Month: July 2017

Cavs are better off with Kevin Love than Carmelo Anthony, according to ‘NBA 2K17’

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly have rejected a proposal from the New York Knicks that would have sent them Carmelo Anthony in exchange for Kevin Love. The debate has since ensued on whether that was the right decision for the defending champions, and the popular “NBA 2K17” video game offers some insight.

By 1995, he had ditched his wild reputation. He led the majors that year with a 4.52 strikeout-to-walk ratio. In fact, from 1995 through the end of his career in 2009, Johnson averaged 4.39 strikeouts per walk — equal to Curt Schilling’s career rate, which is the highest among pitchers with at least 1,500 innings since 1889, when the rule for a walk was changed to four balls. Ryan’s career-best K-to-BB ratio was 3.14 in 1990. Ryan, of course, holds the major league record with 2,795 walks.

Johnson’s newfound ability to strike out batters while also preventing free passes led to a major league-record 36 career games of double-digit strikeout games and no walks. No one else has come close, although Clayton Kershaw, with 21, is fast approaching. Schilling, who ranks second, had nine fewer. Ryan had just eight such games total in his career. Amazingly, Johnson had just one such game when he was Kershaw’s exact age.

Lastly, Johnson compiled a career 28.6 strikeout percentage (4,875 Ks in 17,067 batters faced), best all time among pitchers with at least 1,500 innings pitched. Ryan ranks fifth at 25.3 percent — behind Kershaw (28.0), Max Scherzer (27.7) and Pedro Martinez (27.7) in addition to Johnson. Had Johnson faced the same number of batters as Ryan did (22,575), he would have finished with 6,448 strikeouts.

So, yes, Ryan is the all-time strikeouts leader, but it’s very clear, looking back at all the stats, that Johnson is the greatest strikeout pitcher of all time.rangers_567-115x115

I can’t wait to get started

Now with the Knicks, Perry’s first priority will be figuring out what to do with All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony, whose future with the organization is in limbo.

It is an honor to be joining Steve, Jeff and the New York Knicks as we begin a new chapter for this beloved franchise. I am excited for the opportunity and the responsibility bestowed upon me, Perry said. As general manager, I will work tirelessly to develop a culture that demands results, commitment and pride from everyone fortunate enough to be associated with our team – from our staff to our players. Nothing comes close to Madison Square Garden for basketball and it is our right and responsibility to showcase that tradition of excellence, day and night. I can’t wait to get started.

Limited Kids Warren Moon Jersey The deal to acquire the 6-5, 230-pound guard, who played his first four seasons in Indianapolis, comes the morning after Pacers superstar Paul George harshly criticized his teammates. George, a four-time all-star and free agent following next season, sounded fed up after scoring 37 in a 115-114 loss to the Timberwolves.

That’s what it comes down to. As a team, we’ve got to have a grit, and we’ve got to own up, man up.

Youth Kenneth Dixon Jersey As heartwarming as the homecoming might be, signing Stephenson won’t come close to curing what ails the Pacers in the short or long term. Indiana is struggling to hold onto a playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. At 37-37, they’re currently seventh in the standings, a game ahead of the No. 8 Heat and two games in front of the No. 9 Bulls. They haven’t put together consecutive wins since early February and are set to face teams in the playoff hunt in six of their final eight regular season contests, including a three-game stretch next week during which they’ll take on 2016 conference finalists Cleveland and Toronto in consecutive games.

NBA trades: Mavericks face new contract dilemma after Nerlens Noel deal

At a fundamental level, Philadelphia trading Nerlens Noel and Dallas trading for him represents two different answers to the same question: will he be worth his next contract?

