Shannon Brown or Sasha Vujacic: Which Player Fits the Lakers Best?
July 31st, 2010 by Hadarii Jones No comments »
Numerous media outlets are reporting that the Los Angeles Lakers are shopping the expiring contract of guard Sasha Vujacic around the NBA in a possible attempt to clear up cap space with the intentions of re-signing Shannon Brown.
Brown is rumored to have received a contract offer from the New York Knicks, and Lakers' general manager Mitch Kupchak has previously stated one of his main directives for the offseason was re-signing Brown.
Rumors say Kupchak has been in discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves about the possibility of acquiring Delonte West, who just came over from Cleveland, in exchange for Vujacic.
Most Laker fans seem to prefer Brown's athleticism and energy over Vujacic's inconsistency, but that may be because of coach Phil Jackson's decision to limit Vujacic's playing time.
Vujacic was once seen as an important piece to the Lakers' team, but as his shot began to fall less, and his scrappy defense became less consistent, ...
NHL Buzz, July 31st: Several Teams Showing Interest in Tomas Kaberle
July 31st, 2010 by Todd Cordell No comments »
It has been a busy week in the NHL so far and it looks like there will be more. Here are some rumors that may turn to facts in the near future.
Several teams are interested in Tomas Kaberle, with the Sharks, Blue Jackets, Ducks, and Kings among them. A source told me yesterday to "watch out for the pacific division". That is all I can say right now.
Kevin Bieksa's name is also being tossed around, he has the same potential suitors.
Now that the Ducks have traded James Wisniewski they are in big time need of a defenseman. I am told they will explore all options via free agency and trade. Some names I have heard come up are Marc-Andre Bergeron, Andy Sutton, Kevin Bieksa and Tomas Kaberle.
Ducks GM Bob Murray had this to say when he spoke to Eric Stephens ...
Los Angeles Lakers Primed for a Three-Peat, Defensively Speaking
July 31st, 2010 by Hadarii Jones No comments »
Popular theory in the NBA says defense wins playoff games and rebounding wins championships, and the Los Angeles Lakers' title in 2010 serves as proof for that theory.
The Lakers may be known for their triangle offense, but the team is defined by their defense, which just happened to be the constant in an otherwise inconsistent regular season.
The Lakers were second only to the Chicago Bulls in rebounding at 44.3 per game during the regular season, and they were third in that category during the playoffs at 42.9 rebounds per game.
It's important to note that the teams ahead of the Lakers were the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder, who were both first-round casualties in the postseason.
Rebounding might be the best statistic to measure a team's defense, because a high number shows the opposition is missing shots, and even when the rebounds are offensive, they limit an opponent's possessions.
Those numbers ...
Miami Heat: LeBron James and Heat Will Blaze A Trail Into NBA Finals
July 31st, 2010 by James Wong No comments »
Whenever a new force emerges in the NBA, the doubters seem to raise their voices louder than ever before.
With that in mind, it is no surprise that Miami Heat fans find themselves flooded daily by the "expert" opinions of fellow basketball supporters.
The naysayers and critics have come out in full force, whether it be amateur sports journalists like myself, professional sports analysts, or even former NBA legends.
A news report I found particularly amusing came from LeBron James' former Cleveland teammate Wally Szczerbiak, who claimed that a pairing of LeBron and Dwyane Wade would never translate to on-court success.
Even here on Bleacher Report the anti-Heat sentiment is overwhelming, and I've recently found myself immersed in negativity.
Hadarri Jones, a friend and fellow Featured Columnist, has been busy pumping out articles reinforcing the fact that the Lakers are the team to beat in 2010-11. If you're a Lakers fan, by the way, make ...
