Releasing Chauncey Billups from the roster was not a bad move for the New York Knicks, if the team can pick up a point guard with great ball handling capability, and excellent court vision. The point guard of any basketball team has one job, controlling the tempo of the game, coaching while the ball is in play on the floor. A point guard controls the game, from offense to defense. It is up to the point guard to distribute the ball to his other four players on the court, by driving to the basket, and seeing plays before they’re made. The same skill is required when the point guard is on defense. He, the point guard, must know what plays the opposing point guard is going to make, so he can put pressure on the ball, and shut down the passing lanes, prohibiting the other team from driving to the basket, and forcing them to settle for hard or impossible shots.

There are different free agents out there at the present time, but the New York Knicks do not just need any free agent point guard, they need the right free agent for their team. What were once rumors circulating, have now been confirmed by the New York Knicks front office staff and coach, along with the agent of Mike Bibby, that he, Bibby, will be joining the Knicks this year. Bibby has had a great career, and meaning no disrespect, New York was better off keeping Chauncey Billups. The Knicks were looking to clear cap space. When you look at experience, both Billups and Bibby have this. Although their numbers have been nearly the same over the years, Bibby has struggled, especially in the playoff season, Continue reading →

It was only a month ago when it looked like there would be no NBA season. Why was that the case? Because the players were being greedy. Would I be the same way if put in that situation? Possibly. Therefore, I won’t be too quick to judge. On the other hand, it’s very difficult for me to throw myself back into the game when I know that players wanted more money. Greed really ticks me off. That said, I will still watch the games because I love the NBA. Will it be the same as last season? Absolutely not. The players don’t even realize that they shot themselves in the foot. For example, what if the Heat don’t choke and actually win the championship this year? We all know that whoever wins the title, their team name is going to have an asterisk next to it. That being the case, is the desire of the players going to be the same? Are they going to come into camp in good shape? Are they going to have time to learn and remember all the plays?

To be honest, I think this NBA season is going to be a complete Continue reading →

As the NBA lockout drags on without an end in sight, several bigger name players have contemplated playing overseas, or have signed deals to play with international teams. One superstar that is rumored to be close to a contract with an Italian team is Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

Bryant was close to a 10 game, 3 million dollar contract with Bologna in Italy. It would be a win-win for both sides as Bryant spent part of his childhood in Italy and Bryant would mean instant sell-outs for Bologna. However, a contract has yet to be signed despite repeated rumors that it would happen.

So, is Bryant going to be playing in Italy anytime soon? On Tuesday, there were reports that Bryant would not be going to Italy, but other reports on Wednesday contradicted that and said there was still a chance of a deal being done. On Thursday, top NBA superstars announced there would be a world tour of exhibition games.

This world tour, scheduled for October 30th to November 9th, would include Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. If he does go out on this tour, and plays the whole thing, he wouldn’t be available to play for Italy until November 10th.

Another event that could throw any plans for Kobe to play in Italy would be the end of the NBA lockout. While the lockout has already claimed the first two weeks of the NBA Continue reading →

Following losing a late advantage & dropping to one of the NBA’s top flite teams, the Sixers ought to have a strong opportunity to rebound back versus 1 of the worst. Philadelphia is trying to pickup their 7th consecutive against the Kings when the clubs play Sunday at the Wells Fargo Center.

During a possible post-season series preview, 6th place Philadelphia ( 37 – 35 ) appeared like it had been prepared to make a point Friday versus the Heat. The 76ers had been leading by as much as sixteen points during the 1st half & had been leading 90 – 83 with less than 9 minutes left during the final period, however the Heat went on a 21 – 5 rally to take the game away during & hand the 76ers a 111 – 99 defeat. Reserve Louis Williams, who puts in 14.0 points, put in 24 for the 2nd occasion in 3 matchups, however the Sixers had no answers for the Heat’s Big 3, particularly Wade, who out-scored the 76ers 18 – 17 during the final period.

While the Sixers, who’ve dropped back to back contests just one time since January 22nd, had a few issues stopping the Heat’s 3 studs, they had no issues versus Sacramento previously Friday. The Sixers led by twenty-six points following 3 quarters, & Collins was

Continue reading →

The Celtics think they have to improve on getting top scorer Paul Pierce the ball and involved in the flow more. The Bobcats, at the same time, are not sure what to anticipate from their top scorer, Stephen Jackson. Boston will attempt to get better to 22 – 0 on their home court versus Eastern Conference competitors Friday evening when they encounter the Bobcats, who might be not having Jackson.

The Celtics ( 50 – 20 ) endured a 90 – 87 home court defeat to the Grizzlies on Wednesday. Pierce put in 22 points, however Celtics coach Doc Rivers had been displeased that he took just ten shots. Pierce has taken ten attempts or less in 6 of the previous 9 matchups for Boston within a 4 – 5 span that has dropped them 1 matchup in back of the Bulls for the best seed within the Eastern Conference. More evidence of Rivers’ statement can be seen in the fact that PG Rajon Rondo has more shots ( 91 ) than Pierce ( 89 ) during the previous 9 matchups. On Wednesday Rondo had been 2 of 12 for 6 points but did bring down 11 boards and handed out 11 dishes. He is throwing up 30.8% in that 9 matchup period.