There have been suggestions that the league should reduce the number of games in a season, but that means cutting back revenue and that’s almost certainly not going to happen. Besides, no change the league makes will be enough to erase the evidence that has already been collected, that resting players at strategic times has a long-term benefit. That will be true even if you cut down on back-to-backs or reduce the schedule to 70 games.
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That’s not going to change, no matter the strongly worded memos from the league office, no matter the ticked-off ABC execs, no matter the bummed-out fans, no matter the observers offering up clichéd old-school complaints about the way it was in their day. It’s an intractable problem.
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Rest has benefits to players, as the league has been telling teams for years. Considering the money teams invest in those players, their health and well-being is the priority. There might be some black eyes when stars miss big games, but if the choice is between a metaphorical black eye to the league and a very real ACL tear to an All-Star, the black eye is still the clear choice.

Where Noel fits in will be a matter of opinion and speculation around the league. Dallas’ fundamental challenge is one felt by Portland and Miami last summer: it only takes one team valuing your restricted free agent highly to force a hard decision.

Holiday was putting up elite point guard numbers in the 15 games prior to the All-Star break, averaging 20.7 points, 8.1 assists and 5 rebounds with a cool 53.9 field goal percentage and shooting over 43 percent from deep.

This level of play even inspired some whispers of a Pelicans Big 3 when they acquired DeMarcus Cousins on February 19th. You expected the addition of Cousins to benefit Jrue’s efficiency and assist totals, while easing some of his offensive workload.

Wizards rookie Sheldon McClellan is now officially Sheldon Mac

Unless you’re a diehard Washington Wizards fan, you might not have heard much about rookie guard Sheldon McClellan, who is averaging 2.9 points in 9.9 minutes per game in his first NBA season.

But there’s still time to get to know Sheldon Mac.

In a tweet, the 76ers announced Embiid would have the procedure in the coming days. More details will be shared upon its completion, the team said.

Our primary objective and focus remains to protect his long-term health and ability to perform on the basketball court, Sixers president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo said earlier this month. As our medical team and performance staff continue their diligence in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of Joel’s injury, we will provide any pertinent updates when available.

Embiid, 22, averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game in 31 games played this season. He’ll have wait until next season to Trust the Process once again.

Limited Youth Vinny Curry Jersey The Pacers have declined all trade offers ahead of the 3 p.m. deadline and will keep Paul George, according to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
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How much does Doc Rivers’ role both as a coach and decision-maker in the front office impact your relationship with him?

To be honest with you, I just view Doc as my coach. From a GM perspective, I don’t really have any input there. Him and I can talk strategy, we can go over film together or talk about different things in terms of what he sees on the court or what I see on the court. My relationship with him is just player and coach. I don’t really view him as that. That role is sort of separate. It’s just not something I deal with day to day. I’m on the court with him, and we’re going to battle every night as a player and a coach.

Jimmer Fredette catching NBA’s attention, report says

Could Jimmer Fredette be returning to the NBA?

The former NBA guard is reportedly reaching out to teams after a stellar MVP season with the Chinese Basketball Association, and the interest could be mutual, according to The Vertical.

Fredette, who plays for the Shanghai Sharks, has helped the team advance in the CBA playoffs, much in thanks to Fredette’s 37.5 points per game.

He also made headlines back in the U.S. scoring 73 points in a double-overtime loss to the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions on Feb. 20, which is the fourth-highest in CBA history.

However, just because Fredette can play in the CBA doesn’t mean he will excel in the NBA. He averaged 6.0 points and 1.4 assists per game in the five years he was with the league.

Only time will tell if Fredette will make his way back to the U.S., but now he needs to focus on taking his team past the quarterfinals of the Chinese playoffs.

Following an underwhelming season, the Rockets had an opportunity to start anew by focusing their attention on building a team entirely around James Harden. Rather than trying to keep Dwight Howard or sign another star player in free agency, that meant making smaller deals to surround him with the type of players who could help him return to MVP form in a system that would maximize his all-around brilliance. It’s how the Rockets have gone from being a No. 8 seed to a No. 3 seed without making any blockbuster moves.saints_014-223x223

Brewers’ catcher Stephen Vogt exits after scary home plate collision

Womens Johnny Bower Jersey Brewers catcher Stephen Vogt left Monday’s game against the Pirates after a hard collision at home plate with Pirates pitcher Chad Kuhl.