Quick Hits: Montreal Canadiens Sign Louis Leblanc to Three-Year Deal
July 31st, 2010 by Kamal Panesar No comments »
So Louis Leblanc has finally made a decision about his future, and he has chosen to put aside the red of the Harvard Crimson and sign with the Montreal Canadiens. Click here to read the full press release. Leblanc will now join the Junior de Montreal, who own his junior rights, and will likely get a real chance of playing for the Canadian Junior National team come winter. While Leblanc could really not make a bad choice between Harvard and the junior ranks, the latter move is perhaps slightly better for him since he will be playing against better competition. Moreover, playing for the Junior de Montreal means that Leblanc will be residing in the city of Montreal. This move will end up being a boon for the Canadiens, as the proximity to the Habs will mean that they will be able to better ...
Fantasy 101: Ranking the Top 20 Fantasy Goaltenders, Part Four
July 31st, 2010 by Todd Cordell No comments »
Today I will be ranking the best fantasy goalies 16-20.
16. Pekka Rinne (NASH)
Last year's stats: Wins: 32 / GAA: 2.53 / SV%: .911
Rinne spent most of last season battling with Dan Ellis for the No. 1 job. Though Rinne never officially lost it, on occasion Ellis would start a few games in a row.
The Predators did lose Hamhuis and Arnott, but they replaced them with Matthew Lombardi and Matt Halischuk. Those two should bolster the offense, which should lead to more wins for Rinne.
Rinne had 32 wins in 54 starts last season, now that he should get around 70 starts, he should hit 40 wins.
17. Antti Niemi (CHI)
Last years stats: Wins: 26 / GAA: 2.25 / SV%: .912
The reason I ranked Niemi so low is the fact that there is about an 80% chance he is not a Blackhawk next season.
Also, aside from the ...
10 Rookies to Watch in the 2010-11 NHL Season
July 31st, 2010 by Albi Baraku No comments »
The NHL 2010-11 Season is a few months away.
In this list, we are going to be looking at the top 10 projected rookies for next season.
The list is in no order whatsoever, I just picked out the top 10 rookies that I think will have a shot at the NHL next season and have a successful first year.Begin Slideshow
Did the Chicago Bulls Trade Krik Hinrich for Nothing?
July 31st, 2010 by Ros Dumlao No comments »
Technically, all is signed and sealed for the Chicago Bulls.
They made their offers, received their deals, and have their lineup.
Now, it's reflection time.
For arguments' sake, the Bulls biggest regret would probably be trading Kirk Hinrich to the Washington Wizards for... hopes. Hopes in acquiring one of the "big three" (LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and/or Chris Bosh).
Though the Bulls didn't hit big there, they still got some bang for their buck by notably adding Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, and Ronnie Brewer to play around Derrick Rose.
But could the Bulls still have gotten those players without trading Kirk Hinrich?
Could they still have been a better team while maintaining Hinrich?Begin Slideshow
Who should wear the “C” for the New York Rangers?
July 31st, 2010 by Zach Vanderberg No comments »
All his intangibles aside, it is painfully obvious that Chris Drury is not getting the job done as the Rangers' captain.
When he isn't killing penalties, he is an absolute ghost on the ice.
His interviews with the media are emotionless and make it look like he is just going through the motions and "saying the right thing."
The team also has no unity or chemistry. This was seen during the Carcillo-Gaborik incident.
Drury was not on the ice, but a real captain would have at least inspired his team to protect their star player.
Here are a few players that could inherit the C from "Captain Clueless."Begin Slideshow
Playoff Picture for the West during the 2010-2011 NBA Season
July 31st, 2010 by Andrew Wallock No comments »
I see a lot of talk on the Eastern Conference next season, but I have yet to find people's opinions on the Western Conference. This may be due to the fact that a few of the talented free agents in the West booked it to the East this past offseason.
Carlos Boozer left the playoff contending Utah Jazz for a deep Chicago Bulls team. Joining him on that team were two other past Jazz players, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver.
Amar'e Stoudemire finally ditched the Phoenix Suns and got a nice payday in New York.
One of the main reasons the Western Conference is now looked down upon is obviously because of the new look Lebron-Wade-Bosh Miami Heat.
In my opinion, the Western Conference is still extremely talented and contains a few teams that can give the Miami Heat a run for the money. It may be a bit early ...