At least Boston understands that Pierce will be 100% & ready. Jackson is listed as day to day because of a left hamstring issue that

Continue reading →

The Pacers are attempting to maintain their hold on the last post-season position within the East. Their following 2 matchups ought to provide them a strong opportunity to strengthen their standing. On Monday evening, the Pacers will attempt to pickup their 7th consecutive against a Nets club that will once again not be having devoid Deron Williams.

The Pacers ( 30 – 40 ) are 1 in front of the Bobcats & the Bucks for the last post-season position within the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have 12 games left while the Bucks & Bobcats, who’re off until they have the Pacers on Wednesday, have thirteen remaining. The Pacers had picked up 3 of 4 prior to enduring a 99 – 78 defeat at the FedEx Forum vs. the Grizzlies on Saturday. Following defeating the Bulls in OT the evening prior, fatigue might have been an issue as the Pacers put in 35.6 % & had been kept to thirty-seven points during the 2nd half.

Danny Granger tied a high for the year with 7 turn-overs while Roy Hibbert, putting in 12.4 points & 7.6 boards, got 2 points, no rebounds & 5 fouls in eleven minutes. Granger put in 5 of 15 from the floor & put in seventeen points. he’s put in beneath 37.0 % the previous 3 matchups. Granger had been kept to eleven points in his

Continue reading →

The Nuggets have performed well away from home lately. It remains to be seen when they can pickup a victory at Philips Arena vs. the Hawks. Attempting to equal a high for the year having a 3rd consecutive victory on the road, the Nuggets are trying to defeat the Hawks away from home Wednesday evening for the 1st occasion in 4 years.

Highlights from their last game:

The Nuggets ( 40 – 27 ) are 13 – 20 away from their home court this year however have picked up 2 consecutive & 4 of 6 away from home following opening a 4 game trek Monday having a 114 – 103 win at the New Orleans Arena vs. the Hornets. PG Ty Lawson got twenty-three points with 10 dishes, & his backup Raymond Felton put in twenty-two points & 12 assists as the Nuggets put in 53.3 % during their 3rd consecutive victory overall & 9th in eleven contests. Lawson has put in 19.3 points, 10.7 dishes & put in 59.5 % within the 3 game winning run. The Nuggets finish this journey away from home with trips to the Magic & the Heat. The Hawks, Magic & Heat are a combined 52 games above.500.

The Nuggets defeated the Hawks ( 39 – 28 ) 100 – 90 on

Continue reading →

The Philadelphia 76ers have had an up and down season this year. They own an upset win over Boston, yet got thrashed badly by the Bucks in their last outing. This team has been plagued by inconsistency all year. Philadelphia has been in rebuilding mode for a few years now, but still can’t seem to put together a play off worthy team. While they are a long way away from Allen Iverson era, the 76ers still can not find the solution to their on the court problems.

For much of the season the 76ers have had more difficulty beating losing teams than they have when playing winning teams. They suffered huge losses to the listless Cavs, and the sorry Washington Wizards. Their first 16 games placed them in last place in the eastern conference, and while they have slowly rebounded, it does not look like Philadelphia has enough gas in the tank to make a last season run at the play offs.

Not everything is bad in Philly though. Elton Brand has stepped up huge for the team,

Continue reading →

Will the Cleveland Cavaliers make the playoffs? No. Will they even come close to the playoffs? No. Have all the bad things that people were predicting about the Cavaliers once LeBron took his talents to South Beach come true? Sadly, yes. Look, there is not one person in the sporting world that wished bad things on the Cavaliers and the city of Cleveland. We wanted good things to happen to them. We wanted them to find a will and a way to make it to the playoffs this season and make a little noise once they were there. We wanted the the city of Cleveland to not get hurt like we all were afraid that they were going to. Unfortunately, sometimes our worst fears come true, like they did in Cleveland. So how bad was it in Cleveland this season? Well, they set a record for the longest losing streak, what does that tell you? With that said, though, and as bad as things were for them, next season will be better for them. You know how after a bad, bad, bad breakup (like when your girlfriend that you were in love with goes on television to tell you that she is moving to someone better?) the first couple of weeks are always the worst? Well, luckily for the Cavs, better days are ahead. How much better? Well, it may take some time. They cleared away some

Continue reading →

If you want to do most things, you need a plan, some guidelines for how to approach it. Good info on what to do and things to avoid can help make you stay on the right track. The 3 useful tips in the following paragraphs will make it more convenient for one to avoid difficulties and do well. Follow these recommendations and your chances for success will be greatly increased.

When you practice basketball, you’ll discover it really is essential that you do things correctly. Failing to do so could lead to unhappy outcomes. You could find yourself losing interest, or perhaps even causing yourself an injury.
Continue reading →