Limited Aaron Colvin Jersey Kuhl was attempting to score from second base on a base hit from Francisco Cervelli in the bottom of the fifth inning, but a perfectly thrown ball from Domingo Santana in right field was caught by Vogt, who wasn’t prepared for a collision with the 6-3, 215-pound pitcher.

Both players were clearly shaken after the impact but Vogt stayed down longer as trainers and manager Craig Counsell came to his side. It appeared Vogt’s neck and left knee were twisted on the collision.

It’s just playing more baseball, seeing more pitches being able to adjust to whatever it is, whatever they are throwing, righty, lefty, sinkerballer, submariner, Tebow said. Just adjusting to the pitches and adjusting to the game. I think that’s a part of it, but also all the coaching that I’ve got. So it’s taking the coaching, working in the cage and trying to apply that to every at-bat.

Tebow’s major league dream still faces a long road, but considering there’s improvement to be made, the next step appears to be up instead of down. Tebow appears built for this kind of grind. When asked about that, he asked a question back in response.

Maybe the Angels decide to put McCutchen with Mike Trout and Kole Calhoun in the outfield, though that team’s biggest needs are on the pitching staff. The Astros could be bold and put him in left field, while giving Marwin Gonzalez more time at third base with Alex Bregman. How about a package of McCutchen and Tony Watson to Texas, as the Rangers make a playoff push? It’s not like Carlos Gomez is irreplaceable in center.

Austin Rivers lights fuse on Chris Paul rivalry: Expect ‘fireworks’ from Clippers-Rockets

New Rocket Chris Paul made it clear he’s not going to miss Clippers coach Doc Rivers next season, and now Rivers’ son — and incumbent Clippers guard — Austin says things have gotten personal.

Limited Kids Joe Greene Jersey The two had a prime opportunity to showcase their skills again Monday night, but only Fox took the court.

Sore groin, really, how convenient, Michael Smith said Monday on ESPN’s SC6. This is not being safe and playing it smart, this is playing it scared. (The Lakers) knew Fox was coming for (Ball). Fox can recite the stats from their AAU sophomore in high school matchup. You knew he (Fox) was coming, trying to get 39 (points) again.

His problems with drugs date back to his freshman season at USC, and he has had numerous stints in rehab and run-ins with the law. Just last August, he was arrested after being found naked in another person’s backyard and in possession of meth, marijuana, syringes and a pipe. He pled guilty to five misdemeanors related to that incident in March.

It’s the greatest game on the planet and I’ve been away from it for so long, and I can’t think of anything more fun, Marinovich said. Recovery has changed every aspect of my life and made it better so why wouldn’t that carry over to the football field?

Sure, it’s only an NBA Summer League game, something only die-hard fans care much about, but when the Lakers’ team face the Clippers, all eyes will be on rookie Lonzo Ball.

Limited Kids Walter Brown Jersey Despite all the injuries, Washington still entered Friday night’s games with an 8 1/2-game lead over the Braves in the National League East. The panic button has not yet been hit.

Now, to be fair, Embiid was actually the one to start this feud on the night of the 2017 NBA Draft, when he and teammate Ben Simmons called out LaVar’s son Lonzo Ball after the Lakers drafted him No. 2 overall. That much is granted.

An upset DeMar DeRozan throws basketball at ref’s head during Drew League game

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Just because DeMar DeRozan is playing pro-am basketball to stay in shape this offseason, doesn’t mean the Raptors All-Star has lost his competitive edge. During a Drew League game on Sunday in Los Angeles he did lose his cool, however.

