Posts Tagged ‘NBA Rumors’

NBA leaning toward non-guaranteed playoff spot for division champion

July 23rd, 2015 by Sam Shipley | Comments Off on NBA leaning toward non-guaranteed playoff spot for division champion | Filed in General, NBA, TalkSportsPhilly

Winning a division championship is a main goal for every team in the NBA, however, the only reward those teams may receive is a banner going forward.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday that the league is leaning toward not guaranteeing a playoff berth to division champions. In the past the division champion has been guaranteed a top-4 conference finish no matter what their record was.

No NBA division winner has never had a record that would have not placed in the top eight, and there is less than a five percent chance of that happening, according to Silver.

In fact there have only been two instances where this rule would have changed the playoff format in recent years. The first was in 2011-12 when the Atlanta Hawks finished with a better record than the Boston Celtics, but instead finished as the fifth seed in the playoffs. It just so happens that in those playoffs the Hawks played the Celtics in the first round and did not have home court advantage, despite finishing with the better regular season record. Atlanta lost that series in six games.

The second instance was this past year, as the Portland Trail Blazers finished with the sixth best record in the Western Conference, but were awarded the fourth seed. As a result the San Antonio Spurs finished as the sixth seed and were forced to play the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, two premier championship contenders with top four records in the conference.

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2015 NBA Mock Draft

June 25th, 2015 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on 2015 NBA Mock Draft | Filed in Basketball, General, Sixers

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In just about seven hours, the next generation of hopefuls will fulfill their dreams, hearing their names called on the biggest stage of all, the NBA Draft. The highly anticipated No.1 overall pick looks to join elite company such as LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and Patrick Ewing, amongst others as franchise changing players. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been on the clock since May 19th, and are widely expected to select Kentucky Wildcats big man Karl-Anthony Towns. However, we know from experience that there is no such thing as a sure thing, until his name is officially called. With that said, Anthony-Towns isn’t the only elite talent in this class. KAT, as he’s known is also joined by Duke big man Jahlil Okafor, and highly touted Ohio State guard D’Angelo Russell as the top prospects in this deeply talented draft class. Keeping all of this in mind, let’s get down to business on the real reason why you’re here….the mock draft.

1.) Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl Anthony-Towns (PF/C- Kentucky)

Towns has been viewed as the “overwhelming” favorite to go No.1 overall, ever since his dominant performance during Kentucky’s pursuit of history this past season. Pretty close to the “perfect” big man, Anthony-Towns comes with his fair share of flaws….no matter how minor they may be. At 7’0″, he has the size and he certainly has the skill.  Towns also possesses a great basketball I.Q. This kid has something special, and is just starting to scratch the surface of his true potential.

2.) Sacramento Kings (via L.A. Lakers): Jahlil Okafor (PF/C- Duke)

The Kings acquire this pick in the first draft-day blockbuster.  By shipping all-star center DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins to “Tinseltown”, the Kings set themselves up nicely for the future by acquiring 2014’s 7th overall pick Julius Randle, 2014’s 46th overall pick Jordan Clarkson, the Lakers 2nd overall pick in 2015, and a top 10 protected pick in 2018, amongst other assets. This selection would give the Kings a dynamic duo in the front-court of Randle and Okafor for years to come.  Jahlil is arguably the most polished player in this draft, and stands a legitimate chance of sneaking into the No.1 spot.  However, I just don’t see the T-Wolves passing on a talent like Towns.

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Phillies Firesale On The Horizon?

July 16th, 2014 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on Phillies Firesale On The Horizon? | Filed in Baseball, General, Phillies

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July 31st is approaching, quickly. The Phillies currently sit 9 games back of the Nationals in pursuit of the NL East crown. Many may think that the Phillies are in a pretty good position approaching the All-Star break, and are still in a good position in the division. Unless things change dramatically in the next 2-plus weeks, I foresee the Phils as sellers at the deadline. I might even go as far as saying the dreaded “fire sale” could be looming on the horizon. The Phillies, as inconsistent of a team as they are, have some pretty decent pieces that could be of pivotal help to a contender looking to be put over the top. This article is meant to take an in-depth look at the trade chips the Phils have, and potential trading partners and targets.

Trade Chips:

Cliff Lee – Arguably the Phillies biggest trade chip. Lee, 35, has started in 10 games posting a 4-4 record with 3.18 ERA and 61 SO. Lee may no longer be a spring chicken, but he can still pitch his butt off. If surrounded by an offense that can give him serious run support, he can be a Cy Young contender for sure. He would be an instant upgrade to any team’s rotation, and since he’s in twilight of his career, he’ll likely be dealt to a contender for a shot at the elusive World Series ring. Since Lee is the Phillies biggest value chip at this point, he will require a pretty penny to pry away, likely, two young prospects and/or a young roster player.

