Oct

27

Knicks To Determine Ewing, Jr’s Fate Today

Filed Under NBA Preseason, SDC COMMENTARY | 1 Comment

Today is a day of reckoning for two parties - the New York Knicks and rookie forward Patrick Ewing, Jr.  specificially, today is the last day that the team has to make one final roster move to pare down to the league’s 15-man roster; the decision is due to be made around 6:00 PM (ET).  And it appears to be a contest between Ewing, Jr. and guard Anthony Roberson for that final roster spot.

Ewing, Jr. is coming off a good effort on Friday as he scored 7 points, a steal and a block in only 9 minutes on the floor - which suggest that he could remain on the roster; but not so fast.  There’s some factors other than Ewing, Jr’s effort that will come into play.  There some public relations workings that could favor Ewing, Jr. - in other words, the name Ewing could very well put more butts into the seats at Madison Square Garden.  And the possibility of some backlash is there should the Knicks waive Ewing, Jr.

There’s also the matter of economics; both Ewing, Jr. and Roberson have contracts (Ewing, Jr’s contract is worth $430,000 while Roberson’s is worth $850,000).  Should Roberson make the team, the Knicks would have 6 guards on their roster, which indicates that Roberson would be on the bubble.  But Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni seems to believe that the Knicks may be frontcourt-heavy.  And team president Donnie Walsh said that a trade is very unlikely at this point.  My guess is that for practical purposes, they will release Roberson and retain Ewing, Jr.  5 guards on a NBA roster is enough to get you through an NBA season.

Oct

27

Heat Waive Pair, Down To 15-Man Roster

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On Sunday, the Miami Heat waived center David Padgett and guard Jason Richards, getting the team down to the league-mandated 15-man roster for the beginning of the regular season.  Padgett appeared in three preseason games, averaging 3.7 PPG and 2.0 RPG while Richards missed the entire preseason due to a knee injury suffered during the Heat’s offseason program; as a result, the team will pay Richards the rookie salary of $442,114.

Oct

23

“Handle With Care” Hughes Dislocates Shoulder

Filed Under NBA Injuries, NBA Preseason | Leave a Comment

There has never been any doubt about Chicago Bulls guard Larry Hughes ability on the hardwood. When healthy Hughes is an elite player in the Association. However the key phrase is “when healthy” because Hughes may be the most fragile player in the NBA. The “Associated Press” reported Thursday that Hughes will be out at least 6-8 weeks after dislocating his right shoulder Wednesday night. Hughes was injured in the third quarter of a preseason contest against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The veteran had his arm pinned under T-Wolves forward Mike Miller when the pair dove for a loose ball. Reports indicate that Hughes should be able to avoid surgery, but further tests are still to be conducted. Since coming into the Association in 1998, Hughes has never had an injury free season.

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Oct

22

2008-09 Team Preview - Memphis Grizzlies

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Last Monday, I previewed the Boston Celtics and their chances for this upcoming season; today, I examine the Memphis Grizzlies and what the future holds for this rebuilding franchise:

Ahhh, the Memphis Grizzlies.  What can be said about this franchise that hasn’t already been said.  Underachievers.  Poor management in the front office (the Gasol trade comes to mind).  And so on and so on.  Be that as it may, there is actual talent on this team, starting with Rudy Gay.  The problem with Gay - and it isn’t really a problem with Gay, per se - is what forward position that he plays on any given night, due to a lack of size at the position on the team.

There’s also the point guard position to think about here.  There’s an overabundance of PG’s on the Grizzlies - which kind of lends itself to a potential trade down the road.  As it were, you have Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry, Jarvis Crittenton and Marko Jaric, fighting for minutes.  I fully expect Jaric to become trade bait soon, if he isn’t already.  There is also this little issue called defense which the Grizzlies are strangers to - at least last season they were.

The Grizzlies were last in opponents’ FG percentage (48%) and 28th in points allowed (106.9), so from all appearances, they have nowhere to go but up.  They obviously need to defend better as other than Quinton Ross and Lowry, not much is going on on the defensive front.  Until that time comes, they will need to make up for that deficiency with some scoring, especially from Gay and probably newcomer O.J. Mayo.  And of course, Marc Gasol should eventually make the trade that sent his brother Pau to the Los Angeles Lakers seem not so lopsided.

Who To Watch: O.J. Mayo.  If he is anything like the player who tore up the Pac-10 in his lone campaign, then he could possibly be Rookie of the Year.

Prediction - Last, Southwest Division

Next: Phoenix Suns


Oct

21

Celtics Waive D-Miles To Get Roster Down to 15

Filed Under NBA Free Agents, NBA Off The Court Issues, NBA Preseason | Leave a Comment

The “Boston Globe” reported Monday that the Boston Celtics have waived veteran forward Darius Miles in order to get the roster down to 15 players. An Association franchise is allowed to carry up to 15 players with 12 active players during the regular season. Miles signed on as a free agent with Boston in August, he was released last season from the Portland Trail Blazers after doctors determined he was no longer physically able to play. Miles had micro-fracture surgery in his right knee, which has kept him on the bench for the past two seasons. Miles will try to sign with another team for the upcoming NBA season. Boston General Manager Danny Ainge in a press release had nothing but positive things to say about D-Miles. Ainge said “Darius was a model citizen during his time here in Boston. He showed that he still has a lot of basketball left in him.”

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Oct

20

Williams Expected To Miss 2 Weeks With Ankle Sprain

Filed Under NBA Injuries, NBA Preseason | Leave a Comment

The “Associated Press” reported Monday that Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams will miss the next 2 weeks after spraining his left ankle Saturday in a preseason win over the Chicago Bulls. Williams underwent a MRI Monday morning, and the tests showed that there was no damage to the bone, or any ligament damage. Williams left the arena Saturday night on crutches and his left foot encased in a walking boot. The Jazz starting point guard was taken out of the contest after spraining his ankle in the first quarter. He did not talk to reporters after the game. If the member of Team USA is able to return to playing in two weeks, he should be able to participate in the team’s third regular season game.

© Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Oct

20

2008-09 Team Preview - Boston Celtics

Filed Under NBA Preseason | 1 Comment

Last Thursday, I commenced a 2008-09 NBA team preview, beginning with the Oklahoma City Thunder; today, I examine the Boston Celtics and their prospects for this upcoming campaign:

The reigning NBA champions probably have the smoothest road to the NBA finals this season.  The only question is whether they retain the hunger to steamroll their opposition and revisit the finals in consecutive years.  We know Kevin Garnett is accomplished in many ways, evidenced by his achievements while with the Minnesota Timberwolves.  Add to his list a NBA championship ring and one would think that he’d be happy with that.  You’d be wrong as he learned his lesson while with Minnesota.  Once again, the trio of Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are at it.  If they can retain their hunger and focus, then another trip to the NBA finals are well within reach.

As far as their team overall is concerned, probably the most pressing issue is replacing James Posey, who helped the Celtics get their rings.  From all appearances, it looks like either Tony Allen or recently acquired Darius Miles.  Rajon Rondo, while only 22 years old, may need to step up his game a bit if he hopes to become an All-Star quality point guard.  For the most part, he may need to step up his scoring as that’s not really his strong suit.

Who to watch: Kendrick Perkins

Prediction: 1st place - Atlantic Division, NBA Finals

Next: Memphis Grizzlies

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