terry, Shawn Marion, Raja Bell, and Rudy ***.
2. Dallas Mavericks- Need Big man. Dampier is aging and Dirk Nowitzki is more of a shooting forward than physical forward. In order to keep up with inside monsters like Ming, Duncan, Gasol/Bynum, Shaq/Stoudamire they need a trade. Man like Tyson Chandler, Samuel Dalembart, and Marcus Camby.
1. Boston Celtics- They’re missing out on there 6th man. James Posey is proving to be a bigger asset last year than earlier believed. They need a big time 6th man with experience and leadership. Man like Marquis Daniels, Trevor Ariza, and Ronnie Brewer.
QUINTON
Has European Professional Basketball Caught Up to the Nba?
Tuesday, February 10th, 2009
Matthew Paolini asked:
Contrary to conventional wisdom, U.S. pro basketball squads and Euroleague teams have been actively competing for the past 20 years in head-to-head competition other than at the Olympics. Way back in 1987 the Milwaukee Bucks beat Tracer Milan of Italy, 123-111, in the opening game of the initial McDonald’s Open, held at the Milwaukee Arena. The Bucks beat the Soviet National Team, 127-100, in the championship game of the tournament sanctioned by the NBA and FIBA.
The next year, in the inaugural McDonald’s Championship to be held in Europe, the Boston Celtics vanquished Real Madrid 111-96 at the Palacio de Deportes in Madrid, Spain.
Also in 1988, the Atlanta Hawks became the first U.S. pro team to play in the Soviet Union when they defeated the Soviet Georgia All-Stars, 85-84, in an exhibition game.
By the third year, the McDonald’s Championship moved to Rome, Italy. There, the Denver Nuggets represented the NBA against the Spanish Champion F.C. Barcelona, the European Champion Jugoplastika Split, and Philips Milan. The Nuggets thumped Barcelona in their tournament opener and went on to beat Jugoplastika Split 135-129 to win the title.
In 1991 the so-called ‘city of lights’ was the site for McDonald’s Championship. The Los Angeles Lakers went to Paris, France to compete against the host team CSP Limoges, Joventut Badalona and Slobodna Dalmacija Split of the former Yugoslavia. With Magic Johnson at the helm, the Lakers defeated CSP Limoges before edging out Joventut Badalona 116-114 to claim the title.
It was 1993 which saw the first pre-season game between two American professional teams ever played in Europe, the Orlando Magic, with 14 fourth-quarter points from Dennis Scott, thumped the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 before a capacity crowd of 9,483 at Wembley Arena in the opening of the two-game NBA London Games series.
In 2003, the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies played an NBA pre-season game in Paris, as part of the NBA Europe Games 2003, in front of a overflowing crowd of 14,480. The NBA Champion Spurs won 105-93 and French guard Tony Parker got a standing ovation when he received the MVP in front of his home crowd. After the aforementioned game, the Memphis Grizzlies traveled to Barcelona where they played local team FC Barcelona on October 10. Memphis won the game 91-80 and Spanish native Pau Gasol, former player for FC Barcelona, put his many skills on full display.
ROBIN
Contrary to conventional wisdom, U.S. pro basketball squads and Euroleague teams have been actively competing for the past 20 years in head-to-head competition other than at the Olympics. Way back in 1987 the Milwaukee Bucks beat Tracer Milan of Italy, 123-111, in the opening game of the initial McDonald’s Open, held at the Milwaukee Arena. The Bucks beat the Soviet National Team, 127-100, in the championship game of the tournament sanctioned by the NBA and FIBA.
The next year, in the inaugural McDonald’s Championship to be held in Europe, the Boston Celtics vanquished Real Madrid 111-96 at the Palacio de Deportes in Madrid, Spain.
Also in 1988, the Atlanta Hawks became the first U.S. pro team to play in the Soviet Union when they defeated the Soviet Georgia All-Stars, 85-84, in an exhibition game.
By the third year, the McDonald’s Championship moved to Rome, Italy. There, the Denver Nuggets represented the NBA against the Spanish Champion F.C. Barcelona, the European Champion Jugoplastika Split, and Philips Milan. The Nuggets thumped Barcelona in their tournament opener and went on to beat Jugoplastika Split 135-129 to win the title.
In 1991 the so-called ‘city of lights’ was the site for McDonald’s Championship. The Los Angeles Lakers went to Paris, France to compete against the host team CSP Limoges, Joventut Badalona and Slobodna Dalmacija Split of the former Yugoslavia. With Magic Johnson at the helm, the Lakers defeated CSP Limoges before edging out Joventut Badalona 116-114 to claim the title.
It was 1993 which saw the first pre-season game between two American professional teams ever played in Europe, the Orlando Magic, with 14 fourth-quarter points from Dennis Scott, thumped the Atlanta Hawks 120-95 before a capacity crowd of 9,483 at Wembley Arena in the opening of the two-game NBA London Games series.
In 2003, the San Antonio Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies played an NBA pre-season game in Paris, as part of the NBA Europe Games 2003, in front of a overflowing crowd of 14,480. The NBA Champion Spurs won 105-93 and French guard Tony Parker got a standing ovation when he received the MVP in front of his home crowd. After the aforementioned game, the Memphis Grizzlies traveled to Barcelona where they played local team FC Barcelona on October 10. Memphis won the game 91-80 and Spanish native Pau Gasol, former player for FC Barcelona, put his many skills on full display.
ROBIN