Cole Hamels – The 30 year old southpaw’s stock has been up and down this season. In 16 starts this season, Hamels has posted a less-than impressive 3-5 record. However, he more than made up for that with his stellar 2.93 ERA and 106 SO. In 107 IP, Hamels has surrendered 35 ER. Hamels’ stock has soared of the past week, posting a 2.63 ERA over 13.2 IP, while striking out 12. Hamels has a NTC that 9 teams are clear of, the Yankees, Angels, Dodgers, Rangers, Red Sox, Cardinals, Padres, Nationals and Braves. Out of that list of teams, only 3 teams would be able to absorb Cole’s full contract like the Phils ask…the Yankees, Dodgers, and Angels. Out of those three teams, only the Dodgers and Angels have the prospects necessary to meet the likely return on Hamels, which will likely be the same if not higher than Lee.

Chase Utley – The least likely Phillie to be dealt, Utley’s stock has been rising and falling all year. If the Phils had dealt him two weeks ago, they would’ve gotten their highest return on him. Since than, his stock has faltered a bit. But, he’s coming back in a very strong way, hitting .311 thus far during the month of July, with 2 HRs and 9 RBIS. In any case, it’s highly unlikely that Utley will be moved, as he has publicly stated his desire to retire a Phillie. However, if traded, Utley will likely net a return of two prospects or a prospect and young roster player.

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LeBron is a Cavalier…again.

July 14th, 2014 by Jeremy Bonnette | Comments Off on LeBron is a Cavalier…again. | Filed in Basketball, General, Sports

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks (and the rock doesn’t have wi-fi), the biggest story in the sports media was LeBron James’s proverbial chokehold on the free agency market. While there were some signings done very quickly, many teams held off on giving players new deals before making an attempt to sign King James first. After tons of speculation, theories, hypotheses, conspiracies, and tweets, ESPN confirmed that he would return to Cleveland. As I’m reading about this on my lunch break friday, there were half a million tweets about it within ten minutes of the announcement. Initially, I thought it was a fake report, and that millions had just been trolled thanks to some genius who thought it would be a good prank. However, the report was real, and the entire sports world reacted in various ways (depending on affiliation).

The Decision 2.0 was hardly the enormous affair that it’s predecessor was. There were no cameras, no 30 minute slot on ESPN, and no sponsors; just, “I’m coming home”. Regardless of the decision LeBron made, I applaud him for handling the situation with far more maturity and class than the one made about 4 years ago. I honestly do not think Dan Gilbert deserves James’s time of day, especially after the letter he wrote 4 years ago slamming his former superstar. But again, I commend LeBron on being a mature adult about the situation, and was able to forgive and forget the situation ever took place.

As much as I despise the Cavs, and the fluky nature of them garnering a ton of top 3 draft picks every year, James made a good decision. I’m not exactly sure how long it will take them to win (or if they’ll win at all), but they’re only going to get better as more players are willing to join the crew.

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NBA Draft Day

June 26th, 2014 by Ryan Waterman | Comments Off on NBA Draft Day | Filed in Basketball, General, Sixers

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With the NBA Draft only hours away, I figured this would be a good time to post my first mock draft. Going into this draft, there are many interesting storylines. Perhaps the biggest storyline surrounding this draft, is who will draft at No.1?   Will it be Cleveland, Philly, Orlando, or another surprise team?  That question will be answered in another day or so. There are many supporting storylines as well surrounding LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and the teams interested in said stars (Chicago, Miami, Houston, LA Lakers, etc.). The moves made in this draft will be play a very vital piece towards LeBron and Melo’s decisions.  With all of this said, let’s get to the picks.

1.)  Orlando Magic (via trade w/Cleveland Cavaliers)

Selection: Andrew Wiggins: SG-SF/Kansas

Orlando gets the guy that they’ve quietly coveted for so long. With reports swirling that the Sixers, Bucks, and Cavs all loved Wiggins, the most surprising report surfaced late Tuesday evening stating that the Magic were offering the Cavs the #4 overall pick, #12 overall pick, and veteran swing-man Aaron Afflalo for the #1 overall pick. This report came as a surprise to me, for the sheer fact that we haven’t heard much regarding the Magic’s interest in any other player except for Australian phenom Dante Exum.

2.)  Milwaukee Bucks

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Iggy Takes Cheap Shot at Allen Iverson

January 25th, 2012 by Johnny G | 4 Comments | Filed in Basketball, General, NBA, Sixers, Sports

After Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address, Andre Iguodala and Spencer Hawes got into a bit of a discussion on twitter. A little while into the conversation, Iguodala took what seemed like a cheap shot at one of this city’s adopted sons. Decide for yourself:

To Spencer Hawes: “dr mr president, i understand the struggles of trying to clean up the leader before you.”

Call me crazy, but it seems like Iggy is talking about the one and only, Allen Iverson.

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