DeRozan teamed up with fellow NBA player Nick Young and dropped 41 points despite numerous questionable calls. With his team losing late in the game, DeRozan snapped after a non-call on an aggressive drive to the basket. As he complained to an official, the other team raced back for a fastbreak dunk.

Upset, DeRozan thew the ball against a wall behind the basket and was called for a technical. His frustrations carried over to the final possession when he grabbed an inbounds pass and targeted an over-hand throw at the official who called the technical on him earlier. The ball missed the ref’s head but hit him in the back after deflecting off a wall behind him.

Sure, there’s downside paying a player through his age 37 season. But Houston has eyes on contending in the 2018 playoffs, and getting a proven role player like Nene at a serviceable cost will only help that cause.
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This is all about the injuries for Meeks. When he’s on the floor, he’s a high-level shooter who can knock down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts as well as attack closeouts and create offense. He’s a capable bench option for nearly any team in the league.

The problem has been health. Meeks has only played 39 games in the last two years combined due to multiple surgeries on his right foot, as well as right thumb surgery. If he’s right, he’ll be a useful player on a Wizards team that needs some offensive punch off the bench. He’ll also be a nice floor spacer to play with John Wall when Bradley Beal sits. If he’s not healthy, this will be wasted money. It’s really that simple, and it’s difficult to judge which he’ll be.

The expectation when Horford was signed was that he’d be a high-scoring second option to support Thomas

On Wednesday, Horford was at his best in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 points in a span of just seven minutes, including the dunk off his fortunate steal. He also had two assists in the quarter.

“He is a really important part of our team,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “We’re thrilled he chose to be here. We play through him offensively and then we kind of rely on him to make our calls and on our coverages defensively. He does it all for us.”

The expectation when Horford was signed was that he’d be a high-scoring second option to support Thomas. That hasn’t happened, but Horford’s stats don’t always reflect his contributions. The Celtics’ offensive efficiency when he is on the floor is 113.5 points per 100 possessions. That drops considerably when he is off the floor, to 109.4 points per 100. That reflects Horford’s considerable passing ability.

The Raptors won one game against Cleveland in the regular season, though it was the last game of the year, and the trio of LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving sat for the Cavs. There is not much to glean from the first three games between the teams, because they all took place in the first quarter of the season, and were decided by 11 total points.

Raptors coach Dwane Casey will set the tone of the series even before it begins when he comes up with his decision on what to do with the starting five. Down, 2-1, in the series against Milwaukee, Casey pulled center Jonas Valanciunas from the starters and inserted small forward Norman Powell, moving Serge Ibaka to center. That move has given the Raptors a spark, but Casey might be more comfortable starting big against the Cavs, then moving to a small lineup if it becomes necessary.
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NBA playoffs 2017: First-round predictions from NBA 2K17

Game Robert Alford Jersey The NBA Playoffs begin this weekend and typically there aren’t many surprises to come out of those seven game first round series. To get an idea of whether any might be on the horizon this year however we turned to ‘NBA 2K17’ to simulate them. Each series was simulated 15 times with accurate rosters and playoff rotations to get the best idea possible of how the specific matchups may play out.

Golden State had no trouble dispatching the Blazers, winning all 15 series and never once being pushed to a full seven games. The Warriors won 4-1 in 8 of the simulations and pulled off four sweeps.
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The struggles of the Cavs since the All-Star Break are nowhere to be seen here as LeBron James and company steamrolled the Pacers. Cleveland swept Indiana five times though they were taken to a seventh game on two different occasions.

For the past two years 2K Sports has run a competitive event that utilizes the game’s online Pro-Am mode. Participants control their single character, known as a MyPlayer, who has had their abilities and ratings built up by paying money for advantages and spending extensive time earning upgrades through playing. Teams of five then control all their own individual characters on the respective teams, with no fatigue or injuries playing a role, in games with five-minute quarters. It’s unclear how the new eLeague will provide the necessary competitive balance between the teams and the players involved.